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Sept 18, 2021 2:04:20 GMT
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Ok, on Sunday I am going to take a look at what is a rather wonderful looking 1956 Standard Vanguard Phase 3. I have owned a lot of 50s, 60s and 70s cars over the years, but never a Vanguard, and I haven't been able to find many reviews or discussions on them either. I was wondering how many members have had one, and what you thought/think of them? Looking for something to take the kids out on weekends in without too much tinkering, and this looks like a great opportunity.   |
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Remade In Australia
thereimaginarium.com.au
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Sept 18, 2021 6:38:33 GMT
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I semi dailied a Phase 1 saloon for a time in the mid-'80s. Loved it. 20mpg all day long and a top speed of 80ish mph. Grandfather purchased a Phase 2 saloon when it was new or nearly so to replace a very well used '23 Studebaker big 6. A friend of a friend currently dailies a Phase 3 utility. All three are/were four-cylinder petrol powered. My dad always refers to the Phase 3 as the tinguard because it seemed so much lighter built than the earlier cars.
Is the Phase 3 you are looking at a 4 or a 6? Either way it is likely to be a pretty good car. Modern enough to be reliable and old enough to be simple to work on. If you're used to '50s cars you'll feel right at home in it.
Just noticed the Victoria plates. That explains the trees in the background and the lack of rust on the car.
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Sept 18, 2021 6:45:07 GMT
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Yep, Victoria and restored around 20 years ago. 4 cylinder petrol, 3spd with no overdrive. I spent 10 years with a '67 Volvo Amazon as a daily, briefly had a '49(?) Rover Cyclops which was hard work, but the '60 Victor I had had a lot of charm in the mechanical parts which weren't too worn. I'm hoping this will be somewhere between the Victor and the Volvo in drive/experience, since all 3 were designed at a similar time.
You are right about the III being lighter, it was the first monocoque.
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Remade In Australia
thereimaginarium.com.au
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Sept 19, 2021 10:05:49 GMT
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Had a look at it today, and overall I am impressed. Body is an older restoration and a non-professional one on the body, but it appears rot free, with only some very light skims of bog visible and some very light surface rust on door bottoms and the bootlid edge. No notable rust anywhere. Interior is as good as it gets. Mechanically it is sound, but all 3 pedals are heavy. The big shock for me was how darn noisy it is inside! A bit of wind noise, plus gearbox whine and engine noise, how have others done adding deadening to cars of this era?
Finally, while I have been told it will cruise all day at 60, it sure felt like a workout getting there! It has been a little while since I've driven a 3 speed, perhaps it's just perception
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Remade In Australia
thereimaginarium.com.au
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