Depreciation is a reality of life for most cars, but there are always exceptions to this case. Some cars only gain in value with time. Here are 5 such cars that don’t know what depreciation is.
Maruti 800 SS80
[Image courtesy TheAutomotiveIndia]
The SS80 Maruti 800 represented the first generation of the car in India. The SS80 arrived at a time when Indian roads were dominated by the Ambassadors and Padminis. Soon, the Maruti 800 became the rage for its was peppy, fuel efficient and ultra reliable. And this is how India’s 30 year old love affair with the little car began. The SS80 looks boxy, and similar to the 1st generation Volkswagen Golf. This iconic, timeless shape and vintage value have driven up resale value of this car. Launched at about 25,000 rupees in 1983-84, well maintained examples of this car easily command up to 2 lakh rupees currently.
Mahindra Classic
The Mahindra Classic was launched in India in the early 1990s and instantly the open top Jeep became an icon among younger buyers. The Classic was pulled out of the market in the 21st century, but not before its resale value began inching steadily up. While the original Classic 4X4 was priced at about 4 lakh rupees, well maintained examples currently command up to 5 lakh rupees. The jeep features a 2.1 liter Peugeot diesel motor with 62 Bhp-120 Nm on tap. A 4×4 transfer case and a 4 speed manual gearbox were standard.
Hindustan Contessa
The Contessa was a luxury car that Hindustan Motors introduced in the 1980s, just before the Maruti 800 arrived. The car was launched at a price of about 90,000 rupees. For this kind of money in 1986, Hindustan Motors would sell you the Contessa with the 1.5 liter BMC petrol engine. Originally a Vauxhall Victor, the Contessa is now a much sought after car among enthusiasts who buy it for its classic, pony car form factor. A well maintained example of the Contessa sells upwards of 2 lakh rupees.
Fiat 1100
The Fiat 1100 was first imported into India by Premier Automobiles Limited in the 1950s. The car was the Padmini’s Padmini’s predecessor, and was much more curvier. The 1100 featured suicide doors, and a 1.1 liter-4 cylinder petrol engine with about 35 Bhp on tap. Back in the day, the car made its debut for about 12,000 rupees. Fast forward to now, the car is a collectible, and commands top rupee. It isn’t unusual for well maintained examples to sell for up to 3 lakh rupees. This is one car that gets pricier as it ages.
Willys Jeep
Soon after India’s independence in 1947, Mahindra made its foray into automobiles by importing and selling the Willys Jeep here. The Jeep imported was the CJ-3B, which denoted civilian jeep with a higher placed bonnet. The bonnet was made higher to accommodate the F-Head engine. In India, Mahindra sold the Willys with a Hurricane petrol motor that makes 75 Bhp-155 Nm, a 3 speed manual gearbox and a 4X4 transfer case. The Willys Jeep is now a collectible item, and well maintained examples sell for over 3 lakh rupees.