Standard Motors (India) Standard Herald History

In 1961 Standard Motor Products of India began assembling the Triumph Herald as the Standard Herald, initially dependent on British-sourced parts. By 1965, engines, gearboxes, and axles were being manufactured locally, marking a significant step toward indigenization.

The Mark II (1966) adopted Vitesse-inspired front styling, while the Mark III (1968–1971) broke entirely from the British two-door body: engineers in Madras developed a unique four-door configuration to compete with the Hindustan Ambassador, achieving a top speed of around 109–112 km/h. A small run of estate variants called the 'Companion', with fibreglass roofs, was built in 1969–1970.

The Herald line was phased out after 1971 when Standard parted ways with Triumph. Its platform and 948 cc engine directly underpinned the successor Gazel, giving the Madras factory continuity as it transitioned to fully Indian-designed bodywork.