The iconic Hindustan Landmaster (Ambassador) used to cost a mere Rs 9800 in the 1950s. An advertisement for the same has surfaced on the internet. Discovering the world as it existed just a few decades ago is truly fascinating. Our parents often amuse us with tales about the significant value of money in the past, and grasping just how much more affordable things were back then can be quite challenging for us. It’s crucial to acknowledge that the incomes people earned during that period were also corresponding with those lower costs. Nonetheless, these gentle reminders have a way of prompting us to reassess our perspectives on contemporary life. Let’s delve into the particulars of this recent case.
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Hindustan Landmaster Ambassador 1950s
This image of the advertisement pamphlet has been doing rounds on the internet. As per this ad, the Hindustan Landmaster had a price tag of an unbelievable Rs 9845, ex-plant. The pamphlet promotes the vehicle as “The Car For Comfort & Economy”. Furthermore, it claims that the Landmaster offers full value for money. This ad had been posted by Rane (Madras) Ltd. The address on this paper reads Patullo’s Road, Mount Road, Madras 2. It is the modern-day Chennai, as you would know. It is just fascinating to see just how different things were back then.
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Brief History of the Landmaster
In production from 1913 to 1971, this iconic vehicle was originally based on the Morris Oxford manufactured in Cowley, Oxford, UK. The rights and tooling were later sold to Hindustan Motors, a part of the Birla Group, with a manufacturing plant established in Uttarpara, Kolkata, West Bengal from 1957 onwards. The more popular Mark II model (Ambassador) was available for purchase from 1962 to 1975, featuring a 1.5-litre engine producing a respectable 50 hp and 100 Nm of peak power and torque. It was coupled with a 4-speed manual gearbox that powered the rear wheels. The Ambassador lineup ceased production in 2014 due to stringent emission norms. In 2017, Hindustan Motors sold the Ambassador brand to the PSA Group for Rs 80 Crore ($10 million).
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Author’s Note
We are genuinely surprised by this revelation too. While we understand that prices for various goods have risen significantly in recent years, the magnitude of the difference is truly astonishing. It’s crucial to keep in mind that this was 60 years ago, a time that was markedly different from the present. Nevertheless, these reminders provide us with valuable perspective. What’s truly remarkable is the car’s ability to maintain its legacy over all these years. There are hardly any other models that have been continuously produced from that time until around 2014. This stands as a testament to the enduring success of the Ambassador brand in our market throughout its extensive history.
