Ford is causing controversy after a rare 1959 Standard Ten Gold Star was traded in under its scrappage scheme.

The rare classic was produced between 1954 and 1960 before it was replaced by the Triumph Herald. Today it is a very rare sight on Britain’s roads, and therefore people are saddened and concerned that the car could be scrapped.

Danny Hopkins is the editor of Practical Classics. He spoke to The Telegraph, saying: “I have also been approached by former and current Ford employees who are very saddened by this state of affairs and Lord Steel, the president of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, has contacted Ford on behalf of the FBHVC [about this].”

Various car clubs are in a bid to save the car having inspected the Standard Ten in Scotland where it was traded in at a garage in Thurso. They report it as being “In near mint condition”.

The Telegraph also reports that the car won the “Ladies Favourite” prize at the John O’Groats Classic Car Rally three years ago.

Chairman of the Standard Motor Club, Peter Lockley is angry about the situation. He said: “Ford should be ashamed of itself in attempting to destroy such a well-loved car. You would be amazed at how many visitors to motoring events up and down the country responds to a Ten with either ‘I learned to drive in one of those’ or, even more, frequently, ‘My dad had one’.”