When we talk about iconic Indian-designed cars, two names stand out – Tarzan: The Wonder Car and DC Avanti. While both are products of Dilip Chhabria (DC), they represent very different stories – one, a movie fantasy, the other, India’s first sports car.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about both cars, their differences, their creator, and where they are now.
Tarzan: The Wonder Car – A Movie Dream on Wheels
In 2004, Bollywood released Tarzan: The Wonder Car, a thriller where the hero wasn’t just a human, but also a car. This futuristic and flashy car became the highlight of the film. Here’s what made it special:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Model | Toyota MR2 (1991) |
| Designer | Dilip Chhabria (DC Design) |
| Movie Release | August 2004 |
| Unveiling Date | July 15, 2004 |
| Cost | INR 2 Crore at the time |
| Unique Traits | Could “swim, fly, fight villains” (in the film), designed for a bold audience |
| Film Cast | Vatsal Sheth, Ayesha Takia, Ajay Devgn |
| Movie Outcome | Flop at the box office |
DC Design took 8 months to build the car for the movie. Though it captured attention, it wasn’t practical for commercial sales. Later, the car was put on sale for INR 35 lakhs but still couldn’t find a buyer. Today, it lies abandoned and rusting, forgotten in a corner of India.
DC Avanti – India’s First Sports Car
Fast forward to 2015, Dilip Chhabria launched a completely different car – the DC Avanti. Unlike the Tarzan car, the Avanti was a real, road-legal sports car made for the Indian market.
DC Avanti Key Specifications:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1998 cc, Turbocharged Petrol |
| Power | 250 bhp |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual |
| Top Speed | Around 200–280 km/h |
| Seating | 2-seater |
| Price (Last Recorded) | INR 34.17 Lakh |
| Launch Year | 2015 |
| Production Stopped | 2019 |
The DC Avanti had a bold design, inspired by European sports cars but built with Indian road conditions in mind. While not perfect in terms of refinement, it was a milestone in Indian automotive design.
Read more: – DC Avanti 310 Special Edition
DC Design Scam & Controversy
While both cars put DC Design in the spotlight, things took a dark turn. In 2020, Dilip Chhabria was arrested in a multi-crore financial scam involving:
- Fake car loans from NBFCs
- Duplicate chassis and engine numbers
- Losses to government and banks
- Allegations against his ex-partner and CFO
Like to know: About DC Avanti Story, SCAM & Its Controversial End
This scandal led to the collapse of the company’s credibility, halting future innovations like DC Avanti.
DC Avanti vs Tarzan Car – Key Differences
| Aspect | Tarzan (2004) | DC Avanti (2015) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Movie Prop | Commercial Car |
| Design Base | Toyota MR2 | Original DC Platform |
| Top Speed | Not applicable | 200+ km/h |
| Cost | INR 2 Crore (film prop) | INR 34 Lakh |
| Availability | Only for film | Sold in market (now discontinued) |
| Condition Now | Abandoned | Rare to find on roads |
| Legal Trouble | No | Linked to financial scam |
Conclusion: A Mixed Legacy of DC Designs
Dilip Chhabria’s journey from designing a fantasy car for Bollywood to building India’s first sports car was revolutionary—but short-lived. While Tarzan lives on as a nostalgic memory, DC Avanti marked a serious attempt to change Indian car culture. However, both now remain as symbols of bold vision—one that faded due to poor execution and controversy.
If you’re a car enthusiast or just curious about Indian automotive history, the DC Avanti and Tarzan car saga is a fascinating story of dreams, design, and downfall.
