Winners of the 2021 MRF MMSC Indian National Auto Racing Championship were crowned because the season bound up at the Madras Motor Race Track over the weekend. Veteran Arjun Balu and Tijil Rao successfully defended their respective titles, while Shahan Ali Mohsin took home the title within the headlining MRF F1600 category of India’s national car.
The round also witnessed the finale of the all-new Volkswagen Polo Championship, with racer Sandeep Kumar winning the title.
- Balu claims his 10th national title
- Kumar grabs first Volkswagen Championship award featuring new race-spec Polo
- Mohsin defeats Ghorpade to win the MRF F1600 title
India’s National Car: Volkswagen Polo Championship
Another person to win the battle with a race to spare was Sandeep Kumar. With an eye fixed on the prize, the 2020 Formula LGB4 National champion decided to require a more controlled approach, finishing third, fourth and fifth in the weekend’s races.
Despite not collecting a win, a uniform performance and 6 podiums saw him clinch the title in what’s the primary season featuring the race-spec Polos.
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Results
Race 1
- Anmol Singh Sahil – 15mins 58.466secs
- Oshan Kothadiya – 15mins 58.852secs
- Sandeep Kumar – 15mins 59.430secs
Race 2
- Avik Anwar – 22mins 45.394secs
- Sourav Bandopadhyay – 22mins 45.790secs
- Pratik Sonawane – 22mins 46.397secs
Race 3
- Anmol Singh Sahil – 15mins 49.022secs
- Oshan Kothadiya – 15mins 55.239secs
- Sai Sanjay TS – 15mins 55.929secs
India’s National Car: The Hindustan Ambassador
This Indian National car was produced by the Indian manufacturer Hindustan Motors from 1957 to 2014, and it underwent improvements and modifications during its production period.
Despite its British origins, India’s national car was considered the ultimate Indian car and was affectionately called the “King of Indian Roads”. Hindustan Motors manufactured the car at its plant in Uttarpara near Kolkata, West Bengal. On 11 February 2017, Hindustan Motors signed an agreement with PSA Group to sell the Ambassador brand, including the trademark, for INR 8 billion (US$9.6 million).
The merger involved the signing of two joint venture agreements between the two groups of companies.
India’s National Car: Mark I (1957–1962)
- Production 1957–1962
- Powertrain Engine 1,489 cc (1.5 L) I4
In 1957, Hindustan Motors closed its previous partnership with Morris Motors to continue. The company, which had merged with Austin Motors to form the British Motor Corporation, signed a contract to build the 1956 Morris Oxford Series III in India. All ogling was transferred to the Uttarpara plant in India.
The Indian national car was renamed the Ambassador (later known as the Mark I) in mid-1957, and the earlier model Hindustan Landmaster, derived from the Morris Oxford Series II, was discontinued. The new model had a deep headlight fairing and a small “tail fin” in the form of a rear wing.
The Landmaster’s flat two-spoke steering wheel was replaced for the Ambassador with a curved steering wheel with three spokes and four wires per spoke. A knobby hood was also new. These models were powered by a 1476 cc side-valve petrol engine built by Austin Motors. In 1959, the side-valve engine was replaced by a 1489 cc overhead valve 55 hp BMC B-Series petrol engine.
India’s National Car: Mark II (1962–1975)
Production 1962–1975
In January 1962, the front of the Ambassador was revised to include a narrow checkered grille reminiscent of the Morris Mini. Inside India’s national car, the dashboard and instrument cluster were redesigned. Early models had solar mica panels, which were replaced by wood-faced plywood and aluminum panels in later models (1968 onwards).
This model was called the Ambassador Mark II, and early versions quickly became known in the market as the Mark I, but were never officially named during the production run. The mid-1960s models again featured facelifted taillights with integrated lenses for the indicators and brake lights, and the Mark I’s tall and ornate bumper stops were replaced with aller chrome metal stoppers to suit the era.
This model was sold until mid-1975 when it was eventually replaced by the Mark III model. As one of the early and ubiquitous Ambassador models, numerous older versions can be seen in restorations, workshops and in numerous Indian films of the time. In its final year, 1975, it had no competition apart from the Premier Padmini and its smaller rival, the Standard Gazelle.
