Standard - Standard Vanguard
The Standard Vanguard name was first used in 1948, which was the first post war Standard offering, as part of the companys new policy of just producing one model. The bodywork was enlarged by 1953, and by 1955 the Standard cars had unitary construction. By 1958 the old fashioned bodywork style was updated with a design penned in Italy by Michelotti that was prototyped by Vignale, while the 4 speed gearbox was now standard. By 1961 the 4 cylinder engine was replaced with a 2 litre six cylinder Leyland engine, which was also available as an Estate or Pick Up (Utility) versions. Production of the Vanguard continued to 1963.
There were two Standard Vanguard tyre sizes. Originally the Vanguard tyre size was 5.90x15, which is radial equivalent 165R15 size. Blockley makes a superb steel belted 165VR15 with good load and speed rating, for which full details below. The 6 cylinder Standard Vanguard was originally supplied with larger 6.40x15 tyre size which is radial equivalent 185R15 tyre size, and Blockley makes a superb period correct tread steel belted good speed rated 185VR15 tyre size also. See full details of these Standard Vanguard tyres, covering the 4 and 6 cylinder models, below:
