Introduced during late 1938, the Standard Flying Eight featured a number of a la mode styling cues such as a waterfall grille, arched roofline, beetle back and bulbous wings.

Notable as the first 8hp model on the British market to utilise independent front suspension, the newcomer was underpinned by a brand new, box section ladder frame chassis.

Equipped with a counterbalanced crankshaft and aluminium cylinder head, its 1021cc four-cylinder engine was allied to three-speed manual transmission.

Reputedly capable of 62mph and 33mpg, the compact saloon provided dependable but not austere transport.

Priced at £129 ex-Works, its standard specification included: a sliding roof, chrome headlamps, flat spring-steel bumper blades, and easy clean wheels etc.