India’s National Car: Mark III (1975 to 1979)
Production 1975 to 1979
In 1975, the Mark 3 version of India’s national car received another front facelift and was introduced to the market.
The car had horizontal slats, giving them a modern look, and the round outlined indicators were now separate from the grille. At the rear, a more modern-looking number plate cover replaced the earlier design that was also used on many other British cars.
The interior of this Indian national car has a new dashboard with three standard instruments mounted on a recessed black mesh, also moving away from the earlier aluminum strip design from the painted wooden base. In 1978, the Mark 3 was available in standard and deluxe versions. Deluxe versions had a new dashboard with four gauges and a speedometer.
Shortly before the market launch of the Mark 4, the Mark 3’s wiper configuration was changed so that both wipers faced in the same direction; this configuration prevailed in the new Ambassadors until the end when it was produced for just less than three years before being replaced by the Mark IV model in 1977.
In 1977 and 1978, the Ambassador Mark 3 was fitted with a 1760 cc version of the Morris 1.
5 5-litre-line four-cylinder, particularly to provide enough power to run the full air conditioning system. This option continued to be available as the Mark IV but was sold in very small quantities and production ceased in 1979.
India’s National Car: Mark IV (1979–1990)
Separate yellow indicators were mounted on the front spoiler half below the top-mounted bumper. This model was called Mark IV. In addition to the existing petrol version, a diesel version was launched in 1980, equipped with a 1,489 cc BMC B-series diesel engine producing 37 horsepower.
Ambassador Nova (5th generation)
- Production 1990-1999
- Powertrain Engines 1,489 cc (1.5 L)
- BMC B-Series I4 1,489 cc (1.5 L)
- BMC B-Series
- Diesel I4
- Updated Dashboard
The India’s national car was launched in 1990 in two versions, a 55-hp deluxe version and a 37-hp Diesel DX version. The Ambassador Nova featured a redesigned steering wheel, a new steering column, and improved brakes and electrical systems.
The brake pedal was now top-mounted and the previous central instrumentation with two glove compartments was replaced with a more conventional design with a single glove compartment. Some cosmetic changes were also made, such as a new file, but the angle indicator from the earlier Mark IV was retained.
Ambassador 1800 ISZ, Classic (6th Generation)
Production 1998-2010
To increase the Ambassador Classic appeal on NH 748 on the Goa-Karnataka border, another version of the India’s national car became available in 1992.
This India’s national car model was called the Ambassador 1800 ISZ and was powered by an 1817 cc, 75 hp Isuzu inline 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed manual transmission with centre shift. In addition, the entire dashboard was redesigned. The instrument panel was moved from the centre of the dashboard to the right rear of the steering wheel. Seat belts became standard equipment.
India’s National Car: HM Contessa 1.8 GL
The 1817 cc Isuzu engine used in the luxury model, producing 88 hp, was slightly down-rated for the new Ambassador. The same engine had been used in specially ordered armoured VIP models since 1985. In the early 1990s, this Isuzu engine, with a 17 cc/75 hp @ 5000 rpm, OHC, in-line 4-cylinder, and a maximum torque of 13.8 Kgm @ 3000 rpm, was available as an option on all commonly available Ambassadors.
The highly reliable modern Japanese engine proved successful throughout the production run. This model was nicknamed “Classic” at the 1998 Delhi Motor Show and since then the Ambassador Classic has been available with the full range of 1.5 to 2 2-litre petrol, CNG and diesel engines available across the Ambassador series.
India’s National Car: Ambassador Grand 2013
The Ambassador Grand (the national car of India) was launched in 2003 and according to the manufacturer; the new version has 137 changes compared to its predecessor.
The changes include body-coloured bumpers, camel-coloured interior, cloth seats, remote control levers, moulded roof and door panels, Salisbury axles, larger drums at the rear, upgraded suspension with anti-roll bars and Matron Bushings. It is equipped with central locking, a factory-fitted music system and an optional sunroof.
The soundproofing work for the Ambassador Grand was done by Treves S.A.S.【fr】Originating from France. The Grand version of the Ambassador was initially only available with 2.0L and 1.
