Standard Vanguard "Bruiser"

Here at IK Classics, we take great pride in what we do. Especially when it involves taking a car that is getting past its best and turning it into something special like this Standard Vanguard that we have just recreated as a race car.

Bought from eBay as a 3 owner 28,000 mile barn find restoration project in November 2005, the vehicle was completely stripped and race prepared in time for the Top Hat/ Goodwood test day in March 2006.

At which point it was selected to compete in the 2006 St Mary’s Trophy Race and was driven by Richard Attwood and Ian Kellett. The car finished a creditable 12th on aggregate.

The car has taken many class wins over the last two years - both with Top Hat Oldies but Goodies - and the Classic Touring Car races.

It is hoped that the car will once more be selected for the 2008 Goodwood St Mary’s Trophy Race.

If there is something special you have always promised yourself, why not call in and see what we can do to make your dream a reality?

IK Classics completely restored the vehicle to concourse standard in time for entry in the St Mary's Trophy, driven by Stuart Graham and the owner Richard Butterfield. We look forward to seeing this car compete the 2008 season.

Photographs taked during the 2007 St Mary's Trophy showing the dramatic results of a million-to-one consequnces of the vehicle picking up a stone, jamming the alternator and water pump - eventually causing the dramatic engine failure seen here.

The car was completely stripped down, the bodyshell and all panels were then dipped to remove paint, filler, underseal and all the corrosion.

All the items were then returned to the workshop for repair and lightening where required.

All the mechanical components have been overhauled and the shell repainted. The car is now being rebuilt to the IK Classics usual concourse - and hopefully race-winning standard

Keep an eye on our progress and wish us luck!

The car is a "Low Light" and dates from 1948. Although bought in a very dilapidated state, it was decided that it had to be saved.

We stripped the car down and then sent it for dipping. Four corroded layers of floor have been removed and replaced with new material.

We still have along way to go, but what a sight it will make when finished - especially as it is to be driven by my wife - Mrs Nicola Kellett.

This car is now mid-way through the IK Classics treatment and should be ready for battle at the beginning of the 2008 season. Keep watching.

We recently rebuilt one of the first Lotus Formula Ford cars. It once belonged to Jim Russell's race school cars and has until recently been used for hill climbs in Scotland.

It retains the Lotus Europa gearbox which Colin Chapman fitted to his cars to keep within the £1,000 cost ceiling of the time. Follow its progress as it is once again restored to racing condition (and beyond) and campaigns across the UK and Europe in the historic Formula Ford class.

Before & After Picture Galley