This resto-modded Hindustan Contessa is a gorgeous looker inside-out [Video]

Hindustan Motors Contessa is one of the most popular vintage cars in India now. It is not a vintage car exactly, but that term is used more than often for the car in the local car enthusiasts circle. What makes it so famous in the current scenario is its old school design which carries a bit of muscle car essence in it. The straight lines and muscular looking panels all come together to give it that familiar muscle car looks. The credit for this goes to the Vauxhall VX series car of 1976 on which the Contessa was based. The car is very popular among modification circuits and there are several beautiful examples around the country. The video below by Retro Classics India showcases another Hindustan Motors Contessa, which has been beautifully rest-modded and looks quite cool.

The HM Contessa was first launched in India in 1984 and had a pretty long stint till 2002 when it was finally discontinued. As seen in the video, this Contessa has been kept in its stock condition largely rather than going for some over the top look.  It is the Contessa Classic model here looks quite good and has been maintained well. The front end is largely stock with those twin pod round headlamps and chrome lined grille. A bumper is a new unit painted in black, though it is similar to the stock unit in design. The stock indicators are also placed in the bumper as was on the original car.

The rear end is slightly altered with new three pod taillamps that look quite good. the sides feature a chrome strip running across the shoulder line of the car that adds further class to it. The car is covered in a shade of brown and it suits the retro character of the car very well. The interiors seem to have been modified as well. A new aftermarket sporty steering wheel, custom black leather seats, and an armrest with metal surrounds can be seen in the video. A custom exhaust pipe is also seen during a short sequence. The car on runs on stylish multispoke rims painted in white. Complementing the rims are the yellow brake callipers which add a dash of sportiness to the overall character of the bike.

The Hindustan Motors Contessa was available with both petrol and diesel engines during its production run. The petrol engine was an 1817 cc, Inline 4 cylinder, SOHC with MPFI, Water cooled, Isuzu 4ZB1 unit that churned out a maximum power of 85 HP along with 135 Nm torque. The diesel, on the other hand, was a 1995 cc, Inline 4 cylinder, OHC, Water cooled, Isuzu 4FC1 engine that produced a maximum power of 55 HP along with 107 Nm torque. Both the engines were mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.