Nov 30, 2006 09:27 PM
21183 Views
Our Padmini
In February, 1996, my father bought our New Premier Padmini, Model- S1 (Executive), Colour – Superior White (newly launched that time).
Though there were some other new cars being launched in the market during that time, the earliest delivery period was only for this one, nearly 2 months from the date of booking agains 5-6 months for other cars. Earlier we booked an 118NE and then cancelled it as it was 3-4 months delivery time.
Those days, my father and I were working in the same place & used to go together. It was a 12-15 kms drive from our house through the highway (Chengalpet) and it was a pleasure ride daily.
Once I had a Ford Escort back of me and he was trying to overtake me and that moment I felt an urge to test the performance of my little car. I pushed the pedal (accelerator) and it zoomed up. It was so smooth and I never felt that I had crossed the 100kmph mark with the car at the back was also trying to gain and overtake me. There was no shaking, vibration nothing and with the A/c ‘ON’ we couldn’t hear any sound except for the song playing in the Music system. When I neared my destination, I put the left indicator and allowed him to go. While overtaking that driver looked at me and waved a ‘Thumbs up’ sign. That’s when I told my father about the beauty of this car and the speed I had put her to.
Later in 2002 we shifted to Trichur and this car was with us, still as good looking and in perfectly good condition. I couldn’t believe when the people often asked us if our car was the ‘Export version’ of Padmini as it was so good looking and my father used maintained it so well. Once we 8 adults with 3 kids have traveled in this from Trichur to Guruvayoor (36 kms) and back and it was a great drive all the way.
Even today after 10 years/ 9 months the car is in excellent shape, good condition and has run only 47,000 kms. It still gives a good 15 km/litre in normal driving conditions.
Though we have a Ford Ikon, I use the Padmini more often as it easy to drive without much sophistication and can take all the narrow bends in Trichur unlike the Ford. The best thing about this car is any mechanic can repair it in any part of the remote place you take it to.
Last month, we were actually thinking of replacing this car with an Omni – LPG as the petrol prices are sky rocketing. Then my father suggested that instead of buying a new Omni, we can convert the Padmini to a Gas driven car and it would give almost the same mileage as the Omni. So now we have decided to retain the Padmini and next month I plan to convert it to ‘Gas’ and refurbish it to look ‘Brand New’. We will run it as long as we keep getting the spares for her and then she will still remain in our Garage.
We all love our Padmini very much and my son also loves and prefers to go to his play school by Padmini than in Ford.
When people come asking if this car is for sale, we say "She is a member of our family".
