Bollywood has always been a place where fantasy meets reality, creating an aura of fascination that captures the imagination of millions. One of the most iconic symbols of this blend is the car from the 2004 film Tarzan: The Wonder Car. The movie, a blend of supernatural elements and fast-paced car action, became popular largely due to its star — the Tarzan car. The vehicle, with its futuristic design and thrilling capabilities, stole the show, becoming a sensation in Indian pop culture.
In the years since the movie’s release, the fascination with the Tarzan car has only grown. Car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike have wondered about its origins, the unique features that made it a cinematic marvel, and, most intriguingly, its price. This article delves into all aspects of Tarzan the Wonder Car, with a particular focus on the often-asked question: “What is the price of Tarzan the Wonder Car?”
The Story Behind Tarzan the Wonder Car
The Origin: From Dream to Reality
Tarzan: The Wonder Car was directed by Abbas-Mustan, a duo known for their love of sleek, stylish, and fast vehicles. The movie’s plot revolves around an advanced car, built by an inventor, which is later possessed by his spirit. This supernatural twist gave the car abilities that were both thrilling and terrifying, making it the real hero of the movie.
The concept of the Tarzan car was brought to life by renowned car designer Dilip Chhabria, a name synonymous with custom automotive design in India. Chhabria, with his team at DC Design, took the challenge of creating a car that would not only look futuristic but also perform impressively on screen. The result was a car that combined aesthetics with a sense of power, creating a vehicle that was as much a character as the actors themselves.
Design and Features: What Made Tarzan a Wonder?
The Tarzan car was designed to look ahead of its time, with a sleek, aerodynamic body that gave it a distinct edge over the conventional cars of the early 2000s. Some of the features that made the Tarzan car stand out include:
- Futuristic Aesthetics: The Tarzan car boasted a design that was unheard of in the Indian automotive market at the time. With its low-slung body, sharp angles, and aggressive front fascia, it looked more like a supercar from a sci-fi movie than a typical road vehicle.
- Custom Interiors: The interior of the car was as impressive as its exterior. It featured a customized dashboard, futuristic controls, and plush seating that exuded luxury.
- Advanced Technology: In the movie, the car was shown to have advanced artificial intelligence, enabling it to drive on its own, communicate, and even take on human-like decisions. While these features were, of course, fictional, they added to the mystique of the vehicle.
- Performance: Though the movie emphasized the car’s supernatural capabilities, the real Tarzan car was equipped with a powerful engine and advanced suspension, making it a formidable vehicle even in real life.
The Actual Tarzan Car: What Happened After the Movie?
Post-Movie Life: Where Is the Tarzan Car Now?
After the release of Tarzan: The Wonder Car, the car became an object of curiosity and desire. However, its journey post-movie was not as glamorous. The car, which was a one-of-a-kind creation, went up for auction. Despite the immense popularity of the movie, the car did not fetch the expected high price.
Reports suggest that the car was eventually sold for a surprisingly modest amount, significantly lower than what one might expect given its cinematic fame. The reasons for this include the fact that the car, despite its stylish appearance, was built more for visual impact than practical everyday use. It lacked the refinements and reliability of a production car, making it less appealing to serious car collectors.
The Price of Tarzan the Wonder Car: Myth vs. Reality
One of the most common questions that arise when discussing the Tarzan car is its price. Over the years, various rumors have circulated, with some claiming that the car was worth crores of rupees, while others suggested it was sold for a fraction of that amount.
In reality, the Tarzan car was auctioned for around ₹2 crores (approximately $270,000 at the time). While this may seem like a substantial amount, it was considered low given the car’s fame and the cost involved in its creation. The high production cost, which included custom parts and the unique design by DC Design, was much more than what was ultimately recouped from the sale.
Comparing Tarzan to Other Custom Cars: A Price Perspective
To put the price of Tarzan the Wonder Car into perspective, it’s useful to compare it with other custom-built cars. In the world of custom automotive design, the cost can vary widely depending on the complexity of the design, the parts used, and the brand behind the build.
- Hollywood Custom Cars: Vehicles like the Batmobile or the DeLorean from Back to the Future have fetched millions of dollars at auctions, largely due to their iconic status and the global recognition of the movies they appeared in.
- Indian Custom Cars: In India, custom cars designed by DC Design or other prominent designers can range from ₹50 lakhs to several crores, depending on the level of customization and the base model used. The Tarzan car, despite being a unique creation, fell short of the multi-crore mark.
The relatively modest sale price of the Tarzan car highlights the niche nature of the custom car market in India at the time, as well as the challenges in maintaining and driving such a specialized vehicle on Indian roads.
The Legacy of Tarzan the Wonder Car
Cultural Impact: More Than Just a Car
The Tarzan car, despite its limited commercial success, left a lasting impact on Indian pop culture. The movie became a cult classic, especially among younger audiences who were captivated by the idea of a car that could think, act, and even avenge wrongs.
The car’s design also inspired a wave of interest in automotive customization in India. DC Design, already a well-known name, saw an increase in demand for custom cars, with clients looking for unique designs that would set them apart. The success of the Tarzan car in the movie also paved the way for more ambitious automotive projects in Bollywood, where cars became central characters in their own right.
The Future of Iconic Cars in Bollywood
While the Tarzan car remains one of the most famous vehicles in Indian cinema, it also set a precedent for the role of cars in movies. In the years following the release of Tarzan: The Wonder Car, Bollywood has seen a number of films where vehicles play a crucial role. These include everything from high-speed chases in action movies to luxury cars symbolizing wealth and power in dramas.
The success of these movies has shown that cars can be much more than just a mode of transportation on screen; they can be symbols, characters, and even plot devices that drive the story forward.
Is There a Market for a New Tarzan Car?
Given the enduring fascination with the Tarzan car, one might wonder if there’s potential for a new version of the car in today’s market. With advancements in automotive technology, including the rise of electric vehicles and AI-driven cars, it’s conceivable that a new version of the Tarzan car could be more than just a cinematic prop.
Such a car could appeal to a niche market of collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the blend of cutting-edge technology and iconic design. However, the challenge would be in balancing the car’s fictional roots with practical usability, ensuring that it’s not just a museum piece but a vehicle that can be driven and enjoyed.
The Enduring Fascination with Tarzan the Wonder Car
The Tarzan car, born out of Bollywood’s creative imagination, remains one of the most iconic vehicles in Indian cinema. Its unique design, coupled with the supernatural elements of the movie, captured the imagination of millions, making it a beloved piece of pop culture.
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While the real-life journey of the Tarzan car may not have been as glamorous as its on-screen persona, it continues to be a subject of fascination for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike. The car’s relatively modest sale price underscores the challenges of the custom car market in India, yet its legacy as a symbol of cinematic innovation remains intact.
For those who grew up watching Tarzan: The Wonder Car, the vehicle will always be more than just a machine; it’s a memory, a symbol of a time when cars in movies were more than just props — they were the stars.