On the 14th of December, 1983, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi personally handed over the keys of a ‘Francoise white’ Maruti 800, then known as the SS80, to Mr. Harpal Singh at the Maruti Gurgaon plant. Since then, a staggering 2.87 million were produced within those same walls over a period of 31 years, scaling three generations! This makes it, the second longest produced car in India, next to the Hindustan Ambassador. Out of that 2.87 million, 2.66 were sold domestically in India with the others exported to all over the world. Many don’t know this, but our humble 800 wrote stories not just in our country, but also in Europe including England, France, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia. Other markets included Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The concept behind the 800 was simplicity, reliability, practicality and cost effectiveness. All 3 generations weighed around the super light figure of 650 Kgs, were small enough to fit into tight spaces and drive easily through city traffic, yet could seat 4 people in full comfort, and 5 in a small squeeze. They were all powered by a small, but ultra tough 800cc 3 cylinder (The F8B) producing between 40 to 50 Bhp. But being feather light, that was sufficient.

We used to have the 3rd generation one, and I still remember as a little child, gazing at the beautiful white analogue speedometer that went all the way to 140 Km/hr! Which it actually could achieve. In fact, I remember the times we managed to squeeze 7 of us including little me into it and do multiple trips, including inter-state ones! It never missed a beat!

My first experience handling a car was with this one. When I was about 10 years old, I remember the day my father made me sit in it in our garage, start it, which it did in just one crank from cold, and move it slowly backwards and forwards just using the clutch. Then there were the times when I was younger still, when I used to sit on his lap, holding the wheel with a gigantic smile on my face, while he operated the pedals as I was too young to be able to reach them!

That was a beautiful 2003 ‘Moon Beam Silver’ example, the one we had, which we eventually parted ways with, back in 2012. Like this, the 800 is responsible for so many stories, so many memories. I’m sure most of you reading this, if you’re Indian would have either had one in the family or known someone close who had one, or most probably ridden in one at least. It was the quintessential ‘People’s car’ of India! It is what put India on wheels!

Demand was so much that there was a waiting period of 3 years or so to get a new one at the latest. This was because the owner was chosen on a computer based lucky draw system, kinda like in a casino! And the car was incredibly fuel efficient compared to every other car on the market that was powered by petrol. And being front wheel drive with a transversely placed small engine, which automatically gives more interior space despite being an overall small car, this was also different and unique to the rear wheel drive larger cars on sale like the Amby, the Padmini, the Herald, the Contessa, etc.

In fact, the only other car that came close to this was the fiberglass bodied Sipani Dolphin and the Montana, both of which were based on the Reliant Kitten. But they weren’t as appealing as the 800. The dolphin was a 2 door and therefore, was less practical. The 800 was a 4 door, was more spacious, consumed lesser fuel, and by the virtue of being produced in massive numbers by the government owned Maruti Udyog Limited, simply had more incentives, larger supply network, after sales network, and parts availability. By the time the 4 door Montana was launched, it was too late for Sipani Automobiles.

I personally love the design of the first generation, the SS80. I feel it really is timeless. I have seen a beautiful red example in real life and its so appealing to the eyes. The 2nd generation I felt was slightly bland exterior wise, but the interior, especially the dashboard design and the steering wheel was nice in a classic simple way. The 3rd generation is the one closest to my heart as that’s the one I grew up with. I still feel the front of it, had this really sweet look that felt like the car had life and was smiling back at you!

I still have fond memories of the sound of that engine purring along. Being a 3 cylinder, it has this characteristic whine at low revs and sings as its pushed. Its no performance beast, but it sure is nice to listen to. But it can be made to perform too. In fact, the 800 was frequently seen at rallies across the country, where its light weight, simplicity, reliability, durability, and to be frank, fairly low centre of gravity allowed it to perform! Its low cost to purchase, upgrade, and maintain too added to its appeal.

It really is a historical artifact. When a car makes it possible for a nation to become mobile, development is what ensues. And development is national progress. The importance of automobiles in this regard can’t be stated enough. That’s why we must be thankful towards the existence of cars like the 800, rather than simply look at it like some cheap to attain, use and throw commodity. Because their historical imprint far outlasts their age. The car may or may not be forgotten over the passage of time, but the value it provided remains as the building blocks towards a better future!

Happy 37th Birthday, little 800!

                                                                                                                        – Abhyjith. K. Ashokan

Don’t Miss Out On The Fun:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flamboyance_gt_102/
Pinterest : www.pinterest.com/flamboyancegt
Twitter :  https://twitter.com/flamboyancegt12
Tumblr :  https://flamboyancegt-blog.tumblr.com/