There are cars that are a part of the whole journey of the automotive industry after the independence of India. Then, there are cars that are the ones that are the pillars of this industry. One of them is the Ambassador. Today, we are going to take a look at the Mark 4 of the HM Ambassador, also known as Nova, the generation after which the design retained till the end of Amby, i.e 2014. Let’s get started!
1979 – Mark IV Ambassador Launched
HM Ambassador completed 22 years into being in 1979. 3 generations later, Ambassador was still doing great in the market. So, the company gave it a new look and a diesel engine in 1980, first for the country. It was a 1.5-litre BMC B-series engine that could churn out 37hp of power. The car also featured a 1.5-litre carburated petrol engine which produced 50hp of power and a peak torque of 100Nm. All the engines came with a 4-speed manual transmission option.
So, how well was HM Ambassador Nova received?
Maruti Suzuki 800 began to take on the market in India with a storm. Launched in 1983, 800 began a triumph in the budget car market. But, the elite class still preferred HM Ambassador. This is the class that the HM Ambassador had made.
The front grille was made smaller in height with larger square park lamps, the HM Ambassador Mark 4 or the Nova became a template for the car till the end of the line. It was well-received in India.
Will the king return on roads?
In 2014, HM Ambassador was bought by the French auto major, Peugeot for ₹80crores. This marked the end of production of Ambassador. After a successful run of more than 50 years, the car faced tough competition from the companies like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Honda. Once a king was now forced to step back. Even then, in 2013 it was voted as the world’s best taxi by Top Gear while competing against London Black Cab, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Toyota HiAce, Volkswagen Beetle, Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car. ‘Make-in-India’ initiative by Narendra Modi was started way back by HM when it was not even cool.
We cannot expect the Ambassador to make a comeback soon as the industry right now is crippling under a load of recession although if launched again, it will surely attract a lot of customers.
Take a look: This HM Ambassador Concept Is Reimagined for 2020 [Artist’s Render]
What does the Ambassador teach us?
There is nothing that stays forever. Someday another car will surely replace the current cars.
Although you might get replaced, the legacy will remain forever! HM Amby is still there on the roads as well as the hearts of Indians.
I own a 1989 model Ambassador, purchased second hand in 1992. Maintaining in optimum condition.
Hi Kesav,
It would be great if you can share some information as well as the images of the Ambassador with us at gomechanicblog@gomechanic.in
Hm was not bought by PSA (Peugeot). Only the brand name Ambassador was bought for a staggering 80 crores.
Hi PJL,
It’s the readers like you that keep us upright in our endeavour to bring the best information. Thanks for pointing out. Stay pinned!
I still have the ambassador car if 1995 model Isuzu petrol engine and in good condition ……. everyday the new generation on the road sees the car with strange…. but now it is hard to maintain as the spares are not available in the market .
Still 1970’s & 80’s generation like & Love Ambassador… 👌
We are expecting the re entry of Ambassador car..
Proud owner of 1997 HM Ambassador Petrol IZU 1800 engine
Very well written