This Was India’s First Muscle Car!
Before the automotive market boomed in the 1990s, Indians could choose from 4 cars: the Padmini, HM Ambassador, Maruti 800, and the Hindustan Contessa. Among these cars, the Contessa was the most premium. It was more than just a car; it was a status symbol. Today, we will look at what made this car so beloved among enthusiasts and what led to its decline.
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Looks
You would mistake the Contessa for an American sedan from the 1980s. The design was a revelation when compared to the more rounded Padmini and Ambassador. The long bonnet, boxy design and flared wheel arches resemble older muscle cars. Many people considered it a muscle car and, at times, a Limousine. It was based on the Vauxhall VX series. While the VX was outdated in the UK market, it was still a significant upgrade over the Ambassador.
The design may seem bland now, but back in the 1980s, it was a head turner. The road was filled with Padminis, Ambassadors, and 800s, and when you see a car that is more than 4.5 meters long, you’re going to notice. HM kept updating the vehicle over the years, but the Contessa’s essence remained unchanged until production ended in 2002.
Interior
The car was spacious inside. After all, it was the luxury sedan of the time. Getting a BMW or an Audi wasn’t viable back then, and this was your go-to if you were a wealthy businessman. It had a decent-sized boot, too. Overall, it was a practical car that provided unmatched luxury at the time.
The first-gen Contessa wasn’t very feature-loaded, but HM kept updating it throughout its life. Later, it got air conditioning, power steering, power windows, and a central armrest. What more could you ask for? Nevertheless, the Contessa was considered a luxury car because of its status back in the day, not for its features. And this status was further boosted by its appearances in blockbuster movies.
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Engine
It was a muscle car but without a V8. India was still stuck with old British carburetted engines. In fact, the original Contessa came with an engine from the 1940s. The Austin(a British manufacturer) 1.5L petrol engine produced just 50 horsepower, making the Contessa severely underpowered. It also got the same 4-speed manual gearbox.
HM recognised this issue and partnered with ISUZU to bring the now-iconic 1.8L petrol engine with a 5-speed manual. The power figures were estimated to be around 88 horsepower and 135 Nm of torque. The top speed was around 160 kmph. It was more potent than the current Maruti Swift Dzire, and the base variants of the Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue. These numbers were staggering back then, and hence earned the muscle car tag. In 2000, HM introduced this engine with fuel injectors.
The diesel market was also booming. Diesel was cheaper than Petrol, and HM decided to bring the Contessa as a Diesel. Isuzu also sourced this engine, and over time, it became the more popular choice. HM even decided to bring a turbo-diesel Contessa later.
What Went Wrong?
By the 2000s, the Contessa had become an icon. But the icon started getting outdated. The Indian market opened, and foreign manufacturers wanted to explore the Indian automotive scene. Maruti Suzuki released the 1000, Esteem and other hatchbacks, which attracted the public. The options grew, and customers had more to choose from. Maruti engines were much more efficient than the HM as well.
Moreover, HM didn’t try to evolve much. They made minor facelifts, but otherwise the car was the same as in the 1980s. It couldn’t keep up against its competition, and HM had no other option but to discontinue it in 2002.
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Why Do People Love It?
The Contessa was a breath of fresh air when it was launched. It looked foreign, was spacious inside, and later got a powerful engine. Pricing started around 85,000 rupees in the early 1980s. This amount wasn’t extravagant, and it was reasonably priced. Overall, it was a great car offered at a great price, in a time when the options were slim. It is easy to understand why Indians loved it back then,
It was also a status symbol. If you owned one, you were most likely doing very well in your life. Many people today seek a well-maintained Contessa to relive their golden days. Some even go to great lengths to restore an old Contessa. The Contessa gave Indians the first taste of power and luxury, etching it in Indian history.
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