From the Standard Motor Club Archives

A 1926 Standard, Paul Newsome's 14H.p. SLO4 with Charlecote 2-Seater bodywork

Photo of Brochure front cover:

Reproduction of pages 2,3 and 4:

Apart from modifications in the steering and front brakes of the 14 h.p. model, the fitting of front-wheel brakes to all 14 h.p. cars, and a higher radiator on the 11 h.p. chassis, no mechanical variations of importance from the 1925 models of " Standard " cars have been found necessary. But some remarkable developments have occurred in all body work, apart from that of the popular 11 h.p. "Piccadilly" Saloon. 

The most notable of these developments is the new all-weather five-seated body of the 14 h.p. "Standard," to be known as the " Stratford " model, superseding the "Warwick " ordinary and special; this has four drop windows consisting of aluminium framed celluloid panels capable of being set at any height by mechanical " winders" or regulators, or lowered completely out of sight within the doors, and two rear or quarter lights of similar construction but locked in any position by a thumb nut. The mechanical regulators are of the type applied to the " Standard " saloons.

 When the hood is raised the windows abut firmly at the top against a continuous cantrail, excluding all draughts ; hinged and grooved pillars of a light but stiff metal construction, separate the individual lights. With the hood folded, the windows can be raised to afford protection from side winds. 

The body framing is much stiffer than hitherto; four 24 in. doors are now provided (the new one on the offside of the driver giving a free entrance to the front compartment) while the general design of the body is greatly improved, having an attractive semi-rotund appearance owing to the incurved panels and top edges. It is roomier, has separate and adjustable front seats with hinged backs, a sloping two- panel screen with small triangular glasses in the side pillars, and a black waterproof fabric hood that folds back easily and very neatly. 

THE 14H.P. " COUPE." 

The two-seated body of the 14 h.p. "Standard " has been redesigned and improved almost out of recognition. Known as the " Charlecote " model, superseding the "Leamington" special and ordinary, the two-seater is now a coupe, with a folding leatherette head and drop windows of glass on each side ; the latter can be used as side screens without the hood or can be completely lowered, raised or adjusted by mechanical regulators of the same type as on the 14 h.p. " Standard " five- seater and with saloons. The body lines have a similarly attractive appearance as those of the five-seater, the roomy " boot " enclosing a wide and comfortably upholstered double dickey. 

Extensive additions to the equipment of these 14 h.p. cars have been made; among others may be mentioned shock absorbers and spring gaiters, clock, two dash lamps, ash tray, driving mirror, dimmer switch, roof lamp, automatic screen wiper, adjustable anti-rattle buffer for the hinged top half of the driving screen, scuttle ventilator with an adjusting screw on the instrument board, petrol can and carrier, luggage grid, licence holder and number plates. As previously mentioned, front wheel brakes will also be included on all 14 h.p. cars. 

NEW 11 H.P. BODYWORK. 

The " Canley " and " Coleshill " two-seaters and the corresponding 1925 four-seaters, " Kenilworth" and " Kineton," are superseded by entirely new models to be known as the " Coventry " and " Knowle." In both cases the height of the body sides above the seats has been appre- ciably increased, being in accord with the higher radiator and bonnet in that respect; the exterior lines have been greatly improved and the rear seat widened, enabling two adults and a child to be seated abreast. As a result, the car as a whole is not only more roomy and comfortable but is more imposing and attractive in appearance. 

Both the 11 h.p. two-seater and the four-seater have an offside door to the driving compartment, making the four- seater a four-door body, the doors all being exceptionally wide, viz., 24 in. clear. The " Knowle " (four-seater) has separate and adjustable front seats with hinged backs, the latter enabling the full width of the rear door openings to be available, even when the front seats are set back as far as possible. Real leather upholstery is now fitted, the spare wheel of the four- seater is carried behind the body, the scuttle locker for gloves, parcels, etc., has been enlarged and arranged on the left, resulting in the instruments being concentrated in front of the driver. 

ADJUSTABLE SIDE SCREENS.

