Registration No: RA 402
Chassis No: 60685
MOT: Exempt

• Retained by its first owner, Herbert Stirling Holmsted Esq of Burton-on-Trent, until his death in the 1970s
• Extensively restored by The Cooke Group among others and still highly presentable
• Large history file includes a near mint, original driver's handbook, continuation logbook and numerous photos of the 'body off' refurbishment
• A charming Vintage saloon worthy of close inspection

A civil engineer by profession, Reginald Walter Maudslay was quick to recognise the rapidly increasing scope of the horseless carriage and founded the Standard Motor Company in Coventry during 1903. By the end of that year, three cars powered by over-square, single-cylinder engines had been produced and a labour force of twenty-five amassed. There are various explanations for the company name, from the cars being assembled from ‘standardised patterns and interchangeable parts’ to the founder proclaiming he ‘was determined to maintain the best possible standard’. Whatever, success came its way and in 1924 production reached 10,000 cars, earning it a market share comparable to that of the Austin Motor Company. The models produced in the ‘20s were named after English locales – not just those close to the factory, such as Canley, Kenilworth and Warwick, but some much further afield, eg Teignmouth, Falmouth and Exmouth. The Park Lane was a 4/5-seater Saloon powered by an advanced 1944cc four-cylinder OHV engine of 13.9 hp mated to a three-speed manual gearbox. Records suggest that the sale car is the only known surviving example.

Reportedly retained by its first owner - Herbert Holmsted - from 26^th August 1926 until his death some fifty years later, this believed-unique Park Lane Saloon then passed to Garth Brocklehurst before being caught-up in a barn fire during the 1980s. Bought by Thomas Gardham thereafter, he embarked upon a major, ‘body off’ refurbishment with much of the mechanical work being entrusted to renowned Veteran and Vintage car restorers, The Cooke Group. The six-light saloon coachwork was repainted in Blue over Black and the interior re-trimmed with correct-type ‘button’ leather upholstery, while much of the exterior brightwork was re-plated and the wiring renewed. Well looked after by its subsequent keepers, the Standard is described by the vendor as ‘a lovely example of a vintage car in superb overall condition with all its period features preserved’. Subtly uprated with flashing indicators (incorporating LED bulbs), the Park Lane Saloon boasts a host of authentic features including a Whittle fanbelt, Lucas windscreen wiper, Pratts petrol can, St Christopher dash plaque and Clearhooters electric horn. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, continuation buff logbook, driver’s handbook, parts book, numerous invoices and various photographic prints illustrating the ‘body off’ restoration.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737