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{{distinguish|Hino Contessa}}
{{distinguish|Hino Contessa}}
{{Refimprove|date=October 2012}}
{{More citations needed|date=October 2012}}
{{Infobox automobile
{{Infobox automobile
|image= File:Hindustan Contessa Diesel (Goa, 1994).jpg
|image = Hindustan Contessa Diesel (Goa, 1994).jpg
|caption = 1990s Hindustan Contessa Diesel (facelift model with locally redesigned bumpers)
|caption = 1990s Hindustan Contessa Diesel (facelift model with locally redesigned bumpers)
|name=Hindustan Contessa
|name = Hindustan Contessa
|manufacturer=[[Hindustan Motors]]
|manufacturer = [[Hindustan Motors]]
|production=1984–2002
|production = 1984–2002
|body_style=4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]]
|body_style = 4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]]
| layout = [[FR layout]]
| layout = [[FR layout]]
| Platform = [[GM V platform]]
| platform = [[GM V platform]]
| engine = {{ubl
| engine = 1.5&nbsp;L ''[[BMC B-Series engine|BMC B-Series]]'' OHV [[Inline-four engine|I4]]<br/>1.8&nbsp;L ''[[List of Isuzu engines#4ZB1|4ZB1]]'' I4<br/>2.0&nbsp;L ''[[List of Isuzu engines#4FC1|4FC1]]'' [[Diesel engine|diesel]] I4<br/>2.0&nbsp;L ''[[List of Isuzu engines#4FC1|4FC1-T]]'' [[turbodiesel]] I4
| 1.5&nbsp;L ''[[BMC B-Series engine|BMC B-Series]]'' OHV [[Straight-four engine|I4]]
⚫
| transmission = 4-speed [[manual transmission|manual]] (BMC)<br/>5-speed manual (Isuzu)
| 1.8&nbsp;L ''[[List of Isuzu engines#4ZB1|4ZB1]]'' I4
⚫
| wheelbase = {{convert|2,667|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| 2.0&nbsp;L ''[[List of Isuzu engines#4FC1|4FC1]]'' [[Diesel engine|diesel]] I4
⚫
| length = {{convert|4,591|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| 2.0&nbsp;L ''[[List of Isuzu engines#4FC1|4FC1-T]]'' [[turbodiesel]] I4
⚫
| width = {{convert|1,699|mm|1|abbr=on}}
}}
⚫
| height = {{convert|1,432|mm|1|abbr=on}}
⚫
| transmission = 4-speed [[manual transmission|manual]] (BMC)<br />5-speed manual (Isuzu)
⚫
| weight = {{Convert|1,200|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
⚫
| wheelbase = {{convert|2667|mm|1|abbr=on}}
⚫
| related = [[Vauxhall VX Series]]
⚫
| length = {{convert|4591|mm|1|abbr=on}}
⚫
|class= [[Large family car]]
⚫
| width = {{convert|1699|mm|1|abbr=on}}
⚫
| height = {{convert|1432|mm|1|abbr=on}}
⚫
| weight = {{Convert|1200|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
⚫
| related = [[Vauxhall Victor FE]]
⚫
|class = [[Large family car]]
}}
}}


The '''Hindustan Contessa''' was a model of [[automobile|car]] which was manufactured by [[Hindustan Motors]] (HM) of [[India]] from 1984 to 2002. It was based on the [[Vauxhall VX Series]] of 1976 to 1978, itself a development of the [[Vauxhall Victor FE]]. When introduced in 1983, it was one of the few Indian manufactured luxury cars in the market. One of its few indigenous competitors was the short-lived [[Standard (Indian automobile)#Standard 2000|Standard 2000]] which was based on the [[Rover SD1]] and the Premier 118 NE was based on [[Fiat 124]]. The Contessa was a popular choice amongst government officials.
The '''Hindustan Contessa''' is an automobile which was manufactured by [[Hindustan Motors]] (HM) of India from 1984 to 2002. It was based on the [[Vauxhall VX Series]] of 1976 to 1978, itself a development of the [[Vauxhall Victor FE]]. When introduced in 1983, it was one of the few Indian manufactured luxury cars in the market. One of its few indigenous competitors was the short-lived [[Standard (Indian automobile)#Standard 2000|Standard 2000]] which was based on the [[Rover SD1]] and the Premier 118 NE was based on [[Fiat 124]]. The Contessa was a popular choice amongst government officials. It was nicknamed "The Indian Benz" due to its premium luxury and comfort.


