Premier (Padmini) Nostalgia – Old is Gold

Added: (Sat Jan 28 2012)

Pressbox (Press Release) - Do you remember your first car or maybe the one your parents lovingly welcomed into the fold? For many of us it was the Premier Padmini that we drove into our homes and hearts and has since become a huge part of the Indian ethos for generations now. If you still wonder if you can use that much loved vehicle that you so prided yourself on even today, you are definitely not alone.

In the words of Mehul H. Kuruwa a businessman from Kangayam, Tamil Nadu “The way people used to come up to me on high ways, in restaurants and petrol pumps and share their ideas and experiences about the Premier Padmini, was wonderful. I also learnt so much more about the vehicle. There is one thing all said and done, there is no other car like the Premier Padmini or Fiat 1100”

Yes, there was indeed a feeling of community and common affection for this vehicle known as the Fiat 1100 or the Premier Padmini, and now you can communicate with other Premier Padmini aficionados via a large online community.

Mr. Kuruwa bought his first car the Premier Padmini in 2003 and has since become addicted to the vehicle. After he became a proud owner, he began to face a few technical problems like the car stopping after even a half a kilometer drive. But his love for his Padmini Premier was so immense that he decided to face the said technical issues and not give up.

Through his hard work and dedication, the car was soon able to make the distance from Kerala to Tamil Nadu (around 300kms), continuously without a hitch. Subsequently he also purchased the Padmini S1 96 AC model in 2008, which he now uses and has equipped with CDI ignition, AC, open door alarm with lights, LED tail lamps, 4 fog lamps etc.

Keeping in mind his past experiences and how he overcame the challenges, Mr Kuruwa decided to start a Premier Padmini Fan Club online, where he could help fellow owners get their cars restored / repaired as per the correct procedures, reduce and eventually prevent the scrapping of Fiats/ Premier Padminis, help the owner sell their cars to the right people, as well as spread awareness about the importance of these machines which ruled the Indian roads for nearly four decades. He also organizes a charity run at least once a year for a social cause.

In 2009 a website - www.premierpadmini.webs.com was launched, uniting a community of car lovers from around the country. The website has 175 online members and 20 non online members, for those who do not have access to computers. The members come from all over India and can even call Mr. Kuruwa or meet him if possible, whenever they face any troubles with their Premier Padmini. You can also avail of technical support details as well as maintenance procedures with pictures, which helps members to see the spares without opening the car engine parts.

Mr. Kuruwa says that the vision behind this website is to change the image of Premier Padmini cars and to prove that they are in no way inferior to modern day cars. So if you have ever dreamed of dusting the cobwebs of your Premier Padmini and driving her through the streets again, the time is now!