1950s Phase 2 Vanguard.
Thanks to David B, who sent me this old publicity photo of a Phase 2 Standard Vanguard saloon. This was the second of the Vanguards, taking over from the beetleback Phase 1 Vanguard range of saloons, estates, and light commercials. There was little change to the front half of the car, but the overall shape was now a notchback, with it's prominent boot area replacing the curvy humped-back look of the Phase 1.
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The Standard Vanguard Phase 2, or Spacemaster as it was known in Australia, was introduced in 1952, and again was available as a 4 door saloon, an estate, or a commercial (pickup or van). The new car improved on the Phase 1 in a number of areas, most significantly with an increase in luggage capacity of 50% over the previous version. Wider tyres were fitted to improve adhesion, but for some reason the Ph.1's anti-rollbar was no longer fitted. In 1954 the Standard buyer was given the option of a diesel engine, instead of just the four cylinder petrol unit that hitherto had been the only choice. Performance was less than eye-watering, with the heavy diesel Vanguard struggling to crack 65mph. As a result, less than 2000 oil-burners found buyers. Production of the Ph.2 lasted until 1956, after with the substantially-different Phase 3 took over.
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