historyman With excellent help from Stanher I’ve updated my draft of the Standard story for my carhistory4.com web site. I thought I’d post it here this time in case anyone can add to it before I finalise it.
In 1948 or 1949 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 named was changed in to Standard Motor Products of India (STAMPRO). Q. In what year was the name changed?
In 1955 the company introduced the 803 cc Standard 8 (hp) model and shortly afterwards the 948 cc Standard 10 (hp), which was a larger engine version of the model 8. Q. 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 1962.
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 axle were manufactured locally.
In 1966 the mark 2 version 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. Q. 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. Q. How many made? A 5-door estate version was also supplied.
Car production 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. Q. Was a 2061 cc 85 hp engine also fitted?
Production of this model ceased in 1987. |