Standard Ten - the underrated 50s British classic car

[@stefantrnacek1394]

The Standard 10 was the very first car I owned. I bought it when I was 15. It was also the first engine I removed and rebuilt. Mine was also the Standrive. The Standrive system was a normal gearbox, but it didn't have a clutch pedal. Instead, you had an electric button on the gear shift knob which triggered a solinoid that opened a vacuum tank that sent a vacuum to the clutch slave cylinder to work the clutch. If you want, I can scan and send you the original information about it.

[@idriveaclassic]

I would appreciate that enormously for my info file. Thank you!

[@stefantrnacek1394]

@@idriveaclassic I will get it out and scan it for you.

[@mickyg1953]

Same idea used by NSU in the Ro80 with the Wankel engine.

[@stefantrnacek1394]

@@mickyg1953 Standard also used it with the Vanguard.

[@michaelwright2986]

I test drove a VW with a system like that. Hated it, but I suppose you would learn not to rest your hand on the gear change. Or just get a proper automatic.

[@rowejon]

In the same era Ford were still selling cars with sidevalve engine + 3 speed gearbox.

[@brianwillis9673]

What a lovely old car. I like that it is slightly tatty - it adds to the charm!

[@petemoring67]

I remember as a kid that our neighbour bought the Standard 8 ... The image I got in my head was that it was 'Cuddly' 😄 And when he took us out in it, that image cemented itself .... Still get that feeling these days when I see a Standard 8 or 10 🤠

[@robertdemeny251]

Steph really gets it. This morning I cleaned our electric car. It's fun to drive, it sends messages to me on my phone and I can control a lot of things from a far. But....... Then this carvideo pops up, and Steph praises the cars simplicity. Suddenly back to when cars where basic. When we got a inside tour, I lifted my glasses and stuck my face into the phone screen. Yes 😃 it has a Smiths gauge. So British and I love the design. Thanks and have a great Sunday 🖐️

[@ericgraham7026]

You did get an ignition and oil warning light as standard - they are two little lights at the bottom of the speedometer.

[@mattw8332]

I thought it was hilarious that the Standard 8 didn`t even get an opening boot. Takes base spec motoring to a whole new level. Below.

[@JohnDavis-ed5sg]

I always liked these cars, they were well built and nicely if simply finished. The engines mirrored the 'A' series in developement, but they were never quite as smooth or free revving, and a good 948 'A' series (the nicest of the lot I think) will pull a minor along very well, partly because of a much higher axle ratio. There were more versions of this than the saloon, a five door estate called the Companion, a big-bodied Van and a rare pick-up. Great content as usual!

[@EddInLancs01]

Great review Steph! My dad, in 1966 bought a 1958 Standard 8 as his first car. The engine blew & he fitted a Standard 10 engine that he bought of a workmate for £20.

[@lesklower7281]

Steph colour very good match to the colour of this Standard 10 and its over 60 years old and still running well how many modern cars will not be running as well as this Standard 10 in 60 years time

[@Blueboy9055]

When did they stop making cars like this with so much character?? Keep up with the great channel. 👍👍

[@jackiron4785]

When they stopped US trends and went European

[@bobcharles2683]

My parents had both the 10 and the 8, lovely little cars that never missed a beat. Loved being a passenger as a lad in either one.. Great little car.

[@markwade1376]

Great vid thank you👍

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you!

[@daviemaclean61]

Loving the Steph height rear view mirror! Like an every day driver over a show pony every day of the week

[@parne1978]

Nice bit of vintage tin 👌 I worked for someone during lockdown who had one of these and done a bit of tinkering on it such simple little cars he also had a quite rare companion estate which has undergone a major restoration in process of being put back together x

[@compo308]

Hi Steph, I haven’t heard of a Standard 10 till today. Have learnt something new today. Thanks for the great video as always!

[@alanthomson1227]

Gosh I remember mother having an immaculate one Black with red interior , GWG 631 .

[@Phiyedough]

The other cheap car at the time was the Ford Pop 103E. That looked distinctly pre-war in design so this was quite modern in comparison.

[@robertlambert8719]

I started working in the motor trade in 1979, and we still had a couple of customers who ran these cars. I used to dread doing a lubrication service as there were over 20 grease nipples! Looking back, for what were pretty old cars even then, they were in good condition and gave little trouble. At least you could fix them, unlike today's overcomplicated affairs! A nice, well-loved little car. Thanks for the memories!

