The Standard Gazel replaced the Herald in 1971. This car turned out to be one of the few short-lived and less-known cars of the Indian motoring Industry. Though the Indica now stakes claim as the first indigenously built car, it is actually the Gazel that holds this coveted distinction. Naseer Hussein designed this important car after Standard parted ways with Triumph (England) in 1970. The body was by and large based on the 4-door Herald (Herald Mk3) but sported a distinctive front and rear end design. The chassis was also from the Herald but was slightly re-engineered to accommodate a relatively complex rear suspension consisting of a rigid axle with coil over shock rear springs and a unique anti-roll bar, replacing the Herald’s 3-part ‘swing’ axle that was known to be allergic to Indian roads. The Gazel was otherwise mechanically similar to the Herald, with the same 4-cylinder 948cc engine, plus the same front suspension and steering mechanicals. The interior was completely re-designed with a new one-piece painted fibreglass dash with more modern looks plus a spacious bench front seat, replacing the Herald’s bucket seats thus providing a higher seating position with better visibility. Production of this car stopped after 1977, following which Standard Motors never produced cars again for the next few years until the Standard 2000.