The Eight of 1953 marked Standard's return to the small car market and was its first unitary body construction car. Where the Eight differed from other small British cars was in its basic equipment, intended to keep the price down. It had sliding windows, a single wiper, no hub caps and very spartan interior trim.

This policy met with considerable customer resistance and Standard soon improved the equipment of the basic model which was renamed the 'Family Eight'. A 'super' or 'de-luxe' model was also introduced.

One cost-cutting measure did persist, the absence of an external boot-lid. Access to the boot is gained by folding up the split rear seat, now an advanced feature of the modern hatchback.