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Time for another restoration restoration project, again a Standard, but this time a 1974 Gazel - a contender for the coveted post of India's ugliest car :D, though something about it has always had me fond of them. This was the final iteration of the Herald (you can read my previous thoughts on the Herald development
here)
While not enough is known on exact timelines for the Herald, even less is known about the Gazel. To be honest I cannot say with confidence when the model was actually introduced. An old Auto India issue from the 90s chronicling the Indian automotive milestones puts the date as 1970, as a replacement to the Mark III. I would have thought they came in around 1971 or 72. And just now a senior collector informs me that they were introduced in September 1972, and discontinued in early 1975.
Even today by and large it is not considered collectable, though more and more people are beginning to understand its significance. Though often referred to as India's first indigenous car, it really is more of a heavy facelift to the 4 door (India specific) Standard Herald Mark III. The front end mimicked the Triumph Herald 13/60, though was an all new design. The rear lost the trademark tail fins, and now had a plain boxy end with nondescript rectangular taillights. The only thing in my opinion that was a success was the fully redesigned (fibre?) dash, with ornate details and an oval cluster for the gauges, and an assortment of piano key switches. The glove box sported a neat Triumph shield shaped button, and the whole dash was painted silver grey. Mechanically I think the only changes were to the rear axle - the independent axle system of the Herald was discarded for a tried and tested rigid axle (taken from the Triumph Toledo/Standard 10?) The short stubby gear lever was replaced by a longer cranked unit like the 10, and a bench seat replaced the individual ones we saw in Heralds.
Here was one I had seen years back, later chopped and doing wedding duties, now probably scrapped. When I was in college (which wasn't too long ago) cars like these were available for under 10,000 rupees - yes, the price of battery and tyres. How I wish that were still true.
The dash (from another car) showing the ivory switches
Here are some brochure scans I had found many years back for what we now call the Mark I model. Like with most brochures, there are inconsistencies with some features - this car shows the later bonnet but earlier handles.
Here is an owner's manual and service booklet borrowed from a friend
Some years later (1972/74?) came an updated version, what we have come to call the Mark II, though never officially designated as such. The car lost its large one piece forward hinged bonnet to get a familiar rear hinged smaller piece - what we locally referred to as 'Fiat-type bonnet'. Exterior door handles were replaced by Fiat 1100 D/Premier Padmini items, and I think the aluminium badges had the lettering pressed 'in' instead of stamped 'out'. I have seen many bumper configurations - chrome and body coloured, with and without guards, so I can't say for sure what came when. Ditto for side trims - maybe on some later models they were deleted altogether, not sure.
Here is a nice car that was in Bangalore. Note the pressings in the panel behind the front wheel - where the bonnet opening levers were deleted. I like the period colour, though not factory. According to a brochure, the original colours offered were Black, White, Conifer green (the colour of my Herald Mk 2), Copper Blue (my favorite, a medium blue) and Buckskin, which must have been some kind of brown. Incidentally my car is powder blue, which also must have been offered later.
Smart looking dash - note the black dash switches.
Here is a brochure scan for the Mark II
Here is an owner's manual for the Mark II
And I was lucky to get an original Parts Catalogue for items specific to the Gazel
There was also a stationwagon version - while I've never seen one (and wonder if any survive), I did see a fibre rear hatch at a scrapyard years back.
Plus one is featured in what seems to be an old world car guide. It seems to be named Standard Break?
I really hope that anyone who can remember these sort of details to please share them - its a shame we have no reference material for most Indian cars of the era. I am sure resident Standard motors guru Stanher will contribute, having owned one for many years.
After having been badly bitten by the Herald bug, it was but natural that I would want a Gazel. When original (and cheap) cars were available, I had no means. When some means became available, the cars dried up. But on a visit to Bangalore in December last year (in my Herald no less), KPS mentioned to me about a car being available, a 1974 Mark II. Apparently owned by an elderly professor from new, and having covered very low milage. Bought new in Bangalore, the car travelled to Rajasthan in the 80s, and subsequently returned to Bangalore - unfortunately giving an ugly registration plate.
The car was standing for a while, but all the hard to find bits were in place, and very original. The only thing missing was the windscreen (which I am still looking for!). A gas kit had been fitted, though the car was supposedly laid up soon after, so I'm hoping no major damage was done.
These are the pictures I got.
She certainly has looks that take getting used to! Not the image that comes to mind when you use the graceful gazelle for a name.
Some surface rust visible here and there, but the windscreen frames were mostly clean barring a corner, so I was hoping most of the important portions were unaffected
This would be a body coloured bumper version - probably a result of
value engineering. Note the rare trim around the lights - they rarely survive.
