[KkVaidya]

Originally Posted by Viraat13

That is a fantastic colour! Really like how it's turning out. Are you planing a stock restoration?

Yes of course it is a stock restoration. Only change is exhaust headers which are designed 4 into 2 into 1. The sound also is stock as I love the deep bass of the engine.
Planning to incorporate power steering.

[Viraat13]

Originally Posted by KkVaidya

Yes of course it is a stock restoration. Only change is exhaust headers which are designed 4 into 2 into 1. The sound also is stock as I love the deep bass of the engine.
Planning to incorporate power steering.

Power steering shouldn't be too hard to incorporate. It used to cost about 10K in the early 00's. Don't know about now. I wonder if it is the same unit as the Ambassador.

[ajay99]

Can someone list out the changes in the contessa since its inception in 1984 to the last version in 2002.Basically there were 3 petrol models-Contessa,contessa classic 1.8GL and the contessa classic 1.8 GLX and the 2diesel versions .ThinK HM made small cosmetic changes in between.This would really help in checking out the originality as well as restoration

[Viraat13]

Originally Posted by ajay99

Can someone list out the changes in the contessa since its inception in 1984 to the last version in 2002.Basically there were 3 petrol models-Contessa,contessa classic 1.8GL and the contessa classic 1.8 GLX and the 2diesel versions .ThinK HM made small cosmetic changes in between.This would really help in checking out the originality as well as restoration

This should be interesting. As far as I know, the Contessa started out in life with a 1.5 litre petrol engine, the same engine was used in the Ambassador of the time. Then it moved on to the 1.8 litre Isuzu sourced engine (no idea about the dates) with the Nikki (?) carburettor which had poor FE, but high power (apparently 88 HP, but many argue this to be 75). Then to sort out the poor FE, a Mikuni carburettor was installed to solve the issue and then the power definitely dropped to 75 HP. Post this, HM partnered with Bosch for an MPFI system which again upped the power and FE, but I do not know by how much.

The diesels were the regular 2 litre diesel, and a fairly rare 2 litre turbo diesel.

The original Contessa came with the steel bumpers, and the large single unit head lamps which supposedly had poor throw and focus (never had a problem in 14 years, honestly), this generation also most likely had the silver framed tail lamps, as opposed to the black framed ones. They also had a large sign between the tail lamps saying HINDUSTAN at the back, which later changed to Classic in some, and a plain HM badge in others. The first generation 1.8 also had the steel wheels with the chrome grease caps and the door handles too, were made of chrome. The exterior grille was the grey one with the small squares. The steering wheel was the thin two spoke variety in this.

That is all from my side for now. I can't recall much more, but I do know what the first 1.8 is supposed to be like. Anyway, I in no way am an authority on this, but I will contribute what I know/think is correct.

[anjan_c2007]

When it featured in the Guinness Book of World Records , circumnavigating the globe in 39 DAYS FLAT



(Indian Auto March 1993)

[DicKy]

Originally Posted by anjan_c2007

When it featured in the Guinness Book of World Records , circumnavigating the globe in 39 DAYS FLAT

Attachment 1152380

(Indian Auto March 1993)

Read it in the 2004 edition of the Guinness book., but if i remember correctly, it was a couple who made the trip, not two guys.

[venkat kumar]

Hi Everybody
I need a set of aluminum grease cups for my 1988 contessa classic.I would be grateful if anyone could help me in locating a set. Thanks in advance.

Regards
Venkat Kumar

[KkVaidya]

The Insulation is done. As my car has an after-market AC, i had to block the air vents on both the corners of the firewall. The dealer or whoever had done the installation did not care much & just blocked it with a thermocol piece.

Car should be at home after Diwali I guess.

[badboyscad]

@kkvaidya: Please share what material have you used for insulation.

And guys, my conti restoration is nearing completition,im desperately looking for steel bumpers(front & rear).

Any leads regarding the bumpers would be of great help to me.

[KkVaidya]

Originally Posted by badboyscad

@kkvaidya: Please share what material have you used for insulation.

And guys, my conti restoration is nearing completition,im desperately looking for steel bumpers(front & rear).

Any leads regarding the bumpers would be of great help to me.

Pl. post your restoration pictures. The steel bumpers are almost impossible to source. I was lucky to find them just near my house. An '88 model which only had the wheels & body was parked for more then 1 year (its scrapped now) at a roadside garage. I just thought of inquiring if he had the bumpers & was lucky to find the bumpers stowed on the cellar just above his office. I asked if he wanted to sell - he said yes, for 5000/-. Went home, got the cash & voila.

The insulation material used is called 'Hitlon'. It is the usual soft grey materiel found locally.

[badboyscad]

Originally Posted by KkVaidya

Pl. post your restoration pictures.

Here, just a couple of pics. Don't have the entire set on my phone.

[KkVaidya]

Originally Posted by badboyscad

Here, just a couple of pics. Don't have the entire set on my phone.

Attachment 1157935
Attachment 1157936

What colour is it?
I see they have not removed the dashboard

[badboyscad]

Color is Moroccan blue. The same blue you see in the chevy beat. That is just a base coat you see in the pic.

[KkVaidya]

Originally Posted by badboyscad

Color is Moroccan blue. The same blue you see in the chevy beat. That is just a base coat you see in the pic.

I had considered that one but then settled for Deep Sea Blau with a touch of Black.
Was it painted in a booth or in the open? Pl. post final pictures after clear coat if possible.

[ganesc]

Originally Posted by badboyscad

Color is Moroccan blue. The same blue you see in the chevy beat. That is just a base coat you see in the pic.

Originally Posted by KkVaidya

I had considered that one but then settled for Deep Sea Blau with a touch of Black.
Was it painted in a booth or in the open? Pl. post final pictures after clear coat if possible.

Guys, any status updates? Please share a lot of pics please. You guys at least have the chance to own one of the most dream worthy cars in India!

That dark blue! Wow! Looks beautiful. Please share pics.