India's First Maruti 800 Is Now 43 Years Old: Totally Pristine After Restoration [Video]
The Maruti 800 is an important model in India’s automotive history. First launched in 1983, this hatchback played a key role in shaping the manufacturer’s future here. Today, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) is India’s largest passenger car maker, and the 800 is no longer in production. The first Maruti 800 manufactured and sold in India is now on display at the MSIL’s head office in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. A video shared on the channel ‘Motor Planet Official’ shows the vehicle in detail. As of 2026, this particular unit has turned 43 years old!
The video opens by showing the car- a 1983 Maruti 800, fully restored and kept pristine at MSIL’s HQ in Delhi. The host gives us a brief introduction to the car. He says that it was the first M800 to be manufactured and sold in India. Back in the day, it had an ex-showroom price of Rs 47,500.
On December 14, 1983, the then-prime minister of India, Smt. Indira Gandhi handed over the keys to this 800 to Harpal Singh, an Indian Airlines employee, after he won a lucky draw.
It was projected as the modern, fuel-efficient and smarter alternative to the likes of Ambassador and Padminis- the new ‘ affordable people’s car’. Decades later, Maruti Suzuki seems to have procured it back from the owner, restored it to its original glory and kept it on display at its HQ. It still wears registration plates that read ‘ DIA 6479’.
The video shows the car in detail. It seems to have undergone a full factory restoration. The company has ensured to use original parts and specifications, and achieve the exact shape and form of the 1983 model. The exterior panels now look clean and good as new. Most of them have been repaired/ replaced. The paint finish is also excellent.
The front fascia will instantly trigger your nostalgia. The rectangular headlights, unique grille with horizontal slats, metal bumper that houses indicator lamps and the unique logo placement- all stay true to the original. The rear has a metal bumper and a unique glass hatchdoor. The car rides on Steel rims.
The first generation Maruti 800, we would say, had the best-looking design of all generations. 43 years down the line, it still looks classy and appealing. Given a chance, any classic car enthusiast will restore one with a grin on his face!
Even the interior has been restored fully. It looks and feels true to the original era. The dashboard, switches, steering wheel, and instrument cluster were all rebuilt/ replaced. The seats seem to have been reupholstered and are now finished in Black leatherette with checkered fabric inserts. This again, stays true to the original.
This car lacks every bit of electronics and features we associate with modern cars today- no power windows, no power steering, no music system- nothing! This car belongs to an era in which even air conditioning (AC) was optional.
Now, the engine. Back in its day, the Maruti 800 was powered by a 796cc three-cylinder petrol engine producing 39.5 PS and 59 Nm. These numbers may be underwhelming by modern standards. But in 1983, it was enough to spark a revolution!
Receiving keys to the country’s first M800 from the prime minister was big. Harpal Singh used the car for decades. Images of him with the car are still out there on the internet. He passed away in 2010 and his wife in 2012. This made life difficult for the car. None of the family members used it anymore. It stood abandoned in an open parking space for long, unnoticed and dust-clad. Many areas developed rust.
One day, someone noticed the actual worth of this rotting vehicle and shared the images online. The post reached the notice of Maruti Suzuki. The carmaker soon got in touch with the owners and bought back the car. They then restored it to its former glory and kept on displayat their HQ, with pride.