Standard Ensign History

Announced in October 1957, the Standard Ensign was an economy version of the Phase III Vanguard, fitted with a smaller 1,670 cc engine and more austere trim, with a four-speed column change as standard. It was bought in large numbers for company fleets and by the armed forces, and was facelifted for 1959. From January 1960 a diesel option was also offered, using the compact 1.6-litre Perkins P4C four-cylinder engine.

Production of the original 1,670 cc car ran from 1957 to 1961 (about 18,852 built), after which it was succeeded by the Ensign De Luxe (1962–1963, about 2,318 built), which used the larger 2,138 cc engine and — unlike the earlier car — was also offered as an estate. The Ensign holds a footnote in British motoring history: the very last UK-built Standard, an Ensign De Luxe, was produced in May 1963, after which the Ensign and Vanguard gave way to the Triumph 2000 and the Standard marque ended in Britain.