8L engines, but in 2007 a 1.5L model was added. 2003 Ambassador Grand Motor Ambassador
India’s National Car: Avigo Hindustan Motors
Introduced in 2004, Avigo India’s national car model is the most radical revision of the proven Ambassador and was part of the brand revitalization that began in mid-2003. A departure from the Ambassador brand, the name change suggested a different marketing strategy. The Avigo hit the market in the summer of 2004.
The revived series consisted of the mid-2003 Ambassador Classic, the late-2003 Ambassador Grand and the aforementioned Avigo, whose exterior design was by Manbindra Singh. However, the strongest influence under the hood came from the original Landmaster series (also based on the Morris Oxford). The main rear panel remains the same, but the taillights and nameplate bezel have been redesigned.
However, the interior of India’s national car has a more classic feel. The entire dashboard console has been redesigned with a classic retro theme reminiscent of earlier models with a new centrally mounted instrument cluster (such as the Mark IV model). The seats are made especially for this model and feature a beige two-tone colour scheme and grain interior.
Ambassador Encore
A new model launched in 2013, with a 1.5-5-litre diesel engine meeting BS IV standards in major cities. This version was developed with the assistance of Austrian company Magna Steyr. The new car looks identical to the Ambassador Grand, with power increased to 48 horsepower (35 kW), but the overall dimensions are the same as the BS III Ambassador.
The steering wheel was a two-spoke steering wheel, first used on the Nova. As of 2013, a small number of left-hand drive versions were still produced for export to tertiary markets such as Nigeria.
India’s National Car: MRF F1600
Chirag Ghorpade and Mohsin were both in title contention within the MRF F1600 category, with Ghorpade within the lead. But Mohsin managed to end before his rival altogether three races, collecting a trio of second-place finishes. This was enough handy for the 17-year-old to the title by a margin of just five points.
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Results
Race 1
- Suriya Varathan – 17mins 29.252secs
- Shahan Ali Mohsin – 17mins 29.511secs
- Chirag Ghorpade – 17mins 30.188secs
Race 2
- Rishon Rajeev – 19mins 11.167secs
- Shahan Ali Mohsin – 19mins 13.495secs
- Arya Singh – 19mins 15.714secs
Race 3
- Rishon Rajeev – 16mins 36.017secs
- Shahan Ali Mohsin – 16mins 36.781secs
- Chirag Ghorpade – 16mins 37.188secs
Indian Touring Cars
Defending champion Arjun Balu picked up his 10th national title. Earlier in the weekend, he also set a lap record at the MMRT together with his position time of 1min 49:023secs during a Honda City.
Of course, Balu didn’t take it easy even after wrapping up the title and he rounded out the season with yet one more win. At 47 years old, Balu is showing no signs of slowing down and a very dominant season saw him take six wins in eight race starts.
“It is certainly great to win the championship. it’s been a challenging season because the team had to affect tons of issues,” Balu said. “However, I’m so happy at the way the car performed that I thank the whole Race Concepts team for performing on it for long hours.”
Results
Race 1
- Arjun Balu (Race Concepts) – 15mins 16.979secs
- Jeet Jhabakh (Rayo Racing) – 15mins 25.150secs
- Ishaan Dodhiwala (Rayo Racing) – 15mins 26.345secs
Race 2
- Arjun Balu (Race Concepts) – 19mins 03.534secs
- Ishaan Dodhiwala (Rayo Racing) – 19mins 07.781secs
- Jeet Jhabakh (Rayo Racing) – 19mins 12.281secs
India’s National Car: Super Stock
Performance Racing’s Deepak Ravikumar had already bound up the Super Stock title in Round 3. He finished the season a la mode with yet one more win, while his teammate RP Raja Rajan won the primary race.
Formula LGB 1300
Tijil Rao, 18, played it smart and safe to end second in both final races. This was enough for him to successfully retain the Formula LGB 1300 for an additional year. DTS Racing’s Viswas Vijayaraj and MSport’s Raghul Rangasamy picked up a win each.
Indian National Car: MRF Saloon Cars (Toyota Etios)
Redline Racing’s Fahad Kutty won two times at the finale and grabbed the MRF Saloon Cars title. His teammate Anand Prasad, who returned to practising active racing after a 14-year break, won in Race 2.
Indian Junior Touring Cars
Performance Racing’s Hatim Shabbir Jamnagarwala won the Indian Junior Touring Cars title. Yet, after a protest, the outcome remains awaited.
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