Standard Vanguard

Infobox Automobile


name = Standard Vanguard
manufacturer = Standard Motor Company
production = 1947-1963
predecessor = none
successor = Triumph 2000
related =
designer = The Standard Vanguard is a car produced by the Standard Motor Company in Coventry from 1947 to 1963.

The car was announced in July 1947 and was completely new with no resemblance to the previous models and was Standard's first post World War II car. It was also the first model to carry the new Standard badge which was a heavily-stylised representation of the wings of a Griffin [The Standard Car Review January 1947] . The styling of the car resembled the pre-war Plymouth with a sloping "beetle-back". Russian media claimed that styling of this car had been in part influenced by Russian GAZ-M20 Pobeda, which had been in development from 1943 and went into production in 1946.

The same engine was used throughout the range until the advent of the Six model in 1960 and was an overhead valveunit of convert|85|mm|in|abbr=on bore and convert|92|mm|in|abbr=on stroke with single Solex downdraught carburettor. The compression ratio was 6.7:1 on early engines increasing to 7.0:1 on the Phase III and 8.0:1 on the Sportsman. Wet cylinder liners were fitted. The engine was very similar to the ones made by Standard for the Ferguson tractor that they were making in large numbers.

The transmission at first was by a three speed gearbox with synchromesh on all forward ratios.

In Scandinavia Standard marketed the Standard Ten saloon as the Vanguard Junior.

Vanguard Phase I

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Standard Vanguard Phase I


production = 1947-1953
174,799 made
body_style = saloon, estate car,
utility (Australia)
engine = 2088 cc Straight-4
transmission = Three speed manual
Overdrive optional from 1950.
length = Auto in|166|0
width = Auto in|69|0
wheelbase = Auto in|94|0
height = Auto in|64|0

The car used a conventional chassis on which was mounted the American inspired semi-streamlined four door body. Suspension was independent at the front with coil springs and a live axle and leaf springs at the rear. Front and rear anti-roll bars were fitted. The brakes were hydraulic with 9 inch (228 mm) drums all round. To make the most of the interior space a column gear change was used.

In line with the post war British export drive, virtually the total output was exported for the first two years of production and only in 1950 did significant home market deliveries start. The Vanguard was intended to achieve export sales- with a particular focus on Australia. During the immediate post war period, cars were in short supply, creating a "seller's market." The availability of the Vanguard meant that it had willing buyers.

An estate car joined the range in 1950 and, for Belgium only, some convertibles were made by the Impéria coachbuilding company. Laycock-de-Normanville overdrive became available from 1951. The body was updated in 1952 with a lowered bonnet line, a wider rear window and a new grill featuring a wide horizontal chrome bar in place of the narrow more closely packed slats of the original grillcite book |last=Gloor |first=Roger |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Alle Autos der 50er Jahre 1945 - 1960|year=1. Auflage 2007 |publisher=Motorbuch Verlag |location=Stuttgart |id=ISBN 978-3-613-02808-1] .

A car tested by The Motor magazine in 1949 had a top speed of convert|78.7|mph|km/h|abbr=on and could accelerate from 0-convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on in 21.5 seconds. A fuel consumption of convert|22.9|mpgimp|L/100 km mpgus was recorded. The test car cost £671 including taxes. cite journal | authorlink = Unsigned |title = The Standard Vanguard Road Test| journal =The Motor| volume = | pages = | date = 1949]

Vanguard Phase II

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Standard Vanguard Phase II
production = 1953-1956
81,074 made
engine = 2088 cc Straight-4
2092 cc Straight 4 Diesel
transmission = Three speed manual
Overdrive optional.
body_style = saloon, estate car,
utility (Australia)
length = convert|168|in|mm|abbr=on
width = convert|69|in|mm|abbr=on
wheelbase = convert|94|in|mm|abbr=on

The Swiss importer for the Vanguard was an energetic firm called AMAG, which later took on the Swiss Volkswagen franchise. AMAG themselves assembled the Swiss market Phase I Vanguardscite book |last=Gloor |first=Roger |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Alle Autos der 50er Jahre 1945 - 1960|year=1. Auflage 2007 |publisher=Motorbuch Verlag |location=Stuttgart |id=ISBN 978-3-613-02808-1] , and it was at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1953 that an extensive re-design was unveiled: the Phase II Vanguard was of a contemporary three-box "notch-back" design. Boot/trunk capacity increased by 50% in comparison to that of the Phase I, and visibility was improved with a further enlarged rear windowcite book |last=Gloor |first=Roger |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Alle Autos der 50er Jahre 1945 - 1960|year=1. Auflage 2007 |publisher=Motorbuch Verlag |location=Stuttgart |id=ISBN 978-3-613-02808-1] . Mechanically there were few changes but the clutch changed from cable to hydraulic operation and the engine compression ratio increased to 7.2:1. The previously fitted anti-roll bar was no longer used. Wider 6.00x16 tyres were fitted to improve road holding.

