Standard Ensign 

The Standard Ensign, restyled by Michelotti. announced in October 1957 first with 1670 cc engine, developing 63 b.h.p. (gross) at 4,000 r.p.m.The Ensign shared its main body and basic specification with the Vanguard Series III.



Body: 4-door 5/6-seater Despite the generally lower specification, the Saloon had steel panelled and rust-proofed fitted with Triplex toughened glass; curved windscreen and "wrap round" rear light; press-button door handles; anti-draught ventilators on front doors.
seating: front and rear scats of divan type with centre armrests at front, front seat adjustable fore and aft; upholstery Vynide; instruments grouped in front of driver including speedometer with trip, fuel and water temperature gauges, warning light for oil pressure, ignition, flashing tramcator indicator light and high beam warning lights; parcel and luggage accommodation: parcel shelf in facia and behind rear seat, large luggage boot; spare wheel housed under luggage boot; general equipment includes: sun visors adjustable to all positions; driving mirror; interior panel light independently. controlled by combined switch and rheostat; interior light with integral switch and courtesy light switches on front doors; ashtrays front and rear.

The Ensign was the first Vanguard-based car to have a four-speed gearbox. The gear lever was moved from the column to the floor, positive synchromesh on top, 3rd and 2nd ratios and overdrive was optional. front suspension overdrive was optional. front suspension independent coil springs controlled by telescopic hydraulic dampers at the rear semi-elliptic springs controlled by telescopic dampers.
Optional overdrive; front disc brakes, tyres 6.40 - 15; anti-roll bar on front suspension.

It received the basic body style changes of the new "Vignale" Vanguard in October 1958 — essentially, larger screen, larger rear window and different rear lamp treatment but the Ensign was not otherwise changed much until August 1961, when it Was finally discontinued. 
The Ensign De Luxe, which was different in several ways, did not then appear until May 1962.  By 1962 the Ensign De Luxe version came now also as an estate car with a larger 2138 cc engine. or 1.6 litre four-cylinder Perkins diesel for some markets .


PERFORMANCE 2138CC  Standard Ensign De Luxe
Engine capacity: 130.76 cu in, 2138 cu cm
Fuel consumption:  25 m imp gal, 20.8 m US gal, 11.3 1 x 100 km;
Max speed: 85 mph, 136.8 km h
acceleration: 0-50 mph (0-80 km/h) 12.7 sec
max power (SAE): 75 hp at 4100 rpm
max torque (SAE):126 1b ft, 17.4 kgm at 2500 rpm
max number of engine rpm: 5000
specific power: 35.1 hp/l

Production ceased by 1961 with 18,852 examples having been produced or the mk1 and 2 versions.