[@danieleregoli812]

Very sweet! My beloved grandad had a Standard Companion!

[@DrakeN-ow1im]

So did our family when I was young. Country driving in Pembrokeshire with all the airborne insects required the purchase of after-market windscreen washers, an electric (resistance coil) rear window stick-on heater for the inevitable wet days internal misting and a decent fog light.

[@josephmifsud8261]

This is a wonderful car. It is nice to see an original car that has not been overrestored to the point where it loses its history. Cars are only original once

[@frglee]

My dad's first repmobile in 1959, and the family travelled long distance in it a few times, such as Kent up to Chester a few times when there were very few motorways. It seemed comfortable enough in the back from a child's perspective and I don't remember any breakdowns. By 1963 the Standard 10 was looking a bit dated in design and the company replaced it with a Hillman Minx, altogether a more modern and stylish car.

[@PaulHope-y7q]

She does a bloody good job …

[@nickboden5866]

I had a Standard 10 Companion

[@EA-58]

Steph.....PLEASE clear the windows 🤣 Nice vid as usual. and a great car.

[@FfilmiauFflur]

Well, your video certainly brought back some happy memories! My first car was actually the Standard 8 which my father passed on to me after passing my test in 1963. It's a great reminder of howcars have evolved since then - sitting in my so quiet and comfortable automatic, with adaptive cruise control and autonomous steering...

[@Rodneythor]

I saw you double clutch into fist gear many times, for example after the fifteen minute mark. I love you!

[@jimbrown8842]

There was an upmarket version of the ten called the pennant,made from 57-60,had same engine but better trim and slightly different styling .around 43,000 of these were made.

[@graemew7001]

Not a car that's ever been on my radar, I was aware of them but didn't think anything of them. This road test however has changed that, what a charming little car, love the sound it makes drving along and could really make a lovely Sunday drive classic on the B roads.

[@idriveaclassic]

Definitely one to add x

[@allanmollison6971]

Awesome, lovely little car 👍😊

[@patrickh7368]

I can do that quote. “My Dad had one of those” I remember it was grey with red carpet and one rear door would never open…🤣 x

[@awolwakefieldyorkshire]

I remember many of these on the road and i was born in 58. This was a common colour as i remember too

[@markbanash921]

I live in the States and my eyes practically jumped out their sockets when I drove past a used car lot here in New Hampshire and they had one of these for sale.

[@Julianpms]

My parents' first car (before I was born). Thanks for this video!

[@brianmac1]

As a lad, our neighbour had one of these, a two tone blue and white deluxe model, which I rode in quite often. I tried very hard to talk my dad into buying one. However, he was a Ford man through and through, and we got a used 1955 100E Prefect instead. That was a good car that went well, but of course still had only 3 gears and the out-dated side-valve engine.

[@lordleonusa]

The Standard 8 and the Morris Minor both had an 803cc engine, and later the Standard 10 and the later Morris Minor both had a 948cc engine, but that is all they had in common, also the engines had nothing to do with each other! The first Heralds, 1959-1961 all had the 948cc engine. The Standard-Triumph 948cc evolved into the 1147cc, then the 1296cc, then the 1493cc engine

[@idriveaclassic]

I know this, that’s why I make the clear definition of referring to the morris minor 948 as the A series. I’ve got an A series in one of my cars and an SC engine in my 1300 FWD so am acutely aware of the nuances in both.

[@elonmask50]

Fabulous little car Steph, I can't wait to get my 1955 Morris Minor 1000 panel van tomorrow, and start working on getting it club ready

[@johnclements6852]

A good basic car for the time. I just watched a 1953 video on the Standard 8 (British Pathe Channel), which you may find interesting as it shows the assembly line. Well done, Stephanie.

[@geraldwalsh6489]

Steph, very interesting and researched video. Standard cars were very popular here in Ireland. My Dad drive a Standard Companion which was quute iconic and was a great workhorse....it pulled a very neavy caravan!

[@antonmealy168]

Very interesting to see & great to hear comparisons (thanks to the effort you put into checking & remembering them!). Prefer the simpler styling of the 8, but it didn't come without sacrifice, as you point out £80 would have made a big difference but was a lot of money.

