This Is India's First Maruti 800 And It Has Now Been Restored To Its Original Condition [Video]
There are only a few other cars in Indian automotive history which are as iconic as the Maruti 800 hatchback. This vehicle was every middle-class family’s dream back in the 1980s. It was first launched in 1983, and recently we came across a video on the internet showing the very first Maruti 800 which was manufactured and delivered in India. This timeless piece of Indian automotive history is shown in a detailed walkaround video.
India's first Maruti 800
This in-depth detailed walkaround video of India’s first customer-delivered Maruti 800 has been shared on YouTube by Motor Planet Official on their channel. In this short video, the host gives each and every detail of this historic Maruti 800. It starts off with the host mentioning that back in 1983, the price of this vehicle was Rs 47,500. Today, it may seem like a very small amount. However, back in the day, it was a lot.
Following this, the host highlights that what makes India's Maruti 800 more special is the delivery of it. He stated and then showed the cutout of the newspaper in which the Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, was seen handing over the keys to this particular car to its owner on December 13.
The car was originally bought by Harpal Singh, an Indian Airlines employee. Following this, the host mentions that today, if you want to see this historic car, you'll have to reach Maruti Suzuki Headquarters, located in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. It now serves as a heritage piece which shows the humble beginnings of the Maruti Suzuki brand in India, which currently is the largest automaker in India.
How did it come back to Maruti Suzuki?
As per the video, the vehicle since 1983 was with its first owner, Harpal Singh. Unfortunately, Singh passed away in 2010, and soon after him, his wife also passed away in 2012. Following this, the vehicle was left stranded and neglected in an open parking space, which caused its condition to get completely deteriorated.
A few years later, the images of this particular 800 became viral on the internet. Given the historical significance of this vehicle, these images reached Maruti Suzuki, after which the company contacted the family of late Harpal Singh and requested them to sell the car back. The family then agreed, and the vehicle came back to Maruti Suzuki.
Restoration process
The company then started the restoration project of this vehicle. It made sure to use all the original parts. Maruti Suzuki replaced and repaired all corroded panels. It also refurbished the bumper, bonnet, grille, and headlamps. The original 800 features the “Maruti 800” badge on the grille, metal bumper with integrated turn indicators. Its original steel rims were also restored.
As for the interior restoration, the company has fully restored it to stock condition. The switchgear, steering, instrument cluster, and other components have been repaired or replaced. The 800 at the front came with adjustable headrests, and in the rear, it had a fixed bench without headrests. The entire interior is finished in black leatherette (rexine) with fabric checkered inserts.
Engine
The original Maruti 800 came equipped with a 796-cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine that generated 39.5 PS and 59 Nm of peak torque. It was offered in three variants, namely Standard, AC, and Deluxe. The base variant did not come with power windows, power steering, or any music system. The AC was also offered as a premium feature.