Looks messy, but most things in place. I'm not sure whether the horn button should be plain black or have a Standard Triumph shield like Heralds.
Indicators original, and shared with Fiat Delights. Side trims all present and in good shape - impossible to find these days.
Hard to find trim and sidelights intact
So much for my surface rust theory:D
The odo reads 12,500 kms
The original Hella taillights - I think some commercial vehicles use them even today.
A deal was struck, and I'm very grateful to KPS and his father for their help. We took delivery in January. Since the car was in Bangalore, I entrusted the restoration work to bulletboy's 'Jalopy Shop', and he's doing a great job so far, with the right approach and attitude.
My initial desire was to keep as much of the paint as possible, even if ends up being a 'rat-looker'. But I don't see that as a practical alternative, there is too much to renew.
I am really looking forward to hear feedback from the more experienced members here, whether we are going about it the right way, any methods of improvement and so on. Criticism, constructive or otherwise, is always welcome.
26th Jan 2015
We took delivery and had the car taken over to the workshop. Here is a more detailed look at what we were working with
Rust was obviously worse than it looked in the initial pictures
Interiors seemed all original, with rare white beading. Can anyone confirm the door pad design to be correct?
I'm trying to look at the bright side - the rubber gromet over the petrol gauge is intact:D
Gas kit of no use. More alarming rust.
Rare wheel rims with thinner ventilation slats compared to the Herald.
Luckily all 4 hubcaps came with the car
More rust...
Unique air filter and master cylinder reservoirs
Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Classic Car Section. Thanks for sharing!
Karl, I've often wondered how they manage to get the ridges impressed on the metal sheet whenever a part of the floor pan or any other panel is restored?
Glad to see the work on the car and she seems to be shaping up very well.
When I sent Karl the pictures of this car, his reaction was "you are going to get me into trouble!". The attraction was the originality of the car and Karl knew this was not to be missed. The small trim pieces were all there. The price was a big issue but Karl took the leap after some sustained negotiation.
The chassis and the engine condition is a big plus on this car.
Bulletboy is doing a great job as usual.
Look forward for a ride in the finished car. May we should do the Ooty--> Coorg --> Bangalore leg of the Southern Trail route, which the Herald missed last November.
Cheers
KPS
As always. Restoration stories are a delight. Please keep it coming.
Quote:
Originally Posted by moralfibre
(Post 3706061)
Karl, I've often wondered how they manage to get the ridges impressed on the metal sheet whenever a part of the floor pan or any other panel is restored? |
Since we obviously cannot make a die/press for a one-off panel, a skilled worker beats in the ridges with hand tools. With modern cars usually there is much less panel beating, with replace taking importance over repair. Skilled panel beaters are becoming harder and harder to find.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KPS
(Post 3706086)
Look forward for a ride in the finished car. May we should do the Ooty--> Coorg --> Bangalore leg of the Southern Trail route, which the Herald missed last November. |
Sounds good. The plan is of course to eventually drive back home to Pune.
13th May 2015
Stripping down to bare frame continues. Corrosion/rot is centred around the underside of the chassis at the front
The bare front end assembly
Quote:
Originally Posted by karlosdeville
(Post 3706110)
Stripping down to bare frame continues. Corrosion/rot is centred around the underside of the chassis at the front
The bare front end assembly |
Do consider sand blasting the chassis.
For body panels:
Soda blast
I sorely miss having a Aqua blasting facility for engine restoration. :(
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2fWLj96Hlg
What a delightful thread for an unsung car !
thanks for sharing, hooked on to this thread now !clap:
Quote:
Originally Posted by karlosdeville
(Post 3703992)
Time for another restoration restoration project, again a Standard, but this time a 1974 Gazel. To be honest I cannot say with confidence when the model was actually introduced. A senior collector informs me that they were introduced in September 1972, and discontinued in early 1975. |
Dear Karl - CONGRATULATIONS! I know for sure that a brand new Standard Gazel was registered in 1980 as the company car of Mr.Ashok Sonalkar of M&M Kandivli, when I had joined there as a trainee. The car was light green in color and the number was MMU something.
This means that in 1980, Gazel was in production.
I suggest that if you really want to make this chassis and suspension parts like brand new, you must get these things CED coated. It will be a big hassle to do besides being very costly, but it is the best way.
ALL THE BEST!
Best regards,
Behram Dhabhar
Karl,
Although not quite my kind of car, congratulations . The work is being systematically carried out and I am sure the end result will be pleasing.
Maybe she will join us later this year to Gujarat and beyond??:D
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