Is The Hindustan Contessa India's Muscle Car?

If you are a car enthusiast or someone who is affiliated with the topic of cars, the term ‘Muscle Car' would sound familiar. The term is used to describe American High Performance cars such as the Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger and the likes. Muscle cars are built like tanks and are often made to look intimidating. Of course, the terminology cannot be used for any American car that looks imposing and is big in build. For a car to be called a Muscle Car, it must have a large engine displacement accompanied by a V8 cylinder configuration, complimented by rear-wheel drive. Sure, muscle cars aren't the best when it comes to fuel economy and reliability but they sure as hell are ballistic! There definitely isn't anything as entertaining as watching a 67' Shelby Mustang roar down an Interstate Highway in the US. Remember Eleanor from Gone in 60 Seconds or Dominic's Dodge Charger from the Fast and Furious movies.

So has India ever seen any muscle cars ? The answer is yes. The 5.0 litre V8 Ford Mustang is officially available in India. Besides that, there are some raw muscle cars from the 1960s and 70s that can be found. But of course, they are imports that were brought down back in the day and are lucky enough to be surviving to this day at the hand of loving owners who can afford their upkeep.

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That leaves us with the question- Has India ever produced a muscle car ? The simple answer is No. Most cars produced in India haven't seen more than 4 cylinder engines.

Let's rephrase the question..

Has a car sold in India been perceived as muscle car due to certain traits ? YES! The car in question is of course, none other than the Hindustan Contessa. Let's take a look at how the Contessa came about and see what exactly it is that has certain folks ogling at it.

Rewind to the 1980s…. The year is 1984.

India's automotive world was transformed forever just a few months ago owing to the launch of the Maruti 800 in December 1983 which revolutionised the way Indians drive and commute. The 800, as we know, began to sell like hot cakes shortly after its arrival, and this had manufacturers such as Hindustan Motors and Premier Autombiles LTD in a tizzy. For years before the happy little 800 came along, they sold the Indian consumers the age old Hindustan Ambassador and Premier Padmini with just minor touch ups and didn't realise Maruti would change everything overnight.

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HM decided to take matters into their own hands and launched the Contessa in 1984. The word ‘Contessa' means countess in Italian, which the car surely didn't resemble in any way. It was introduced by HM on the note that they wanted a modern and contemporary car to accompany the Ambassador.

The Contesssa was based on a British car called as the Vauxhall Victor and had a straight linear design such that the entire car , including the interior seemed as though it was designed with tools from a middle school geometry box. Despite its unimaginative simple design, the Contessa did look imposing and was buff , like the bodyguard of a powerful politician. No wonder it became popular among the netas and mantris !

Under the bonnet it had the same 1.5 litre carburetted petrol engine as the Ambassador. The engine was the ancient BMC B-Series pushrod engine. In case of the Contessa, it was mated to a floorshift gearbox which was essentially the same four speed unit from the Ambassador complimented by rear wheel drive. This dated combo made just about 49 horsepower and ensured the hunky Contessa needed to go on an immediate diet. It was perceived as a luxury car back then and came with features such as factory fitted air conditioning and felt upmarket compared to the Ambassador. But the lacklustre engine ensured it was a game of ‘All show and No Go'.

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It was then that HM upped the game and plonked in the respected and powerful 1800 ISZ engine into the Contessa and later the Ambassador. The 1.8 litre 4 cylinder engine mated to a five speed transmission made by Isuzu Japan was a welcome change and a humongous relief over the historic 1.5 BMC motor. The Contessa now had a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) engine and made a respectable 75 horsepower. The ISUZU engine models were called as the Contessa Classic and proudly wore a 1.8 GL badge on the boot. Further upgrades were also made such as better quality interior trims and upholstery, front disc brakes, dual barrel carburettor, electronic fuel pump and a new front grill to top it up ! It was then that sales started picking up and those who had some money to spare for a ‘modern' family car or simply wanted to look mean and rule the streets began to purchase the Contessa. The 1.8 Isuzu engine was indeed a sweet performer and caused the car to glide along swiftly after coming into its own. The Contessa had only one real rival-the Premier 118 NE , which was introduced by PAL in 1985.

In came the 1990s !

Maruti Suzuki sparked off the decade with a bang by launching an all new three box sedan called the Maruti 1000. The 1000 was compact and plush compared to the Contessa and 118NE instantly stealing the limelight as then luxury car that one could afford and wanted. The Contessa, however still found a fair number of takers, many of them being politicians who used white cars with black tints and a red beacon on the roof while others were loyalists. It also received a power steering and power windows , which the 1000 didn't have ! HM introduced a 2.0 Diesel engine for the Contessa in late 1990, to make it a favourable and economical option as the 1.8 Isuzu did not return the best fuel economy. The diesel engine was also made by Isuzu and made 55 horsepower. It met with success and received a more palatable front end with BMW style round headlights . A turbo-diesel model was introduced in the mid 90s which upped the power by a fair share.

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The mid 90s began to see the end of the Contessa. New and swanky cars came into the market which caught everyone's attention. Maruti introduced the Esteem, Daewoo brought its Cielo and Opel gave us the Astra. The Contessa, hence, stood no chance with its dated looks and by then dulled out features, it began to disappear into the dark. It was time the hunk retired.

In 1999-2000 a fuel injected petrol engine was introduced for the Contessa to meet emission norms. But no one was really interested in it. HM finally discontinued the Contessa in 2002 after a long production run of 18 years.

That was the story of the Contessa. One filled with ups and downs. Today, the Contessa is still remembered and has a decent fan following among enthusiasts. It is indeed a tough car with a persona of determination and might. It looks like it means business and can be aggressive when it wants to.

Does that make it a muscle car ?

Certainly Not !

But does that make it a desirable car ?

It sure does !