India’s First Land Rover Defender Taxi: The Rolls Royce Barber Strikes Again (Image:instagram.com/car.crazy.guy)
In a quirky twist on luxury, a Land Rover Defender 130 has been spotted serving as a taxi, owned by none other than Ramesh Babu, the famed Bengaluru barber known for his opulent car collection. Ramesh, who also owns a Rolls Royce and a Maybach, has transformed this rugged vehicle into a commercial cab, much to the amazement of onlookers. The white Defender, with its black contrasting roof, was recently seen navigating a national highway, its exterior coated in mud, making for a strikingly unusual sight.
View this post on Instagram
Ramesh Tours and Travels, the company behind this extraordinary taxi, was founded by Ramesh Babu himself. Starting with a humble Maruti Suzuki Omni in 1994, Ramesh built his business from the ground up while continuing to work as a barber. By 2004, his fleet had grown to seven cars, exclusively used for rental services. Today, his collection boasts over 200 vehicles, with the Defender 130 being the latest addition. This luxury SUV, powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine generating 296 bhp and 600 Nm of torque, is available for hire at Rs 3,000 per hour.
Read also: Royal Enfield Classic 350 to Receive Feature Upgrades Next Month
The Defender 130 isn’t Ramesh’s first foray into luxury rentals. His fleet includes a Rolls Royce Ghost, which can be rented for Rs 6,000 per hour. Purchased in 2011 for around Rs 3 crore, this first-generation Ghost remains a highlight of his collection. Alongside it, Ramesh offers other high-end vehicles such as a Mercedes Benz G-Wagen, the 2024 Toyota Vellfire, and a Mercedes Maybach S-Class, among others.
Read also: Mahindra Thar Roxx: The 5-Door Adventure SUV Set for August 15 Launch
Despite his impressive automotive empire, Ramesh Babu remains grounded in his roots, still offering haircuts for just Rs 100. His unique blend of humble profession and luxurious hobby continues to turn heads, making him a true offbeat icon in the world of car rentals.
Read also: Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG: The World’s First CNG Motorcycle with Up to 3-Month Waiting Period
