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Post by michaelbrix on May 31, 2007 15:20:33 GMT 1
Dear All,
My name is Michael, I'm a 38yo Dane who has somehow found his way to Hertfordshire where we have lived since 2005. I am passionate about old cars and bikes and would dearly love a car from the 1940-1950 period. I am unsure what car would suit me so I have started to take a closer look at the different marques. Standards look interesting. Ideally I would want something that is a runner so I could use it and restore it as I go along. I'm not a stickler for originality and being foreign don't "get" the British obsession with matching numbers. I don't have an unlimited budget so £2500 is probably the upper limit. Besides the club and Ebay, are there other places where I could find a suitable car? I intend to join the club even though I don't own a Standard in the hope that I can make some contacts and perhaps get a chance to meet someone who can give me advice.
I have a garage (full of motorcycles at the moment) and a decent selection of tools, MIG welder, compressor, lathe and mill so there are many small jobs I can undertake myself.
Hints, tips, advice, warning etc. gratefully accepted.
Michael Henriksen Harpenden, Herts.
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Post by Ian Leggett on May 31, 2007 16:48:19 GMT 1
Hello Michael, You have made a good choice being interested in Standards. If you are looking for comfortable cruising and long distance reliability a Vanguard should be where you look. As it happens we are celebrating 60 years of the Vanguard this year and just one month away is our 48th International Rally at Denny Abbey, Waterbeach. Cambridge, just an hour from where you live. What an ideal opportunity to see a line up of all the Vanguard range and perhaps you may have a ride in some of them. We celebrate the 60 years at this event which is on June 30th (SAT) and July 1st (SUN). If you just want a small engine car which is easy to work on then the Standard Ten would fit the bill. Easy to upgrade with a 1250cc engine for more power, but the 948cc unit will give you over 40mpg which must be a plus point these days. Coincidentally we do have a member driving from Denmark for this rally, but in a 1935 car(Brave), also members from Switzerland,Eire and Belgium so you will certainly be amongst good company. As a matter of interest a member is restoring a Ten at Berkhampstead not far from you, he will be at the Int Rally. Hope that has whetted your appetite. Any more help just ask, there are plenty of write ups on this website to keep you entertained. Regards Ian.
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Post by michaelbrix on May 31, 2007 17:27:03 GMT 1
Ian, thanks for the heads up about the Rally. As usual my timing is off and I have already committed myself to go to a steam/bike rally that weekend.
Although I have never owned anything quite as old a Standard 10 I am not unfamiliar with small, low powered cars. I lived 4 years in Germany and had a Trabi there. I actually bought a Trabi recently only to discover I could not get insurance for it (long story).
For a while I considered a Minor but would really like something that is just a bit more unusual. A Standard is a very exotic beast for a Dane.
Michael
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Post by Ian Leggett on May 31, 2007 18:44:06 GMT 1
Hi Michael, Well best to join the Club as soon as possible. When you do get a car speak to me first about insurance and you could save quite a lot, probably as much as the Club Annual fees. Look on ebay but only buy when you have seen the car and perhaps someone who knows about them has gone with you. You can download a membership form. Regards Ian. (If you join from this mention, put my name on the top corner, tell me your membership number when it comes, and I will send you a book worth £10 about the standards of the 1950s and `1960s. Hows that? Regards Ian.)
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Post by michaelbrix on May 31, 2007 18:49:00 GMT 1
Ian, that's an offer I can't refuse.
Interestingly there is a Standard 8 in the for sale section and it is in Milton Keynes which is very close to me. Only problems is that it is an Ebay auction so price wise it could go too high.
Michael
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Post by Ian Leggett on May 31, 2007 23:24:22 GMT 1
Michael. I do not think it will go too high but it sounds worth having. The owner mentioned that if it as not sold he would consider offering it to the Club. Why not contact him and see the car, then you will know whether it is the type for you. The 8's only have 803cc engines and may lack the power you need to keep up in todays traffic. He may stop the auction early if you come to an arrangement and join the Club (He is a Club Member) Good Luck. Ian.
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Post by michaelbrix on Jun 1, 2007 1:06:43 GMT 1
I have tried to contact him but no reply so far. The car has a Herald engine fitted so is probably no slouch. Cheque is in the mail so I should be a member soon.
Michael
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Post by tinawalker on Jun 1, 2007 12:00:39 GMT 1
It is not often one of these comes up at this sort of price. With a 1300 engine it will go very well, however, if you succeed in getting it, beware that unless the brakes have been upgraded somewhat (or kept in good condition and adjustment), you will have to resist the modern trend to tailgate other cars, as most of them will be able to stop faster than this one will. Should be very good off the traffic lights though. It looks on the surface to be a very good buy, which should get MOT'd easily enough. The only down side of this model is that loading the boot is not so easy (I had a "no boot" eight), but they are great little cars . Tina
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Post by michaelbrix on Jun 1, 2007 12:13:48 GMT 1
It has had front disc brakes fitted.
I have ridden Russian outfits for several years so am used to keeping a good distance. A SLS brake on a 350kg outfit with a 100kg rider needs a lot of time/space to stop.
Still no luck contacting the seller. I got his phone number off a previous "for sale" post and left a message. A bid has been placed so probably no chance of the seller ending the auction early. What would be a sensible limit to bid up to for a car like this?
Michael
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Post by tinawalker on Jun 1, 2007 13:44:39 GMT 1
Without a current MOT or Tax about 500 would be a fair start, but if it really is as good as described, it could go to 1000, which is about the average price these under rated cars often get to. Really immaculate ones do fetch much more, but rarely reach the rediculous prices touted about for some other makes which are rarely any better cars. Replies to e mails sometimes do take a little time to come back via e-bay. As this last weekend was a holiday one, it is just possible the advertiser was a way for a few days, and has not looked at his e-mails yet. Good Standards do however come up in the club site or magazine from time to time. If this one does not work out this time there will be others. These cars are very reliable when treated right, so hang in there you will get there in the end. Tina
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Post by michaelbrix on Jun 1, 2007 13:50:46 GMT 1
Thanks Tina. Too bad I didn't decide to look into Standards a bit sooner as the car was advertised for sale here for £200 before it went on Ebay. I have decided on a limit so fingers crossed!
Michael
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Post by michaelbrix on Jun 4, 2007 11:33:00 GMT 1
I'm going to see that car this evening. I showed my wife the pictures of it and she said it was "cute" and "better looking than the crap I usually buy". I take that as an approval to go ahead and buy the car if it turns out to be in good nick. Michael
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Post by Ian Leggett on Jun 4, 2007 21:13:17 GMT 1
Hi Michael. Women can be very encouraging in a curious sort of way. Get the positive vibes and ignore the negative element. If you get it head for the International Rally and make it 101 cars. Regards Ian.
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Post by michaelbrix on Jun 4, 2007 21:24:52 GMT 1
The car is very nice and although it will need some work on the front of the sills, it is very sound for a 52 year old car and the interior is immaculate. I'll place a bid up to my limit and see how it goes. Even if I get it there is no way I can get it ready in time for he rally.
Michael
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Post by Ian Leggett on Jun 4, 2007 21:40:42 GMT 1
Michael. Come without the car, we do not mind. I have not logged into ebay yet but doubt it will reach £1,000, should be less if previous sales are to go by. We can get sills very quickly, about £60 pair. The expensive part is the interior which to get to immaculate state can cost about £1,000. Carpet sets are available if needed. Fingers crossed. Regards Ian.
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