[@nickygee2466]

My parents had a secondhand Standard 10 Companion in the mid sixties and squeezed in parents, two grandparents and three children! Great car except my Dad always seemed to be underneath it fixing something

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Another excellent Review Steph, on a rather lovely little car

[@martinda7446]

I had a Standard Pennant in the early 80s. My memory is of a truly shocking car. I owned three Minis after and many other 60s cars (OK. They were newer and moving out of the low end of the dreary 50s) Yet the Minis were simply a revelation, an awe inspiring drive, esp. after that thing. Still my fave car of all time, the Mini. PS I was wondering if I had a dud after hearing you praise the 10.. But no, after watching you drive, yep, that's about it...😁 PPS I love your videos. Great to see the horrible 10, even if I don't warm to it...

[@johnpritchard2772]

Hello Steph, what a great review, it was the sound of the car - booming and rattling about, the sound of the gearbox and engine working that reminds me of cars from this era!! Wonderful!! Best wishes from Lincolnshire

[@henkbarnard1553]

Yay, matching outfit.

[@caw25sha]

As always!

[@davidjones332]

One of my uncles had an early Eight with no boot lid. I well remember the fuss of having to pull the backrest of the rear seat down to access the boot. It seems amazing today that anyone thought that was a good idea....or that customers accepted it.

[@andrewthomas7073]

Post-war materials were scarce and the tooling for a boot lid, hinges, seals and locks etc would have added extra cost. My father had an 8 then a 10 and he covered many miles in them. My only recollection as a wee lad was that a seagull crapped on the roof while we were on holiday and when we got home dad washed the car and the black paint was bleached!

[@andyarmstrong1493]

I remember my stepfather had a grey van that was like this.

[@charlestaylor9131]

Nice to see it “almost original “ don’t remember those headlamp rims.

[@lenniecapuano521]

i bought one of these in 1970 for £20.00

[@CaptainChuckles]

I owned both the Minor and Standard Ten and in my opinion the Ten was a far better car and highluy underated the Ten also had reserve on the petrol tank which was great if like me at the time you were skint happy days.

[@awolwakefieldyorkshire]

Just realised you're in the Castleford area

[@barneyc4919]

Standard 10 is a very robust and fun to drive small car but really could have done with rack and pinion steering like the Morris Minor (as Steph has said)

[@danfitz5463]

Classy Cas. 🙂 Another great video

[@RogerWarren-ec2ql]

Good.steph.from.australia❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@patrickh7368]

Love the puncture repair kit on the dash..😂

[@tonyberry850]

First decent carci owned aged 21 a 1958 standard 10 companion estate had it 3 years before selling at 50 000 miles nevef sny trouble self serviced colour 2 tone white and green!!

[@mickg8306]

My Mum drove a Standard 8, the little brother of the 10, before she upgraded to a Standard Pennant, she offered the Pennant to me when she bought a VW Beetle.......I turned it down because I didn't like the colour.......

[@timcolledge6813]

I'm sure that the Fairthorpe Electron, which was a kit car, had a Standard 8 engine and gearbox.

[@RobertGott-c3f]

My grandfather bought a standard 10 new in 1955 sold it 1960 It was light blue reg HVL 418 the number is not on gov data base so 😢sadly no more I was only 10 when he sold it I have photo of me and him with it

[@LouisSantos-vu4kr]

I prefer the Morris to this,this one is kind of homely looking,

[@Efferpheasants]

A guilty pleasure as amongst all the dreary, drab, boring British cars (apart from the ass kicking Vauxhalls) of the 1950s the Standard 10 still looks very sweet and lovely. Yes and you can also see Nissan liked it for the Figaro

[@idriveaclassic]

Vauxhall then: unbelievable cars 😍

[@davestott3362]

My first car too - and that same colour. I bought it second hand from a mate of my dad, and took it round the clock over 100,000 miles (in fact I unfastened the odometer cable when it got to 0 mles, just so I could look at it 😂)

[@dukwdriver2909]

Cute little car but a bugger to fill. Anti syphon swan neck filler made it blow back and stop the pump. Had to trickle fuel in.

[@gazonatrike7005]

never had a problem filling it and I fill it often, maybe you had a kinked pipe or the earlier filler pipe may have been why they fitted this one?

[@alexandrecouture2462]

Cool little car, but honestly, maybe it's time to disassemble bit by bit the dash and repaint it. It would be so much nicer and wouldn't cost a lot of money. One thing at a time!

[@gazonatrike7005]

you're right it's on the to do list and comes up as a ford fiesta beige colour for a near perfect match. Always things jumping ahead in the queue though. :)

[@alexandrecouture2462]

@@gazonatrike7005 Great!

