In the 80s and 90s, the Indian automobile industry introduced a few cars that dominated the hearts of every Indian
Those were the times when India as a province did not have a flashy automobile industry. As a country, it was still trying to shape itself after attaining sovereignty in 1947. However, some Indian players believed in the conception of Make-In India and thus, they established their car manufacturing company and began to offer cars to the Indian crowds.
The machines they offered were not Ford or Ferraris. They were simple cars with basic features, easy on the pocket of the Indian buyers. In 2020, those cars are barely seen on the roadways. Hence, here’s this article to relive the iconic Indian cars from the 80s and 90s.
Hindustan Contessa
While the United States had American muscle cars in the form of Mustangs and Chevys, India had the Contessa. Back in 1984, the Contessa was launched with a 1.5-litre BMC B-series motor and later on was enhanced with a 2.0-litre Isuzu 4FC1 diesel power plant.
Hindustan Ambassador
The Ambassador was identified as the politician’s and elite people’s car. Although it was introduced in 1957, it grew into a familiar choice after the 70s. At the minute, Ambassadors are rare on the Indian routes, but a massive number of them are still running on the avenues of Kolkata in the form of yellow taxicabs. Hindustan motors halted the production line of the Ambassador in 2014.
Premier Padmini
The saloon car from Premier was inaugurated in 1964 to take on the Ambassador. Also recognized as the Fiat 1100D, the Padmini was acknowledged as an excellent family car and was an instant hit amongst the Indian majorities. In 2020, they are chiefly found in Mumbai being pushed as taxis.
Maruti Suzuki 800
The 800 was launched in 1983 by Maruti Udyog Ltd. and remained the best-selling car for two decades until it was discontinued in 2004. The 800 was presumably the first hatchback model ever witnessed in India that worked exceedingly well against the more elite Amby. In today’s date, the authentic version is hardly witnessed on the streets. However, lucky individuals may identify a customized form being flaunted by proud owners.
Tata Sierra
Launched in 1991, the Tata Sierra was a three-door SUV that had a rear-wheel drive setting along with an optional four-wheel drive. The Sierra was the first SUV in India from an Indian manufacturer. The Sierra immediately captured the eyeballs of the youth and was enthusiastically embraced by adventure lovers.
