For those of you that don’t know, Standard was the parent company of Triumph, having purchased the remnants (really just the name) of the Triumph Motor Company immediately after World War II. We in the US didn’t get many Standards, with only a few Vanguard Mark I’s ever officially imported, along with a single Vanguard Sportsman later on (more about that later). The Triumph name “took hold” in the US, and anything that was brought in from the company after about 1956 was a Triumph sporting model. In the UK, things were different, with Standard’s being sold until the early 60’s and Triumph always offering sedans (saloons) and wagons for a very full range lineup. They even sold something that would now be called a minivan, the Standard or Triumph Atlas. I have a friend who really wanted an Atlas, but the only way he could purchase one was as a package deal with two Standard Vanguards. He’s decided to keep the Atlas and one of the Vanguards, but this second one is up for sale. It’s a 1956 Standard Vanguard Series III. It’s located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is for sale for $2,000 or best offer. If you’re interested, contact my friend here.

This Vanguard runs, but needs brake and clutch hydraulic work. My friend has a clear title for the car. Part of the reason I’d love to see a Barn Finds reader buy this car is that I happen to own and drive (and autocross) a 1956 Vanguard Sportsman, the upscale version of this car! In case you are worried about owning an orphan like this, I’ve had very good luck getting parts from Kip Motor Company, eBay and the Standard Motor Club. It wasn’t that long ago that a complete set of Vanguard Series III wheel cylinders were on eBay for ~$120, so it might not be very hard to find what this one needs.

As you can see, hyperbole is not limited to current advertisements! “Magnificently miles ahead,” indeed! And when you consider that 34 mpg claim, remember that those are Imperial gallons, roughly 1.2 US gallons each.

The engine in these cars is very closely related to the Triumph TR2/TR3 powerplant, but in a slightly lower state of tune and displacing 2088cc. It’s a very robust wet liner engine. This car has some rust, but panels are really simple and most are single curvature. If I didn’t already have our Vanguard, I’d be buying this one (I’ve already bought one car from this gentleman and been very happy; we’ve been friends for a very long time and have raced together on the same team). It’s tremendous fun to show up at a British car meet and have no one else have the slightest idea what it is you’re driving. If I take ours to a general car show, Ford lovers are quick to point out the resemblance to mid-50’s Fords, especially from the rear. It’s fun to  drive as well, as long as you aren’t in a tremendous hurry! The three-on-the-tree takes me back to a time where driving was the event, not just a way to get to the event. I’d love to hear that one of you has purchased this car; you can count on me for support and help if you do!