[karlosdeville]

Another variant of the Padmini Safari / stationwagon seen here, what appears to be at Connaught Place, Delhi. Note the steeply raked rear door, like the later Starlines, but with subtle differences in design including the standard Padmini rear door window frame. Wonder who built this one.

[karlosdeville]

Chanced upon this rare leaflet for various Starline models.









Source unknown unfortunately.

[karlosdeville]

A Premier Automobiles service van doing duty at the 1977 London-Sydney rally passing through India.

[karlosdeville]

In March 1982 Premier Automobiles Limited had a dealers conference in Jaipur, and these three models built on the driveaway chassis were displayed by various coachbuilders at the prestigious Rambag Palace hotel.



Left to right are models built by Starline, Delhi Automobiles, and Kamal & Co.

[karlosdeville]

A pair of Starline chassis with bodies built for the Police on display in 1983.


A Starline safari in motorsport action at the Charminar Challenge rally.

[karlosdeville]

Various coverage of Starline built Ambulances. Wonder how long these were in service.

[directinjection]

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

In March 1982 Premier Automobiles Limited had a dealers conference in Jaipur, and these three models built on the driveaway chassis were displayed by various coachbuilders at the prestigious Rambag Palace hotel.

Did Padmini have body on frame construction? I remember having seen what looked like chassis frame members under the engine of a friend's Padmini Deluxe BE 1982 model.

[karlosdeville]

Originally Posted by directinjection

Did Padmini have body on frame construction? I remember having seen what looked like chassis frame members under the engine of a friend's Padmini Deluxe BE 1982 model.

It had what we locally call 'Half chassis' - forgive me I do not know the correct technical term. The body and floor are unitary, though the engine and front suspension are mounted on a sub frame that is removable.

[TejasV]

Thank you for the thread. The cars back in the generally felt a lot more purpose built and useful than today's cars in terms of features for actual utility than sheer laziness-driven comforts that add no real value to the users. And the cars in some of the pictures look mean and sporty at the same time, so different from the "composed & urbane" padmini sedan!

Station wagons have always stood out and looked beautiful to me personally.Sad that we in India did not see the value of such cars though we had the opportunity to with various good to great cars being offered in this variation right from the Baleno & Octavias to Mercs and Volvos in not so distant times. They still are the most practical I feel, especially with SUVs tall stance/ride being not the most comfortable for most.

[r_nairtvm]

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

It had what we locally call 'Half chassis' - forgive me I do not know the correct technical term.

Karl, it was called the "Drive Away Chassis". You had posted this pic earlier in this thread only

[karlosdeville]

Originally Posted by r_nairtvm

Karl, it was called the "Drive Away Chassis". You had posted this pic earlier in this thread only

Attachment 2442530

I think the question was about the conventional Padmini, to which I replied.

[manishalive]

Originally Posted by directinjection

Did Padmini have body on frame construction? I remember having seen what looked like chassis frame members under the engine of a friend's Padmini Deluxe BE 1982 model.

Premier Padmini had semi integral chassis with only the from having a subframe to mount the suspension, steering and engine + Gear Box. This is also referred to as half chassis in local language which is what Karl has pointed out to.

[karlosdeville]

An undated ad for a Starline SAB 22 'Traveller' - a new name I see here. Note the great looking roof rack.

[karlosdeville]

In October 1970 this article appeared announcing the appointment of Starline Motors Bombay as new dealers. So now we know exactly when they came onto the PAL scene.

[karlosdeville]

An 1982 advertisement for the Premier drive away chassis, this time by Bombay Cycle & Motor Agency.