| Premier Padmini | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Premier Automobiles |
| Also called | Fiat 1100 Delight Premier President |
| Production | 1964–2001 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact car |
| Body style | 4-door saloon |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related | Fiat 1100D |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,340 mm (92 in) |
| Length | 3,905–3,940 mm (153.7–155.1 in) |
| Width | 1,460 mm (57 in) |
| Height | 1,470 mm (58 in)[1] |
| Curb weight | 895 kg (1,973 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Fiat 1100 |
| Successor | Premier 118NE |
The Premier Padmini was a four-seat saloon manufactured in India from 1964 to 2001 by Premier Automobiles Limited, a division of the Walchand Group, under licence from Fiat and marketed initially as the Fiat 1100 Delight — and from 1974 as the Premier Padmini. The Padmini's primary competitors in the Indian market were the Hindustan Ambassador and Standard Herald. This famous car[2] ruled the Indian car market and its popularity peaked during 1970s and 80s. Many celebrities of the time[3] including Rajnikanth, Mammootty, and Aamir Khan, owned a Premier Padmini during its prime years. Known colloquially as the Pad,[4] or Fiat (since the Padmini was originally a Fiat car), the Padmini is named after a 14th-century Rajput princess.[4] Padmini translates to "she who sits on the lotus" and refers to the Goddess Lakshmi. It was also a common name for girls in India at the time.
- ^ Büschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (5 March 1987). Automobil Revue 1987 (in German and French). Vol. 82. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG. p. 480. ISBN 3-444-00458-3.
- ^ "The Premier Padmini - A Short Tribute To Our Old PAL - DriveSpark News".
- ^ "History of India's Premier Padmini (Fiat) car.. | Mostly Economics".
- ^ a b Shaftel, David (December 28, 2012). "Shedding Door Pulls, Mumbai Taxis Rattle Into History". The New York Times.