TRIUMPH ROADSTER

1949 Triumph Roadster 1800 Manual. Cream with dark brown upholstery and a brown hood.
Despite Donald Healey's best efforts to reinvent Triumph as the British equivalent of Alfa
Romeo, the firm was essentially bankrupt by the time war broke out in 1939. Subsequently
revitalised by Standard impresario Sir John Black, Triumph was able to launch two new
models - the 1800 Saloon and 1800 Roadster - during 1946. Styled by Frank Callaby, the latter
was a flamboyant mix of 1930s styling cues and boasted what was reputedly the last dickie
seat to be incorporated into a production car. Bodied in 'Birmabright' aluminium alloy over
ash (save for its steel pontoon front wings), the Roadster was underpinned by a tubular
ladder-frame chassis featuring independent front suspension, a 'live' rear axle and fourwheel
drum brakes. Powered by a 1776cc OHV four-cylinder engine (shared with the
contemporary Jaguar range) allied to four-speed column-change manual transmission, the
model was reputedly capable of 80mph. Superseded by a larger-engined version in 1948,
just 2,501 1800 Roadsters are thought to have been made.
According to its accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, this
particular example - chassis TRD/1086 - was built to right-hand drive export specification
complete with kilometres speedometer on 28th August 1947. An underbonnet plaque for
Fergus Motors of New York suggests that the Triumph was resident in America for a while.
Repatriated during the late 1980s, the Roadster had its engine overhauled by Maidstone
Sports Cars during June 1990 (cylinder head refurbished, new valves / guides, fresh piston
rings and big end bearings etc). More recently the car has been re-trimmed with new
upholstery and a new mohair hood and a complete bodywork refurbishment. This car really
is a credit to its former owner and just waiting to be enjoyed in new hands. Please call for any
further information. Absolutely any inspection welcome. All major debit and credit cards
accepted. Part exchange welcome. Delivery can be arranged.
01788 285661