Pune gets sentimental about the iconic Ambassador

I got my Ambassador from a Parsi gentleman...

The car gave him exemplary service for 54 years but he couldn’t drive it in Mumbai any longer. He was looking for a caring owner and it came my way and I bought it. The car, in its lifetime, has travelled from Mumbai to Kashmir 7 times, North East 11 times and 5 times to Sri Lanka without a single breakdown or mechanical problems. I have serviced it regularly and made a few changes and replacements but beyond that its an excellent car which made me look at it in a different light. 
—Adil Jal Darukhanawala editor-in-chief, ZEEGNITION

It was luxury on wheels and a sense of pride...
I bought my Ambassador car in the year 2001 and sold it last year. I chose to buy an Amby over other cars because of its space and comfortable seating. Its a safe car and I can travel for any long journey. Travelling into rural areas on rough roads was no problem for that car. It was also not hard to find a mechanic for it. Once upon a time the car was a symbol for government officers and leaders. Travelling in an Ambassador was a royal experience and you were looked upon with respect and dignity.
—Dattajirao Ghatge 
Vice President, Zilla Parishad, Kolhapur

For me, India is Ambassador and Ambassador is India...
I have lived in Germany all my life and came back to India 5 years ago. I bought the Ambassador as it was the most Indian car in the market. All my clients love being taken in our green Ambassador with a golden roof. Once we wanted to take a housing tour with German clients but our car wouldn’t start. The driver asked me to Push-start the car and we did it and my clients loved it. There are few of them left in Pune. I get the company’s decision to halt the production as its not practical to buy one these days. 
—Milan Pal 
Director, Prelocate Intercultural training.

I prefer my Amby over high-end luxury cars...
Travelling in my Ambassador gives me a feeling of being a Maharaja. It provides me safety on the road. In case of a road accident, the Amby car will remain undamaged due to its sturdy body. The best part of the car I like is the seating space. It is like home on wheels. I have travelled long journeys in this car and I find it most reliable. I’m sad that the car is being discontinued by the manufacturers, but on the other hand I feel proud that I am one of owners of the iconic Ambassador.
—Shantilal Bora, President (Pune city), Bharatiya Jain Sanghatna

I am alive because of my Ambassador...
I feel very sorry that the iconic Indian Ambassador car has gone off production line. I bought my first Ambassador car in the year 1978 and I have changed 5 models of Ambassador cars till now. While travelling in my first car in the year 1978 we met with an accident while coming to Pune from Mumbai. It was a head-on collision with a truck. Luckily I survived the accident and today I am alive because of my sturdy car. It is an auspicious car for me. I feel very proud to travel in an Ambassador even today.
—SB Mujumdar , Founder and President, Symbiosis Society

For us, Amby is our family member & she is my favourite...
I was born on June 14, 1962 and our Ambassador car was bought on June 17. Even after 52 years she (my Amby) looks as young as it did then. I used to go to school and tuition classes in it. My mother would drive the car with me and my sister at the back. I have 6 Mercedes cars but Amby is my favourite. I am tension free when I drive in my Amby. It is very comfortable and travels long routes with ease.
—Raghunathraje Naik Nimbalkar, President, Municipal Corporation, Phaltan