The iconic Maruti 800 celebrates its 37th anniversary

The Maruti 800 was launched at a price of Rs. 47,500.

It has been 37 years since the first Maruti 800 rolled off the production line in India. The car has since achieved iconic status.

Former Prime Minster of India Indira Gandhi inaugurated the Maruti Suzuki factory on December 14, 1983. On the same day, Harpal Singh became the first person to take delivery of a Maruti 800. He received the keys to his new car from Mrs. Gandhi herself. The first owner was chosen via a lucky draw.

The Maruti 800 was launched at a price of Rs. 47,500. It remained the best-selling car in India till 2004. Maruti sold more than 27 lakh units of the 800 in India.

The Maruti 800 was based on the Suzuki Fronte SS80. The first batch of the 800 was imported as a completely knocked down (CKD) kit.

The model went out of production on January 18, 2014.