1985 Ambassador mark 4 I have trucked my rusting 1985 mark 4 from Cochin to Bombay simply because I refused to see it get sold as scrap or to a taxi operator in Kerala who would shoe horn a matador engine into it & take as much care of it as he would to a rented mule.These emotions also stem from deep rooted sentimental value for the car as well as ambassadors in general.
I now plan to make it my pet project from 2008.
I have dilemma though:
1. I restore it to is former glory keep the same engine ( put sleeves,overhaul,polish paint et all pamper it with the best engine oils/petrol/lubes etc.) add and A/C,maybe power steering & get a 50K paint job + 15K high quality chroming & Enjoy the nostalgia every time I take it for a spin once in a while.
OR.
2. pretty much the same as point 1. the only difference being sink in a isuzu 1.8 ( K&N,free flow, maybe a turbo), alloys + high performance tyres, custom front grill,integrate the back number plates into the back bumper.
This takes it a little away from the whole classic feel & it'll take the nostalgia away a bit but It will become a street legal ( no issues with PUC) & maybe somewhat a practical (daily use) alternate to my civic (10k kms) or my old workhorse a 2002 lancer (87K kms)
I have a month before I take a decision so suggestions or opinions are welcome. |