India is waking up to the idea of maintaining their vintage rides. There are many such examples of modified 800s, Ambassadors, etc. Here are 10 resto mods that make you go ‘WOW’
Maruti SS80
Here is India’s best known hatchback, the 800, or the SS80 – its first generation. This one here has been given a complete make over and the car looks fabulous. It has gotten a fresh red paint, new headlamps (projector), new grille (Japanese style), a new front splitter (carbon fibre), new door mirrors, new tail lamps, new alloys and new spoiler.
Under the hood too there have been a lot of changes. The existing carburettor engine has been converted to fuel injected one, the brakes now have power assistance, the car has electronic power steering, new AC, new wiring harness and this one now has central locking. The interiors too have been done up now.
Fiat Padmini
Here is another sexy restomod. The work has been done in Kerala. The car now has a custom blue/white paint shade, a new wide body with flared fenders, larger wheels sitting on low profile tyres, the bumpers have been removed for a cleaner look, there is now a new grille and the headlamps have been updated with projectors as opposed to the normal bulbs otherwise. The insides have been done up too with leather seats and leather dash, which gives it a luxurious feel on the inside.
Premier 118 NE
This 118 NE is powered by a 1.2 liter petrol engine, has an exterior and interior which has been completely restored and has a custom blue paint shade. The car sits on 13″ steel rims and now has been lowered with lowering springs. The engine now has a custom exhaust to make it sound nice.
HM Ambassador
How can we do a restoration story and not have an Ambassador. The Amby, as it is commonly known is a vehicle that most of India has grown up with. It is a car with the best rear bench. This one here has been restored with a custom red shade, new alloys, a roof which has been finished in black and the chrome has been replaced by gold stripes.
Mitsubishi Lancer
The Lancer is a car that needs no introduction. At one point in all our lives, we have lusted over this car. While the brand has died down, the Lancer still continues to be a strong product even now, with many modified examples across the country.
Here is one well maintained Lancer, which doesn’t look over done. It now has a custom blue paint shade, custom lowering springs, an Evo body kit which isn’t too over the top, 17″ Lenso rims and a custom exhaust system. This is still among the more sportier sedans that India has seen.
Skoda Octavia vRS Combi
The vRS is a brand every enthusiast is aware of. When Skoda introduced the vRS is the country, it won over the heart of all enthusiasts. Then, they introduced the Combi, which made perfect sense given its practicality, however India never respected estates and the Combi was a failure.
The vehicle still has a special place in our hearts and this one here is very well restored. It has a custom grey shade, 18″ BBS rims, a KW suspension upgrade and a roof box. Under the hood, the car now has a larger turbo which takes power up to 300 Bhp. Who said racy cars can’t be practical?
Mahindra MM540
The MM540 here has been given an update. It now has a 1.8 liter Isuzu engine which has been supercharged, it has improved injectors and fuel pump, a stage 2 clutch, a 4 wheel drive Isuzu Trooper 5-speed gearbox and offroad rims and tyres. Certainly an interesting project.
Honda City
The Type-Z has always been a modifiers delight. Here is one example of a cleanly done City. It now has an Automech free flow exhaust, K&N air filter, 17″ Lenso rims and custom loweing springs. The car also sports a body kit with a front splitter and side skirts.
Maruti Zen
The Zen was a truly loved hatchback in the Indian market. The sporty drive, the frugality and the practicality were unmatched. Maruti also came out with a limited edition 2-door version of the Zen, called the Carbon/Steel. Here is one example of a Carbon Zen, which is well restored. It has new alloys, auxiliary lamps up front and custom stripes. While the mods are understaded, the certainly make the car look fresh.
Maruti Gypsy
The Gypsy is among the cheapest SUVs the country has had. The Gypsy has been on sale for a really long period of time, which means it has a lot of fans, especially in the rally circuit. Here is one that has been given a major makeover. It now features a 1.6 liter engine from the Baleno, a Raj Hingorani side exhaust system, custom orange paint, wide body fenders and off-road bumpers. It also has off-road tyres and snorkel.
