Ten old cars that look great modified
The thing about cars from the recent past is that before attaining their classic status, they go through a phase of being abused and ignored. The ones which survive this transitional phase could go on to become classics in future, but there’s another route that a lot of owners and enthusiasts take, and that is modifying the said cars. More often than not, this is a low cost affair, hence there are quite a few examples of such cars. Let us have a look.
Maruti Zen
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A tuner favourite, the Maruti Zen has come a long way from just being a premium alternative to the 800. It’s low slung, drives well, and if you don’t find the 1-litre unit powerful enough, can accomodate a 1.3 or a 1.6-litre engine in its engine bay. Modifications go beyond that, of course, but are mostly mechanical. Largely because the jelly bean shape was a classic right from the day it was out, so to make the Zen look better, all you need is a pair of good looking alloys. Other modifications include two-door conversions (if not working on a Zen Carbon or Steel), use of wide fenders, removal of excess weight, etc.
Mahindra MM540
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Before the Mahindra Thar made its way to a lot of enthusiasts’ garages, it was the MM540 DP and the MM550 ruling enthusiasts’ hearts. The MM540 is more common, still easier to acquire, and can be a real looker. In fact, it can go on to look as good if not better than the Thar, if modified right.
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Hindustan Contessa
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Based on the Vauxhall Victor, the Contessa isn’t just the muscle car that Indians couldn’t get, it’s got a wider appeal than that. And while Hindustan Motors couldn’t tap the opportunity, the car slowly seems to be getting in safer hands. A lot of modifiers are after the whole muscle car look and going forth with that, while connoisseurs are trying to bring back the glory by restoring their examples to stock state.
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