An Ambassador car, licensed as taxi rolls past other vehicles through a busy road in Kolkata. For some of the proud owners, the Amby is still affordable prestige.
Hindustan Motors, India's oldest car maker, shut down its factory in 2014 in West Bengal, where it had been making the car since 1957.
Police officers' Ambassador cars are lined up on a road. The car was fondly called “The king of Indian roads" and based on Britain's long-defunct Morris Oxford.
The curve-shaped Ambassador, whose design has changed little in nearly 60 years, for years was the only car driven by politicians and senior government officials.
But the Ambassador has been muscled out over the years by the entry of more modern vehicles, particularly SUVs. The car still remains popular with taxi drivers, some politicians and tourists looking for a bit of nostalgia on their trips. Photo shows a yellow Ambassador taxi in Kolkata.
Hindustan Motors has now executed an agreement with Peugeot SA for the sale of the Ambassador brand, including the trademarks, for a consideration of Rs. 80 crore.
A white Ambassador with a beacon light on top symbolised power for many. In 2013, Ambassador was chosen as the world’s best taxi at Beaulieu’s World of Top Gear show. It is reported to have made it by besting tough contenders from Britian, Russia, Germany, South Africa, America and Mexico.
Customisations were an integral part of owning an Ambassador. Here the car, in its black avatar, is seen on a highway near Madurai in Tamil Nadu.