Hindustan Motors is very well known for being the largest car manufacturer in India before the rise of Maruti Udyog. HM Ambassador, one of the longest production cars in India, is a symbol of Indian Automotive Industry. The credit of the rise of this industry goes to this company. But then there are some lesser-known cars from the company too. One such is the Hindustan Pushpak, named after the viman Ravana used to abduct Sita. Let’s see what this ‘Zabardast Gaadi’ had to offer.
The USPs of Pushpak – According to the Company
Hindustan Pushpak was HM’s answer to the Mahindra Jeep. Here is a list of some USPs of this Jeep rival.
- Powerful, fuel-efficient diesel engine mated to a 5-speed Japenese tech synchromesh gearbox.
- Lower centre of gravity for maximum balance on any terrain.
- Independent suspension for increased ride comfort.
- Lighter steering for better manoeuvring.
- Vaccum-assisted power brakes for better braking.
- Wider body for more space.
- Rugged tubular chassis and a sturdy body.
- Economical Ambassador spares and easy servicing, parts were easily available in India.
These were some points on which the company used to sell the Pushpak. It was built to take on any kind of terrain and also keeping the ride comfortable. High fuel economy ensured savings for the customers. HM’s brochure read, “Write a new success story with Pushpak”.
Engine Specifications
Hindustan Pushpak
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| Engine | 2.0-litre O.H.C Diesel |
| Power | 51hp@4,200rpm |
| Torque | 105Nm@2,200rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual |
The Pushpak underpinned the famous Ambassador in terms of the engine. A successful engine it is, so why not use the engine in other cars too, thought HM. This is the reason that HM tried this engine with almost all its offerings be it the Pushpak or the station wagon version of the Amby.
Design
It was a ZERO-door jeep with a capacity to seat over 4-5 people, but in India, the seat is not the limit. This vehicle was popular in the rural areas due to the rugged usage, low fuel consumption and lower costs both initial and subsequent. Hindustan Trekker is another name for this vehicle. The boxy design was a very simple one, not much thought process went into the design as it seems. Straight lines and no curves made the car a dull looking car.
This car will never be able to achieve the classic car tag HM Ambassador carries proudly. It was not able to gain much popularity nationwide and the boxy ugly design added to the sorrow. Whatsoever, you can still spot one in the rural areas of Rajasthan. Pushpak used to cost ₹3.49 lakhs (ex-showroom) and the company offered a 1-year warranty with the car. Have you come across the Hindustan Pushpak or the Trekker? Do you own one? Let us know in the comments section below.
Image source(s) – [1]
Trekker used to be very common among southern Tamilnadu (Tuticorin / Tirunelveli Region); Even now there are a quiet a few Trekkers plying people across.
It wasn’t considered ugly, but a great vehicle to carry as many people possible, kids enjoying at the back seats.
May be when I go there next time I will be able to click few pics
Hi Prabhu,
Make sure you share some pics with us too at gomechanicblog@gomechanic.in. Stay tuned!
Were we can buy its body spare…
If any contact number please inform
9632082999
Hi Akmal,
Please share your contact details so that one of our Car Care Experts can help you with the spare parts you are searching for.
Trekker was the default vehicle in bihar, used as per seat taxi on fixed routes. Always overloaded. Very wide and comfortable to ride. Talking of mid 80s
The trekker is used as a as a vehicle for carrying passengers in the rural areas of West Bengal as I live in Howrah I generally visit the rural areas and after a long train journey I used to go to my maternal uncle’s house with this trekker.