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| Lot number | 42 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | £2,400 |
| Description | Standard Vanguard Phase II |
| Registration | MSK 215 |
| Year | 1954 |
| Colour | Grey |
| Engine size | 2,088 cc |
| Chassis No. | V240069DL |
| Engine No. | V10220ES |
The stylish 1947 Standard Vanguard was the firm's first post-war introduction and was completely new from stem to stern.
Named after HMS Vanguard (it took considerable negotiation to get the Royal Navy to agree to let them use the name), the car was aimed squarely at the export market which swallowed virtually all of the production until about 1950 when they finally started to filter onto the car-starved home market.
The styling was heavily influenced by the ‘beetle back’ Plymouth and it was built on a robust chassis with a 2,088cc wet-liner engine that went on to power the Ferguson tractor, Triumph TR2 and the Morgan +4. Front suspension was independent and anti-roll bars were employed both front and rear. It had powerful hydraulic brakes all-round which were often put to good use, the car being good for 80mph.
The Phase II came along in 1953 featuring a more conventional three-box design. Mechanically similar to the earlier car, the only other significant departure was that a diesel version was made available, making it the first diesel powered road car to be offered on the open market, although its appeal was as limited as its sales!
This solid and sound Phase II has had just three previous keepers since 1954. An older restoration, its most recent owner acquired it in 1989, the car being featured in the Standard club magazine a number of years ago, a copy of which is on file. Just recently, Classic Car Buyer have tested the car again for a multi-page feature which is due for publication at about the same time as the sale.
In storage for the last four years or so, we are advised that it starts, stops, runs and drives, but would benefit from some TLC to bring it back to pristine condition. The interior is original, although it will require a new headlining which was to be the next job on the list.
Still wearing a set of cross-ply tyres, this top-quality saloon offers distinctive, reliable, brisk and entertaining motoring for a very modest outlay.
