[Ankoor]

My list of cult Indian cars would also include:

1) Opel Astra
2) Fort Escort
3) Lancer SFXi

[gauravanekar]

From two wheeler world
1. The original Pulsar
2. Original HH CBZ
3. First gen Activa
4. Absolute cult classis Splendor
5. TVS scooty first gen 2 stroke
6. HH Karizma
7. RE classic desert storm

Is the list too long?? Maybe

[toppor]

Bajaj Pulsar 220 is what I feel has the potential to attain cult status. Launched circa 2007, 12 years down the line the bike still has average sales of ~6K per month.
While many launches from the Bajaj stable came and went, the 220 has stood the test of time and carved a niche for itself.

[kiku007]

This a joke now. The word "cult" has no meaning if we go through the huge list of vehicles listed in this thread.

To attain cult status, people need to be devoted to it. People need to follow it like a religion. RX100, RD350, RE and Thar are brands that people follow like a religion.

There are stars and there are super stars. Don't confuse the two.

[Malyaj]

Originally Posted by kiku007

This a joke now. The word "cult" has no meaning if we go through the huge list of vehicles listed in this thread.

To attain cult status, people need to be devoted to it. People need to follow it like a religion. RX100, RD350, RE and Thar are brands that people follow like a religion.

There are stars and there are super stars. Don't confuse the two.

Agree. A lot of vehicles in this ever expanding list are being recommended because they were hugely successful. For me 'cult' has more dimensions - it has to be irreverant, edgy, slightly irrational and aspirational (not for money's sake but image sake). It is something that you would buy despite being advised against, by putting your money where your mouth is and following your heart over mind.

[kjayant]

Originally Posted by kiku007

This a joke now. The word "cult" has no meaning if we go through the huge list of vehicles listed in this thread.

To attain cult status, people need to be devoted to it. People need to follow it like a religion. RX100, RD350, RE and Thar are brands that people follow like a religion.

There are stars and there are super stars. Don't confuse the two.

Nope! There are stars, and superstars and then there are 'CULTS'.

My list would be

1. RE Bullet ..nothing else just the 'bullet
2. RD350. RX100 and 135 - they are just stars, at best fads!
3. HM Ambassador
4. Willys Jeep
5. Premier Padmini
6. Maruti Suzuki 800 Gen1
7. Tata 407. Redefined small trucks scene in India. Absolute raw beast.
8. Tata Safari Gen1
9. Mustang Eleanor (Not from India)

The list is by no means exhaustive.

A lot of vehicles which find mention earlier might be on their way to being CULTS but I wouldn't let them in this exclusive distinguished list.

[dhanushs]

Originally Posted by Ankoor

2) Fort Escort

Sorry, not singling you out, but, the defintion of CULT has gone wild here.. I think a good criteria for older CULT cars would be to have a dedicated FB page or a strong online community still around it with good engagement and followers.

[gutsy]

Originally Posted by jkaushik

Daewoo Matiz anyone?
That egg shaped car. For me it was the first "cute" car of India..

Indeed, not only India it had long cult following across the globe..

Dedicated FB page that still talks about hacks and mod projects

https://m.facebook.com/groups/252431784919955

[artemis_fowl]

Pardon me, but I feel many cars here are not necessarily “cult classics”; they are merely popular/reliable/in huge demand and are very common (just my opinion).
To me (at least), a cult classic has to have a great fan base, a rich history (though not necessarily) and must have character above all.

Though I’m surprised no one has mentioned:

• Ford Fiesta 1.6: Great engine, solid build (compare it with the Figo of today) and a beautiful steering and handling. Even its predecessor, the josh machine was a classic.

• Maruti Esteem: A cult classic for sure. A 45 hp engine with a lightweight body (970 kg IIRC) and and independent suspension at the rear made it a rallying legend. This is one fine car.

I don’t know about other cars, but speaking about my steeds:

Originally Posted by Guna

'Cult' vehicle is not necessarily something that is just 'popular' but among it's followers, it can't be easily substituted by another vehicle. Subaru (Chevy in India) Forester certainly fits the definition. This was not a commercial success and GM must have sold just few hundred examples in the country between 2003 to 2005. But most of these cars are so immaculately maintained by the passionate owners (2nd or 3rd owners in some cases), they look like they can stay for another 5 years.
What makes the forester unique?

+1 to that. The Forester is definitely a classic. Very few units were sold (around 260 IIRC, and Bangalore formed a significant portion of that) but those who have it, swear by them. Reliable as nails, good build, great boxer engine (just loves being revved) and h-a-n-d-l-i-n-g. Yes, there are some downsides, like cramped backseat, poor low end torque and stiff ride. But overall, the Foz certainly has character and will definitely qualify as a cult classic. 15 years of service and he’s still good to go! I’m sure he’s going to become a collectible a few years down the line.

Originally Posted by DrCar

This has kick-started a segment where both fuel efficiency and performance were taken care of.
Attachment 1942829
The first generation Maruti Suzuki Swift. Its diesel was fuel efficient, addictive and that "Turbo" kick was

Ah, another classic. This car single-handedly changed India’s perception of diesels and changed the landscape forever. The turbo kick is yet to be matched by any modern day car. Of course, the 1.3 G13BB was also no less an icon, and we have innumerable examples of these cars used in rallying.

Both these cars still leave me happy when a see them in the porch. Truly, these are cult classics.

[jkaushik]

Originally Posted by gutsy

Indeed, not only India it had long cult following across the globe..

Dedicated FB page that still talks about hacks and mod projects

https://m.facebook.com/groups/252431784919955

Wow, that harmless looking car has got a few serious mods!

[Ashley Nair]

NOTHING else even comes close!

[shuvc]

Strange that there are no Germans in this list. The big 3 haven't made an impact it seems

Originally Posted by artemis_fowl

• Maruti Esteem: A cult classic for sure. A 45 hp engine with a lightweight body (970 kg IIRC) and and independent suspension at the rear made it a rallying legend. This is one fine car.

Agree with the Esteem. But which Esteem engine variant had 45 hp ??

[Sutripta]

Maybe we should list the cars NOT mentioned in this thread. And then have a discussion on why nobody thinks of those as cult cars or classics or worth remembering in any way.

Regards
Sutripta

PS - The 1000 had a 45 BHP engine (same as that of the then Gypsy). Initially Esteems had the 1.3 G series 65 BHP engine.

[McLaren Rulez]

Originally Posted by kiku007

This a joke now. The word "cult" has no meaning if we go through the huge list of vehicles listed in this thread.

This is no different to several recent threads where a subjective question is asked and the list of answers invariably includes just about every car under the sun.

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/india...-interior.html (Your all-time favorite car interior?)

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/india...igns-ever.html (The most timeless car designs ever...)

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/india...ght-india.html (Cars that punch above their weight in India!)

[sourishganguly]

The Tempo Matador(referring to the F307 because that is the one I have seen growing up)

We have seen one in so many guises, as a people carrier, a school bus, ambulance and, even as pickups!
Here is a related thread: https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/comme...r307-vans.html (Bajaj Tempo Matador F305,F307 and R307 vans)



Another one I feel should be added is the Skoda Octavia Combi, not sure if it is indeed a cult, please correct me if I'm wrong, since it barely sold. It was available in the RS guise with the 150hp 1.8 turbo petrol or the 1.9 TDI L&K Diesel.

Here is also a link to a very old thread: https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-...via-combi.html (Skoda Octavia Combi)