Standard Motor Company, often referred to simply as Standard, was a prominent British automobile manufacturer. Founded in Coventry, England, in 1903 by Reginald Walter Maudslay, the company played a significant role in the early and mid-20th century automotive industry in the United Kingdom.

Key aspects of Standard's history include:

1. Early Years and Growth: Standard began by producing small cars with single-cylinder engines, but it quickly expanded its range to include more powerful and luxurious models. The company's growth was steady, and by the 1920s, Standard had established itself as a reputable manufacturer of reliable, quality vehicles.

2. Mass Production and World War II: Like many automotive companies of the time, Standard shifted to mass production methods in the 1930s. During World War II, the company contributed significantly to the war effort by manufacturing aircraft engines, military vehicles, and other equipment.

3. Post-War Success and the Triumph Brand: After the war, Standard acquired Triumph, a company known for its sports cars. This acquisition marked a significant expansion of Standard's product range. The Triumph name was used for a range of sports cars and eventually became the primary brand for the company's car production.

4. Innovations and Models: Standard was known for introducing several innovations in its vehicles, including the use of all-steel bodies and small displacement engines with overhead valves. Some of the popular models produced by Standard included the Vanguard, the Eight, and the Pennant.

5. Decline and End of Production: By the late 1950s and early 1960s, Standard faced increasing competition and financial challenges. The company's decline led to it being taken over by Leyland Motors in 1961. After the takeover, the Standard name was gradually phased out, with the last Standard car produced in 1963.

6. Legacy: The Standard name is remembered for its contribution to the British automotive industry, particularly in the development of early motor vehicles and its role in the war effort. The Triumph brand, which emerged from Standard's acquisition, continued to be well-regarded, especially in the sports car segment, until its eventual discontinuation in the 1980s.

Standard Motor Company's history reflects the broader trends and changes in the automotive industry through the first half of the 20th century, including the shift towards mass production, the impact of global conflicts, and the eventual consolidation of the industry into larger conglomerates.