The Internet makes the world a small place. As India got access to social networking in the early 2010s, an exchange of automotive information and growing trends took place in all age groups. As supercars and exotics started seeing the Indian roads more, the classic and vintage car world also saw substantial growth. Previously, only the imported old cars were treated as real classic and vintage cars. Lately, we have been seeing Indian cars joining the modern classic and collectible stable. Cars like the Premier Padmini, Ambassador, Zen Carbon/Steel, Palio S10, early City VTEC, and much more have become desirable. In the modern era, there are a few such examples that have the potential to become real collectibles due to their exclusivity and revolutionary characteristics.
The Punto, Avventura Urban Cross, and the 500 saw the Abarth variants in the Indian market. With a T-Jet 145 bhp engine being the highlight, the Punto Abarth became the benchmark of the hot hatch segment. Technically speaking, Punto Abarth was the only hot hatch being sold with all the required sporty credentials built for the enthusiast. The cute Fiat 500 with the Abarth treatment makes the most unique Fiat ever sold in India. Finding one is very tough as they hardly saw sales. The Punto + Avventura together sold 357 units in India.
Volkswagen launched the true GTI in India being a complete CBU with a 1.8 TSI 190 bhp engine with a 7-speed DSG gearbox making it the most technically advanced hot hatch. Due to plenty of aftermarket support, the 99 models which VW brought to India were sold at a decent pace but the last lot was sold at discounts. Finding a 100% stock car can be a bit challenging but it was a revolution that no manufacturer can ever match.
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This was the true first affordable sports car for the Indian market which entered India in 2001. The legacy extended to Laura VRS as well but it only had cosmetic changes, unlike the Octavia VRS which had a 1.8L 150 bhp turbo engine with stiffened chassis for that extra driving involvement. Later, the VRS 230 and VRS 245 provided real justice to the badge by providing top-spec electric tech to put all the power down on the road. Due to all the electrics, an ECU tune with some change in mechanical components makes this car tuneable up to 400 bhp or more. The VRS badge has retained its specialty for 20 years and that's what makes it special by always being one of the fastest in the segment. A stock car should be the real deal in the future for maximum reliability.
A short and sweet existence of 2 years on the road of Jayem Tata Performance. The journey started from the early 2000s with multiple prototypes from Indica Sport to Indica Vistas to Bolts and Zests and then finally resorting to Tiago/Tigor JTP. It was a 3 cylinder Turbo Petrol churning out 114 bhp with retuned suspension and steering to make it a perfect driver's car. Fully home-grown on the Ooty-Coimbatore stretch born in the corners were the JTP twins. This was the first successful attempt by an Indian manufacturer to build a sporty hot hatch with an aim to maximize handling ability than straight-line speed. The venture sadly ended at a very early stage and only 215 units were sold in the country. Soon, this car will become a collectible as the only sporty car ever made by Tata for enthusiasts. The subtle twins still stand out from the crowds without showcasing any flashy flamboyance whatsoever.
A fitting goodbye by Mahindra to the iconic off-roader was done by the launch of the last lot of Thar known as the ‘Thar 700'. The last 700 cars possessed wheels from the Scorpio with a bonnet and side decals. They also got new seat covers having Thar embroidery with 2 new color options called the Aquamarine and Napoli black. The most unique addition was the Thar 700 badging along with the signature of Anand Mahindra. Though it was mechanically identical to the regular Thar, it was the final edition of the Thar brand which got Mahindra and the off-road community of India emotionally closer.
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It is not necessary that a classic or a collectible has to be the best in class or should always top the sales charts. It is what the brand is capable of and the revolution which the brand brings in the market. The largest-selling car can also be a collectible whereas a poor performer can also be a collectible. It all depends on the innovations.