A car, without the optional overdrive, that was tested by The Motor magazine had a top speed of convert|80|mph|km/h|abbr=on and could accelerate from 0-convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on in 19.9 seconds. A fuel consumption of 23.5 miles per gallon(imperial) was recorded.cite journal | authorlink = Unsigned | title = The Phase II Standard Vanguard Road Test | journal = The Motor | volume = | pages = | date = March 11 1953]

In February 1954 Standard became the first British car maker to offer a diesel engine as a factory fitted option. cite book |last=Sedgwick |first=M. |coauthors= Gillies.M|title=A-Z of Cars 1945-1970|year=1986 |publisher=Bay View Books |location=Devon, UK |id=ISBN 1-870979-39-7] The chassis was stiffened to take the weight of the heavier engine and performance suffered with convert|65|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on about the top speed. Like the petrol engines, the diesel was a Standard-built '20C' engine developed for the Ferguson tractor. Whilst diesels fitted to the tractor were restricted to 2200 rpm and developed convert|25|hp, road-going engines in Vanguards had no limiter and so produced convert|60|hp at 3800 rpm. However, they retained the tractor's 'Ki-Gass', de-compressor and over-fuelling systems, all of which had to be manually operated when starting the engine from cold. 1973 diesel Vanguards were made.

In 1954 The Motor magazine tested the Diesel version and recorded a top speed of convert|66.2|mph|km/h|abbr=on acceleration from 0-convert|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on in 31.6 seconds and a fuel consumption of convert|37.5|mpgimp|L/100 km mpgus. The test car, which had overdrive, cost £1099 including taxes. cite journal | authorlink = Unsigned |title = The Standard Diesel Vanguard | journal =The Motor| volume = | pages = | date = November 10 1954]

Vanguard Phase III, Sportsman and Ensign

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Standard Vanguard Phase III, Sportsman and Ensign
production = 1955-1958
37,194 Phase III, 901 Sportsman, 18,852 Ensign and 2318 Ensign de-luxe made
engine = 2088 cc Straight-4 (Phase III)
1670 and 2138 cc (Ensign)
transmission = Four speed manual
Overdrive optional
automatic from 1957.
body_style = saloon, estate car,
utility (Australia)
length = Auto in|172|0
width = Auto in|67.5|0
wheelbase = Auto in|102.5|0
height = Auto in|61.5|0

The Phase III was a radical change with the elimination of the separate chassis. There was an overlap in availability of the old model with the Phase II estate continuing into 1956.

The 2088 cc engine with its single Solex downdraught carburettor produced convert|68|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on. The front suspension was independent using coil springs and was bolted to a substantial sub-frame which also carried the recirculating ball steering gear. Semi elliptic leaf springs were used on the rear axle. Lockheed hydraulic brakes with Auto in|9|0 drums were fitted front and rear. The four speed gearbox had a column change and the optional overdrive was operated by a switch on the dash.

The new body was lower and had an increased glass area making it look much more modern and the old two piece flat windscreen gave way to a one piece curved design. The wheelbase increased by Auto in|8|0 giving much better passenger accommodation. The heater was now a standard fitting. Bench seats were fitted in front and rear with folding centre arm rests. They were covered in Vynide with leather available as an option.

The car was lighter than the superseded model and the gearing was changed to deliver better economy with performance virtually unchanged.

A car with overdrive was tested by the British magazine "The Motor" in 1956. It had a top speed of convert|83.7|mph|km/h|abbr=on, could accelerate from 0-convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on in 21.7 seconds and had a fuel consumption of convert|25.9|mpgimp|L/100 km mpgus. The test car cost £998 including taxes. cite journal | authorlink = Unsigned |title = The Standard Vanguard III| journal =The Motor| volume = | pages = | date = June 20 1956]

Vanguard Sportsman

A performance model, intended to be badged as the Triumph Renown until shortly before launch, the Vanguard Sportsman was announced in August 1956 with a tuned convert|90|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on engine having several features seen on the Triumph TR3 sports car. These included an increased compression ratio to 8.0:1, twin SU carburettors and improved pistons. The final drive ratio was lowered to 4.55:1 to give better acceleration and larger Auto in|10|0 drums fitted to the brakes. The standard version had a bench front seat but separate seats were an option.

Just 901 examples of the Sportsman model were made up to 1958.

