Having only been a member of The Standard Motor Club for a short while, I met Brian Birch, who at that time was thinking of downsizing his "stable" of Standards. He had amongst his collection a very early Basic Eight, which he had started to restore, and a Gold Star Eight. which he said were the cars that he would be willing to pan with. At that time I had no intention of adding to my own collection of two Standards.

Sometime later in 2004, after the NEC show we got talking and Brian offered to give me the Basic Eight for free if 1 promised to restore it. as it was quite a rare motor, being a very early model. By this lime Patrick Brotherton had acquired the Gold Star Eight, and was busy using it to restore his van.

I agreed to take the car and fetched it from Brian's in early December 2004. All the parts removed from the car were there and 1 started restoring the Eight in earnest in Jan 2005. Doors and wings were removed and filled and painted. New sills, which Brian had supplied with the car, were fitted. Incidentally the engine, which had not been run since 1983, and had been left in situ in the car and not touched by Brian, was the first thing that I looked at and indeed got running within a day of getting the car! much to Brian's surprise when I phoned him. I have noi had to do any mechanical work to the engine at all and it runs beautifully

Work on the car progressed steadily and I was invited by Peter Lockley to take it to the Standard Triumph day at Gaydon. I trailered it there minus its doors and nearside front wing, and just the drivers seat, which caused quite a stir when I drove it into the show ring. Here the the tale takes a twist. The celebrated Mr. Graham Robson upon seeing the car almost at once pronounced it - "a heap of junk" To this day I am not sure whether this was serious or in jest. In retaliation I immediately announced that the car would be finished and ready to show at our National Rally, a mere six weeks away. This brought a wry smile to his face. and I must admit I almost regretted saying it - Non the less. spurred on by club members I forged ahead with it. had it MOT'd and taxed on Wed -.30th June, a first time pass of course, and here we are today. It is not concours, but a useable car for myself and others to enjoy, which I think you will agree is not bad for just six months from start to finish, (well very nearly!)

Mike Wilks, June 2005

Your statement that it is not concours, Mike, is now proven wrong, Mike, well done!

Below, rear view of the completed restoration and worthy class winner!

The pictures below were taken at Gaydon in May. mid restoration

Click on any of them to see a larger version

The shot below shows the completed interior