Indonesian Dream part 2:Timor

Timor is a national car brand that was owned by Tommy Soeharto. Son of Soeharto (The second president of Indonesia).The name Timor was used for tribute to East Timor (Which then separates from Indonesia in 1998). They launched their first model in 1996. Their first model is the Timor S515/S515i (Often reffered as Timor SOHC/Timor DOHC). It was a Rebadged Kia Sephia. And probably only 1 from only 2 national car project that is actually worked (Besides Bimantara. Which did the same thing as Timor which rebadge Korean Cars)

The Timor is…… Well…… Pretty much a scam. I mean,Once someone told me that Sales person of Timor claimed that the Timor that was sold that time is already Fifth generation (Where the heck is the First to Fourth generation). And also,Timor often claimed their cars as 100% made in Indonesia. Even though it was…… Imported! Yes. It was completely bulid up from South Korea. Unlike Proton that bulid their cars in Malaysia

And also,Don’t forget that the fact the whole national car project was made for the 1998 Indonesian General Election. So,Basically,Every Indonesian National Car Project in the 90s were made for Political Propaganda

And also,The New Order Regime featuring The Cendanas

Back then,Timors were free from any kind of taxes. Including luxury goods tax and vehicle tax. This led to foreign manufacturers to complain to the Indonesian goverment. Even they threatening to fill Lawsuit to WTO.

And also,In 1998,Timor owners debadged their Timors due the 1998 Riot. They don’t want to died in a Timor due the protesters in May 1998 will destroy Timors (and Bimantaras) due their relation to New Order regime. That’s why most Timors on the street don’t have complete Timor badges or replaced with Kia badges. Even once i found a Timor with Mitsubishi badge

Okay,Let’s stop talking about Timor’s controversy now. Let’s talk about the good sides of Timor now. The Timor S515/S515i came with full spec features. It still had Seatbelt Reminder and Side Impact Beam in the 90s! Something that Japanese cars don’t have that time. While still priced cheap (Due Timor don’t charged with Luxury taxes and Vehicle taxes that time)! For comparation,A Timor costs just Rp 36 mio ($19.454) that time while Toyota Starlet costs Rp 48 mio ($25.915)

And also,It was easy to mantain because the Engine parts are similar to Mazda 323 and Ford Laser

Meanwhile,There’s also another car that Timor sold. LIke this Timor SW516

It was bulid by New Armada. A coachbulider company. Only less than 100 units were made

And also,There’s also a Timor Limosine. Which only 50 units were produced (And only 3 units remains)

Oh,And also,Remember when Megatech (Another company that was owned by Tommy Soeharto) bought Lamborghini and Vector? Welp.Timor planned to bulid an SUV alongside with Lamborghini……

And also,Back then,Tommy Soeharto was so obsessed with racing,So you can buy a Timor with a Rally Package!

And also,Timor once also made Performance version of Timor S515……. That is designed by Prodrive!

It has it’s engine power increased up to 150HP. And it has a bodykit. And also,It has it’s suspension and brakes upgraded

Next,Timor also planned to bulid a city car called Timor S213i

It was designed by Zagato. And it has 1.3L engine. Unfortunately,It was canceled because of Monetary Crisis of 1998 and Fall of the New Order

Last but not least,Timor also planned to sell the first generation of Kia Sportage as Timor J520i. But canceled because of the fall of the New Order

That’s all!