Standard at Australian Online Auction

This car is for sale by Online Auction in Australia. There is no reserve

The Model S was available before the first World War, as the basic ‘Rhyl’ 2-seat Roadster, as a ‘Hurlingham’ Victoria, ‘Ranalagh’ Coupe or ‘Richmond’ Fixed Head Coupe.

In 1919 a further 198 were produced,

Vehicle History: 

Chassis no. TBC

Engine no. 11650

The history of this Standard Model S of 9.5hp was first documented by restorer Bob Morrow during his custodianship between 1955 and 1968 and updated by Brian Rawson in an article published in Restored Cars, issue 126 of January/February 1998.

Originally built as a basic ‘Rhyl’ 2 seater during the initial production run between February 1913 and November 1915, the vehicle arrived in Australia in late 1915 and was very swiftly procured by the Australian Government for use by the armed forces. Sporting a khaki colour scheme and a cape hood, the car was regularly used by Minister of Defence, George Foster Pearce (later Sir George), on many of his ‘recruitment’ drives around Victoria.

Sold in 1918 to prominent Hawthorn identity, Dr. Jacob Jona, who drove it until 1925, likely covering many miles in his role as Medical Officer of the Hawthorn Football Club. Sold soon after, it finished its first motoring period in North Eastern Melbourne at Montmorency.

At some stage during the 1930s, a two-door body was sourced from another sedan of a similar period and larger horsepower. The body was re-modelled to fit the smaller chassis (wheelbase of 7 feet 6 inches and track of 4 feet). The body now had a three-seat layout with only the driver up front and seating for two in the rear. At the same time the original scuttle was reshaped to give an extended and straighter bonnet line.

The modifications had the effect of increasing the weight of the car from 15cwt to 18cwt and changed the basic format of the car from a ‘Rhyl’ 2-Seater to a representation of a ‘Richmond’ Fixed Head Coupe.

In 1945 a retired motor engineer from nearby Templestowe acquired the remains of the Standard as a hobby restoration project and proceeded to dismantle it. Unfortunately, he sadly passed away soon after.

In 1955 the Standard was advertised for sale by the son of the previous owner. It was rediscovered, buried down to its axles in the backyard by Robert (Bob) Morrow of Ashburton, still basically intact following its time exposed to the elements. A huge effort was put into extracting it from its hold in the ground before it was able to depart Templestowe.

Bob Morrow was Personnel Manager at the Standard Motor Company in Port Melbourne and was ecstatic to find an early Standard. Fortunately, the company was very forthcoming with support, both financial and logistical, and the rejuvenation of the vehicle was soon under way. An early member of the Veteran Car Club of Victoria, which had only formed in February of 1955 following the successful running of the first Argus Veteran Car Rally, Bob was soon able to put his connections to good use and began the task of searching the club newsletter and scrounging the country in search of the necessary parts. The kerosene sidelights, electric headlights, bulb horn and ammeter were amongst the parts that were missing.

After draining what remained of the lubricant in the motor, gearbox and worm-drive differential, inspections indicated very little wear. Valves and bearings showed little wear and were refitted with the motor receiving a new set of rings. Even the original 1914 'Splitdorf’ spark plugs only needed cleaning and re-gapping.

The vehicle was totally rewired, as was the Bosch magneto, and a 6-volt battery was installed in a suitable box on the driver’s running board, providing power for the starting system.

The front kingpins only required a slight rotation to become serviceable. The original rear mounted fuel tank was missing and was replaced with a larger Hupmobile tank. An electric fuel pump replaced the original exhaust pressurised system.

Finally, in August 1956, the Zenith carburettor was overhauled, and Bob entered the Standard in the first Golden Fleece Veteran Car Rally, from Melbourne to Ballarat and return, to be held on the weekend of 17-18 November. Assigned entry number 8, the Standard successfully completed the rally, however, not without drama in the form of multiple punctures.

The Club newsletter of December 1956 reported:

“Bob Morrow really deserved his medallion for finishing under the greatest of difficulties, with his little Standard Coupe. He had more tyre trouble in one day than the average round-Australia driver would have in 10 years. Still he finished, even though one of the rear wheels was kept off the road by several yards of rope substituting for a tube, plus a badly torn cover, held on by strips of leather and pieces of string.”

This initial outing was the first of many rallies and runs that would be subsequently undertaken in the car between 1956 and 1968, usually entered under the name of the Standard Motor Company.

In 1968, the vehicle was passed from the Standard Motor Company to the National Trust of Victoria. The car then resided in a garage at Como House and Garden, the National Trust property in South Yarra formerly owned by the Armytage family. It was often to be seen on display at Como until proposed redevelopment in the late 1990s necessitated a decision to relocate the car to another property. Until recently, the Standard has been housed in one of the garages at 'The Heights', another National Trust property in Newtown, Geelong. 

The 1914 Standard Model S has seen scant attention during the past 50 years or so. Whilst the mechanicals and electrics are complete, it is likely that these have not seen any use during that period and will require rebuilding. The body, whilst also complete, has deteriorated and will also require renovation. Thanks to being stored securely and under cover, the leather interior presents in quite good condition, and the original 10 spoke Sankey wheels appear sound, including the side-mounted spare. Fortunately, all the lights and other accessories remain in place.

Today the Standard presents as a fundamentally complete vehicle in much need of significant refurbishment. A unique piece of Australian motoring history from the Veteran era, the vehicle has the potential, with sufficient attention, to grace the roads and to again be the crowd pleaser it once was. Previously displaying Victorian Club Permit 033, and a safety check from 1965, these have long since expired and the car will be sold unregistered. 

Vehicle Specifications: 

Engine: 4 cylinder monobloc. 62mm bore x 90 mm stroke  
Valves: Sidevalve and enclosed  
Lubrication: Automatic, oil circulated by pump driven off camshaft  
RAC Rating: 9.5hp 
Carburettor: Zenith  
Ignition: High tension magneto  
Cooling: Thermosiphon with fan  
Clutch: Single disc type  
Gearbox: 3 speed and reverse with internally mounted gate change

Foot Brake: External shoes acting at rear of gearbox  
Rear Brake: Internal expanding on rear wheels 
Chassis: Pressed steel frame  
Rear Axle: Overhead worm drive  
Front Axle: H section  
Wheels: 10 spoke Sankey type. 710mm x 90mm

Wheelbase: 7 ft 6ins.  
Track: 4 feet 

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