described by Nigel Stewart in Perth, Australia
My little 1947 Flying Standard was assembled by Mortlock Brothers in Perth, WA. I am unsure whether it was a fully knocked down kit or sometimes stray bits and pieces were used. ( I will describe Mortlock Brother’s construction later in the feature – Historian)
It was bought by two sisters in Perth and owned for many years. It was then used by some apprentices and then bought by a vehicle restorer and owned for 10 years. The next owner bought it, transferred it to Port Augusta and owned it for 10 years. He has quite a supply of spares and I have taken over care for the last 18 months.
The picture in the hills is taken in the foothills of the Flinders ranges with the gulf and Port Augusta below.
It started and ran but not well. A friend who is an auto electrician has renewed wiring, re-fused the car and it now starts easily. It no longer needs a choke to start. Originally green in colour, it is now black. The engine seems good, there is a low-pressure fuel pump which helps.
The suspension seems clunky and the brakes will need adjusting. A paint job will be necessary at some stage.
Recently I joined a car club rally of the Port Augusta Car Restorers Club up through the hills and it ran well. Probably 50 kilometres.
Port Augusta lies at the head of the Spencer Gulf in South Australia. The gulf is long, some 300 or more kilometres and wide at the bottom but only a few hundred yards where we are.
Port Augusta was the last place on the sea to access the desert interior. It is 40-45 C in summer and rarely rains. Camels were imported and Afghans came to work them. All goods were carried including the telegraph line. Shortly after a railway was built, narrow-gauge to Alice Springs. The Ghan then and today remains the famous passenger service linked to this. A new line takes a more direct course.
The first 50 kilometres between Port Augusta and Quorn are preserved as the Pitchi Richi Railway. The picture above shows one of their trains leaving Port Augusta, as they do most Saturdays in winter.
Nigel and his backseat passenger enjoy a trip out in their 1947 Flying Standard.
Our dog is Tessa a 6-year-old curly coated retriever. I have a restraint system so she can come out with me.
I work as a doctor at the hospital and at weekends use the car to get there to do my rounds.
However, I don’t see it as a business vehicle.
Registration here is similar to the UK with limited registration available for 90 days a year.
Nigel Stewart
Perth, Australia. May 2021
Historian’s Note added: Mortlock Brothers imported Standard 8 Rolling Chassis and used the inner and outer front wings, rear wings and bonnets from the factory. Recent information received, in the form of a newspaper advert, proves that the body tub was built by TJ Richards and Sons, coachbuilders in Adelaide, Southern Australia. We are therefore fairly safe in assuming the complete cars were then assembled and sold by Mortlocks.* The photo I have included below is their factory in 1939 when obviously, they were assembling earlier Standard Flying 8’s
It is not known how many cars were built or how many survive.
If you have news of any others please let the historian know at vicechairman.standardmotorclub@gmail.com (or use the Contact Us form here)
* I am grateful for this additional information, supplied by Tilo Schmidt.
