At sixteen, Neil dreamed of learning to drive a manual car. His father, Ruchin, was at a crossroads, questioning his next steps in life. Neither could have imagined that a rusted, beat-up Acura Integra would become their greatest teacher. With just $5,000, no mechanical experience, and a wild idea, father and son embarked on a year-long transformation—of the car, themselves, and their bond.
What began as a simple driving lesson turned into an epic 5,000-mile road trip to the highest paved road in the United States. Along the way, they faced unexpected challenges, breathtaking landscapes, and moments of raw connection. Through laughter, frustration, and detours, they discovered resilience, strength, and the unshakable power of family.
The Kansal Clunker: The Car that Rebuilt Us is a story for anyone craving adventure, seeking transformation, or longing to bridge the gap between generations. It’s proof that sometimes the best journeys begin with a broken-down car and an open road. With every twist of the wrench and turn of the road, Neil and Ruchin learned what it truly means to rebuild—not just a car, but themselves.
Buckle up—this unforgettable ride will stay with you long after the last page.
Coming December 9th! Pre-Order Now:
What People Are Saying
“You will want to ‘call shotgun’ on this epic adventure that this dynamic father-son duo created and executed with grace, grit, and determination. This could have simply been a very useful ‘How to Build a Car” book, but instead the authors chose to have us look underneath the hood at our relationships, knowing that there are times to pump the brakes and slow down, accelerate and move forward, have various destinations planned, but be sure to enjoy the journey. I found myself totally captivated and ran the gamut of emotions through the beautifully organic moments where the teacher became the student…and the student became the teacher. Thank you both Ruchin & Neil for sharing these powerful messages and lessons with us all.”
— Scott Chesney
World-renowned motivational speaker, life coach, and consultant
“A gripping travel saga—lucid, vivid, and joyfully told. The Kansal Clunker brings its journey and characters to life on every page.”
— Mona Verma
Author, UN Karamveer & Premchand Literature Awardee
“The Kansal Clunker reminds us that leadership lessons aren’t limited to classrooms or boardrooms. Through a father–son journey of resilience and trust, Ruchin and Neil show how learning across generations transforms families, communities, and organizations alike."
— Dr. Katia Passerini
President, Gonzaga University
“A timely and inspiring story—The Kansal Clunker shows that transformation is possible and joyful when trust, alignment, and resilience come together.”
— Frank Diana
Principal Futurist & Managing Partner
Tata Consultancy Services
“The Kansal Clunker beautifully captures the essence of transformation — taking what seems impossible and making it extraordinary. Ruchin and Neil’s journey reflects the resilience, alignment, and bold vision that drive both great families and great enterprises.”
— Manoj Kohli
Global Business Advisor
Former Country Head SoftBank Group and CEO & MD
Bharti Airtel
The Kansal Clunker is a multi-layered narrative . . . a fun read; it also reminds us of what is truly important in life.”
— Dr. Winona Howe, Ph.D.
Author, Professor Emeritus of English Literature
The Kansal Clunker isn’t just a great father–son story. It’s a playbook for grit, perseverance, and leadership that matters. Ruchin and Neil show us that the same attributes that fuel elite performers in the military, sports, and business—trust, resilience, and love—are just as critical in families as they are in everyday life.”
— Dr. Bryan Price
Former Academy Professor, U.S. Military Academy, West Point
Founder, Top Mental Game
"Inspiring reminder that what’s rebuilt with care grows even stronger.”
— Dr. Sanjay Gupta, M.D.
Award-winning Orthopedic Surgeon
“A powerful reminder that the toughest journeys teach us the most about leadership, resilience, and family.”
— Steve Adubato Ph.D.
Emmy Award–winning Anchor
Author of Lessons in Leadership 2.0: The Tough Stuff
“The Kansal Clunker is an emotionally uplifting and heartening "road trip" story told by Ruchin and Neil Kansal. The father and son embark on a 5,000 mile transformative journey in a reclaimed and rebuilt 1998 Acura Integra. They set out to explore the soul of America, rebuild their own relationship, and reclaim the ineffable wonder of family. You cannot read this book without experiencing a profound desire to hit pause and slow down long enough to see and feel our country's landscape, our life, loves, and underappreciated blessings."
— Dr. Roger B. Newman M.D
Award Winning Novelist & Ob-Gyn
