At a time when buying even a scooter was considered a major achievement in India, a Sardar brought a car home. This was in 1983, when Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of the country. Punjab was passing through a difficult and sensitive phase during those years, yet people continued to pursue their aspirations. One such individual was Sardar Harpal Singh, whose name was recorded in history for becoming the first person to bring a Maruti 800 home.
Sardar Harpal Singh, a resident of Delhi and an employee of Indian Airlines, along with his wife, took delivery of their Maruti 800 on 14 December 1983. This car is widely recognised as the first Maruti 800 sold in India. The keys of the car were handed over to the couple by the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, marking a historic moment in India’s automobile journey.
Maruti’s Emotional Farewell
According to reports, on 18 January 2014, the last Maruti 800 rolled off the production line at the company’s Gurgaon factory. In 2010, Maruti Suzuki India Limited had announced its decision to discontinue the model that had transformed personal mobility in India, although few anticipated that 2014 would mark its final production year.
Even in its later years, the Maruti 800 continued to sell well in rural markets, leading many to believe that it was a car that would never truly fade away. A media report quoted C.V. Raman, Executive Director (Engineering) at Maruti Suzuki, as saying that while the company had an emotional connection with the vehicle, there comes a time when difficult decisions have to be taken.
Japan Was Also Surprised
The company gradually stopped selling the Maruti 800 in 16 cities, including several metro areas, as upgrading the model to meet BS-IV emission norms became unviable. However, Maruti Suzuki committed to producing spare parts for the car for at least ten years, ensuring continued support for existing owners.
The Maruti 800 was launched in 1983, about 14 months after the Indian government and Suzuki Motor Corporationsigned an agreement to manufacture an affordable car for the masses. Suzuki initially held a 26 percent stake in the company, then known as Maruti Udyog Limited. The Japanese automaker, which did not witness comparable success in many other global markets, later increased its stake to 40 percent in 1987 and 50 percent in 1992.
History of Maruti Cars
The origins of Maruti date back to 1971, when Maruti Limited was established. However, the company found real success after the formation of Maruti Udyog Limited in 1981. With the launch of its first car, the Maruti 800, in 1983, it revolutionised the Indian automobile sector by making car ownership accessible to the middle class. Over time, in collaboration with Suzuki, the company came to be known as Maruti Suzuki India Limited, which today stands as India’s largest automobile manufacturer.
Sanjay Gandhi as the First Managing Director
Maruti Limited was founded with the vision of producing an indigenous car for India, and Sanjay Gandhi became its first Managing Director. The Maruti 800 was formally launched on 14 December 1983, coinciding with Sanjay Gandhi’s birth anniversary. It is widely believed that the concept of an affordable people’s car was closely associated with his vision, and the Maruti 800 emerged as a realisation of that idea.
During that period, cars available in India, such as the Ambassador, Premier Padmini, Impala, and Contessa, were relatively expensive and less fuel-efficient. In contrast, the Maruti 800 offered better mileage at a lower price. It was powered by a 796cc, three-cylinder engine, producing 38 PS of power and 59 Nm of torque, paired with a four-speed gearbox. This made it a strong competitor to the established models of its time.
Maruti 800 Price and Legacy
The Maruti 800 was launched at a price of around ₹47,500, making it a technological and economic breakthrough compared to other cars available in the Indian market at the time. While its core technical specifications remained largely unchanged over the years, the small engine proved reliable and robust. The car became known for its ability to perform well on varied terrain and in different weather conditions.
The Maruti 800 was not just a car; it became a symbol of middle-class aspiration. Its popularity grew steadily through the 1980s and reached its peak in the early 1990s. For many Indians, it was the first car they learned to drive, personalise, and take pride in owning.
Notably, the Maruti 800 was among the earliest mass-market cars in India to feature front-wheel drive, which helped optimise interior space despite its compact size. Its affordability, practicality, and simple design made it the first car for countless families. Priced at ₹47,500 at launch, the Maruti 800 resonated deeply with Indian consumers, leaving a lasting mark on the country’s automotive history.
Since its launch in 1983, nearly 2.7 million units of the Maruti 800 have been sold, securing its place as one of the most iconic vehicles India has ever produced.
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