Pandiyan
First PAL
Not too long ago, you did not have much of a choice in India when it came to cars. It was usually down to two:
Ambassador - First car to be manufactured in India based on British Morris Oxford. The design belonged to 1950s! And the car has hardly been changed lookwise even today. Wonder what the western world would think of that. Car is still produced and has been improved performance but the look remains that of a 50s car. In fact it proudly wears that. And Indian politicians and others with jingoistic tendencies proclaim their patriotism by sticking to it.
Premier - Handed down from Fiat 1100 of 1960s vintage. Shown above. The car is still seen on roads but out of production. Despite many attempts Fiat has not repeated this success in India though it is trying with so many new models.
Both these cars were not known for their finesse or finish but were excellent workhorses. They were at home in a society not known for its throw-away culture. The lights and electricals would be whimsical, gears and pedals would give a better workout than a personal trainer and the solid sheet metal body could take some serious damage and still have many action points left. However any roadside mechanic with hammer and tongs along with common sense can set things right while you catch a quick cup of masala tea in an everpresent tea stall nearby.
While I have moved on to far snazzier models over time, I can't forget the good ol' Premier, as it was our first car and stayed with us for a long time. My wife and I learnt driving in it and I am sure we can drive a MACK today if required. It was fine as long as my wife and I were driving it. Sadly drivers trained on newer cars did not know how to take care of it (one drove it for a month without filling up the radiator) and we had to sell it by wieght.
First PAL
Not too long ago, you did not have much of a choice in India when it came to cars. It was usually down to two:
Ambassador - First car to be manufactured in India based on British Morris Oxford. The design belonged to 1950s! And the car has hardly been changed lookwise even today. Wonder what the western world would think of that. Car is still produced and has been improved performance but the look remains that of a 50s car. In fact it proudly wears that. And Indian politicians and others with jingoistic tendencies proclaim their patriotism by sticking to it.
Premier - Handed down from Fiat 1100 of 1960s vintage. Shown above. The car is still seen on roads but out of production. Despite many attempts Fiat has not repeated this success in India though it is trying with so many new models.
Both these cars were not known for their finesse or finish but were excellent workhorses. They were at home in a society not known for its throw-away culture. The lights and electricals would be whimsical, gears and pedals would give a better workout than a personal trainer and the solid sheet metal body could take some serious damage and still have many action points left. However any roadside mechanic with hammer and tongs along with common sense can set things right while you catch a quick cup of masala tea in an everpresent tea stall nearby.
While I have moved on to far snazzier models over time, I can't forget the good ol' Premier, as it was our first car and stayed with us for a long time. My wife and I learnt driving in it and I am sure we can drive a MACK today if required. It was fine as long as my wife and I were driving it. Sadly drivers trained on newer cars did not know how to take care of it (one drove it for a month without filling up the radiator) and we had to sell it by wieght.