Description
Chassis number: 232013A
First Registered:1936
The Standard Motor Company Limited was a motor vehicle manufacturer, founded in Coventry in 1903 by Reginald Maudsley. It purchased Triumph in 1945 and in 1959 officially changed its name to Standard-Triumph International and began to put the Triumph brand name on all its products. In 1929 John Black, joint managing director of Hillman, took up an appointment at Standard as joint Managing Director. Black encouraged the supply of chassis to external coachbuilders such as Avon and Swallow coachbuilding and Jensen. The coachbuilding company of Avon during the early 1930s commenced producing cars with a distinctly sporty appearance, using as a foundation, a complete chassis from the Standard Motor Company. These chassis were ordinary production units, used because of their sound engineering design and good performance. Known as Avon Standard Specials they catered for a select market too small for Standard themselves.
It is thought only six ‘Le Mans’ style tourers were built by Avon bodies prior to the outbreak of World War II.
Craner Classics are delighted to offer this extremely rare 1936 Standard Avon Sports Tourer Le Mans finished in dark green paintwork with a black interior. It is thought that only six ‘Le Mans’ style tourers were built by Avon bodies prior to the outbreak of World War II and this car is one of only two known survivors. The car presents in outstanding condition with a very interesting history, featured in the Practical Classics magazine (original publication included). It details how one of the previous owners used to see the car being driven around his local village when he was a boy. Fast forward to 1993 when he was delivering Christian Aid Envelopes to one of the houses where the car had been parked away in the garage. He enquired if he could see the car which had been locked away in the garage for many years. Upon finally opening the garage doors he was met with a very upsetting sight- the garage rafters had rotted away and fallen onto the car along with the roof tiles. He managed to purchase the car which was now very rusty, and he began the long restoration process. This included stripping the entire car right down and repairs to one of the chassis outriggers, new rear semi ellipitic springs, chassis and wheels being grit blasted and powder coated, replacement steering box, new bonnet, four new mudguards and new floorboards. The car was eventually resprayed and the seats and door cards all professionally upholstered.
This car is a very rare sight on the roads of Britain today and with the black hood and matching side screens lowered it provides a fantastic way to travel around our beautiful countryside.
Craner Classics expect that there will be a lot of interest in this car from both home and abroad so would urge prospective purchasers to contact us by phone to avoid disappointment.
