Chopped From The B-Pillar: How This Ambassador Became A Pickup
Hindustan Ambassador was one of the iconic cars that shaped Indian car culture. It is, in fact, one of the first made-in-India cars to go on sale. It was once considered a status symbol and ruled our roads for decades. It is one of those cars that was used by politicians, diplomats, and even senior government employees. Hindustan Motors stopped operations in 2014, but even today, we can still see well-maintained and modified examples of the Ambassador and other HM models from different parts of the country. Here we have a video from Punjab where an old Ambassador sedan has been chopped off from the rear and converted into a pickup truck.
The video was shared by Harbhej Sidhu on his YouTube channel. In it, the vlogger speaks to the owner of a heavily modified Ambassador, which is currently located in Punjab. The owner explains that he carried out most of the modifications himself. He has a deep passion for vintage cars and bikes and runs a garage where he primarily repairs superbikes.
Talking about the modifications, the original headlamps have been replaced with aftermarket projector LED units, and the stock grille has been swapped for a custom-made metal grille finished in chrome. The front grille also features Ambassador branding at the center. The original chrome-plated metal bumper of the Ambassador has been retained.
This is a 2010 Ambassador. The owner converted the four-door sedan into a two-door pickup mainly to transport his bikes. He wanted a vehicle that would allow him to carry his motorcycles conveniently during trips.
Moving to the side, you notice that the car has been chopped from the B-pillar onwards. Only the upper half of the body has been modified, while the lower half and the original body lines remain untouched. The owner made a conscious effort to preserve the Ambassador’s classic character throughout the modification process.
For those who didn’t know, Hindustan Motors officially had a pickup version of the Ambassador in the market. It was called the Veer. However, the car seen here in the video is entirely unrelated. The rear loading bay of this custom pickup is finished in wood, giving it a unique look. There is also a hidden bench seat positioned behind the driver’s seat, which can be accessed using a key.
The owner mentioned that he frequently uses this vehicle for road trips with his bikes. He has already driven it to Himachal Pradesh, carrying his tent and other essentials in the rear cargo area. The tailgate has also been customized.
The paint job on this car is another attraction. The owner clarifies that the shade is not Army Green but a slightly lighter tone. Inside, the car features a custom-made steering wheel, air conditioning, and upgraded seats.
The wheels are finished in black and come with chrome-finished metal hubcaps shaped like small bowls. Thick-profile tyres further enhance the pickup’s rugged stance. The owner also mentions that this is a petrol-powered Ambassador and that it is fitted with an aftermarket exhaust system.
The Ambassador Veer was a pickup truck version of the iconic Hindustan Motors Ambassador, introduced primarily for commercial use. It was launched back in 2011 and was based on the same platform as the Ambassador sedan. The Veer featured a practical cargo bed at the rear while retaining the familiar front-end design, including the classic grille and rounded headlamps. It had a payload capacity of 800 kg.
It was initially introduced in the East Indian market and was later introduced to other regions. HM also offered the Veer as a drive-away chassis with a front cabin.