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I have been witnessing the rise and rise of the Indian automotive industry for a while. Just over 15 years, to be precise. There have been some stupendously successful model launches and there have been some born lemons as well.
Here is a list of the ripe ones that I picked. Statutory warning: what follows is strictly personal opinion, which deserves no rejoinders whatsoever. So...
STANDARD 2000
If a spaceship married a Ferrari, you would get something close to the Standard 2000. This was a case of a good idea executed wrongly.
In 1984, India was getting its first taste of sophisticated technology and the Standard 2000 looked the part, with lines inspired by the Ferrari Daytona but alas, powered by a Vanguard-derived, archaic petrol unit that returned 4 kpl. Mind you, India was ready for change, but not ready to pay through its nose for it.
Lasting impression: The Standard 2000 was based on the Rover 3500, which has a cult following even today and it will be remembered for being the first Indian production car to feature power steering and central locking. Sigh.
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