In Srinagar city, a tale of nostalgia and determination unfolds. Adil Iqbal, a passionate car enthusiast and the owner of AB Motors, had always held a special place in his heart for his Volkswagen Beetle. This iconic car wasn’t just a mode of transportation; it was a symbol of his youth, freedom, and dreams.
Years ago, Adil had to part ways with his beloved Beetle. Life took him on unexpected journeys—family responsibilities, work commitments, and the hustle and bustle of daily life pushed the car into the background. He often reminisced about the adventures they shared—the joyrides through lush valleys and laughter-filled road trips with friends. But as the years passed, those memories became bittersweet echoes of a simpler time.
Then one day, while visiting an old garage on the outskirts of Srinagar, Adil stumbled upon a familiar silhouette covered in dust and neglect. His heart raced as he approached the vehicle. It was his Beetle! But what he found was heartbreaking—the once vibrant car was now a shell of its former self, rusted and battered. “I couldn’t believe my eyes,” Adil recalled, his voice tinged with emotion. “It felt like finding an old friend after years apart. But this friend was in terrible shape.”
Instead of succumbing to despair, Adil felt a surge of determination. He couldn’t let his cherished car remain in such a state. He envisioned reviving it to its original glory—a dream that fueled his every waking moment. “I remember standing there, looking at it and thinking: ‘This isn’t just a car; it’s part of my story,” he said, smiling at the memory.
Thus began an arduous journey that would test his resolve and passion. Adil scoured local markets and online platforms for parts, reaching out to suppliers from around the world. Each component he imported was carefully selected—engine parts from Germany, electrical components from Italy, upholstery from specialized craftsmen abroad. With every new piece that arrived, hope blossomed within him.
His workshop became a sanctuary where he poured his heart into restoring the Beetle. Day after day, he worked tirelessly, often late into the night. “There were times I felt overwhelmed,” he admitted. “But every time I tightened a bolt or polished a fender, I could see my vision coming to life.” Friends and family watched in awe as Adil transformed the rusting relic into a stunning classic car. Slowly but surely, the Beetle regained its charm.
After months of hard work and dedication, the day finally arrived when Adil could take his revived Beetle out for a spin. As he drove through the streets of Srinagar, heads turned and smiles broke out among passersby. The vibrant colors of the Beetle contrasted beautifully against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and lush greenery. “I felt like I was driving through my childhood,” Adil said with a laugh. “People were stopping to take pictures! It was surreal.”
Word spread quickly about Adil’s remarkable restoration project. Soon, offers began pouring in—from local collectors eager to buy it to filmmakers wanting to feature it in Bollywood movies and concept shoots. The Beetle had become a star in its own right.
Today, Adil’s Volkswagen Beetle is more than just a car; it represents resilience and love for one’s roots. It serves as a reminder that with passion and perseverance, even the most forgotten treasures can be brought back to life. As it glides through the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir, it carries with it stories of nostalgia and hope.
He said, “Every time I drive it, I think about all those years I spent searching for it—how much I missed it—and how grateful I am to have it back.” He often reflects on his journey with the Beetle—a journey that taught him about dedication, craftsmanship, and the importance of holding onto one’s dreams.
As sunset casts a golden glow over Srinagar, Adil drives his Beetle along the banks of Dal Lake, feeling an overwhelming sense of fulfillment wash over him. The car that once lay forgotten is now a cherished part of his life—a beautiful reminder that some loves never truly fade; they simply wait for the right moment to be revived.
With each passing day on these winding roads, Adil knows that he is not just driving a car; he is steering through memories—his own personal journey brought back to life by sheer will and love for an old friend.
