Modifications and customisation are not very popular in India due to the strict laws and laws. But there are many who do work on crazy builds like this Hindustan Contessa 4X4 by Dashmesh Customs.
This Hindustan Contessa 4X4 project is certainly eye-catching. But how did it come to life in the first place? Here’s everything you need to know.
The Suzuki Vitara XL7 chassis underpins the Hindustan Contessa. The Hindustan Contessa’s body has been meticulously mated to the Suzuki’s frame. The Suzuki Vitara XL7 had a ladder frame chassis and was a body-on-frame SUV. Changing a car’s platform appears to be a simple task, but it is far more complicated.
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The Suzuki Vitara XL7 and the Contessa were two quite distinct cars. A lot of adjustments are required to match the body to the frame and to precisely merge all of the systems to the body.
While Dashmesh Customs did not reveal the exact time and cost for this project. It definitely is a work of months and will require a big fat capital as well.
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The same V6 petrol engine that powers the Suzuki Vitara XL7 in India powers this Hindustan Contessa 4X4. The gas guzzler has a maximum power output of 183 horsepower and a peak torque of 244 Nm. It was available with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission from Suzuki. The Vitara had a shift-on-the-fly 4WD technology, which meant the car didn’t have to stop to switch from 2WD to 4WD.
The Contessa now has a completely different appearance than before, because to the new platform. It now has a lot of ground clearance, and there are a lot of mechanicals underneath.
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Not the 1st Contessa 4X4
This isn’t the first time India has seen a Contessa 4X4. A similar set-up can be found at another Contessa in Delhi-NCR. That automobile, on the other hand, is powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine.
The earlier Contessa 4X4 even has videos of it successfully completing off-roading trails. You can see how the Contessa deals with the various terrains by watching the video.
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Not road legal anymore
Such structural changes are not legal in India. The supreme court of India and the Motor Vehicle Act bans any such modifications to operate on public roads. Such vehicles can be project cars for many and one can use them on private properties like a racing track or at a farmhouse. However, the cops can seize them from public roads.
In India modification is not allowed and even aftermarket accessories like the bullbar and other structural changes are banned too. In fact, tyres that are too big for a vehicle are banned too. Such vehicles sure do attract a lot of attention on the roads but since they are made at local garages without proper welding equipment, they can be dangerous.
If a vehicle disintegrates while going on a road, it can become a cause of a serious accident. The police of different states set up check-points to keep an eye on such modifications and also issue challans.
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Source: Cartoq