Maruti Suzuki, the largest car manufacturer in India, traces its roots back to 1983 with the launch of the iconic Maruti 800. Recently, the company repurchased and fully restored the first Maruti 800 ever sold. This iconic vehicle is now proudly showcased at the Maruti Suzuki headquarters in Delhi. The video shows how this first-ever Maruti on Indian roads looks after restoration.
The video seen here has been shared by Motor Planet Official on their YouTube channel. Maruti revolutionized the Indian automotive industry with the launch of the 800 in 1983. Priced at Rs 48,000, this hatchback marked a new era in affordable motoring.
The first car, delivered to Mr. Harpal Singh, an Indian Airlines employee, held a special significance as he received the keys from the then-Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, adding a unique touch to the historic moment.
Harpal Singh cherished and drove this car for decades. After his passing in 2010, followed by his wife’s in 2012, their children no longer used the vehicle, leaving it abandoned in an open space, collecting dust and rusting. Maruti officials discovered images of the neglected car and contacted the family. They repurchased and meticulously restored it, using genuine parts and panels to restore it to its original factory condition. Today, this beautifully restored car is proudly displayed at Maruti’s headquarters.
Maruti 800 Restored
Every metal component of this Maruti 800 has been carefully restored or replaced to its original state. The bumper, bonnet, headlamps, and turn indicators have all been replaced during the restoration process. The video showcases the newly restored front grille adorned with the iconic Maruti 800 badge.
Additionally, the metal bumpers now feature integrated turn indicators, while both the headlights and tail lamps have been carefully restored. Even the steel rims of this Maruti 800 have been restored to their former glory. Not stopping at the exterior, the interior of this compact hatchback has also been lovingly restored.
As part of the restoration project, the dashboard, switches, steering wheel, and instrument cluster of the Maruti 800 were all neatly restored to appear clean and brand new. The interior’s retro charm is accentuated by its simplistic design. Even after so many decades after the launch, the simple dashboard design looks classic.
The Maruti 800 is one of those cars which is meant to become a future classic. While the front seats feature adjustable headrests, the rear bench seats do not. The seat upholstery has been refreshed, now sporting a combination of black leatherette or rexine material with fabric inserts in the center. The fabric portion in the center gets a checkered design.
The Maruti 800 was a dream come true for many middle-class families aspiring to own a car. It was not the most feature-loaded vehicle available in the Indian market. Maruti offered the hatchback in three variants: Standard, AC, and Deluxe. None of the variants came with features like power windows or power steering.
Music systems and air conditioning features were offered as optional extras or with the AC and Deluxe variant. Powered by a 796-cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine producing 39.5 Ps and 59 Nm of peak torque, the Maruti 800 was a modest performer. Nowadays, finding a well-maintained Maruti 800 in its stock form is a challenge, as most have either been abandoned or heavily modified.