Thursday 5th March 1953

The Standard Vanguard II was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. A car, without the optional overdrive, that was tested by The Motor magazine had a top speed of 80 mph (130 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph in 19.9 seconds. In February 1954 Standard became the first British car maker to offer a diesel engine as a factory fitted option.