Chinkara Roadster 2003



Creator/Artist: Chinkara Motors (inspired by Lotus Seven, UK)

Category: Transport Automobiles India

Period:  2001-2010


Detailed Description

The Chinkara Roadster 1.8S, introduced in 2003 by Chinkara Motors in India, was a lightweight, open-top sports car inspired by the classic Lotus Seven. Inspired by the vintage Lotus Seven, Chinkara Motors debuted the lightweight, open-top Chinkara Roadster 1.8S in India in 2003. It had a low-slung body, exposed wheels, and a tubular space frame chassis that prioritised performance and agility in its minimalist, retro-modern design. The design, which offers a purist experience with few electronic aids, was geared towards driving aficionados. A 1.8L MPFI petrol engine from the Maruti Suzuki Esteem, which produced about 88 horsepower, was used to power the vehicle. It was mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Many parts were manufactured or modified from pre-existing Indian cars in order to keep costs down throughout the manufacturing process, which was conducted in a small-scale, semi-custom setup close to Mumbai. High-tensile steel tubes were selected for rigidity and crash safety in the chassis, while lightweight fibreglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) was used for the body. With a focus on weight reduction, the interior materials were simple, with metal finishes, leather or vinyl seats, and no instrumentation. With the goal of providing a reasonably priced, track-ready sports car experience, the Chinkara Roadster operated as a niche performance offering in India.


Design Significance

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Reference Links:
https://malayalam.drivespark.com/off-beat/rare-cars-on-indian-roads-nmc1-009592.html