1951 Standard Vanguard Phase 1 | Woodford, Northamptonshire

A 1951 Standard Vanguard Phase 1, the rounded post-war saloon known for its beetle-back shape and sturdy, conventional engineering. Its name recalls HMS Vanguard, the Royal Navy battleship launched in 1944. American-influenced styling set it apart from other British family cars of its day. This car is grey with a red interior, a restrained exterior with a warm cabin. It seats six, enough for a whole family scene in one car. Its deep, smooth body gives a camera broad panels and clean lines to work with. Late-1940s and early-1950s film and TV scenes suit it, as the beetle-back outline reads as period at once. Photography and fashion and editorial shoots can set the red interior against the grey paint as a colour accent. Events can use its post-war shape as a display piece. Weddings and personal hires get a dignified saloon for the day. The car is based in Woodford, Northamptonshire.