1950s Standard 10 Companion - a VERY rare British classic car!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 มิ.ย. 2024
- Standard Companion Estate - 1957
This Standard Companion Estate from 1957 is based on the Standard 10 and was introduced in 1954, the companion might be lesser spotted than say the 8 or the 10 at a classic car show and even this rally today, but they did actually outlive both the 8 and the 10; with the 8 and 10 ending production in 1959 and the Companion marching solidly on until 1961 when it was replaced by the Herald Estate.
First of all, lets talk capacity - because if you were going to step up from the faithful Standard 10, what could you expect to gain?
The load capacity of the car is described in hundredweights, but I wanted to give it you at home in simpler terms to perhaps show off the capability of the vehicle a little better. The car was said with four passengers to have luggage carrying capacity of 112lbs or 50 kilos and with the back seats folded to maximise load capacity, it was said to take 560lbs which is around 254kg.
In 1956, Farmers Weekly tested the vehicle to see if it was suitable for life on a farm and found even with the back seats up you could load in 6 30-dozen egg boxes or 5 empty milk churns and by lowering the seats, they got in an impressive 11 milk churns. This might seem utterly redundant today, but for many rural family of the 50s, this would’ve made the vehicle an attractive prospect.
I imagine that was probably pretty slow at full load, but a lot of vehicles of this era were - this wasn’t unusual. There were no additional engine options for somebody who perhaps needed to operate at full load and go a little faster and your only engine option was the overhead valve 948cc engine - which is also used in the Standard 10.
The 948 engine is paired with a 4 forward speed box, again, exactly as you were getting in the 10 and again, with no synchro on first. This is pretty usual for the era, so we’ve got no complaints. There was the option to add overdrive at an additional cost, but this hasn’t been fitted to this.
There was also another option for transmission and one which I’ve never seen in person - the Standrive two pedal control - I believe with the limited information online I’ve managed to glean, this is some sort of early automatic transmission option.
However, always a massive beware on stuff like this in today’s world, because when they’re rare they’re a pest to find parts for when they go wrong!
You know what else is optional? The heater - although I am not surprised because this was pretty usual for a vehicle of this age, especially one which might be used commercially. All the frugality kept costs low and made it easier for people to buy a new vehicle.
However, despite life in the slow lane, it does well on fuel and you can expect 57mpg at best on long runs at a consistent speed, but even around town and varying speeds you can expect low 40s in your miles per gallon.
The aforementioned Farmers Weekly review also looked at MPG when fully laden and found it to be slightly under 40mpg - which is still not to be sniffed at.
The suspension to accompany all of this is coil springs at the front giving independent front suspicion and semi-eliptic springs at rear.
The brakes are hydraulic and two leading shoe at front and leading and trailing shoe for rear…so pretty much as you’d expect! Farmers Weekly described them as excellent and gave them an efficiency rating of over 80% when stopping at 30mph.
Today, the Companion is a rare thing indeed. It was well thought of at time of launch and for reviews still accessible, it is spoken of in high regards and it’s well received in today’s classic car world where it always seems to be greeted with a smile. Sadly, because of the workhorse capacity of the vehicle, many have been used and put through their paces and no longer exist today. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Dear Steph, I admire the way you present this classic. I adore your presentation. The classic cars collectors need presentators like you. Thank you for you passion and adorable presentation.
I drive a 2011 Panda as my daily car and if this was 65 years ago I would certainly have bought one of these as both this and the Panda suit my needs perfectly, a very smart, practical little car.
Hi Steph, just a piece of information on the early supply of spare parts for cars like this one.
When they were built spare parts would almost only be available from the manufacturer (ie a Ford alternator was difficult to buy from anyone but Ford) and the same would be for all cars in the UK at this time. A man called Eric Quinton Hazell noted ( while serving in the military during WW2) that US vehicle spares were provided with a code number which made sourcing a correct spare part much easier. He set up a spares supply company named after himself who supplied the fan belt fitted the car you were driving. (as seen in your video)
The company was later bought out by Unipart who quite possible supplied spares for your morris Minor.
Without these companies many of these older cars would have probably been scrapped due to the cost or buying or lack of availability of spares to keep them running.
