MY BRAND NEW CJ5 Mahindra Thar Jeep

by Gavin
(Durban, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa)

I have always loved Jeeps...specifically the MB and CJ.

During my military training I had the privilege of driving an MB...3speed...that is all I can remember...always a fight over who would get to drive the little beast. Loved it!

I have owned two "kit" Jeeps...built here in South Africa...hot dipped galvanized chassis and Ford engines, and Ford suspensions...nice...very versatile.

They were available in std. 1600cc and 2L with diff-lock and a 3L V6 4X4...NICE BUT NOT THE REAL THING.

Recently, I spotted a CJ5 beast in the town where I live. WOW...I rushed over to spot it. It is a Mahindra THAR...basically a CJ5 4X4.

It has a Bosch/AVL 2.5L Turbo Diesel Engine and a Borg Warner 5 speed box. It gives 11.2km/L in town and 14.7km/L on the open road.

I only have road tyres for a while...but that does not stop it...it goes everywhere...leading a recent local 4x4 day trip to http://www.gwahumbe.co.za

I have already bent a gearbox cover plate and bent the side aluminum runner boards...which I have removed. Rock sliders to come soon
priced at R169 000 (say about 16000 US Dollars)...amazing!

Body is pressed from original press tools. Chassis is made of thick steel.

Man I am in love...power steering...brilliant!


Larry's Comment: I like your Thar with it's retro CJ5/CJ7 looks. Also, Gavin did you mean $16,000 USD (equivalent) for rock sliders?

Mahindra Jeeps and Trucks are not yet available in the USA...but they are slated to be gradually introduced here in the near future (starting with the pickup trucks).