Some of Undeniable Reasons to Love Hindostan Motors Contessa | A Legacy

 

Introduction:
When it involves talking about cars, one in all my favourite sorts of cars is that the Indian Muscle ones. The brute force, the basic stance and therefore the luxury comfort, all at one place. Carmakers like Ferrari, Ford and lots of more are known for building muscle cars around the world. Amongst these brands is Hindustan Motors. India’s very own brand, known for the Ambassador is additionally known for India’s indigenous muscle car, the Contessa.

 Hindostan Motors Contessa was India’s first luxury sedan supported the Vauxhall VX series.
Hindustan Motors acquired the assembly tooling and technology from Vauxhall and therefore the assembly line was found out alongside the Ambassador at Uttarpara near Kolkata and the first test cars were ready by 1982. Series production was started in 1984.

Cost & Engine Specs:
to keep the prices under check, Hindostan Motors Contessa was introduced to the Indian market with the 50 hp (37 kW), 1.5 L BMC B-Series engine which also powered the Ambassador, during a slightly modified form along side the Hindustan four-speed gearbox. Contessa gave a luxurious and comfortable interior and a plush ride, but was criticised for the underpowered engine and primitive gearbox. The Contessa’s top speed was around 125 km/h.

Things changed within the late 1980s, when Hindustan Motors engaged with Isuzu and commenced manufacturing their 1.8 L 4ZB1 petrol engine and matching five-speed gearbox for installation within the Contessa. The new car was called the Contessa Classic with distinctive “CLASSIC” and “1.8GL” badging on the lid. The car was an immediate success and set a brand new standard for refinement, power and luxury within the Indian market.

The BMC-engined model was phased call at order. The car could now touch the top speed of 160 km/h. Within the era of ’90s, Hindustan started manufacturing the 2.0 L Isuzu 4FC1 Diesel Engine that later came to boost the Hindostan Motors Contessa Diesel. It also was a momentous success. A turbo-diesel version was also introduced a couple of years later.

Some reasons why Contessa was the primary choice for an Indian Muscle car:
• Though the essential design of Contessa remained similar throughout its life, it had been the closest to a Muscle Car Indian customers ever had! Even today a Contessa on roads will garner sure shot head turns and has a sexy appeal.
• Contessa still enjoys a cult status and features a big fan base for its long hood, clean surface and straight lines.
• The interior of the car was surprisingly quiet and therefore the seats were extremely comfortable for the passengers.
• Hindostan Motors introduced many interesting and latest features like fuel injection system, power windows, power-assisted steering, fat bumpers, upgraded headlights, AC (air conditioning) and many more lovely features were introduced in the car to the premium customer.
• Owning a car in those days was a matter of pride itself India; Contessa featured under ‘Premium/Luxury’ car category. it'll be fair to term it because the Luxury Car before the likes of Mercedes, BMW or Audi stormed the Indian market. The car was actually launched at a price of Rs.83,437 and therefore the booking amount was Rs.15,000!

The lifetime of the car:
Contessa started its production in 1984 and therefore the last car was produced in 2002. During its lifetime the car had many changes. New engines and other features were added the car got an influence steering, power window etc. within the 90s, which was a luxury at that point. In its lifetime the outside styling of the car wasn't changed largely.

In 1991 the govt of India initiated economic liberalization which made an investment by private and foreign investors less difficult. This has led to investment by many foreign automobile manufacturers in India this paved the thanks to the introduction of the latest cars in India. Contessa found it difficult to catch up with the competition with the introduction of cars with the latest technology and style from manufacturers like Toyota, Ford, Hyundai etc.

By 2000 there have been 12 large automotive companies within the Indian market. With the arrival of the latest cars, which were stylish and fuel-efficient, the glory of Contessa faded and eventually stopped its production in 2002.

Unfortunately, after the arrival of cars from GM, Ford, and Honda, the demand for the Contessa began to wane and Hindostan Motors decided to require it off the shelves. What do you think about the Hindostan Motors Contessa Classic? Share your thoughts within the comment box below. Also, share our Motors87 site.