Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Ellis · Last edited by Ellis on Sun Apr 29, 2018 1:13 pm; edited 2 times in total

Something of an academic exercise but you were in a position to buy a new four door saloon car in 1955.
I have chosen these models at random.
Which one would you have chosen for commuting, family and leisure purposes?

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Nine family cars, popular at the time - which one would you have bought and interestingly, why.
My choice would have been the Consul.

If anybody wants to extend the choice and add others then please do.[/img]
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badhuis · Joined: 20 Aug 2008 Posts: 1473 Location: Netherlands

A bit unfair to include the Minor and Standard Ten (or even Eight?) into the list as these probably fall into another category (small / cheap cars).

In 1955 I would probably choose the Standard Vanguard.
Although when I have to choose NOW (in 2018) for any of these cars it would not be the Vanguard!
But in 1955 I think this one would appeal the most. Modern styling and good performance.

Penman · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4878 Location: Swindon, Wilts.

Hi Badhuis
Why can you see them and I can't?
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BigJohn · Joined: 01 Jan 2011 Posts: 954 Location: Wem, Shropshire

I agree with badhuis, Standard Vanguard, space, design and performance, the engine is a bit of a boat anchor but it has bags of torque and can be tuned with Triumph TR3 bits (Vanguard Sportsman).
Although I think your picture is a later Vignale

Ellis · Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2018 9:58 pm Post subject:

peter scott · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7215 Location: Edinburgh

If they were all the same price then the smaller cheaper cars wouldn't be considered. If it not that might be different.

I think I might have been tempted by the Vanguard too. I would tend to reject the cars with only three forward gears. The Vanguard is 3 speed too but I could have an overdrive with it.

The Minx and Cambridge are tempting but don't have the performance and carrying capacity of the Vanguard.

Peter
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MVPeters · Joined: 28 Aug 2008 Posts: 822 Location: Northern MA, USA

Great question!

Around that time, Dad bought a Minx.
Now I have to work out the rationale for that choice........
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Ashley · Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 1426 Location: Near Stroud, Glos

The Consul was the best driving car and the Vanguard had the best engine.

Believe it or not you could shave 7 seconds off the 0-50 time of the Consul by fitting a four branch exhaust manifold.

Rootes75 · Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2018 9:22 am Post subject:

First choice I think would be the Consul with the Minx a close second.
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victor 101 · Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 446 Location: East Yorkshire

I would go for the Ford. The Vauxhall Victor F type never arrived until 57

mikeC · Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2018 12:50 pm Post subject:

I think, with such a wide variety offered in the original post (some of which weren't available in 1955 anyway), I am justified in breaking the bank and going for a Sunbeam Talbot 90!

If I had to choose from the original selection, then it would probably be the 1957 Standard Vanguard (but probably not the 1955 Phase 2!) or the A50 Cambridge.
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Ellis · Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2018 1:16 pm Post subject:

Keith D · Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2018 1:43 pm Post subject:

I owned a Minx and a Standard Ten of similar vintages back in the day.

Now I would choose the Standard. They were delightful little cars to drive. They had bucket seats and four speed, floor change gearshift. They were very economical. Instrumentation was rather sparse, but adequate - just.

Three speed column change gearboxes and bench seats have never appealed to me, then or now.

Keith
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52classic · Joined: 02 Oct 2008 Posts: 493 Location: Cardiff.

My choice from the original line up would be the Vanguard but as someone has already mentioned in '55 it would have been a Phase II and not the '58-on PHIII shown in the pic.

Having owned a PHII I would describe it as a lovable old thing and a pleasure to own but not in the same styling league as the others.

My choice would be a ZA Magnette. String backed driving gloves and a flat cap would be the dress code of the day!

Billf · Joined: 01 Jul 2011 Posts: 202 Location: North Cyprus.

For me it would be the Consul, have some great memories of my mates dad's Consul when a teenager we used to go over the place in it. Poor fellow hardly ever got to drive it.

B.