The Standard Herald was designed in 1959 as the Triumph Herald by Giovanni Michelotti (1921-1980), and its styling was supposedly based on the 1955 Ford Thunderbird. It was built on a separate chassis, powered by a 948cc motor carried on from the Standard 10. An improved 1147cc unit, later introduced on the UK built Heralds, never made it to our shores. The Standard Herald was made in CKD form in the 60's by Standard Motors, Madras, as a 2 door MK1 and MK2, and later as an indigenous 4-door MK3, which was considered more suitable for Indian families. It gave birth to the not-too-successful Standard Gazel in 1971. The Herald was not masquerading as a slick automobile with lofty pretensions nor was it well fixed in its attitude. It was a car meant for the masses, which unfortunately the people of our beloved land did not appreciate. However, the Herald was popular enough for its age as a masses car in the South. Gentlemen do not be mistaken; the Madras cutie was not all halo and glory, because it had its bothers. Yet the advantages were plenty, its responsive rack and pinion steering, floor mounted gearshift and reasonably good road manners gave the car an edge over its competition. Though rarely seen on our roads today, it still evokes a pristine feeling with its sleek and low-slung shape when one saw it heaving its way about with its characteristic brassy birr. The Herald was probably the most underrated car in the Indian automotive pantheon.