==History==
==History==
By the late 1970s, HM was ready to introduce a more modern car in the Indian market after having produced the ageing [[Hindustan Ambassador|Ambassador]] for three decades. They were successful in acquiring the production tooling and technology of the [[Vauxhall VX Series]], a car that was phased out in the UK in 1978.<ref>[http://vauxpedianet.uk2sitebuilder.com/vauxhall-v72---94000-fe-vx-series-aka-hindustan-contessa Vauxhall V72 Platform - 94000 FE VX Series aka Hindustan Contessa, vauxpedianet.uk2sitebuilder.com] Retrieved 5 May 2016</ref> The production line was set up alongside the Ambassador at Uttarpara near Kolkata and the first test cars were ready by 1982. Series production was under way by the spring of 1984.<ref name="AR87">{{cite book | title = Automobil Revue 1987 | editor-last = Büschi | editor-first = Hans-Ulrich | publisher = Hallwag AG | location = Berne, Switzerland | language = German, French | page = 312 | volume = 82 |date=5 March 1987 | isbn = 3-444-00458-3 }}</ref>
By the late 1970s, HM was ready to introduce a more modern car in the Indian market after having produced the ageing [[Hindustan Ambassador|Ambassador]] for three decades. They were successful in acquiring the production tooling and technology of the [[Vauxhall VX Series]], a car that was phased out in the UK in 1978.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://vauxpedianet.uk2sitebuilder.com/vauxhall-v72---94000-fe-vx-series-aka-Hindustan-contessa | title = Vauxhall V72 Platform - 94000 FE VX Series aka Hindustan Contessa | work = vauxpedianet | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170213084415/http://vauxpedianet.uk2sitebuilder.com/vauxhall-v72---94000-fe-vx-series-aka-hindustan-contessa | archive-date=2017-02-13 }}</ref> The production line was set up alongside the Ambassador at [[Uttarpara]] near Kolkata and the first test cars were ready by 1982. Series production was underway by the spring of 1984.<ref name="AR87">{{cite book | title = Automobil Revue 1987 | editor-last = Büschi | editor-first = Hans-Ulrich | publisher = Hallwag AG | location = Berne, Switzerland | language = German, French | page = 312 | volume = 82 |date=5 March 1987 | isbn = 3-444-00458-3 }}</ref>


To keep the costs under check, HM Contessa was introduced to the Indian market with the {{convert|50|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} 1.5&nbsp;L [[BMC B-Series engine]] which also powered the [[Hindustan Ambassador|Ambassador]], in a slightly modified form along with the Hindustan four-speed gearbox.<ref name="AR87"/> The press was upbeat about the roomy interior and plush ride, but was critical about the grossly underpowered engine and equally primitive gearbox. Top speed was only around {{convert|125|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}, although there was also version with higher 8.3:1 compression which offered {{convert|54|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="AR87"/>
To keep development costs in check, the HM Contessa was introduced to the Indian market with the {{convert|50|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} 1.5&nbsp;L [[BMC B-Series engine]] which also powered the [[Hindustan Ambassador|Ambassador]] in a slightly modified form along with the Hindustan four-speed gearbox both from the early 1950s.The Contessa was thus a car introduced in 1984 with a 1970 body and 1950 engine and gearbox.<ref name="AR87"/> The press was upbeat about the roomy interior and plush ride, but was critical about the grossly underpowered engine and equally primitive gearbox. Top speed was only around {{convert|125|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}, although there was also a version with higher 8.3:1 compression which offered {{convert|54|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="AR87"/>


===Isuzu-engined era===
===Isuzu-engine era===
[[File:Hindustan Contessa (Indian built Vauxhall Victor FE lookalike) (16465333065).jpg|thumb|left|Rear of a Contessa Classic 1.8 GL]]
[[File:Hindustan Contessa (Indian built Vauxhall Victor FE lookalike) (16465333065).jpg|thumb|left|Rear of a Contessa Classic 1.8 GL]]
By the late eighties, Hindustan had tied-up with [[Isuzu]] of Japan and started manufacturing their 1.8&nbsp;L [[List of Isuzu engines#Isuzu Z engine|4ZB1]] petrol engine and matching five-speed gearbox for installation in the Contessa. The new car was called the Contessa Classic with distinctive "CLASSIC" and "1.8GL" badging on the trunk lid. The car was an instant success and set a new standard for refinement, power and luxury in the Indian market. The BMC-engined model was phased out in short order. The car can achieve an increased top speed of 160&nbsp;km/h.
By the late eighties, Hindustan had tied-up with [[Isuzu]] of Japan and started manufacturing their 1.8&nbsp;L [[List of Isuzu engines#Isuzu Z engine|4ZB1]] petrol engine and matching five-speed gearbox for installation in the Contessa. The new car was called the Contessa Classic with distinctive "CLASSIC" and "1.8GL" badging on the trunk lid. The Isuzu-engined car quickly displaced the BMC-engined model, which was phased out in short order. The car achieved an increased top speed of around 160&nbsp;km/h.