Sorry if that was a bit long winded. I hope you found it worth bothering to read.
No problem with being 'long winded' - you had some very useful information.
I learned the backstory of QH parts , still remembered here in Australia, some parts still supplied under The banner .
Your presentation is top tier. The initial pan around the exterior, engine bay, and interior is something I hope you never change. Many a presenter could learn from you.
Well said, that is why Steph is my favorite car reviewer. No one else does it so well.
Aww you guyyyyssss thank you x
My father had a later Companion in green and white which was a lovely car.
It had a one piece rear door.
One thing sticks in my mind was it had a reserve petrol tank controlled by a brass tap under the rear seat.
It was replaced by a Triumph Herald Estate.
WOW Steph, what a gorgeous little car, and how practical too. I've never seen one in real life, only the Saloon 8 or 10 version. I could easily live with one of these - that load space would suit me perfectly - I LOVE IT ! Fantastic review Steph - obviously ! Thanks for sharing this lovely car with us. Take care 🙂
My neighbour still drives a Standard 10 in Bangalore India. It is his every day car. He is 80+ years old but he still drives
It's very very nostalgic - we had exactly one of these, just the colour combination was blue with cream.
Our immediate neighbour in Bangalore had a Standard sedan. It must have been a 10 because it had wind up windows. The owner had a chauffeur (who dressed in a gray suit and a cap) who drove him to work. On weekends, we would drive into the country and visit tea plantations. My father took many pictures but sadly never took any of the Standard (or the SS100 Airline coupe we also had rides in) It was the early sixties and these were just old cars!
My first car was a Standard 10 with Standrive. It still had a clutch but no clutch pedal. The clutch was operated by an electric button on the gear stick knob. The switch operated a vacuum solinoid, which in turn operated the clutch slave cylinder. Vanguard also used the system as well.
Great information. I had not heard of this transmission option.😊
I've heard of the Standrive but wonder if it was robust and reliable. Did any survive?
Your classy voice takes me to good all days.
Salute you
I've been a member of the Triumph Sports Six Club since 1981, and yes, it's true, the Standard Owner's Club members are, like the old Standard advert used to say, "All that's best in Britain".
Hi Steph. My Dad had one of these in the late 1950s. We used to go on holiday as 4 adults and three children, two on stools in the back. I later had one in the 1960’s. OWO340. Usually had to push start but only cost £50. Thanks for the memories
Here in New Zealand way back in 1982, one of my college teachers had one of these. Same colour. It had "standard drive". It was fun to run around in. Sadly his son rolled it and it got scrapped. Thanks for the video. Brings back memories.
The advertised name for the gearbox was “ Standrive” but from reports, it was not really that good….and very slow and thirsty! 😬🙂🙂
This is great... memories of my early motoring experiences with similarly aged (and older) Brit cars.
This kind of frugal utility vehicles made British cars popular in the Netherlands during the late fifties and early sixties.
My father had a later version called a Standard Pennant.
That's a lovely little estate, kudos to the owner for keeping it so well.
Great pair of Standard videos. Love the "rustic" bolts on the rear door and the rear of the back seat, and the shoestring started just topped it off! Cheers
Lovely car that we owned in the early 19860 s
My Dad owned a 1956 Standard 10 4 door sedan, in Sky Blue paintwork.This was the first car that we owned. Havent seen one at the many vintage car shows . From Durban South Africa
No hat required, always looking a bonnie lass! Kev is a lucky hubby. Keep up the gr8 vids!
I absolutely love your review of these forgotten classics. And you dress up to fit each car...fantastic! From the USA with admiration....
Well done Steph very enjoyable and informative thank you
It's such a quality restoration and that engine bay so colourful and all the shiny paint on the metal parts of the engine
Brilliant, Steph, thanks. My first car in 1968. Ideal for ferrying my drum kit around!
Thank you for the lovely review of this splendid little no nonsense workhorse. It is a very good example and I am amazed to see such a beautiful well sorted and correct one.
Old cars talk to you, you are the computer! I love it, I can see you do too!
