Whenever Ratnakar Jadhav, its owner travels in his `mini-car,' he definitely attracts more than a passing glance. A flood of queries from curious onlookers is now routine.

Jadhav, a teacher at Don Bosco School at Sawedi, purchased the vehicle a year ago. Initially, he fixed an eighteen-inch padded frame between the front and pillion seats. After two unsuccessful attempts, the third experiment yielded a more comfortable and enjoyable ride.

He had first considered modifying the moped on a trip to Nipani Wadgaon, his native village in Shrirampur taluka. One experiment led to the next until he settled on the present shape design.

After he succeeding in making the seats more comfortable, Jadhav began to work on the hood. For this, Jadhav fixed iron plates near the moped seats.The hood has a colourful cushion. In addition, curtains have also been added, to afford extra protection during long-distance travel.

Jadhav has also paid special attention to the balance of the vehicle. The belts on either side have been designed to maintain balance. Flourescent bulbs have been fitted in front of the hood and on both sides at the rear. The dickeys attached on the front and rear of the vehicle also help maintain balance.

The hood rises approximately three feet above the seats. The entire modification has added an extra 20 kgs to the moped's original weight. However, the mileage has not been drastically affected by the modifications. The modifications do not hamper steering nor present an impediment in crowded places.

Many people have contributed to the design. Among them are Dutta Industries, Chavan Cushion Works, Bharat Shutters, A-One Cushion Works, Wasim Rathod, Iqbalbhai, Dawoodbhai of Salim Auto Block Boring and Engineering Works, Ravi Muntode and Dandge Painters. Jadhav has spentabout Rs. 3,500 on the modifications. The easy maneuvering of the vehicle, easy pick-up and 60 to 62 litre fuel consumption has made the modified vehicle a hot topic in the city and neighbouring areas.

Jadhav has applied to the Regional Transport Office (RTO), for permission to use the modified moped. Bajaj Auto, manufacturers of the M-80 moped, have taken note of the modified version of their product. The company, which has sought information on the modifications from Jadhav, has also urged him to write about his experiment in industrial magazines.

Taking note of the attention drawn by the `mini-car', some entrepreneurs had approached Jadhav to display their advertisements on the modified vehicle. Jadhav, however, turned down the offer saying his experiments are a hobby and not a money-making venture.