1955-58 STANDARD VANGUARD PHASE III

WHY LARKIN LOVES IT – ‘A lot of 1950s charm and in many ways an unfairly neglected classic contender today’

Not maybe an obvious choice, but a Phase III Vanguard was more than up to motorway miles. Although some argue these cars didn’t quite have the refinement of rivals, the first unitary construction Vanguards were built like a bomb shelters with girders underneath a shipyard would envy. Under the bonnet was a 2088cc four-cylinder engine, which was equally indestructible. Overdrive (optional) and high gearing meant a capable cruiser, albeit via a threespeed gearbox, but at least this was allsynchromesh. Delicious 1950s features included a squashy front bench seat.