Hiya Steph. I visited the British Motor Museum at Gaydon yesterday, and I saw some of my very favourite classic cars including a 1964 Vauxhall Viva, a 1967 Austin 1100, a 1967-68 Ford Anglia Super, a 1965 Jaguar S-Type 3.4, a 1958 Metropolitan 1500, a 1972 Morris Marina, a 1965 Vauxhall Cresta, a 1955 Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire 346, a 1965 Triumph Vitesse 6, a 1961 Ford Zodiac Mark 2 and a 1972 Rover 3.5-Litre V8 series P5B. Even though it was some 10 miles away from the nearest train station and served by a somewhat infrequent bus service, it was a really nice place to visit for classic vehicles that have been vastly ignored for decades. I even saw a guy cleaning his classic, a 1969 Riley Elf, the Mini based saloon with the sticking-out boot.
Steph, you see getting so much better at this you have definitely improved over the years and I love watching every episode.
You were so easy on the way you presented your video. I saw how well kept it was and how well-finished it was. Lovely to see how these cars enjoy life into old age.
In the old days we called the gearchange on these 'the pudding basin, stir and guess!'
Lovely car 😊👍
It has been a long time since I have seen one of those out on the road. This one has been very well restored including the interior, as a former upholster myself I cannot fault that. Thanks for the review Steph very well done. 👍👍
What a wonderful, rare little car. I love it. I always look forward to your reviews and appreciate the research you do and the mechanical sympathy you always show when driving.
Great video of a model I'd never known existed! Bonus fun factoid: The related Standard 10 estate was sold in North America as the Triumph 10, coz Standard hadn't been sold here in a while + the word "standard" didn't exactly lure buyers. But dealers often called it the "TR-10" to tie it to the TR-3 then on sale ... and you may still see a few survivors advertised that way today.
Does "North America" include the US market? I know the Standard 10 (Triumph 10) was sold in Canada as I saw one in a Canadian TV show once. The Triumph "TR-10" model name makes sense in that market. Fun fact - The Standard 10 was called the Vanguard Junior in some export markets to tie it in with the larger Vanguard car.
"Standard" is one of those words which has changed its meaning in the modern world. Nowadays it usually means the basic or no-frills version of something, but when the Standard Motor Company was founded it was understood to mean the standard to which the competition could only aspire, it was setting the standard for others to follow. In the 'Thirties it was realised that "standard" was another word for a flag, so Union Flag badges appeared on the Flying Standard models, which implied that buying a Standard was a patriotic choice.
@@michaelhalsall5684 'North America' is generally U.S. + Canada. What I wrote may apply to Canada as well as the U.S. but don't rightly know TBH.
I have a Citroen berlingo multispace and this is a like an older version,lovely car 😀😀
Another good one Steph amazing just looks it has come out of the factory brand new
The Standard Cars were way ahead of their time. I still remember my dad's Standard Herald MarkII. I am 67 now.
Ace, just needs a roof rack with surf boards on it!
What a cracking little car stef, I have a flying ten (1937)
Love this beautiful little car
What a neat old car! You know most American cars even into the mid 1950's were designed to cruise at 50mph. The V8 era lead to more comfortable speed at 60 mph. My 1949 Studebaker Commander 6 with Overdrive can run 70 mph all day but it loves 60 mph!
The loss of the light switch control knob is annoying, but a 3D printed replacement might be possible if a proper replacement can't be found.
Hello Steph, what a wonderful presentation. The car has had a very good restoration, the engine and accessories under the bonnet is just so clean and tidy! What a comfortable car, and "interesting" gearbox!! Best wishes from Lincolnshire.
What a beautiful car it was!
Learn something every day with you Steph.. I saw a photo of where I live from about 55 years ago and one of these was parked up..I asked my cousins husband to identify it and he said it was a companion!. I'd never heard of them.!
Ohhh wowww...!!! My grandfather had one back in the '60s!!! He always said what a good car that was!
memories ,,,i served my bodywork apprenticeship standard 10s n8s vanguards,,,,etc retied in2006,,,, and again 10 yrs later later 10 yrs smart repair wheels,,, bumper scuffs etc
Stunning condition and a perfect example of "Less is more".
I love these older utility vehicles, lovely review!
What a cool little wagon! Would love to have one, another interesting and highly informative review from Steph! 👍
What a gorgeous automobile 🇬🇧👍
I don't remember these on New Zealand roads as a kid, however there were some Standard 10 sedans around, don't know if NZ had the Standard 8.
