Veteran actor Dharmendra is a well-known figure in Bollywood. He has been a part of the film industry for a significant period and has even produced several films in addition to acting. Like many actors in the industry, Dharmendra also owns several expensive and exotic cars in his garage. However, there has always been one car that holds a special place in Dharmendra’s heart. While it may not be an expensive car, it was the first car Dharmendra ever bought – a Fiat 1100. The actor still retains the car in his garage, and it is meticulously maintained. Recently, the veteran actor posted a video online in which he is seen posing with the vintage car he acquired back in 1960.
Dharmendra shared the video on his personal Instagram profile. In the video, the actor can be heard saying, “Hello friends, this is my first car. I bought it for only ₹18,000. In those days, ₹18,000 was a considerable sum. I have taken good care of it. Do you like it? Please pray that it remains with me always.” This short video truly demonstrates his deep affection for this particular car. In an interview given by the actor years ago, he revealed that the reason he didn’t sell the car was because he always feared losing his job or having to stop acting someday. In case such an event occurs, the Fiat 1100 is there in his garage as a backup car that he can use as a taxi.
The Fiat 1100 holds a significant place not only in the actor’s heart but also in the history of Indian automobiles. It was one of the first cars to be launched in the Indian market. This was during a time when Fiat enjoyed considerable popularity among customers worldwide, including India. The Fiat 1100 was considered a premium car at that time and was often favored by affluent families. Even today, numerous examples of the Fiat 1100 can be found in the country. Maintaining a car like this is a major task, as sourcing parts often presents a challenge in keeping the car in running condition. However, there are several collectors who have managed to maintain this car admirably, and Dharmendra is one of them.
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One of the main reasons many people liked the Fiat 1100 was its design. The sedan seen in the video is finished in an olive green shade with bronze or copper-colored accents at various places. It’s evident that the actor had the car restored, as Fiat never offered a color like this from the factory. Alongside the exterior, the actor might have also refurbished the interiors. This would have allowed him to achieve a fresh look for the car overall. The Fiat 1100 was equipped with a 1,089 cc, four-cylinder petrol engine capable of generating a maximum of 36 Bhp, coupled with a 4-speed manual gearbox. The power from the engine was transmitted to the rear wheels. Even today, this car can be easily found in many parts of the country, especially in Mumbai, where it was widely used as a taxi. Apart from this vintage car, Dharmendra and his family own cars like the Mercedes-Benz SL500, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and Land Rover Range Rover SUV.
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