Cyrus43, Badboyscad & Arkin, I appreciate your patronizing words
Past:
Oct 1999 - Nov 2009: This car was being used by the secretary of the Punjab Govt. (VIP Red Light,siren, stickers etc). Being a corporate vehicle she has had the good fortune to be timely serviced and fitted with original spares when needed. She has been mostly driven inside Chandigarh for ferrying the officer from his quarters to his office. The metallic flag pole on the right hand side of the bonnet used to bear the insignia of the Govt. office this car was associated with.
In Dec. 2009 it was auctioned off at a paltry sum of Rs. 35000 to the guy whom I purchased her from. He spent another Rs. 10,000-12,000 getting a VIP number plate & installing the mp3 player etc. He had aimed at modifying her to look like a Mustang but alleged his family consumes much of his time & money. Also, he claims that the vehicle has been driven less than 1.7 lakh kms. (Since the Isuzu petrol engine is a sturdy one it's not a major concern for me. Moreover the legendary roar of the engine confirms it is in wonderful condition!)
Present:
7 months ago, when I finally built up my financial capacity to buy a car, I started looking frantically for a Contessa. After many adventures, dejections & excitements I found her parked by the roadside, all covered up in dust and bird droppings.
I spoke to the owner, he demanded Rs. 45,000 and we closed the deal at Rs. 42,000. I estimate I'll be spending spend another 50,000 on restoration & paint-job. (Many would suggest I could have bargained a little harder & got the vehicle in under Rs. 40,000 blah blah blah – Honestly speaking, any Contessa lover would have paid 50,000 or 60,000 for the absolute joy of owning one!)
Pics:
1. This is the pavement i found her on.
2. Took her for a bath

3. Awesome 1st day. My friend drove around for me and we finally brought it home.
4. Broken connecting pipe. I wanted to get the complete exhaust system changed but can't find it in Chandigarh. So for the time being getting it welded.
PS: @Arkin: I'll be dumping the Daewoo wheel cup soon
