Goa is India’s favourite holiday destination. But blue skies, white sands and clear water aside, there’s a hidden gem for the automotive enthusiast. Tucked away in an unassuming building in Nuvem is Ashvek’s Vintage World, a museum filled with vintage and classic cars and bikes that showcase the grandeur of an era long gone.
Opened in 2004, Ashvek Vintage World remains the only museum of its kind in Goa, and it’s a treasure trove that’s home to some very special cars indeed. One such car is a replica of the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, better known as the world’s first production automobile. It was powered by a two-stroke petrol engine back in the day, and has been recreated with impeccable accuracy. Also present, is a DKW Munga, which is an all-wheel-drive, all-terrain vehicle made by Auto Union from 1956 to 1968. The Munga was often used for military operations. Another military vehicle at the museum is the quirky 1936 Vidal G1200 Tempo, which is unique for its own special reason. It has two engines, once for each axle; all-wheel drive indeed. Another attraction is the 1939 Mercedes Benz 170V, which was one of the most popular and successful Mercedes Benz cars of its time. One of the stars of the museum is a Volkswagen Beetle. Seen head-on, it’d appear as just an ordinary Bug with some paintings and graffiti on it. Take a few paces on either side and you’ll see this is not ordinary Beetle. It’s a full-blown limousine, and the art on it is the work of none other than Mario Miranda, the well-known cartoonist of Goa.
The museum owner, Pradeep Naik, is also working on constructing a room to showcase some historic automotive paraphernalia, such as old catalogues and advertisement pamphlets from back in the day. His goal with this museum is to educate younger generations on substantial fragments of motoring history in Goa. He also plans to showcase his collection of miniature scale models and car accessories that surely add to the light-hearted charm of the museum.
So if any of you are in Goa and are curious about its automotive culture, do make it a point to visit Ashvek Vintage World. It’ll take you to a time long gone.