[@minimaxi802]

The Standard 10 was a dull car and less distinctive than a Morris Minor, Hillman Minx or Ford 100 Anglia/Prefect.

[@HowardLeVert]

The later Standard 8s did have a boot but I think the car was renamed as a result: I think out of the two, I'd prefer a Standard 8 (and do occasionally look for one, a family friend had one with the 'open mouth' front). They don't seem to attract the higher prices that Ford and Morris do. That speedo though - do you take an average of the needle position to work out your speed?!

[@tooleyheadbang4239]

Mine was an 8 with the 'open mouth', but it had the Newton & Bennett 2-pedal control, which I thought was only on the 10.

[@onlyme972]

That will outlast the 50k electric dodgems

[@thayalansuntharalingam]

British volvo = standard

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Caa, we call it a Car, notice the letter R right there see it.

[@alexandrecouture2462]

It's a kaaaaaaa :)

[@horsenuts1831]

Even into the 1970s, you could recognise what car was coming down the street by the sound that a gearbox made. My dad had a Renault 12 in the 1970s and I could hear his car from a street away. A neighbour had a Volvo 343 which used the same gearbox, which was confusing. What people don't appreciate is that it is the gearbox that makes the noise and not the engine. These days, cars make a lot less noise, so you can't tell what make of car is behind you.

[@sarran1955]

Hello Steph, Thank you so much for this one. When we were living in Glasgow, my parents bought a grey 10 new, in which my (small) mother learnt to drive. In 1961 we drove from Scotland to Ringwood in Hampshire, taking the Silver city airfreighter from Herne to Deauville in France and then on into Brittany. In France an exhaust valve burnt out, but in the AA 5* travel kit were 2 valves!! I remember clearly that I slept in the back with my little brother with the seat down and our feet in the boot.. They traded it in for a Morris Oxford (252 FUS) as we were getting bigger... A long time ago now... Cordialement,

[@danieleregoli812]

Lovely Memories, thanks for sharing

[@artmallory970]

The Morris Marina is coming along nicely

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you so much!

[@peterchapman8357]

nice to see a classic in original condition, so many have had such a detailed restoration that they look like a replica, its been used and enjoyed lovely, my own Austin is very much the same

[@gazonatrike7005]

Thank you Steph, a great honest video if it wasn't mine already I'd be looking for one now 😆. Just been to Huddersfield AutoJumble in it, I still love the little Teapot ( a Herald engine and differential would be the two upgrades I'd recommend just to make it a trifle more long legged)

[@KiwiCatherineJemma]

If someone was upgrading one with a Herald engine, which would almost be a simple "bolt in" I reckon, as I know old Standard Ten engines were bolted into Heralds with a blown engine for a quick and dirty repair... but if doing a Herald engine upgrade, then surely ensure to use one with the optional overdrive so instead of 4 gears, you'd have 7 available.

[@gazonatrike7005]

@@KiwiCatherineJemma You,re right but finding the stuff at the right price is not so easy now, not like back in the day. Scrap yards don't have heralds Spitties or 10's or engines for £30 like the last time I 'upgraded' a Triumph. Plus shortening propshafts and swapping gear lever access add up to more than an afternoons spannering. Think I'd go for a Wolseley 1500 for the extra go in the end. I'd definitely look at one if someone else had done the work tho ;)

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

I remember an uncle had one of those that he used as a daily driver in the 80s. It looked so much like this one down to the stuff in the boot. Fantastic to see this.

[@Vince_uk]

Good video again Steph, these are cute little cars.

[@JFW5358]

There was an estate version of the Standard 10, called the Companion. My mother had one in the late '50s/early '60s. No screen washer.

[@jazzhands7771]

Ultra rare car now! 😊

[@geraldwalsh6489]

My dad had a Companion in the fifties,here in Ireland. It had a nice twin tone horn! ( he transferred it over from an Austin Devon!)

[@peterowen4456]

Really enjoyed this test, My kid brother had the 8 (as opposed to the 10 you are driving) and it was in the very same green colour as the test car. I remember his 8 being incredibly slow even compared to my Ford Anglia!

