Independence Day Special: 5 Indo-British Ventures In The World Of Automobiles

In a remarkable turn of events, several Indian companies have successfully acquired and revitalised iconic British brands that once symbolised the former colonial power's industrial might. From luxury cars to retro litre-class bikes, Indian entrepreneurs have not only preserved these legendary vehicles but are transforming their marques into global success stories. On our 79th Independence Day, here are five British brands that now proudly fly under the Indian flag, showcasing how far the subcontinent has come since 1947.

BSA: A Phoenix Rising from Birmingham

If it was not for Classic Legends, a subsidiary of the Mahindra & Mahindra, Birmingham-based Birmingham Small Arms Company Ltd would not still be here. After producing bikes non-stop for 63 years, and at one point being the largest motorcycle company in the world, BSA stopped production suddenly. Financial losses forced it to abruptly shut shop in the summer of 1973.

It was not until 2016 that Classic Legends bought the British brand’s assets for ₹28 crore or £3,400,000. Eight years later came the BSA Gold Star 650. It launched in the UK first, and later in India, in 2024. The current Gold Star 650 picked up right where BSA had left off, retaining the same minimalistic, authentic old-school feel. However, unlike previous iterations, the Gold Star 650 debuted in the 21st century as a roadster. Its 650 cc mill was developed by Rotax, and was also used in the BMW F 650 Funduro, an ADV. The mill was further tuned in collaboration with the Technical University of Graz. Adding to this bike’s old-school charm is the fact that there are no ride modes and no ride-by-wire throttle to dilute that pure motorcycling experience. 

Norton: The Resurgence Of  Another Birmingham Giant

TVS Motor Company's acquisition of Norton Motorcycles in 2020 read like a rescue mission. When bankruptcy threatened to end Norton's 126-year journey, Indian enterprise stepped in as the saviour. This Birmingham-born brand, which has thrilled riders since 1898, was surviving in the market as a niche motorcycle maker. Now, it is all set for a resurgence, which we expect within the next two months, with the help of TVS. 

As part of this revival, a new range of single-cylinder engines is being developed in collaboration with TVS Motor Company. These bikes will be affordable and could even make Norton Motorcycles a household name. 

Beyond that, new premium motorcycles will also soon grace Indian roads, headlined by a new Norton V4. This bike is already production-ready and was recently spotted being tested by TVS’ MD Sudarshan Venu in Europe. It will be the first major new Norton product since the brand’s revival, so the Hosur-based manufacturer will want to make a huge statement. Spy shots already confirm a change in design, with a very sharp and agile look. Details will be revealed at the EICMA show this November.  

Royal Enfield: The Crown Jewel Success Story

Perhaps no tale better captures India's transformation than that of Royal Enfield's journey. When Eicher Motors welcomed this British icon in 1994, few could have predicted the global phenomenon it would become. The current iteration of the Classic 350 remains the heartbeat of Indian motorcycling culture, embodying both aspiration and achievement.

Royal Enfield has become more than just a motorcycle brand in India. Today, Royal Enfield stands as one of India's most valuable brands worldwide, a testament to what's possible when vision meets heritage.

Triumph: Partnership Perfection

The Triumph-Bajaj Auto alliance represents a masterclass in strategic collaboration. Rather than outright ownership, this partnership has created something beautiful – two worlds working together for mutual success. The Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X, born from this union, have attracted 50,000 buyers in their debut year alone.

This collaboration perfectly embodies our Independence Day spirit – India standing as an equal partner with global brands. Bajaj's manufacturing excellence meets Triumph's 122-year legacy, creating motorcycles that honour British heritage whilst benefiting from Indian efficiency. With the Thruxton 400, the brand has furthered its 400 cc portfolio and is planning to launch two more models soon; one  a Brat tracker bike and the other bringing the highly aspirational Bonneville badge back into this space. 

Tata Motors: The Payback Story

It was mainly due to visionary Padma Vibhushan Rata Tata that Jaguar Land Rover was saved from the threat of becoming irrelevant. To sweeten this story, Ford Motor Company had turned down Tata Motors’ offer to purchase its fledgling car business in 1999, only to find itself selling its marquee brands to the Indian conglomerate nine years later, for half of what it had paid for them. It was an all-cash transaction of $2.3 billion, and since then, Jaguar Land Rover has been on the road to recovery. 

While the 2008 financial crisis did make things a bit tricky at the time of acquisition, both Tata and JLR have come a long way, guided by three principles – improved liquidity, cost control, and new products. Jaguar Land Rover has even designed and developed its own engines, called “Ingenium”. There are both petrol and diesel variants, satisfying current emissions norms and keeping customers happy. 

These success stories illuminate a profound truth about modern India. Our nation has evolved from being a market for foreign brands to becoming the steward of global legends. Indian companies haven't merely acquired these British marques, they've nurtured them, revived them, and positioned them for future glory.

As we celebrate our Independence Day, these partnerships and acquisitions remind us that true freedom includes economic sovereignty and the confidence to acquire, transform, and preserve global treasures.