History of Standard Motor Cars / Automobiles

• 8.9.5.  Standard Motors 
  
  
• In 1948/49 the Union Motor Company reached an agreement with Standard Motors (UK) and by about 1950 they started to assemble 2088 cc Vanguard cars.  
  
  
• By the early 1950s locally produced parts were being fitted.
  
  
• The company’s name was changed to Standard Motor Products of India (STAMPRO). In what year was the name changed?
  
  
• In 1955 the company introduced the 803 cc Standard 8 model and shortly afterwards the 948 cc Standard 10 (hp), which was a larger engine version of the model 8. How many of each were made? 
  
  
• The Pennant model, a restyled Standard 10, was produced between 1959 and mid 1961. An estate version called the Companion was produced until late 1963.
  
  
• In December 1960 the 948 cc, two-door Standard (Triumph) Herald was introduced in India replacing, in 1961, the model 10 and the Pennant. 
  
  
• Locally produced fuel gauges, speedos and amp meters were utilised from 1963 and by 1964 the engine, gearbox and axles were manufactured locally.
  
  
• In 1966 the mark 2 version of the Standard Herald was introduced, followed shortly afterwards by the four-door Mark 3 model in late 1967/early 1968. 
  
  
• In 1970 the Companion estate version of the Mark 3 was produced. 
  
  
• Note: Standard Motors of UK acquired Triumph in 1944. In 1961 Leyland Motors acquired Standard Triumph, who in turn became part of the newly formed British Leyland in 1968.   
  
  
• In 1970 Standard Motor’s agreement with British Leyland ended and production of the Standard Herald car ceased in 1971. How many Standard Herald cars were made between 1962 and 1971?
  
  
• Between 1971 and 1977 the company produced the 948 cc, 10 hp four-door Gazel, the first car designed in India. How many were made? A 5-door estate version was also supplied. 
  
  
• Car production, which had ceased in 1977, resumed in 1985 when the company launched the Standard 2000, a rebadged British Leyland Rover SD1 fitted with a modified 1991 cc Standard Vanguard engine. Was a 2061 cc 85 hp engine also fitted?
  
  
• Production of this model ceased in 1987.