Chinkara Motors
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automobile manufacturing |
| Founded | 2003 in Mumbai, India |
| Founder | Shama Bothe, Guido Bothe |
| Defunct | 2016 |
| Fate | Ceased operations |
| Headquarters | Alibag , India |
Area served | India |
Key people | Shama Bothe, Guido Bothe |
| Products | Sports cars, off-road vehicles, marine vessels, aviation products |
Chinkara Motors, formally known as Chinkara Motors PVT Ltd, was an automobile manufacturer based in Mumbai that operated between 2003 and 2016, with its main office located in Alibag, Maharashtra.
Among its distinguished clientele was Gautam Singhania, for whom Chinkara crafted a distinctive series of sports cars named Parx Roadsters.
History
Established by Shama Bothe and her German spouse Guido Bothe with the goal of producing sports cars, Chinkara encountered initial financial obstacles, requiring over two years before unveiling its inaugural model.
The company's first vehicle was introduced at the 2003 Mumbai Auto Show, priced at Rs 6.7 lakh, accompanied by the launch of the Chinkara roadster.
At the 2004 Auto Show, Chinkara presented the Jeepster, featuring a fiberglass body and priced at Rs 3.98 lakh.
In 2005, during the Vaahan Yatra event, Chinkara revealed India's pioneering indigenous All-terrain vehicle (ATV), the Roadster, along with another sports model called Speedster.
By 2011, the price of the Chinkara Roadster had risen to approximately Rs 26 lakh, with customer wait times extending beyond five months; however, annual sales remained modest at just 2-3 units.
In May 2018, the State Consumer Commission mandated Chinkara to compensate a former Army Captain Rs 3.5 lakh due to the delivery of a faulty speed boat.
Automotive
Chinkara's core production included a two-seater sports car known as the Chinkara Roadster 1.8S and the Jeepster, which bore a strong resemblance to classic Jeeps from the 1940s. These automobiles were designed and developed in Alibag, close to Mumbai. The brand name "Chinkara" is derived from a regional term for the Indian Gazelle.
Chinkara Roadster 1.8S
Inspired by the Lotus 7, the Chinkara Roadster is constructed using components sourced from a range of Indian vehicles, such as the Maruti 800 and the now-defunct Standard Herald. This approach, leveraging intermediate technology, enables it to stand alongside more sophisticated Western counterparts. Notably, it incorporates MacPherson strut suspension systems at both the front and rear, borrowed from the Maruti Alto. The Roadster is offered in several tuning configurations.
- Price: INR 740,000 (exclusive of taxes)
- Engine: Inline Isuzu 4-cylinder, 1.8 liter/1816 cc (Petrol), @ 5000 rpm, @ 3000 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox
- Brakes: Ventilated discs on front and rear
- Tyres: Front – 205/50 R16, Rear – 225/50 R15 Goodyear F1 tubeless
- Performance: Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, maximum velocity of 187 km/h, claimed fuel economy of 13 kmpl
- Dimensions: Length , Width , Height
- Weight:
Jeepster
The Jeepster is an off-road vehicle designed with styling cues reminiscent of the classic Willys Jeep. Featuring a lightweight body constructed from FRP, it is available with either a diesel powertrain or a 1.8L Isuzu petrol engine option.
Additional automotive offerings
Chinkara Motors' range also encompasses:
- Hammer – a sandrail rapid assault vehicle developed for the Indian defence forces
- Rockster – an All-terrain vehicle
- Beachster – a Dune buggy
- Sailster – a land vehicle propelled by wind power
- Motor homes
Marine products
The Marine division focused on producing multi-hull vessels made from Fiber-Reinforced Plastic, including both powered and sailboat catamarans as well as powered trimaran workboats. Signature models included the Wave Striker power catamaran and the Predator powered trimaran.
Aviation Products
Within Aviation, production included GFP gliders, powered gliders, Gyrocopters, and various Microlight aircraft.
External links
- Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of India
- Companies based in Maharashtra
- Sports car manufacturers
- Lotus Seven replicas
- Indian brands
- 2003 establishments in Maharashtra
- 2016 disestablishments in India
- Indian companies established in 2003
- Indian companies disestablished in 2016
- Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 2003
- Vehicle manufacturing companies disestablished in 2016