A Standard price challenge

I take CCW most weeks and have been an avid collector of Standard Vanguards for the past 30 years, particularly Phase 1s. It was good see Nick Larkin including a Standard Vanguard in the Great British Classics article in the 18 January edition.

However, I feel that Nick should know his Vanguards by now because he wrote about my newly restored 20S model in gold. The article states that the car was a 1947-52 Vanguard but you picture a 1953’58 Phase 2 Model and a period advert showing a Phase 3 model.

In the ‘Specification’ section of the article you state under ‘ Transmission’ three speed automatic. 1947-52 models were only three-speed with an option of an overdrive on top. Later Phase 2s had overdrive on second and third gears and automatic offered on Phase 3 models.

In my opinion Vanguard Phase 1/1A (1947-’53) are quite rare and you mention values of these vehicles being £8000 in concours edition. However, you rarely see one for sale in such condition at that price. I would challenge you to buy one for £8000 in concours condition because I would expect to pay at least £15,000 – should you be able to find one of course! Mark Denton, Yateley, Hampshire Thank you for sharing your insider knowledge with us. It was interesting to see the prices you could buy a Standard Vanguard for from abroad in our 8 February edition, but then prices are subject to import costs and duty – Ed.