1987 Hindustan Ambassador Gets A Modern Makeover [Video]
The Hindustan Ambassador is one of the most iconic automotive models to ever go on sale in India. Back in its days, the Ambassador was even used by the bureaucrats! Hindustan Motors, however, stopped the production of this iconic model in 2014, and it is difficult to find a well-kept or neatly built unit today. A video shared on the channel Arunav Doon , shows a 1987 Ambassador that has been tastefully resto-modded. Instead of drawing it closer to the stock form, this owner ( who lives in Kerala's Irinjalakuda) has converted it to a form that's more modern, liveable and comfortable.
The video shows every detail of the build. Most details remain true to those of the original Ambassador. Hindustan Motors sold the fourth generation Ambassador (Amby)- Mark 4, in 1987. This generation, in fact, was on sale from 1979 to 1990.
The Mark 4 used to come with small square lamps that sit below the headlamp units and bumper-mounted turn indicators. This build, however, features circular turn indicators that sit below the headlamps- just like what we saw in later Amby models like the Classic. Even the grille design seems to stem from the Classic.
The ORVMs used in this case, belong to Suzuki Baleno and thus feature electric adjustment and folding. There are even integrated indicator lamps on these. This car also gets pull-type door handles which are modern and easier to use. Furthermore, the tailgate has been fitted with gas struts for easier operation.
This custom Ambassador was built at Unni Auto Garage in Thrissur. The video explains the changes made, in detail. Back in its day, the Mark 4 featured BMC (British Motor Corporation) engines, and the build retains the same. It has been paired with an Isuzu-sourced 5-speed transmission.
The clutch comes from Ashok Leyland Dost. It has been engineered and installed in a way that the pedal feels very light.
The cooling department has sourced its components primarily from Skoda. The radiator, fan and even the power steering have both been sourced from the Czech carmaker. The car has been fitted with a 90A alternator.
The compressor for the air conditioning (AC) system comes from Maruti Ertiga. The AC compressor and power steering now use 6pk belts (like many modern cars), which offer good durability and efficiency. The oil filter has also been modified. The vehicle also comes with a double-diaphragm booster and a Qualis-sourced diesel filter.
Several changes can be seen inside the cabin. The key focus seems to have been on liveability, comfort and practicality. The dashboard has been sourced from Ford Fiesta. An Android-based touchscreen infotainment system has been installed.
The bucket seats at the front come from Skoda Laura. Though the steering wheel is from the Fiesta, it now wears an 'HM' logo. The seat and dashboard upholstery and roof-liners have been done by Coimbatore-based 'Koyas'. Looking closer, you would also find out that the handbrake belongs to some Suzuki model!
Here's Another Mark 4!
If you already feel like seeing more Mark 4-based mods and builds, here's another example. Built by Mangalore-based Kamcustoms, this build has a clear retro-modern air to it. It wears a custom paint job, and has a front grille that displays the 'Ambassador' lettering. The original headlamps have been swapped with LED units with ring-type LED DRLs. Even the indicator lamps are now LEDs.
The bumper has been restyled, and now houses an integrated LED fog lamp. The car, however, retains the Nickel-plated design of its bumper and rides on alloy wheels. This build also gets electrically adjustable ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors), and central locking. The tail lamps too have been upgraded to LEDs.
The cabin boasts significant updates like the addition of a custom-fabricated dashboard, new leather upholstery, better seats, Skoda-sourced electrically adjustable front seats, power windows, air conditioning, push-button start, a Pioneer touchscreen, ambient lights and more.
On the mechanical front, the original petrol engine of the donor car has been replaced with an Isuzu diesel engine. Isuzu swaps were common on Ambassadors, back in its day.