If I ask, which is the most recognizable car of the Indian roads. Some might say it is Maruti 800. The car that revolutionized the Indian market. But I am talking about something even before the 800 came into the market. The Hindustan Motors Ambassador. Believe it or not, majority of the general public hates this car, which has survived the evolving market for the last 5 decades. But not many know that this car awes a lot of people. The car still attracts a great appeal and devotion. And the car is so attractively priced, that it can fit the pocket of any average Indian who goes to the market to buy a car. But sadly it is not so. The sturdiest car that I have ever known, unfortunately does not score high on design and aesthetics. The Indian government is the only major buyer of this car. The car, which is associated with politicians and bureaucrats, holds an image of being sluggish, slow, and low on comfort and has also has the image of a taxi. It does not get the attention it deserves. The car, which now has an Isuzu 1.8 Liter engine, is very comfortable, something people do not realize. The newer models have very comfortable seating and a powerful air conditioner. Of course many other cars, which are slightly cheaper and quicker in terms of acceleration, are available in the market. These cars are also cheaper to drive, with lower maintenance and running costs, but one hit to these kinds of cars, and the mark is distinctively visible. While on the other hand, only a fool would dare to drive rashly around the beautiful Amby (as it is popularly called). The vintage look of the car allures many, and for the same reason, is despised. But then even a Crown Victoria has mixed responses. ( please don’t think that we can remotely compare a Crown Vic and an Ambi...both are in a different league altogether).
The rugged Ambi can handle any terrain. I have read and heard about people (politicians and in some cases some bureaucrats) ) who have given up their Honda Civics and Toyota Corollas to be driven around in an Amby. This is the charm that the car has.
This lovely car is a dream machine for many, but sadly the market is not so welcoming for this aging beast, which offers more value for money than any other car. The newer versions of the car have power steering, powered windows (I think only for the front though) and a load of other features that everyone will agree that are making it an attractive deal, if only the looks were better. The car has been having almost (ALMOST), the same looks since it's introduction in the year 1958(source: wiki) and most of the loyalists would prefer to retain the older look.
I for one would love to buy the new version( the Ambassador Grand). Considering the features it is offering. But a lot of people find the Ambassador Avigo) quite attractive.
A few months back I tried to drive an older version of the Amby. The car was very heavy and since it did not have a power steering, it did not respond well to people like me addicted to power steering.
At this point of time, I cannot afford a car, but if I could, well I would seriously consider the Amby as a second car(may be not for daily use, but for cruising along on my weekends).
To all those car enthusiast out there, tell me honestly if you feel otherwise, because I know, you most probably will agree with me on this. Because no matter what, I will always have my first love as the Amby.