Even though the Contessa was based on a 1970s design, the interior was surprisingly quiet and the seats were extremely comfortable for the passengers. The basic design of Contessa has remained the same throughout its life, though HM made minor updates throughout the life of the model. Numerous features like fuel injection, power windows, power steering, fat bumpers, upgraded headlights, air conditioning, etcetera, were introduced in phases to keep the car appealing to the premium customer.
Even though the Contessa was based on a 1970s design, the interior was quiet and the seats were considered to be extremely comfortable. The basic design of the Contessa has remained the same throughout its life, though HM made minor updates throughout the life of the model such as a revised grille during the 1990s. Numerous features like fuel injection, power windows, power steering, bigger bumpers, upgraded headlights, air conditioning, etcetera, were introduced in phases to keep the car appealing to the premium customer.


In the 1990s, Hindustan started manufacturing the 2.0&nbsp;L [[List of Isuzu engines#Isuzu Diesel|Isuzu 4FC1]] diesel engine that came to power the Contessa Diesel. It as well was an instant success. A turbodiesel version was also introduced a few years later.
In the 1990s, Hindustan started manufacturing the 2.0&nbsp;L [[List of Isuzu engines#Isuzu Diesel|Isuzu 4FC1]] diesel engine that came to power the Contessa Diesel. The diesel was a reasonably strong seller, considering its high price. A turbo diesel version was introduced a few years later.


However, after the advent of more modern cars from GM, Ford, Fiat, Tata etc., the demand for the Contessa began to wane. Maruti Suzuki had grabbed the lion's share of the market and the intense competition between the new auto manufacturers brought modern fuel-efficient cars to the Indian marketplace in the late 1990s. The constant rise of petrol prices was the final nail in the coffin for the now comparably thirsty Contessa, which was phased out in 2002. Towards the end of production, there were three versions of this car; 1.8 GLX (Isuzu petrol), 2.0 DLX (Isuzu diesel) and 2.0 TD (Isuzu turbodiesel).
However, after the advent of more modern cars from GM, Ford, Fiat, Tata, etcetera, the demand for the Contessa began to wane. Maruti Suzuki had grabbed the lion's share of the market and intense competition between the new auto manufacturers brought modern fuel-efficient cars to the Indian marketplace in the late 1990s. The constant rise of petrol prices was the final nail in the coffin for the now comparably thirsty Contessa, which was phased out in 2002. Towards the end of production, there were three versions of this car; the 1.8 GLX (Isuzu petrol), 2.0 DLX (Isuzu diesel) and 2.0 TD (Isuzu turbo diesel).


==Specification==
==Specification==
Line 42: Line 47:


===Engine (1800 Isuzu)===
===Engine (1800 Isuzu)===
*Type - Inline-four, SOHC with [[Fuel injection|MPFI]]
*Type: Inline-four, SOHC with carburettor. [[Fuel injection|MPFI]] from 2000 when new pollution norms kicked in, requiring fuel injection
*Fuel - petrol
*Fuel: Petrol
*Capacity - 1,817&nbsp;cc
*Capacity: 1.8&nbsp;L
*Bore / Stroke - 84 / 82&nbsp;mm
*Bore / stroke: 84 / 82&nbsp;mm
*Compression Ratio - 8.5 : 1
*Compression ratio: 8.5:1
*Maximum power: {{cvt|88|bhp|kW|0}} at 5,000&nbsp;rpm for early fully imported assembled engines; {{cvt|75|bhp|kW|0}} for later engines assembled locally by Hindustan Motors
*Max. Power - 85 HP at 5,000 rpm
*Max. Torque - 13.8 Kgm at 3,000 rpm
*Maximum torque: {{cvt|13.8|kgm|Nm lbft|0|order=out}} at 3,000&nbsp;rpm
*Cooling - Water-cooled
*Cooling: Water-cooled


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Cars of India]]
[[Category:Cars of India]]

[[Category:Cars introduced in 1984]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1984]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 2002]]
[[Category:Mid-size cars]]

Latest revision as of 04:17, 20 June 2024

Not to be confused with Hino Contessa.
Hindustan Contessa
1990s Hindustan Contessa Diesel (facelift model with locally redesigned bumpers)
Overview
ManufacturerHindustan Motors
Production1984–2002
Body and chassis
ClassLarge family car
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFR layout
PlatformGM V platform
RelatedVauxhall Victor FE
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission4-speed manual (BMC)
5-speed manual (Isuzu)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,667 mm (105.0 in)
Length4,591 mm (180.7 in)
Width1,699 mm (66.9 in)
Height1,432 mm (56.4 in)
Curb weight1,200 kg (2,600 lb)