A Sportsman with overdrive was tested by the British magazine "The Motor" in 1956 and they recorded a top speed of convert|90.7|mph|km/h|abbr=on, acceleration from 0-convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on in 19.2 seconds and a fuel consumption of convert|25.6|mpgimp|L/100 km mpgus. The test car cost £1231 including taxes. cite journal | authorlink = Unsigned |title = The Standard Sportsman| journal =The Motor| volume = | pages = | date = September 5 1956]

tandard Ensign

A basic model, the Ensign, with 1670 cc engine was announced in October 1957 and this continued to use the basic Vanguard body shell after the Vanguard itself was replaced by the Michelotti restyle. Many were bought by the Royal Air Force and in total 18,852 were made. A de-luxe version followed in 1962 and 1963 with larger 2138 cc engine.

A 1670 cc Ensign was tested by the British magazine "The Motor" in 1958. They recorded a top speed of convert|77.6|mph|km/h|abbr=on, acceleration from 0-convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on in 24.4 seconds and a fuel consumption of convert|28.5|mpgimp|L/100 km mpgus. The test car cost £899 including taxes of £300. cite journal | authorlink = Unsigned |title = The Standard Ensign| journal =The Motor| volume = | pages = | date = January 22 1958]

Vanguard Vignale

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Standard Vanguard Vignale
production = 1958-1961
26,267 made
engine = 2088 cc Straight-4
transmission = Four speed manual
Overdrive optional
automatic
body_style = saloon, estate car
length = Auto in|172|0
width = Auto in|68.5|0
wheelbase = Auto in|102|0
height = Auto in|60|0


designer = Giovanni Michelotti

A face lift of the Phase III was designed by Italian stylist Giovanni Michelotti and coachbuilders Vignale in 1958. The windscreen and rear window were deeper and the door windows received stainless steel frames. There was a new front grille and rear light clusters. A floor change for the four speed manual gearbox was now an option to the standard provision of a three speed with column change. Either option could have an overdrive added.

The car had bench seats front and rear covered as standard in Vynide with leather as an option on the home market and cloth for export. A heater and, unusual for the time, electric screen washers were factory fitted but a radio remained an option.

A Vignale with overdrive was tested by the British magazine "The Motor" in 1959. They recorded a top speed of convert|82.8|mph|km/h|abbr=on, acceleration from 0-convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on in 20.8 seconds and a fuel consumption of convert|28.0|mpgimp|L/100 km mpgus. The test car cost £1147including taxes of £383. cite journal | authorlink = Unsigned |title = The Standard Ensign| journal =The Motor| volume = | pages = | date = January 7 1959]

Vanguard Six

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Standard Vanguard Six
production = 1960-1963
9953 made
engine = 1991 cc Straight-6
transmission = Three or four speed manual
Overdrive optional
automatic
body_style = saloon, estate car,
utility (Australia)
length = 172 inches (4369 mm)
width = 68 inches (1727 mm)
wheelbase = 102 inches (2591 mm)


designer = Giovanni Michelotti

The last of the Vanguards featured a six cylinder engine as subsequently fitted to the Triumph 2000. The compression ratio was 8.0:1 and twin Solex carburettors were fitted giving an output of convert|80|bhp|abbr=on at 4500 rpm. Externally the only differences from the Vignale were the badging but the interior was updated.

The end

Both the Ensign and the Vanguard were replaced in 1963 by the Triumph 2000 and the Standard name disappeared from the British market after 60 years.

The Vanguard Utility

In 1950 the Australian subsidiary of the Standard Motor Company introduced a Coupé utility version of the Vanguard Phase I. It was fitted with the same 2088 cc four cylinder engine as used in the saloon. [Australian Monthly Motor Manual, March 1950, pages 834-835] Utility versions of the Phase II, Phase III and Vanguard Six were also produced in Australia over the following years [ [http://www.pictureaustralia.org/apps/pictureaustralia?term1=standard+vanguard+utility&Submit=search&action=PASearch&attribute1=any+field&mode=search Standard Vanguard utility images] Retrieved from Picture Australia on 1/8/2008] with production ending in 1964. [ [http://www.australianstandardvanguard.net.au/ozhistory.htm History of Vanguards in Australia] Retrieved on 1/8/2008]

Die-Cast models

* Dinky Toys made a model of the Phase I.
* Corgi Toys included a model of the Phase III saloon in their range from 1957 to 1961 as model No 207. [Edward Force, Corgi Toys, 1991, page 166.] Additionally, a Phase III saloon presented as a Royal Air Force Staff Car was available from 1958 to 1962 as model No 352. [Edward Force, Corgi Toys, 1991, page 174.]

References

*British Family Cars of the Fifties. Michael Allen. Haynes Publishing. 1985. ISBN 0-85429-471-6

External links

* [http://www.standardmotorclub.org/ Standard Motor Club]
* [http://www.the-vanguard-ph3-owners-club.co.uk/ Vanguard Phase III Owners club]