Sold in aid of 'The Material World Foundation' Charity
2015 Bajaj Tuk-Tuk Motorised Rickshaw

• Built originally for the 'Travels To My Elephant' charitable campaign
• Unique design
• Purchased at the Elephant Family auction in 2015
• Converted to electric propulsion

So called because of the sound made by its two-stroke engine, the iconic Tuk-Tuk motorised rickshaw has been a ubiquitous sight on India's bustling streets for the past several decades. The nimble three-wheeler is adept as weaving through traffic while transporting people and goods in numbers and quantities seemingly beyond the capacity of such a tiny vehicle. Many have become a means of their driver's self-expression, being painted in bright colours and decorated with various artefacts and accessories in an effort to attract customers.

One of the most imaginative expressions of such decoration is the fleet of 20 Tuk-Tuks designed by prominent designers recruited from the fields of architecture, jewellery making, fine art, fashion and millinery. Their designers included Rebecca Campbell, Diane von Furstenberg, Nicky Haslam, Mulberry, and Zandra Rhodes. These unique rickshaws formed part of the Travels To My Elephant campaign – a global rickshaw race that first took place in June 2015 as part of the Elephant Family's charity to save Asia's endangered elephants. Each Tuk-Tuk was transformed into a piece of mobile art with a completely unique name, character and back story, before being auctioned off to support the cause. Launched by Elephant Family Patron, film star Goldie Hawn, the fleet of elephant-inspired rickshaws charmed Londoners over that summer, appearing at parades, events, shops and hotels across the capital before being auctioned at an event hosted by the then HRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

This Tuk-Tuk was purchased at the aforementioned auction and is now offering it for sale in aid of 'The Material World Foundation.' The charity was established in 1973 by former Beatle, George Harrison. For the past 50 years the Foundation, now administered by Olivia and Dhani Harrison, has supported hundreds of individuals, organisations, and charities, encouraging diverse forms of artistic expression, supporting those in need, and transforming lives across the globe.

In 2022 this Tuk-Tuk was converted to electric propulsion by Retro Electric making it considerably more environmentally friendly than before. Works included installing a 48Volt AC motor with 100 Ah battery capacity, a 240V socket charging port in fuel filler cap location. An EV gauge was also installed along with a digital speedo. It now operates on a simple twist throttle. A battery replacement was also carried out in 2023.The related invoices are on file and the Tuk-Tuk also comes with a UK V5C registration document. A unique and charming vehicle, sold in aid of a very worthy cause.