The all-weather hood resembles that of the superseded models in having a continuous cantrail at each side to form a draught seal and abutment for the side screens. The latter are of the rigid and detachable type, with the metal framing extensions dropping into an improved type of socket sunk into the top edges of the body. There are two large screen units at each side, those over the doors having a sliding hinge at the rear end, enabling that end to be pushed outward and fixed at any desired point within a wide range. This is a great improvement upon flaps for signalling, and afford a convenient means of securing ventilation to any extent required. 

The 11 h.p. chassis design has called for no alteration apart from the higher radiator and the provision of somewhat stronger front springs with rather more camber, though an improvement from the standpoint of convenience is the removal of the petrol tank filling spout to within the bonnet space. In regard to equipment a great many additions have been made. A scuttle ventilator adjustable from the driving seat is provided ; a dashlamp, driving mirror, clock, screen wiper, petrol can and carrier and an ash tray have been added, while the other items include a speedometer, licence holder, spring gaiters, number plates and five lamps. 

11 H.P. AND 14 H.P. SALOONS. 

The saloon models on the 11 h.p. and 14 h.p. chassis. consist of the 11 h.p. " Piccadilly" and the 14 h.p. " Pall Mall," the former having two exceptionally wide doors giving access to both front and rear seats, the adjustable front seats having hinged backs that enable a clear entrance to the rear compartment to be had. The " Piccadilly " saloon has not been varied in general design but its equipment has been increased to correspond withthe 11 h.p. open cars. In the case of the 14 h.p. " Pall Mail," a four-door saloon de luxe, alterations have been made in the outline and shape of the rear quarters and roof, so effecting great improvement in the lines of the body viewed from either side or rear. As a result, the appearance of the body is attrac- tive to a degree, a characteristic enhanced by the provision of a slightly sloped windscreen and rather more curvature to the side panelling and scuttle. The double-panel screen is of an improved type with special provision to prevent rattle or leakage in heavy rain. 

Many additions have also been made to the equipment of the " Pall Mall" saloon; beyond the numerous items previously included there is a clock, ash trays (back and front) automatic screen wiper, roof net, companion recessed at the side of the back seat, lock on one door and bolts on all the others, dashlamp, dimmer switch and scuttle ventilator adjustable from the front seats. 

With all " Standard " cars, 11 h.p. and 14 h.p., a choice of three colours is offered, viz., fawn, crimson and blue. The upholstery in the all-weather and coupe models is in real antique leather to match the selected body finish. 

For the " Piccadilly " saloon upholstery a choice of two carriage cloths is available, while for the " Pall Mall" saloon there are two carriage cloths and a range of three real antique leathers as in the open models.

 The prices of " Standard " cars for 1926 are given below, but it is essential, when drawing comparisons with the figures applying to the 1925 models, to bear in mind the extensive and costly improvements, the numerous additional items of equipment, and the provision of front-wheel brakes and shock absorbers without exfra charge on all 14 h.p. cars. 

When these important differences are considered it is clearly evident that, in effect, the new prices represent very appreciable reductions ; it is unquestionable, in other words, that the 11 h.p. and 14 h.p. " Standard " cars offer even more remarkable value than has been the case hitherto. One has only to consider the unique all-weather body of the 14 h.p. five-seater and the new glass window coupe to have this fact brought forcibly to mind, though in the 11 h.p. open cars and the " Piccadilly " and " Pall Mall " saloons the same out- standing value is clearly apparent. 

It need hardly be said, in view of the enviable reputation of the Standard Motor Co., Ltd., that there has been no sacrifice in the high quality of workmanship or material in providing the additional features; the enhanced value has been made possible by the ever-increasing demand for and output of " Standard " cars having permitted the adoption of new and better, as well as more economical, manufacturing methods. The prices of the various new models are as follows :

Another 1926 Standard, this time the 14 H.p. fitted with the Stratford 5-Seater bodywork

I am aware that there are other Standard cars and information that could be added to this site to make it more comprehensive, so if you have material and photographs, please let me know.

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