In 1985, the Standard 2000 was India’s most luxurious car
India has had some of the most iconic cars who have disappeared from the streets but their legacy lives. Today, true automobile enthusiasts in India can do almost anything and everything to get their hands on an HM Ambassador, HM Contessa, Premier Padmini or a Tata Sierra.
However, there’s one iconic car that nobody wishes to drive even if they are offered for free. In fact, people do not even remember this car – the Standard 2000 which was India’s most luxurious vehicle in 1985. Unfortunately, it was iconic for all the wrong reasons.
A rebadged version of the British Rover SD1, the 2000 was produced by a Standard Motor Products of India Limited (SMPIL) in Madras.
The car used to generate 83hp of power, could reach a top speed of 145 kilometres per hour and had features like electric windows, power steering and air conditioning – features that were considered luxury back then. Not to forget, the car had a whopping price tag of INR 2,12,000.
Compared to the Standard 2000, the HM Contessa produced only 49hp of power and costed only INR 84,000.
The Standard 2000 was an expensive car meant only for the elites such as businessmen, sports athletes and actors. However, the car had a clunky gearbox which ruined the driving experience.
Furthermore, while the company claimed a mileage of 12-13 kilometres per litre, the car barely managed 5-6 kilometres per litre. Such issues faced by the elite class led to a spread of negative word in the industry.
Within three years, the car was discontinued in India because government intervened and asked Standard to ensure the car is in-line with the new fuel norms. Standard failed to do so and the car was discontinued with three years. The discontinuation of the car also ended SMPIL’s stint in India.
