It is a 1997(last), bucket seat-A/C model.
The engine sounds like a tractor (but still preferable over the matador powered amby’s then). 1366cc(hence 137D) mated to a Nissan floor shift. I haven’t ever felt such an assured smooth shift. 4 speed boxes belong to pre-Cambrian era, but it is still manageable. The car had done 1,01,100 kms until now. Engine is at ‘half-condition’. A/C is not used, as at about 90k we had a blown gasket because of the load. My location doesn’t need it too.
The suspension is ‘tough’. Front Wishbone and rear leaf, with anti-roll bar at both. The front suspension is quite sturdy-does its duty but reminds its presence (unlike the Amby: You’ll feel nothing). Rear leaf-behaves as if there’s no suspension. Yet one can feel that the suspension is going to last for ever. This coil-leaf combination gives you a weird way of handling and ride(rear) for this car. The weight of the diesel engine makes the front dip.
Unlike the ambassador the fiat needs expertise hands to maintain. In that way, it is reliable to the core. Else it will give you niggling problems all the time. Common problem areas are the dynamo and self-starter. The self-starter has to be protected from water or else it slips. Body is prone to rust.
The car gives good mileage. Even now I am getting 20+ on mixed city(coimbatore) and rural roads. Regular service (it drinks 5 litre oil) costs under 1000 rs.
With its excellent front and back visibility (the RVM shows both the back ends) one can easily take pestering bikers for a ride. I use cross-ply tyres. Radial tyres may give better grip, handling and mileage but the front dip causes GC problems. Cross-ply tyres also make the Worm and roller steering smoother. Despite drums at both ends, brake bite is pretty good. You can bring it to a dead stop where you want.
One of my relative had installed a Mazda mated to a isuzu 5 speed box. But getting an RTO endorsement is a problem nowadays.
A mini Ambassador-actually a tamed version with a ‘roar’ing exhaust. But less crude and much more reliable.