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Originally Posted by historyman I’ve produced the first draft of the Standard Motor Company story for my carhistory4u.com web site. Comments are especially welcome. Stanher – I’m told you know the history of this company very well. |
I do know fairly well about it, 'glad to help you out where I can.
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In 1949 (or 1948?) the Union Motor Company reached an agreement with Standard Motors (UK) and by about 1950 they started to assemble 2088 cc Vanguard cars.
The company’s named was changed in (WHEN?) to Standard Motor Products of India. STAMPRO OR SMPIL?
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It was officially changed to STAMPRO (I'm afraid I dont know exactly when either) although going by my memory, everyone I found talking about this co. calls it simply "Standard Motors" rather than STAMPRO.
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In 1955 the company introduced the 803 cc Standard 8 model and shortly afterwards the 948 cc Standard 10, which was a larger engine version of the model 8. How many of each were made? What was their hp?
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Again I'm afraid its a big question mark to us as well as to how many were made- only those intimately associated with STAMPRO could know (if at all any of them are still around)
If only we had an ex-factory employee here like Behram Dhabhar who was with PAL.
HP: The 948cc would be 10 hp?
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Was the Companion produced in India until late 1962?
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Yes, thats what I was told.
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In early 1962 the 948 cc, two-door Standard (Triumph) Herald was introduced in India, replacing the Model 10 and the Pennant.
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Actually the Herald was introduced in December 1960 itself, I have pics. of one such car that was among the first 100 Heralds introduced in India, still owned by the first owner!
However, the Pennant remained in production until 1961 and strangely the Companion was available simultaneously with the Herald until 1962!
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In 1966 the Mark 2 version was introduced, followed shortly afterwards by the Mark 3 (in what year?).
Was a 4-door Standard Herald model produced prior to the Gazel?
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Yes, thats what was badged the Mark 3, introduced in late '67 or '68. And its station-wagon sibling was the mark 3 Companion, made only for a year (1970) if I got it right.
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How many Standard Herald cars were made between 1962 and 1970? Is that when production of the Herald ceased?
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Yes, it definitely was until 1971 at the most, ending with the mark 3.
Again, no data on exactly how many were produced.
Ironically speaking, I reckon they should be easier to count now, since sadly so few exist!
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Between 1971 and 1977 the company produced the 948 cc, four-door Gazel, the first car designed in India. Is that important statement correct? What hp, how many made? A 5-door estate version was also supplied.
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Yes your right on the manufacturing dates. HP = 10 (same 948cc engine)
And yes there was an estate version also, but again sold not too well.
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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. Was a 2061 cc 85 hp engine also fitted?
Production of this model ceased in 1987. Or 1988?
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I leanrt from various sources that the co. ceased operating in 1987, although I guess some cars from that year would've sold on until 1988.
'not sure about the 2061cc version though. I'm only familiar with the Vanguard-derived engine.