If ever there was an Indian automobile that deserved the status of ‘Grand Old Lady’, it would have to be the Hindustan Ambassador. Until only recently has this iconic car been one of the chief means of transport across the country, from the average family right up to the top brass of the government. While new-age cars have almost sent the ‘Amby’ into extinction, few motor vehicles exude the charm of this four-wheeled national symbol.
While Hindustan Motors may claim the Ambassador has evolved from its conception, fact is the car has hardly changed from the 1950s, save the engine transplants and minor styling alterations. Despite changes of nomenclature, from the first Mark I model to the current Avigo, the basic silhouette has been retained across the range. And why not? At one stage, the Hindustan Ambassador was the best-selling car in India, with its Uttarpara production facility in West Bengal churning out cars at full tilt. Interestingly, in 1800ISZ guise, the Amby even had the impressive claim to fame of being the fastest production car in India.
However, the biggest selling points of the Ambassador were the unmatched comfort levels and the nonchalance with which it tackled our crater-ridden roads. Even the multitude of luxury automobiles currently available in India have to try really hard to emulate the rear-seat opulence that the Amby so popularly provided.
While the Hindustan Ambassador began life with a side-valved heart that produced little over 35bhp, the latest iteration of the Ambassador is available with a number of engine options: a 2000cc diesel burner that produces 56 PS and the 1800cc petrol that produces a healthy 75 PS, with both powerplants available in CNG form as well. The latest Avigo also sees ‘modern’ fittings like bucket seats, power steering and a factory-installed air conditioner.
It’s sad that the Ambassador is dying a slow death, no doubt inevitable because there are far more modern cars available now for the same money. When we sold our chocolate-brown Amby it was a sad day, because we knew that an integral chapter in our life had closed. Making the school bell was never as much fun after that.
The writer is an automobile enthusiast based in Kodaikanal.