Looks like I need to clarify a few things. First of all, Cyrus, it's good to discuss all Fiats on this thread. It's of common interest, so it does not matter. However, moderators can decide finally and we must respect their decision. Second, my left hand drive is now officially Mumbai registered. It is now MH01YA3238 (it was KL05G7629). I need to collect the documents from my RTO person and then I will change the number plates. Thirdly, on the differences between the Premier President and the Premier Padmini, the Premier President was introduced in 1972 and continued till 1975. The Padmini was introduced in mid 1975. ALL CARS BEFORE PADMINI HAD ROUND SIDE INDICATORS. I HAVE SEEN THE DRAWINGS. Rectangular ones were introduced with the Padmini, not before.
All of you will be pleasantly surprised to know that I visited PAL factory for the first time somewhere in 1972 alongwith my parents as part of the shareholders visit (I was in school then). I saw brand new Premier Presidents from the first floor window of the canteen inside the factory (the final OK line was next to the canteen). The other important thing introduced on the Padmini was the "backlit instrument cluster" giving a sort of greenish glow and the changed wheel caps with circumferential depressions. The first body colour of the Padmini was lightish green. I saw the very first car delivered in Mumbai parked near 5 gardens in 1975. Incidentally, the Padmini and the blockbuster movie Sholay were released within months of each other. The Padmini in May 1975 and Sholay on 15 August 1975 in Minerva cinema in Bombay as Mumbai was then known. Also, I still remember all the cars parked inside the BCMA showroom in Opera House (there is a restaurant there now !). I used to go there, meet a particular old gentleman and buy spare parts. Oh, those days will never come back. A little bit of further nostalgia - when one of my father's friends bought a Premier Padmini "Economy" model in pale lilac (white) colour in 1986 from Maha Auto, we gave a cheque of Rs.79498.94 ON ROAD. I remember the exact amount. The registration number of that car was MFC5955.
I think I must write down my experiences within PAL from December 1976 to May 1977 and from April 1984 to June 1994. What do you suggest ? More typing at home for me.
Best regards,
Behram Dhabhar |