In the ocean of utes on the roads, there may be nothing quite as distinctive as this fascinating 1950s English version that after a life on the orchard, is heading to a more sedate future.
The Standard Vanguard has been with the same owner for more than 60 years and offers classic-era driving, rugged construction with distinctive styling and some handy improvements to increase comfort and simplify ownership.
But it’s not all it seems. The 1954 Vanguard ute was originally a sedan that was bought by the current owner in 1960. It has travelled an estimated 93,000 miles from new.
Changes have been made over the years to suit its role carting equipment and produce. These include a change from the original petrol engine (it expired) to Standard’s 2-litre diesel engine (offered as an option by Standard in the 1950s). This engine was also fitted to Ferguson tractors.
It is now mated to a four-speed gearbox – with overdrive on third and fourth and with floor change – that came from a Triumph Stag. The owner said it “bolted right up” without needing any adapter. It previously had a three-on-the-tree box and shifter.
Other mechanical changes include a brake booster that was added for obvious reasons.
The ute had earlier undergone a rebuilt and renovation that included coachwork changes such as the original bench seats replaced with bucket seats – from a Pajero – for more comfort.
The ute tray has 150-year-old jarrah floorboards taken from the owner’s former house and fitted by himself. The tailgate was also the owner’s handywork, made from blackbutt sourced from the salvage of the Midland railway workshop.
The ute starts first turn of the key and settles into a smooth idle. It boasts strong performance at low speed that reflects its diesel power plant and suits the ute’s function as a workhorse. But it’s not partial to revving and without a turbocharger – now a common diesel partner – it is leisurely at best.
The owner once fitted a supercharger but it was not a successful pairing and th diesel was returned to its original aspirated condition.
The ute is being passed on to another family member to maintain the 62-plus year relationship. _ NEIL DOWLING