STANDARD VANGUARD PHASE II DELUXE
| Lot number |
31 |
| Estimate |
£3,000 - £3,500 |
| Description |
Standard Vanguard Phase II Deluxe |
| Registration |
MWO 649 |
| Year |
1954 |
| Colour |
Blue |
| Engine size |
2,088 cc |
| Chassis No. |
V248781DL |
| Engine No. |
249061 |
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 limited along with its sales.
This 1954 Phase II has been one family owned since new and comes with
a good file of invoices and general history. It has covered only 72,800
miles in its 60 years to date, having been placed in dry storage in the
family garage many years ago, although it is still recognised on the
DVLA computer.
At some time in its life, an aftermarket 13amp water heater was
fitted into its cooling system, presumably the owner being concerned
about engine wear when starting on cold mornings. The vendor hopes to
have it running again by the time of the sale, commenting that it is
remarkably solid and in very original condition but will require
recommissioning before use.
CATALOGUE AMENDMENT: Bidders are advised that the car is now running
and the vendor has fitted 4 new brake cylinders so it stops as
well....and the radio even works.