See she has a dashboard mounted rear vision mirror, that was also a feature of US Chryslers from that era.
There may not have been many engine options .but my father had one with an Alexander conversion an it went like a rocket.
🇿🇦 😊 This vehicle, if it were available to the public today, 2024, would sell like hot cakes❗ It's a beautiful, simple, reliable car.
Perhaps I'm just stuck in the past, when things were built around simplicity. 😅😅😅😎
That's a lovely characterful car and you have presented this review brilliantly. Thanks Steph. I enjoy seeing your reviews of 1950s bread and butter vehicles.
What a fantastic car. I've never seen one of these before.
Great video as always Steph!
Another wonderful video Steph. 😊
Another great review Steph.
The sound is Much better on this video ! Thanks
Excellent video as your usual !
My Dad had this car when I was a school boy.
What a great car, and what a great review, thanks!
It threw me a bit when you set off on the left hand side of the road. I have been living and driving in Europe for twelve years now and it is second nature to be on the right hand side of the road whether driving or being driven, even in my old right hand drive Discovery. The oldest car I owned was a 1965 Ford Anglia van. A similar drum brakes configuration to the Standard, goodness knows how we ever got the vehicle to stop. The lack of seatbelts would worry me too. Years ago after seat belts were compulsory in the UK I was given a lift in southern Ireland. The car was a fairly new Ford Escort but seat belts were not mandatory in the Irish Republic in those days. Fortunately the journey was only a few rather scary miles on quiet country roads.
Steph, I guess that they positioned the steering wheel that low so you can always see the speedometer and fuel gauge. There was never a time in the video when the instruments weren't visible. That long throw gearbox reminds me a bit of the one on the 1963 Morris Mini I owned in the mid seventies. Short throw gearboxes are always less vague.
I drove a Standard 8 which was so slow but the interior was funky in white .
"Slow" by more modern standards, yes. But in the 1950's a person would be lucky to have any car at all. And any car with the "heater" option, would be almost like owning a Rolls Royce, compared to the alternative... waiting in the rain standing outside at a Bus Stop until an old bus turned up. The Standard 8 was intended as the "most basic, economy" option. To get stuff in and out of the boot, you had to fold the back seat down and reach in behind it. No external access was available. To steal a quote from Buffy The Vampire Slayer "It ain't fancy, but it gets you gone".
@@KiwiCatherineJemma Totally agree . When I remember my first cars and compare them with today ,it is a different world . I did enjoy the Standard (it was my uncles ) but I preferred my wee Ford Pop !!!!
Great presentation, Steph. It's a lovely looking car, and from the outside, one can almost expect the interior to be quite special; but it's as basic as basic gets! But i think it's a great practical little machine.
What a lovely vehicle
My parents had an 8 in the 50s when I was but a wee kid! PUF 655, 2 tone blue. lovely car, but the boot was accessed through the back seat. Difficult. The 10 had an opening boot, much more practical!
Wonderful little car, very cute! Love standards. Keep up the great work Steph. Going to a classic car show today, in Guildford for my birthday. Have a good day!
Aw happy birthday! Hope the sun shines all day and you get to munch a Colin caterpillar cake 😂❤️
@@idriveaclassic you’re too nice 😊
Hi Steph, great review as usual, Loved it! Hey! I'm surprised you didn't comment on the Vanguard Of similar era that was coming the other way! 🤣🤣 Can I make a request? I'd love to see you do a drive of a Jaguar XJ8 4.2 litre naturally aspirated or supercharged an X350 or 358 from 20O3 to 2009, I reckon the last proper Jag, I'd certainly lend you my 03 XJ8 for a day but I live in Australia 🤣 but I think if you ever get the chance do a review I think you'll really like it! They are now a classic and beautiful cars, just a suggestion, Keep up your fantastic work I love your reviews! Cheers Steph oh BTW, i remember as a kid my dad was manager of "Reading Tyre Supplies" they had a Standard Van based on the 8 or the 10 maybe same chassis Anybody? This would have been around 1958, fond memories ❤️
Nice two tone interior.
