The car that became the Vanguard Sportsman of 1956 was based on the Phase 3 Vanguard with a modified TR engine to improve its performance.
A three-speed gearbox with overdrive was fitted and bench seats were intended to give the car a six-seat capacity. A luxury leather interior was appropriate for the market at which the car was aimed. It was initially going to be badged as a Triumph, probably as a Renown, and the cars carried a Triumph Globe on the front in the top middle of the radiator grille. The buying public found it a little too expensive, especially as they could buy a Ford Zodiac or a Vauxhall Cresta, both with a six-cylinder engine for only around £30 more.
The Car was not a success and sold just short of 1000 units before being retired.
Standard did not produce a six-cylinder car until 1961, but the surviving Sportsmans are desirable and sought after today.
Phil Homer, Historian of the Standard Motor Club authored a comprehensive feature on the Sportsman in Triumph World, where he compared it with the TR3 Sportscar that was built on a parallel production line at the same time.
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Phil Homer
Historian
Standard Motor Club
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