Transcontinental - literally!

General Motors has never been a company to let a good thing go to waste - witness the many variations on the Chevette platform which spawned cars from the 1100cc Kadett City, to the 2.0 Turbo Isuzu Piazza! The FE was one of their most underused designs, but found popularity in Sweden, Norway and Finland where political issues meant the German Opel marque was less than welcome. Due to variations in type approval, the FE survived as a current model until 1981, though the cars had all been built previously at Luton (yes, even in the 1970s, Vauxhall and Britain as a whole did this 'export' thing. Apparently its good for the economy, or something).

After the FE disappeared from European shores, the Indians (who know a good thing when they see it) started building them - Hindustan Motor's previous car was a 1950s Morris Oxford, so the FE was light-years ahead - it cost almost twice as much, though, and as a result apparently isn't the most common car around there.

Hindustan Motors, India

Contessa Classic
Contessa Classic 1.8 GLX

The Contessa Classic 1.8GLX, a car that's designed to make the hours you spend in it fly by like minutes. Easily one of the most powerful, more spacious, safest and sturdiest cars, the Contessa Classic is the only car that keeps you comfortable, while taking on Indian roads with ease. It comes with convenience features like Power Steering, a Factory Fitted Airconditioner, Power windows and Central Locking. So whenever you drive, you're always in the lap of luxury.

The 1817cc, 75HP fuel efficient ISUZU engine gives you a powerful drive. Even after the addition of the power steering and airconditioner. The engine delivers a high torque of 13.26 kgm, for phenomenal pick-up, smoother and safer overtaking. Five synchromesh gears, including an overdrive, let you cruise effortlessly even at 140 kmph.

Slumberette
The co-driver's seat especially designed to slide down and give you the most comfortable bed. So that you can catch up with rest during those long journeys.

Contessa Classic 2.0 DLX

Luxury travel now comes with an added advantage - diesel. Presenting the Contessa Classic 2.0 DLX. Powered a highly fuel efficient diesel engine that makes it an economically viable yet extremely spacious, comfortable and safe car.

The 1955 cc, 52 HP fuel efficient engine gives you a powerful drive. The engine delivers a high torque of 11 Kg.m, for phenomenal pick-up.


The other features of the Contessa Classic

  • Power Steering
  • Powerful Airconditioning
  • Power Windows (optional)
  • Central Locking (optional)
  • Multi Point Fuel Injection (optional)
  • PU Moulded Seats
  • Central arm rest on rear seat to keep you at ease
  • Nonslip jacquard upholstery, plush carpeting and colour co-ordinated interiors.
  • Independent Suspensions
  • Side Impact Protection System
  • Large Crumple Zone
  • Laminated Wind Shield
  • Twin Head Lamps
  • Improved Trunk Compartment
  • Two Year unlimited mileage warranty on driveline

 

Contessa Classic Specifications

Dimensions GLX DLX
Length 4591 mm 4591 mm
Width 1699 mm 1699 mm
Height 1432 mm 1432 mm
Kerb Weight 1200 Kg 1270 Kg
Gross Vehicular Weight 1650 Kg 1720 KG
Wheel Base 2667 mm 2667 mm
Power
Type 4 cylinder OHC 4 cylinder OHC
Piston Displacement 1817 cc 1995 cc
Max. Power 75 hp @ 5000 rpm 52 hp @ 4500 rpm
Max. Torque 13.26 kgm @ 3000 rpm 11 kgm @ 2500 rpm
Fuel
Fuel Capacity 65 litres 65 litres
Transmission
Clutch Dry Disc (Diaphragm)
215 mm dia		 Dry Disc (Diaphragm)
200 mm dia
Gear Box All Synchromesh 5 speed gear box including overdrive All Synchromesh 5 speed gear box including overdrive
Suspension
Front Independent Front Suspension with Coil springs- Wish Bones and Anti-Roll Bar Independent Front Suspension with Coil springs- Wish Bones and Anti-Roll Bar
Rear 5-Link, Rear Suspension-Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar and Panhard Rod 5-Link, Rear Suspension-Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar and Panhard Rod
Steering
Type Power Assisted Rack & Pinion Rack & Pinion
Brakes
Type Servo assisted dual circuit hydraulic Servo assisted dual circuit hydraulic
Front Disc Disc
Rear Drum Drum