Persevering with with our ongoing collection, we now introduce you to a few of the marquee manufacturers that made a splash between 1973- 1992. This was the interval that noticed the resurgence of a few of the older heroes and emergence of latest gamers.
On the event of India celebrating her 75th independence yr, we rewind the clock and check out automobiles that have been launched from 1973 to 1992. Whereas the primary decade was all about updating the fashions from the 60s just like the Ambassador, Premier, Customary Herald and Willy’s clone from Mahindra, it was the 80s that witnessed the launch of latest vehicles coming into the market.
The Nineteen Eighties noticed Maruti Suzuki arrange store in India and develop into the chief within the automotive area by launching an array of reasonably priced and dependable vehicles. This era additionally noticed India’s muscle automobile from Hindustan Motors and in addition each Tata and Mahindra took the trail much less travelled and launched SUVs.
As a part of our ‘India at 75’ iconic automobile collection and you’ll learn the primary half and the remainder of the tales by clicking HERE.
India at 75: Iconic vehicles made in India after independence [1973 – 1992]
Hindustan Contessa (1976)
The Hindustan Contessa was manufactured by Hindustan Motors. It was developed from Vauxhall Victor FE, which had been developed from the 1976-78 Vauxhall VX Collection. As a luxurious automobile manufactured in India, it was a rarity when launched in 1983.
When it was launched in 1984, the automobile price simply Rs 83,000 nevertheless it boasted a robust engine, killer appears, spacious interiors, and a commanding presence on the street. The automobile comes geared up with a 49 bhp engine that was additionally shared within the Ambassador. Moreover, it was a well-liked alternative amongst authorities officers.
Additionally Learn: India at 75: Iconic vehicles made in India after Independence [2013 – 2022]
Maruti 800 (1983)
This hatchback actually modified the image of the automotive market in India. Launched in 1983, the 800, not solely let the plenty dare to dream of proudly owning a automobile but additionally reassured them that proudly owning a car is an reasonably priced and trouble-free expertise. Primarily based on the Suzuki Fronte, the 800 was powered by a light-weight, fuel-efficient and trouble-free 796cc three-cylinder petrol engine. It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that the 800 quickly turned the lifeline of India and continued to be in manufacturing until 2004.
Maruti Suzuki Omni Van (1984)
The Van was an excellent stroke of genius from Maruti solely a yr after the launch of the 800. It was powered by the identical 796cc engine, nevertheless it was an prompt hit because it provided extra seating area and baggage area. That is additionally the rationale why this microvan did very nicely within the business sector. The Van was later renamed the Omni in 1988. The Omni was so well-liked that Maruti lastly determined to retire it as latest as 2019.
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Maruti Suzuki Gypsy (1985)
Maruti determined to maneuver out of its consolation zone and determined to discover the off-road section with Gypsy. Primarily based on the lengthy wheelbase Suzuki Jimny SJ40/410 collection, this model new car provided a four-wheel-drive system and was powered by a model new 970cc four-cylinder petrol engine. With a 1-litre moniker, the brand new powertrain churned out 45bhp and was mated to a four-speed handbook transmission. With its powerful character and never-say-die spirit, the Gypsy develop into highly regarded among the many Indian Armed Forces, Police and different regulation enforcement companies and in addition rallyists.
Tata Sierra (1991)
Primarily based on the Tata Telcoline (pick-up launched in 1988), the Tata Sierra was the primary off-road Sport Utility car produced by the Indian firm and was launched in 1991. It shares mechanical parts with the Telcoline, the naturally aspirated, 2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine in addition to the entrance facia and inner dashboard. This mid-size SUV was one of many first vehicles for personal transport in India. It was able to dealing with all types of roads, particularly uneven ones, because it was constructed on the Tata ”X2 platform”.
Additionally Learn: India at 75: Iconic vehicles made in India after Independence [2002-2012]
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