Lot Ended
Description
Wonderful 'oily rag' condition; recently recommissioned following 50
years in storage; runs and drives with a current MOT; a proper time
capsule!
If you were
launching a new make of car today you might think twice about calling it Average
but back in 1903 the word Standard had very different connotations – a height to
be maintained, a flag to be flown.
True, there
was nothing fancy about the brand RW Maudslay established in 1903, but his
Coventry-based firm proved so successful at turning out durable, well-engineered
machines at modest cost that they were soon among the top six manufacturers in
the UK.
Cheap, cheerful and effective, the Nine
allowed Standard to ride out the Depression and by 1931 it was selling so well
that it morphed into the Big Nine, a roomy and dependable saloon for less than
£200. Powered by a rugged 1,287cc four-cylinder side-valve with a 3-speed
gearbox, it could plod along at 45mph all day with four aboard and remarkably
good 38mpg economy.
First registered in Walsall
in September 1931, this Big Nine sadly comes with no history other than a buff
logbook from 1953 by which time the car was owned by a Mr J Riggall of
Chaddesden, Derby, soon passing to another gent in Leicester whose name is too
indistinct to read.
We are told that the car was
in single family ownership for many decades before our vendor acquired it
earlier this year. Part of a large collection of cars, it had been in storage
since the 1970s. Our vendor soon got the car running and driving, fitted two new
front tyres and a centre exhaust section and it passed an MOT in July 2024 with
just a few minor advisories recorded (rear tyres perished; minor oil leak; play
in both front wheel bearings).
The V5C records
the capacity as 1,113cc but this is presumably an error because the Standard
retains its original engine (no. 111421) which is rated at 9.8HP on the buff
logbook so it should be 1,287cc.
As you can see
in the photos, it is in wonderfully original ‘oily rag’ condition and would no
doubt be capable of scooping awards at any Preservation Class event.
Contact: toby.service@brightwells.com