Standard-Triumph (1945-1959)

The first Standard-built Triumph, with razor-edge coachwork by Mulliners of Birmingham, on tubular chassis. 2000 had Vanguard-style chassis. 1.5-litre. A few LWB limousines were made, with sliding division.

Exhaust on nearside for 1800.

Roadster version. 1800 engine was similar to that provided to Jaguar for their 1.5-litre. Old-school styling, complete with dickey seat

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“Tough six-seater hack” with Plymouth-style looks (Walter Belgrove sketched US embassy cars). Wet-liners, hydraulic brakes, coil IFS. Export only, and successful in Australia, Germany etc; eventually assembled in multiple countries.

Rear-wheel spats from 1950, lower bonnet line & new grille from 1952

If the Vanguard was selling US styling to the empire, the Mayflower attempted to sell Britishness to America. The company’s first unitary car had proven mechanicals, dodgy handling, and unusual styling – and ended the experiment.

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Belgrove’s futuristic roadster was another experiment for the Triumph brand, complete with aerodynamic, light alloy body, and pop-up headlights. It was Vanguard underneath, with twin-carb version of its engine.

Photo: Wikipedia

Same tough package, but with now with notchback styling. Also available as Britain’s first diesel car.

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Rather burned by the Triumph experiments, Standard this time opted for an stripped-down economy car.

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Successful new generation sportscar, genuinely capable of 100 mph. New chassis and Vanguard-derived engine. Hardtop available from 1954.

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Bigger engine and better trim, including plated grille. Phase II from 1957 with plated side trim.

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Roomy estate version with basic trim.

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Export-focused improvement on the TR2. ‘Occasional’ rear seat. Front disc brakes from 1956.

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Vanguard is now unitary and has a lower roofline, so lighter, and consequently faster and more economical.

Photo: Wikipedia

Another experiment with the Triumph brand, as a potential Renown replacement, but ultimately badged a Standard, and didn’t sell well.

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De luxe version of Ten with lengthened wings, two-tone paint, and accompanying chrome.

Photo: Wikipedia

Cheaper trimmed Vanguard with smaller engine.

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Unofficial moniker for the facelifted car with the 100 bhp engine (later also enlarged). Another export-focused car, successful in the USA.

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Michelotti’s first modest contribution to the compnay was this face-lifted Vanguard.

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The company’s entry into the light van market against competition from Bedford, BMC, Ford and Rootes. Available with 10 or 12 cwt capacity, and as a van (with hinged or sliding doors), or a flatbed.

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A new chapter of small cars. See next Chapter!

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