A Journey Through Windows And Lens: From Bangalore to Goa

Images: Sanket Patel

In my recent interview with Sanket Patel, the man behind the lens, he shared his insights into a remarkable road trip featuring a trio of classic vehicles: a 1967 VW Beetle, a 1979 VW T2 Westfalia Camper, and a 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300. Patel’s assertion that “India is best explored by roads or by rail” piqued my curiosity, leading me to delve deeper into his journey and experiences from his perspective.

This could have been a typical article with technical details about the car and perhaps some anecdotes. However, I wanted to write it from the perspective through the window, as this 1979 VW T2 Westfalia Camper Van has 21 windows. Renowned for its compact size, air-cooled engine and manual transmission, this classic Volkswagen holds cultural significance as an emblem of adventure and freedom on the open road. Notably, its Westfalia conversion adds a touch of versatility, boasting a pop-up roof, fold-out bed, and kitchenette, making it the perfect companion for memorable road trips and camping escapades.

As the wheels of classic vehicles like the 1967 VW Beetle, 1979 VW T2 Westfalia Camper, and 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300 roll from Bangalore to Goa, the journey is not just a physical passage but a sensory expedition. Through the lens of a photographer like Sanket Patel, each drive is an immersive experience, where every twist and turn of the road unveils a new facet of India's rich tapestry.

In the driver's seat of these vintage marvels, the sensation is palpable – a symphony of mechanical harmony blending with the hum of the open road. From the distinctive purr of the Beetle's air-cooled engine to the rhythmic rumble of the Mercedes-Benz 300's inline-six, every drive is a melodic ode to automotive craftsmanship.

As the miles stretched, the 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300 benefitted from some spare fuel, which came in handy. As Sanket gazes through the windows of the VW classic Camper, he expresses his admiration by saying: “Nothing quite like the W124,” which, I believe, explains why this classic Merc featured a robust inline-six engine, advanced engineering for its time, including rear-wheel drive and optional ABS brakes, along with a luxurious interior boasting innovative safety features, setting a new standard for executive sedans in the 1980s.

The journey itself was an extraordinary affair, traversing picturesque landscapes that served as the backdrop for Patel’s photography. His sentiments resonated with mine as he remarked: “As a photographer, having so many perspectives from one vehicle is truly remarkable,” highlighting the camper van’s unique 21-window design. These serene drives offered moments of expansive vision, each captured through the lens to share an experience that transcend words.

A pause for refuelling presented an opportunity to recharge and welcome an unexpected visitor before continuing our journey towards North Goa. As the engine roared to life and the wheels began to turn, rural India revealed its natural splendour, enveloping us in lush greenery and an air of mystique.

But it's not just the sound that captivates; it's the feeling of connection with the road, as hands grip the wheel, and feet dance across pedals worn smooth by years of adventure. In the VW T2 Westfalia Camper, each gear change is a deliberate act, a choreographed dance between man and machine as they navigate India's diverse terrain.

Adding to the visual tapestry was the timeless allure of the 1967 VW Beetle, symbolising the culmination of an era with its classic oval rear window design – a significant milestone in Beetle history.

Descending the ghats into Goa, the horizon ignites with hues of purple, tangerine, and violet, painting a canvas of the unparalleled beauty of nature. As the sun rises on a Goan morning, our journey reaches its zenith, a testament to the indelible allure of the open road.

But perhaps most magical of all is the sense of camaraderie that permeates every drive – a shared journey with fellow enthusiasts who share a passion for the open road and a love for the classics. As the sun sets over the horizon and the day's drive draws to a close, it's not just the destination that lingers in memory but the journey itself – a timeless voyage from Bangalore to Goa through the eyes of a photographer.

In the twilight hours, as the camera rests and the mind embraces the moment, we reflect on a journey not just captured through a lens but experienced through the 21 windows!