1961 Standard Vanguard Vignale Estate

Registration No: 824 COR
Chassis No: V375974SC
MOT: Exempt

• A rare survivor of the immensely stylish Vignale Vanguard
• Subject to a comprehensive previous restoration and more recently a full engine overhaul
• Fitted with a four-speed manual floor change gearbox with overdrive
• Used as race car transport for a 1957 Cooper 500 to race at courses such as Silverstone, Goodwood and Snetterton

A major revision of the Standard Vanguard range occurred at the 1958 Motor Show in London, when the Phase 3 was visibly restyled in the, then-popular, ‘Italian’ style. The redesign had been carried out by Michelotti (who also penned the Herald) in conjunction with Italian coachbuilder Vignale by which name the new model henceforth was called. Mechanically the Vignale Vanguard remained much as before, but externally featured a revised brighter range of two-tone paint finishes, full width chrome and polished aluminium radiator grill, revised rear lamps and stylish wheel trims. Another major revision was the revised roof pressing with larger front and rear window apertures giving a more modern appearance. Additionally, the Vignale was also offered with the four-speed floor change as an option.

Manufactured in 1961, the Vignale Estate offered was supplied new to the United Kingdom, being registered new on the 22^nd of August that year as ‘824 COR’. Retaining its original restoration number to this day, the Standard is finished in the attractive colour combination of Nimbus White over Powder Blue paintwork and is complemented by matching Blue with White piped vinyl interior upholstery and Blue carpeting. Treated to a comprehensive restoration in the 1980s, and still presenting well today, other features include folding rear seats, and a separate opening rear window and tailgate that contains a complete toolkit within.

More recently (in the mid-2010s) the engine has been overhauled to include; a crack and pressure-tested head, new valve guides, inlet and exhaust valves, big end bearings and main bearings. A new set of TR4 pistons and liners have been added that increase the capacity from the original 2088cc to in the region of 2138cc and with the head modified with harder valve seats, the engine can consume modern unleaded fuels. A Hi-torque starter motor aids efficient starting and an overdrive gearbox allows the car to cruise comfortably at speed.

Utilised by a former owner as a period tow and support vehicle for a 1957 Cooper 500, attending race meetings at events such as Goodwood, Silverstone and Snetterton, the Standard was also used as one of the taxi vehicles around the Goodwood Revival a few years previously, chauffeuring figures including the late great Sir Stirling Moss. Accompanied by a history file that includes some invoices and tax discs, period advertisements and a sales brochure for 'The NEW Standard Vanguard Estate Car', and pictures from the car’s recent life. Fitted with a period sun-visor and with hunting for fitting, the rear windows display some of the stickers from events attended.

A very rare survivor, this Standard Vanguard Vignale Estate has already proved its capabilities as the ideal race support or family vehicle for Goodwood or similar events.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452