Cars that ruled the Indian Roads in 1980s and 1990s


BENGALURU: The Indian automobile industry is growing day-by-day and is expected to achieve revenue of about $285Bn by 2026. The country became a global hub for the car companies and they are turning towards India as an exponential market. While moving around you can find almost all international automobile brands showing their presence in the Indian roads. However, during the 80s and 90s, there were some particular models that ruled the Indian roads. The Economic Times listed few kings of Indian roads in the 1980s and 90s.

Hindustan Ambassador was an undisputed ruler of the Indian roads. Ambassador spread its roots so much that once it became the official vehicle of politicians, bureaucrats, and civil servants. Even today many politicians and civil servants are using it. The production of this car started in 1958 and the first model was sold at 16, 000. By the time the company stopped its production in 2014, the units were selling at 5, 22,000. At its zenith, Ambassador ruled over the market and was widely known as The King of Indian Roads.

Contessa was another model by Hindustan Motors which fulfilled the speculations of the Indian public. Some young car enthusiasts are still lured by the charm of Hindustan Contessa. It has a powerful engine, spacious interiors, as well as a killer and muscular look. At the time of its launch in 1984, its cost was just 83, 437.

Have you seen that black-yellow taxi on Mumbai roads? That’s Fiat Padmini- you can call it as the queen on Indian roads. It was launched as the Fiat 1100 in India and was later renamed as Rani Padmini after a 14th century Rajput Princess, for local productions. In the 80s it was a favorite among youngsters, even many film stars like Rajnikanth and Aamir Khan owned Padmini. It became a face of Mumbai taxicabs until phasing out in 2013. There are many more cars like Maruti 800, Maruti Suzuki Gypsy, Maruti Zen, and Maruti Omni that plays a prominent role in the Indian automobile history.

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