Standard Ensign 2088cc

This is a rare 1962 Standard Ensign. I bought it as an Ensign De-luxe, but was informed by the Standard club that it is in fact an Ensign Vanguard (chassis no. begins ENV and the army registration number is on the inner wing), which was a model developed for the armed forces, and was basically a Vanguard with Ensign trim. Mine (in army green) served in the Army from ‘62 to ‘69 (the registration plate has a G suffix as it was registered for the road on May 1 st 1969) and has effectively had 3 prior owners. It is also the last remaining example known to the club.

I

bought it because I think it's one of the best looking 50's British saloon cars, especially with the cleaner look of the Ensign, and with a 2.1 litre engine I though that it would be able to keep up with modern traffic. They also have a strong chassis frame.

The sills, wheel arches, valances and door bottoms are all original and very solid, and the overall condition of the body is excellent. The car runs well and is quite fun to drive.

The previous owner had the car for 20 years, had it resprayed in ‘99 (there are a few imperfections now in the paintwork which don't show up in the photos), and within the last 3,000 miles had the following done New valves and re-ground unleaded head Reupholstered seats and door cards Complete 3 piece clutch

Recored radiator New tyres New starter, battery, water pump

New door furflex New brake shoes and cylinders

New exhaust New front and rear screen rubbers

When I bought the car I found water ingress in the drivers footwell, and around the rear screen there were signs of rusting. I found out that this was due to badly fitted screen seals. A local classic car restorer removed the screens, remetalled two sections in the rear screen aperture and replaced the front screen. The roof and rear deck were resprayed, and they did an excellent job. They also put a new distributor with electronic ignition, new leads and a new coil on the car.

I recently replaced the door handles with new ones (the finish on the originals was very pitted, which I believe is common on cars of this period), and I

Fitted a new carburettor,

Replaced the speedo, throttle and clutch cables, Fitted new front seat belts,

Fitted some better wing mirrors and replaced the flag holder.

I removed the silver painted bumpers to refinish them, and found them to be in lovely condition, but without any hint of previous chrome plating I suspected that the bumpers were originally painted for military service, although I have no proof of this.

The car comes with its original field telephone, a workshop manual and a parts book.

I removed the boot carpet so that you can see the boot floor (picture 8). The mileage is 78,255 which may be genuine as the car has done less than 4,000 miles in 14 years. The speedo cable broke when I drove home from the restoration shop and I replaced it soon after.

I bought this car 18 months ago after a long search, but my priorities now lie with my son and his passion for motorbikes. To buy a bike to go touring with him means that I will need the garage space that now shelters the Standard, so I've reluctantly decided to sell it. I will undoubtedly be sad to see this car go, but I already have an Eriba in storage, and can't in all honesty justify paying out for more.

So to sum up it's a very rare, honest and solid car, with 50's looks with a fair degree of get up and go. Payment by bank transfer or cash, please.

Want to buy this car?