Description
THE Standard Vanguard, launched in 1947, was indeed an extremely interesting if not quirky British car.
The first new model to be introduced by the Standard Motor Company after the war, it was aimed at the export market with such ferocity that any UK buyers who happened to have any post-war cash available, would have to wait at least two years to be able to own one!
It is believed that around 80 per cent of these new "Beetle back" Vanguards were exported. And the irony? The majority of that number went directly to Germany whose immediate post-war industry was in tatters. And for obvious reasons.
With a design allegedly stolen from the American Plymouth - or maybe we should say "influenced" - the Vanguard was hugely successful. Standard was still a major player, with their name reflecting their strength as motor manufacturers "setting the Standard." Sadly, a couple of decades later, the same company name would come to stand for something that was just that. Standard.
But, back in the late 40s, Standard cars were something to be reckoned with. And, true to their Naval connections, this model took its name from the ship HMS Vanguard.
As strong as an ox with a massive separate chassis and a 2088cc engine later to be used in Massey-Ferguson tractors, the Vanguard was roomy, comfortable enough for six people and drove with power. Something far removed from the bulk of pre-war British family saloons.
Today, their numbers are exceedingly low with good examples especially hard to find. I would accept that they are probably something of a "Marmite car" based on their design. Beauty of course is in the eye of the beholder and I can understand those who find these old girls ugly. I am not one of them.
This is an even rarer Phase 1 example, registered in 1949. The majority of surviving beetle backs are Phase 1A models having undergone a slight facelift. But this is how they looked from day one. It's a great find.
Still with me? All right, to the car itself then:
She is a 1949 model Phase 1. Extra rare in fact as there tend to be more Phase 1A (facelift) models around.
Finished in light grey with contrasting light green interior, this is a superb example of Standard's immediate post-war flagship model. Super metal work is in evidence everywhere while her underside has to be seen to be believed. The main chassis is in fantastic condition, but so too are the four outriggers/ jacking points which tend to be poor, if indeed still in existence!
Engine-wise, the 2088cc engine - later to be used in TR sports cars - appears to be in great condition. She is a lovely driver.
The interior is also something of a timewarp and has survived incredibly well. The wood-effect dash caught my eye immediately as these Vanguard were built with - to the best of my knowledge - metal dashboards. The transformation has obviously been implemented exceedingly well and it's a lovely feature.
She boasts excellent chrome work too and is one of the nicest - if not THE nicest - early Beetle back I have owned.
This description is based on my opinion of the vehicle, the paperwork that comes with the car and anything I have been told about it. The vehicle is 75-years-old and this cannot be taken as a definitive statement for obvious reasons. As with most classic cars, there may be faults and quirks whilst, almost inevitably, some degree of tinkering and care will always be called for. Such are the joys of owning an antique vehicle and they must be taken within their own context and not compared to modern day cars. They are sold as old, mainly out-dated machines and come without any comeback whatsoever. They are my terms and conditions.
My classic cars are motoring antiques. This car, for example, is 75-years-old. It's not two, five or even ten-years-old as your own everyday car may be. It has been in service for three-quarters of a century and so will have quirks and faults in there somewhere. However, faults on these old girls are not always apparent when buying and selling classics which is what I do. I do not restore them, nor do I pretend that they are concours cars. The majority of them go out as they came in, and I continue to enjoy finding more - a skill which is becoming increasingly difficult as many of you will be aware. They deserve to be taken on as "family pets" and cared for through thick and then. They don't make them any more and demand now out-strips supply. Please bear all this in mind, and enjoy your classic car. I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote.
I have now been established as a one-man band classic car dealer for 25 years and pride myself on my buying prowess and - due to small margins - my prices which I firmly believe are up there among the very best in the UK classic car marketplace.
Thanks, Martin. the details below
