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Industrialist Anand Mahindra shared a touching personal memory on social media, recalling the first car he ever rode in — a sky-blue Premier Padmini, fondly known as a Fiat in the 1960s, owned and driven by his mother.

A memory rooted in India’s motoring past

Mahindra reshared an image originally posted by a social media user that showed a vintage Premier Padmini parked alongside a modern Mahindra electric SUV, capturing what many called the “evolution of the Indian automotive industry in one frame”. The contrast prompted a wave of nostalgia among users, many of whom grew up seeing the iconic Fiat on Indian roads.

Responding to the image, Mahindra wrote that the Premier Padmini would always remain special to him. He revealed that his mother received the car five years after booking it — a reminder of an era when owning a car in India was a rare privilege due to long waiting periods.

‘Blue Bell’ and a personal tradition

In his post, Mahindra also shared a charming detail: his mother had nicknamed her car “Blue Bell”. He credited this habit as the reason he still names his cars today, a personal tradition rooted in childhood memories.

“That model and brand will always be special for me,” he wrote, summing up the emotional connect many Indians still feel towards the Premier Padmini.

Social media reacts with warmth

The post quickly gained traction, drawing hundreds of thousands of views and heartfelt comments. Many users described the Premier Padmini as more than a vehicle — a symbol of patience, pride and family milestones. Some even jokingly suggested naming a future Mahindra car “Blue Bell”.

The moment struck a chord not just as nostalgia, but as a reminder of how deeply personal India’s automotive journey has been — from long waiting lists and cherished nicknames to today’s cutting-edge electric mobility led by groups like the Mahindra Group.