Vanguard Phase 3 Estate.
An example of the earlier Standard Vanguard estate (in Phase 1 guise) can be found on this page. Fast forward a few years from that car, to 1955, and it was the turn of the all-new Phase 3 Vanguard, in saloon and (later) estate form, to wow the crowds. The photo below shows the Standard Motor Company's stand at a motor show, or engineering display, in Germany. The year, according to a note on the rear of the photo at least, is 1955.
|
|
Nearest to the photographer is a two-tone, left-hand drive, Phase 3 Vanguard estate car with - just visible - a Standard 7cwt van alongside for company. Someone has been busy with the tyre paint on the unregistered Phase 3. A couple of small Standards are off to the right of shot, while in the middle is a RHD Triumph TR sports, registration TRW 746. Curiously the TRW registration series wasn't introduced until 1957, so perhaps the date on the rear of this photo (1955) is incorrect? The Standard 10 to the right is registered TDU 744 (also for Coventry, 1956 onwards), again suggesting that if these registrations are genuine, and not just for show, then the photographer has his dates wrong.
|
| (Please click the thumbnail to view full-size image.) |
|
|
|
In the distance is a sign for Maschinenbau Kiel AG, a German producer of, among other things, diesel engines. Two circular advertising displays for Standard-Triumph can be seen hanging from the structure supporting the main S-T sign. One shows a Triumph TR circulating at speed on a banked track (MIRA?), while the other shows a Standard saloon being driven through water during testing.
|
|
The Standard Motor Company's stand is outdoors, so perhaps it was part of a general trade fair rather than specifically a motoring event.
|
|
The Phase 3 replaced the notchback Phase 2 in 1955, although the Phase 2 estate did soldier on alongside the new car until 1956. Whereas the outgoing model employed a separate chassis, the new Phase 3 employed monocoque construction, following the lead of the smaller 8s and 10s. Although not exactly a stunner to look at, the Phase 3 was lower, sleeker and more airy than the earlier models introduced in the late 1940s, vital if Standard was to stand any chance against opposition from the likes of BMC, Vauxhall and Ford.
|
|
A number of variations would be introduced in the years following this model's introduction. The Sportsman was designed with rapid motoring in mind, benefiting from tweaks such as twin SU carburettors, an increase in compression ratio, larger brakes and a revised rear axle ratio. Now producing some 90bhp, as opposed to 68bhp of the standard model, it was usefully swifter. Despite these revisions, only 901 examples were produced between 1956 and 1958, and surviving examples are scarce today. |
|
1957 saw the introduction of the basic Ensign model, designed with fleet buyers in mind and powered by an engine of 1670cc (as opposed to 2088cc). A Deluxe version would be offered in 1962 and 1963, while buyers from 1960 could opt for an Ensign powered by a 43bhp Perkins diesel engine.
|
|
In 1958 prospective buyers visiting their local Standard agents would now see the facelifted Phase 3 Vanguard Vignale, while Ensigns continued with the earlier style of bodywork. Revised exterior trim, and a re-worked interior, distanced the new variant from those that had been offered previously. The Vanguard Six of 1960 to 1963 looked very similar to the Vignale, but now featured a smooth six cylinder motor under the bonnet. Saloons and estates were offered right to the end, but in 1963 the final curtain beckoned for Standard motor-cars, and from then on, cars - including the new 2000 - would be sold as Triumphs only.
|
|
Return to Page 12 in the classic car motoring gallery.
|
