India’s 1st Mahindra Thar with Willys Jeep-style open top and collapsible windshield [Video]

The Mahindra Thar is currently one of the most popular lifestyle off-roaders in the country. Despite being out for a few years, it still has a long waiting list. The model’s popularity stems from its versatility, offering a wide range of drivetrains and body types. While the Mahindra Thar comes in hard top and soft top options, it lacks a collapsible windshield like its predecessor. To achieve this functionality and enjoy a completely open-top experience, an owner of the new 2023 Mahindra Thar decided to have it custom-built and recently, a video showcasing this modified Thar was shared online. It features India’s first fully open-top 2023 Mahindra Thar, equipped with a collapsible windshield and removable roll cage.

The video, posted on Kamcustoms YouTube channel, begins by stating that this is a special and custom project undertaken at the owner’s request. Following the disclaimer, the Thar is shown completely gutted out, as the custom fabrication process required the car to be dismantled. The video demonstrates the installation of custom metal hinges on the doors of the stock Mahindra Thar. Subsequently, custom doors are fabricated using metal tubes and welded onto the hinges attached to the body. A custom metal mesh is then added to the doors, along with a locking mechanism, likely sourced from the original car, to complete the door assembly.

Also read: Buying a pre-owned Mahindra Thar is better than buying a new one: 5 reasons

After the doors are attached, the entire front portion of the hardtop is chopped off and removed to achieve the desired fully open-top appearance. It should be noted that such modifications can compromise the car’s overall rigidity and safety in the event of a rollover accident. While the owner of this particular Thar added a custom roll cage and soft top to enhance safety, they cannot match the strength provided by the factory-installed beams and supports.

The video proceeds to showcase the welding of a fully custom-built windshield enclosure, equipped with hinges for collapsibility. The car is then finished off with the installation of a black-painted windshield surround and roll cage. Additionally, a custom-built soft top is added to complete the vehicle. Finally, the Thar is displayed with its fully functional collapsible windshield and roll cage.

In conclusion, the customization of the 2023 Mahindra Thar featured in the video highlights the owner’s desire for an open-top experience combined with the convenience of a collapsible windshield. While these modifications provide unique aesthetics and functionality, it is essential to consider the potential trade-offs in terms of structural rigidity and safety. Nonetheless, this custom-built Thar stands as a testament to the personalization options available to vehicle owners.

As mentioned the Mahindra Thar is offered with a ton drivetrain options and for those who are unaware it comes available with 1 petrol, and 2 diesel engines. The petrol engine is a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, which produces a maximum power output of around 150 BHP and a torque of 320 Nm. The diesel engine options are 1.5L 4-cylinder engine that produces 116.93 BHP and a torque of 300 Nm, and the 2.2L 4-cylinder engine that produces 130 BHP and a torque of 300 Nm.

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500