Ever seen old pics of Mumbai? That small boxy car? Round lights? That’s the Premier Padmini! For lots of us, it wasn’t just a car. Nope. It was way more.
It was a memory. Old Bombay vibes. Our childhood. This car ruled the roads for years and years.
People still love it. Taxi guys used it. Families too. Even movie stars! It was simple. Strong. It had its own style. They don’t make it now. But it lives on in stories, films, and old car shows.
This guide tells you all about it. Its past. What it had. Why we loved it. How it changed our roads. Where it stands today.
What Was This Car Really?
The Premier Padmini? A small car. Four seats. Made by Premier company in India. Based on an Italian car – the Fiat 1100.
We first saw it in the 1960s. It looked cool back then! Simple design. Flat front part. Round lights. Small but tough engine.
Why did people love it? Easy to drive. Easy to fix. Great in traffic. Every mechanic knew how to repair it. Perfect for families. Perfect for taxis.
They made it for over 30 years. That’s how much we loved it!
Why It Got So Famous
Here’s why everyone knew this car:
- Drove smooth
• Looked simple
• Fixed easy
• Parts cost less
• Great taxi car
• Perfect for our traffic
• Saved fuel
• Looked different
People trusted it. Used it for weddings. Long trips. Fun outings. Taxi drivers? They drove it all day. Movie stars rode in it. It became part of who we are.
Quick History Lesson
The car came here in the early 1960s. First called Fiat 1100 Delight. Then Premier changed the name. They picked “Padmini” – after a brave queen.
By the 70s and 80s? This car was everywhere! In Mumbai, almost every taxi was a Padmini. It was the heart of taxi life.
It stayed popular till the 90s. Then new cars came. Maruti. Hyundai. Others too. They stopped making Padmini in early 2000s. But we still remember it. Still love it.
How It Looked
The design? Simple. Clean. Classic.
What you’d see:
• Round headlights
• Thin shiny bumper
• Flat front
• Simple grille
• Straight lines
• Small body
• Tight inside space
Not fancy. But it had charm! The car had a friendly face. People loved it. Movie makers too. It fit our streets just right.
Inside the Car
Inside was basic. But comfy for those days.
You got:
• Soft seats
• Simple dashboard
• Three-spoke steering wheel
• Metal switches
• Long gear stick
• Clear speed meter
No touch screens. No fancy stuff. No auto AC. But the cabin felt nice. Big windows made it feel open. People always felt cozy.
Engine and Power
The Padmini wasn’t super powerful. But strong enough!
- 1.1 liter petrol engine
• Ran smooth
• Good pickup for its size
• Easy to maintain
• Lasted long
Top speed? About 120 kmph. But most drove slower. What mattered? It worked. Take care of it, and it runs for years.
How Much Fuel It Used
Fuel saving was huge. That’s why people loved it.
It gave:
• 12 to 15 km per liter in city
• Up to 18 km on highways
For an old car? That was great! Taxi drivers saved lots of money.
Why Taxi Drivers Picked It
In Mumbai, this car was the taxi king. Every street had them. Every stand too.
Taxi guys loved it because:
- Cost less to run
• Very reliable
• Parts everywhere
• Simple engine
• Smooth clutch
• Big back seats
• Strong suspension
It ran for hours. No heating up. Mechanics fixed it fast. Parts were cheap. No wonder it was Mumbai’s taxi for 40 years!
Why Families Chose It
Families across India bought it. Why?
- Good price
• Great mileage
• Low service cost
• Simple inside
• Enough room for small family
Back then, cars were special. Buying a Padmini? Big pride! People washed it every weekend. Used it for trips. It became part of their story.
In the Movies
This car was in so many films! Bollywood loved it. South films too.
You saw it in:
• Taxi scenes
• Police chases
• Old family scenes
• Love songs with travel
The car became a star itself. Directors used it to show old India charm.
Different Types Made
Over time, Premier made different ones:
- Premier Padmini
• Premier Padmini S1
• Diesel types (others made these)
• Special taxi types
Each had small upgrades. But the main look? Same.
What Was Good
- Simple parts
• Easy fix
• Very reliable
• Classic look
• Light steering
• Good mileage
• Strong body
• Comfy seats
These things made it win for years.
What Wasn’t Great
Every car has weak spots.
- No modern safety stuff
• Slow vs new cars
• No power steering
• No AC in basic model
• Small trunk
• Few features
But still, for its time? It was great!
Padmini vs Other Cars Then
Padmini vs Ambassador
Padmini was smaller. Smoother. More stylish.
The ambassador was bigger. Stronger.
Padmini vs Maruti 800
The Maruti 800 was modern. Used less fuel.
Padmini had charm. Classic feel.
Padmini vs Fiat cars
Fiat gave strong engines.
Padmini cost less here.
What It Means to Us
This car isn’t just metal. It’s a symbol. We think of:
- Old Mumbai
• Yellow-black taxis
• Simple times
• Old India
• Good memories
Car lovers still fix them up. Paint them bright. Use them for photo shoots. Car shows display them with pride.
Still on Roads?
Very few are left now. Mumbai retired taxi ones. Some people keep them as special items.
If you see one today:
• At old car shows
• In someone’s garage
• In small towns
• In photo shoots
• In old films or songs
Finding parts is hard now. But some mechanics still know the tricks.
Buying One Today
You can still find used ones. But only collectors buy them.
Price depends on shape:
• Bad shape: 30,000 to 60,000
• OK shape: 70,000 to 1.2 lakh
• Fixed up nice: 2 to 5 lakh
Fixing one costs lots. But wow, it looks great after!
Why We Still Love It
Padmini brings feelings. Makes us think of childhood. Of old India. Before fast cars. Before packed highways.
We love it because:
• It’s charming
• Feels unique
• Has history
• Reminds us of easy days
• Has warm personality
No new car gives that feeling. You know?
The Premier Padmini? More than a car. It’s Indian history. Mumbai’s symbol. A car that served families. Taxi drivers. Movie scenes. Memories. For years and years.
It had simple parts. Smooth driving. Good fuel use. Lovable design.
Not many run now. But its spirit? Still here. In photos. Movies. Car rallies. In the hearts of people who remember.
That’s the Padmini story. Simple car. Big impact. Still loved today.