1919 Standard SLS, XB 6367, owned by
Phil Homer
(Short Wheelbase, Long Stroke, Sidevalve.)
This was Standard's first new model
after the war and was basically an enlarged version of the prewar Model S. It has a front
mounted 4 cylinder, sidevalve engine of 1327ccs., with magneto ignition and petrol pumped
by an "Autovac". A dry clutch operates a 3 speed and reverse gearbox positioned
in the centre of the car..Immediately behind this is a transmission brake on the
propshaft,operated by a foot pedal. Behind that is a pulley and belt to take off the
speedo drive. The starter is positioned alongside the gearbox and is mated to the flywheel
by a short separate prop shaft. There is a worm drive back axle.
Drum brakes on the rear wheels are
operated by the handbrake. There are no front brakes, come to that there are no
indicators, stop lights or rear view mirrors either!
There are 1/2 elliptical springs in all
four corners. There are no shock absorbers at the front but at the rear of the rear
springs there are additional coil springs to achieve some dampening of the ride. Despite
the crudeness of the suspension, it works remarkably well.
The 12 volt electrics operate the
aforesaid starter from a heavy duty switch on the dashboard where there are also switches
for side and head lights. The only instruments are a speedometer and a combined amp/volt
meter. Other controls are a hand throtle and advance/retard control on the left and right
of the steering column respectively, a bulb horn and a vacumn operated single windscreen
wiper. A simple rod and bellcrank indicates safe oil pressure, the only other control is a
switch to earth the magneto which stops the engine.
The two seater bodywork can be enclosed
in wet weather by a substantial hood and sidescreens, there is also a small two seater
"dickey" where the occupants would be fully exposed to the elements.
XB 6367 was built as Number 347 in
Batch 3. It is finished in maroon with black wings and hood. The work carried out in my
ownership is a bottom end engine rebuild with new white metal bearings, and a gearbox
rebuild with a new first gearwheel. The engine has now loosened up enough to show its
potential! With a light aluminium body, there is plenty of go, at least on level ground,
but lack of stopping power limits top speed. I tend to run out of nerve at say 40 mph. It
is best to anticipate other road users, usually whilst they are still a quarter of a mile
away, so that evasive action can be planned! Driving certainly becomes easier when
one appreciates that the footbrake is just to achieve a slight slowing down, say on a
hill, and that to stop requires use of the handbrake, which is much more effective.
However, since both gearstick and handbrake have to be operated by the right hand there is
no opportunity to brake and change down at the same time. I perhaps need to grow a third
arm! It is however quite easy to get used to the accelerator as the centre pedal and the
brake on the right!
I am aware that there are other 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. Please send me, Phil Homer, a
message at: Phil Homer
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