Key Highlights
- A nostalgic tribute to four legendary vehicles that became part of Pakistan’s national identity.
- How the Suzuki Mehran brought affordability and mobility to the masses.
- Why the Toyota Corolla earned its crown as Pakistan’s most trusted car.
- The cultural and logistical impact of Bedford trucks, the decorated kings of the road.
- The enduring popularity of the Honda CD70, the everyday hero of millions.
- How these rides shaped our roads and connected our cities, fostering a sense of unity and shared experience that is deeply ingrained in our national identity.
When you look at Pakistan’s journey since 1947, you’ll see that it’s not just the people, the cities, or the landscapes that have evolved — our roads tell a story too. Over the decades, certain vehicles have gone beyond being modes of transport. They became icons, shaping daily life, fueling dreams, and sometimes even defining an era.
Let’s take a nostalgic drive through the history of four such legends.
Suzuki Mehran aka The Boss — The People’s Car
Launched in the late 1980s, the Suzuki Mehran wasn’t about glamour. It didn’t boast fancy gadgets, a powerful engine, or sleek curves. But what it did offer was something more profound: affordability and simplicity. These two qualities made it a national favorite, a car that resonated with the everyday Pakistani.
For decades, it was the go-to choice for middle-class families buying their first car. Mechanics loved it because it was easy to repair, spare parts were cheap, and even a roadside ustaad could fix it with a spanner and some determination.
It wasn’t just a car; it was a symbol of mobility and opportunity for countless households. Even today, the word “Mehran” instantly sparks memories of family trips, wedding convoys, and those nerve-racking driving lessons with dad in the passenger seat. But now, Pakistan Suzuki has replaced this small hatchback with another one named Alto.
Toyota Corolla — The Trusted Companion
If reliability had a name, in Pakistan it would be “Corolla.” From the 1970s to the present day, this sedan has been the darling of everyone from city dwellers to rural drivers. Its solid build, fuel efficiency, and ability to handle rough roads earned it an almost unshakable reputation.
For taxi fleets, it was a workhorse. For families, it was a safe, comfortable ride. And for car enthusiasts, it offered just enough style and performance to be taken seriously. The Corolla’s resale value became the stuff of legend — you could practically drive it for years and sell it without losing much.
In many ways, it became the default Pakistani car, bridging generations and geographies.
Bedford Trucks — The King of Road
Before modern logistics fleets, there were Bedford trucks — brightly painted giants that ruled Pakistan’s highways for decades. These trucks weren’t just vehicles; they were rolling works of art. Covered in elaborate truck art, they carried not just cargo but also culture.
Introduced during the early years after independence, Bedford trucks became the backbone of goods transport. From Karachi’s ports to the remote valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan, they carried everything from grain to construction materials.
Their durability and ease of maintenance meant they kept running long after production stopped. Even today, spotting one on the highway feels like seeing an old friend — a reminder of the days when these decorated beasts symbolized strength, color, and resilience. Their legacy lives on, a testament to their enduring spirit.
Honda CD70 – A Symbol of Hard Work & Daily Life
If the Mehran was the people’s car, the Honda CD70 was — and still is — the people’s bike. First introduced in the 1980s, it became an instant hit for being economical, reliable, and almost indestructible.
For millions of Pakistanis, the CD70 wasn’t just transport; it was the first step toward independence. Students rode it to college, workers to factories, and small business owners to markets. Its fuel economy was legendary, and its maintenance costs were next to nothing.
Even decades later, the CD70 remains a symbol of hard work and daily life, still dominating Pakistan’s motorcycle market.
The Legacy on Our Roads
These four vehicles — the Suzuki Mehran, Toyota Corolla, Bedford truck, and Honda CD70 — didn’t just serve their owners. They became part of Pakistan’s collective memory, carrying our families, building our businesses, connecting our cities, and bringing life to our roads.
As new technologies and electric vehicles emerge, these icons remind us of a simpler, grittier, and perhaps more colorful time in our motoring history. And while the future promises faster, smarter, and greener rides, the stories of these legends will always be written into the asphalt of Pakistan’s journey.