Lovely little motor😊
love the spark plug blocking off the heater hose (0:59) and the blue starter string, that's barnyard engineering 😀. That back seat is easier to put down than the one in my Mini Van.
Personally I love a manual window-manual shift car myself.
You may want to to tell the owner they cold probably 3D print a new light switch knob may not be OEM but it would be functional.
Interesting that BMC did a 948cc engine (Morris Minor and Austin A40, etc) and Standard Triumph also a 948cc engine but they were completely different.
❤lovely car Steph❤
What has happened to Kev and his MGC?
Hi we are starting doing some filming this week, unfortunately life has taken over with this project! I'm looking after both my elderly parents, supporting my son who has just finished his degree, house repair and other grown up stuff, plus Steph has been on holiday, I've been on holiday, time just disappeared I'm afraid! Thanks for your comments were on with it 😊😊😊😊
@@kevinhirst4108 Life is what happens when your planning other things. Take care and hope to see an update soon.
What a handsome car🫶
The bright works are setting it off really nice 😍
Hmmm, not a single mention of the quarter-lights, a feature sadly missing on modern cars! 😢
This model of Standard Companion was produced in India , by standard Motors , then Madras. This is in sixties .
Standard made really good cars. At the same time Ford were still selling models with side valve engine & 3 speed gearbox. Standard had taken over Triumph & subsequently decided that the Triumph name was more marketable than Standard so going forward the Standard marque was dropped.
Another cook video Steph.
I understand British Motor Heritage Models is going to launch a 43rd scale model of one of these.
My mother had a 10 Companion like this with the double rear doors. In sage green.
Classy lady.
Utterly charming car, a beautiful design and so practical, a wonderful restoration too. Such a shame some bounder pinched a switch ☹ I wonder if someone could 3D print one? Standard produced some fabulous cars, the Standard Vanguard Phase 1/2 Estate is a favourite design. Terrific review as always, many thanks.
3D print, an excellent idea. I hope the owner reads your comment. 👍
Love to be the in passenger seat ❤
Seems like that car just a bit bigger than classic Mini Traveller.
This car has an interesting face
I never liked the "face" on the Standard 10 it reminded me of a downturned mouth and gave the car a slightly forlorn look.
The opposite was the cute looking Austin Healey Sprite (Bug Eye) with its slightly startled "smiley" face.
Been quite a day here but just sitting down with a cup of tea to watch this, 🫖 thank you Steph! 😊✨
I absolutely love it. Please forgive me for not knowing, but is Standard a make or model of a British manufacturer? Thankyou.
It’s absolutely great to hear somebody ask, never be worried to ask me about cars. Standard is the manufacturer and Companion is the model 🥰
this has clearly had a very intensive restoration would have preferred a bit more original but this seems ahead of its time its like an suv and could easily be a daily driver
It does make a difference if there is a good club. When I had my Riley 1.5 I joined one of the Riley clubs. They seemed a snobby lot and unless you had an RM or something pre-war they didn't want to know.
Fuel gauge looks identical to that of the Mini 850 / 1000.
Could the owner get a light switch 3D printed?
I owned a Standard Eight Goldstar until last year, more advanced than the Morris & Austin cars of the time..
I think those light switch knobs are the same as the TR3A, and repro's are available, (I agree, what a terrible thing for someone to do, much like the stolen super rare grey pear-shaped gear knob stolen from the cut-away Herald in the Coventry Motor Museum.
Like how they used a spark plug to block off what I guess is the heater core hose!
Was that a spark plug in the end of the heater hose lol ? Lovely little vehicle.
Thanks
Thanks ever so much Lady Constance! xx
Hi Steph I have some switches I can supply FOC. Also do any of your watchers have a Standard 10 standrive I have just saved one from being scrapped and would like to get more info or share info in NZ. Thanks
The old British cars had shocking shut lines! 😮
Compared to modern vehicles you are right. This car was made on worn out presses that had been worked hard making important components for the war effort. Maintenance was minimal and the factory also received enemy bomb damage.
Why not install a modern CAD/CAM system in a brand new factory, then drop a few bombs on it and see what your quality control inspectors say about the standard of your cars? I think you might be disappointed. Assuming you actually managed to build a single car.
Somebody screwed up big time with that rear number plate light location. Apprentice project???