The Hindustan Contessa is an automobile which was manufactured by Hindustan Motors (HM) of India from 1984 to 2002. It was based on the Vauxhall VX Series of 1976 to 1978, itself a development of the Vauxhall Victor FE. When introduced in 1983, it was one of the few Indian manufactured luxury cars in the market. One of its few indigenous competitors was the short-lived Standard 2000 which was based on the Rover SD1 and the Premier 118 NE was based on Fiat 124. The Contessa was a popular choice amongst government officials. It was nicknamed "The Indian Benz" due to its premium luxury and comfort.

History

[edit]

By the late 1970s, HM was ready to introduce a more modern car in the Indian market after having produced the ageing Ambassador for three decades. They were successful in acquiring the production tooling and technology of the Vauxhall VX Series, a car that was phased out in the UK in 1978.[1] The production line was set up alongside the Ambassador at Uttarpara near Kolkata and the first test cars were ready by 1982. Series production was underway by the spring of 1984.[2]

To keep development costs in check, the HM Contessa was introduced to the Indian market with the 50 hp (37 kW) 1.5 L BMC B-Series engine which also powered the Ambassador in a slightly modified form along with the Hindustan four-speed gearbox both from the early 1950s.The Contessa was thus a car introduced in 1984 with a 1970 body and 1950 engine and gearbox.[2] The press was upbeat about the roomy interior and plush ride, but was critical about the grossly underpowered engine and equally primitive gearbox. Top speed was only around 125 km/h (78 mph), although there was also a version with higher 8.3:1 compression which offered 54 hp (40 kW).[2]

Isuzu-engine era

[edit]
Rear of a Contessa Classic 1.8 GL

By the late eighties, Hindustan had tied-up with Isuzu of Japan and started manufacturing their 1.8 L 4ZB1 petrol engine and matching five-speed gearbox for installation in the Contessa. The new car was called the Contessa Classic with distinctive "CLASSIC" and "1.8GL" badging on the trunk lid. The Isuzu-engined car quickly displaced the BMC-engined model, which was phased out in short order. The car achieved an increased top speed of around 160 km/h.

Even though the Contessa was based on a 1970s design, the interior was quiet and the seats were considered to be extremely comfortable. The basic design of the Contessa has remained the same throughout its life, though HM made minor updates throughout the life of the model such as a revised grille during the 1990s. Numerous features like fuel injection, power windows, power steering, bigger bumpers, upgraded headlights, air conditioning, etcetera, were introduced in phases to keep the car appealing to the premium customer.

In the 1990s, Hindustan started manufacturing the 2.0 L Isuzu 4FC1 diesel engine that came to power the Contessa Diesel. The diesel was a reasonably strong seller, considering its high price. A turbo diesel version was introduced a few years later.

However, after the advent of more modern cars from GM, Ford, Fiat, Tata, etcetera, the demand for the Contessa began to wane. Maruti Suzuki had grabbed the lion's share of the market and intense competition between the new auto manufacturers brought modern fuel-efficient cars to the Indian marketplace in the late 1990s. The constant rise of petrol prices was the final nail in the coffin for the now comparably thirsty Contessa, which was phased out in 2002. Towards the end of production, there were three versions of this car; the 1.8 GLX (Isuzu petrol), 2.0 DLX (Isuzu diesel) and 2.0 TD (Isuzu turbo diesel).

Specification

[edit]

The specifications of the petrol engined Contessa are as follows:

Engine (1800 Isuzu)

[edit]
  • Type: Inline-four, SOHC with carburettor. MPFI from 2000 when new pollution norms kicked in, requiring fuel injection
  • Fuel: Petrol
  • Capacity: 1.8 L
  • Bore / stroke: 84 / 82 mm
  • Compression ratio: 8.5:1
  • Maximum power: 88 bhp (66 kW) at 5,000 rpm for early fully imported assembled engines; 75 bhp (56 kW) for later engines assembled locally by Hindustan Motors
  • Maximum torque: 135 N⋅m (100 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm
  • Cooling: Water-cooled

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Vauxhall V72 Platform - 94000 FE VX Series aka Hindustan Contessa". vauxpedianet. Archived from the original on 2017-02-13.
  2. ^ a b c Büschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (5 March 1987). Automobil Revue 1987 (in German and French). Vol. 82. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG. p. 312. ISBN 3-444-00458-3.
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