Hindustan Contessa

Hindustan Contessa
1990s Hindustan Contessa Diesel (facelift model with locally redesigned bumpers)
Overview
Manufacturer	Hindustan Motors
Production	1984–2002
Body and chassis
Class	Large family car
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Related	Vauxhall VX Series
Powertrain
Engine	1.5 L BMC B-Series OHV I4 1.8 L 4ZB1 I4 2.0 L 4FC1 diesel I4 2.0 L 4FC1-T turbodiesel I4
Transmission	4-speed manual (BMC) 5-speed manual (Isuzu)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,667 mm (105.0 in)
Length	4,591 mm (180.7 in)
Width	1,699 mm (66.9 in)
Height	1,432 mm (56.4 in)
Curb weight	1,200 kg (2,600 lb)

The Hindustan Contessa was a model of car which was manufactured by Hindustan Motors (HM) of India from 1984 to 2002. It was based on the Vauxhall VX Series of 1976 to 1978, itself a development of the Vauxhall Victor FE. When introduced in 1983, it was one of the few Indian manufactured luxury cars in the market. One of its few indigenous competitors was the short-lived Standard 2000 which was based on the Rover SD1 and the Premier 118 NE was based on Fiat 124 .The Contessa was a popular choice amongst government officials.

By the late 1970s, HM was ready to introduce a more modern car in the Indian market after having produced the ageing Ambassador for three decades. They were successful in acquiring the production tooling and technology of the Vauxhall VX Series, a car that was phased out in the UK in 1978. The production line was set up alongside the Ambassador at Uttarpara near Kolkata and the first test cars were ready by 1982. Series production was under way by the spring of 1984.

To keep the costs under check, HM Contessa was introduced to the Indian market with the 50 hp (37 kW) 1.5 L BMC B-Series engine which also powered the Ambassador, in a slightly modified form along with the Hindustan four-speed gearbox. The press was upbeat about the roomy interior and plush ride, but was critical about the grossly underpowered engine and equally primitive gearbox. Top speed was only around 125 km/h (78 mph), although there was also version with higher 8.3:1 compression which offered 54 hp (40 kW).

By the late eighties, Hindustan had tied-up with Isuzu of Japan and started manufacturing their 1.8 L 4ZB1 petrol engine and matching five-speed gearbox for installation in the Contessa. The new car was called the Contessa Classic with distinctive "CLASSIC" and "1.8GL" badging on the trunk lid. The car was an instant success and set a new standard for refinement, power and luxury in the Indian market. The BMC-engined model was phased out in short order. The car can achieve an increased top speed of 160 km/h.