Mechanics say he is ‘fighting for his life’ after being placed into artificial coma 

Stanley, Wincanton Auctions A30 Van, affectionately known as ‘Little Stan’ is in a critical condition after blowing his head gasket on the A303. According to Shane Scammell the first emergency responder mechanic on the scene, water and oil could be seen on the road for over 100 meters from where Stanley blew. 

Donor body parts to be flown in 

‘Little Stan’ has been towed back to Bennett’s Mead Garage where his 803cc Engine has been removed and he is awaiting emergency surgery to fit a new donor engine. Shane said that the next 24-48 hours of his recovery ‘will be decisive’ with concerns as to whether a new doner engine could be sourced. His condition remains stable after a second night and his vital signs are encouraging. At this time Charles Ware of Bristol have confirmed a reconditioned 1098cc donor engine is to be airlifted.   

Staff Member denies auction star had been travelling at 60mph 

An internal enquiry has been launched to investigate the incident with the driver, Ed Thomas, who cannot be named for legal reasons, under suspicion of pushing Stanley too hard. Witnesses before the incident describe ‘Little Stan’ as sailing past them as speeds of up to 60 mph however the unnamed driver, Ed, vigorously denied this and claimed that ‘On a good day, going down a steep hill with the wind at his back and the wing mirrors folded in, Stanley is lucky to get the needle over 40!.  Charlotte Russell, a close friend of ‘Little Stan’ described this as a most hurtful comment ‘Stanley was built for loving not for speeding’ she said. The unnamed driver, Ed Thomas, described what happened as extreme bad luck and circumstances, adding that he was ‘extremely fond of Stanley and often thought of him as a car, an old car!’ 

Mechanics warn that the next 24-48 hours of his recovery ‘will be decisive’. 

Shane remains confident that ‘Little Stan’ will pull through; ‘I’ve worked with Stanley for a while now and he’s a plucky fighter’ 

Wincanton Auctions Team in state of shock as they hold garage side vigil 

A spokesman for Wincanton Auctions said ‘Everyone is extremely sad and we are praying he comes through this, we are hoping that people will take a moments silence at 9.34am, the time of the accident, to think of Stanley and send positive thoughts of healing.’