[@markiesmith4537]

My Dad had a 1957 Standard 10 replacing a 1961 Ford Anglia Van - it was a step up in comfort from the van - but not much! The seats were hard and plasticky, the heater was less powerful than a mouse's fart! It was freezing and noisy to sit in on our long 250 mile trips to see family - I hated it! ... It was replaced with an Austin 1100 ( carpets and warm heater! ) and then a Vauxhall Cresta PB - Luxury!

[@Mortimer50145]

14:45 It did well to set off from rest in second!

[@stephenholland5930]

I thought it must have a three speed 'box.

[@DrakeN-ow1im]

Many drivers only used first gear to get a vehicle moving, if there was a slight decline in the road, or the car was still rolling evenslightly, second gear was preferred. I know, 'cos I wuz there!

[@rushy0157]

Good review Steph, I agree that these standard 8/10s are very underrated classic cars along with the wolesley 1500/Riley 1.5.

[@amcc3398]

I used to get a lift to work early doors old Trafford Manchester Mother's Pride bakery in a black one of these I was 15 the lad who drove it was 17 it was his dad's well it was great not to have to walk I was so envious of the lad and never mind basic to me it was glorious. My first car was a MK2 Ford Zephyr.

[@johnbristow8099]

My Dad owned one of these. A great little car.

[@TerryMilesPiano]

Great video 🤠

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks Terry!

[@grayfool]

The Ten felt much older to drive than the Minor to me. Admittedly, I only drove a rather knackered example of the Ten. You can't go wrong with the A series engines of course, no matter what car they are in.

[@idriveaclassic]

As somebody who has owned an A series minor for 15 years, can totally agree wholeheartedly

[@richardomalley1746]

A cousin of the Vanguard?

[@user-rf9me7xm1w]

Very nostalgic, many thanks for posting this excellent presentation. We had a standard 8 as our family car for many years, it served us well. I must agree with your take on the used condition of these collectibles and love your term “show pony” (made me chuckle). I’ve an MGBGT and that will never be a “show pony”.

[@a11csc]

a staple in its time of british motoring

[@billsiviter9272]

my Dad bought one in the 60's UOE 75,. I was a great little car we went from Birmingham to the Elan Valley on a day trip and the fan belt snapped we were rescued by the AA man on a motor cycle combination. He used to grease it regularly on the driveway.

[@RogerWarren-ec2ql]

Modern.cars.today.cannot.fix.easily.as.a35.etc❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@mw8653]

My dad had a Standard Ensign was lovely black with leather seats you probably be hard pushed to find one now.

[@theonesickman]

Hope this makes it farther than the 39

[@billyhill101]

Much love from New York

[@nigelbarratt6825]

I remember those engines being very smooth and quiet for their day, but the gearlever was very long and vague, commonly known as a pudding stirrer or an SAG - stir and guess where the gear was!

[@DrakeN-ow1im]

They were nowhere near as bad as the Renault Dauphine, R4L and VW beetle of the time.

[@nigelbarratt6825]

​@@DrakeN-ow1imAll of which were rear engined, the gear lever on the Standard was straight into the gearbox and was still stir and guess!

[@colinauta]

It was first car I remember. My late father owned a light grey example when we lived in Christchurch New Zealand during the 1960s. Rides in it brings back fond memories of my early childhood. Later on he bought my mother a Morris Minor as well. She adored it. Thanks for demonstrating it on your channel.

[@andrewlester6517]

Did we hear the exhaust sound from outside? 😁💋

[@idriveaclassic]

Oh I think this was the one where the mic recorder failed and it recorded in silence. Loved that 😒

[@robertsmith9810]

What I remember of my standard 10 It seamed to hundreds of grease nipples but it got to A to b reliable And cheaply we had a lot of fun replacing the clutch with I managed to break the clutch fork And boot lid hinges I fitted a barn Door hinge painted it silver uncompleted days the car was full vauxhall service main dealer history and it`s former owner was 2 ladies from the village honest

[@michaelshore2300]

Took my driving test in one 1959 Tester "Three point turn" crank on full lock and park at other curb "NOT THE point" so he finds very narrow lane "Now three point turn" it took 4

[@anthonytallarida4192]

Way to go Steph, yet another fantastic video.... I can now see where Holden based the design for the FX model (48-215).

[@peterriggall8409]

Maybe some more pressure in the front tyres might lighten up the steering a bit. I noticed there was some after market soundeadening in the engine bay.

[@gazonatrike7005]

never a light steer but fine when you're rolling, too many joints to be very precise, I understand Mk 1/2 escort racks have been adapted but where's the fun in that 😁.