I am often intrigued and worried abt the car customisation scene in India. There are too many of these wannabe Gandinis and Pinifarinas on the streets and I fear that in the sheer zest of turning out mind-numbing creations, they are messing up with the structural integrity of the original cars. Self-learned Anyways, the motor vehicle act forbids changes to the body of a car. And one can easily imagine what playing around with the shape of monocoques can lead to. And then there are the other 'designers' who take pride in chopping cars in two and adding doors, making stretch limos powered by 88bhp engines.
Is this the way that Indian automotive design should be heading. Will we become a nation of automotive monkeys with scissors? While I don't doubt the pssion of the self-proclaimed automotive designers I do feel that sometimes fundamental knowledge is better suited than just passion.
Media also has a hand to play in making these glorified body tailors as some designer whiz kids. So you have them featured in newspaper supplements, enthusiast magazines and even lifestyle glossies. Maybe its time that we act responsibly.