Lot details
Registration No: LLP176D
Chassis No: GD42176RS
Mot Expiry: May 2007

By the late 1950s, the British Motor Industry map was dominated by BMC, Ford and Vauxhall. Not content to spar with each other, the trio's appetite for sub-contractors was undermining their smaller-scale opposition. Thus, when Standard-Triumph began work on a replacement for the 'Eight' in 1957 its inability to produce monocoque bodyshells in-house (or find a cost-effective supplier) saw it revert to a separate chassis design. Luckily, the company was able to capitalise on this situation by devising a highly versatile platform (that would go on to underpin the Spitfire, GT6 and Vitesse). The first model to use it, the Herald, was launched in April 1959. Blessed with elegant lines, courtesy of Giovanni Michelotti, it featured all-round independent suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. An accomplished town car criticism as to its lack of pace was answered by the introduction of the '12/50' for 1963. Powered by an 1147cc four-cylinder OHV engine that developed 51bhp and 63lbft, it was capable of some 80mph. Visually distinguished by a new grille, the '12/50' also boasted a folding sun-roof and front disc brakes. Superseded by the '13/60' in 1967, it nevertheless accounted for some 53,267 sales.
Finished in dark blue with black leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the seller's agent as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork (slightly scraped bumper aside), paintwork and wheels / tyres (while, the chassis is considered to be "very good"). Believed but not warranted to have covered 33,100 miles from new, 'LLP176D' is said to have had just three keepers. In the current ownership since September 2005, the past twelve months have apparently seen the Herald treated to a "new head gasket, pistons and clutch". Thought to be substantially original save for a "heated rear windscreen, seatbelts and radio / CD player", the car is accompanied by "some service history dating back to 1987". Only being offered for sale because the vendor's hip problem makes operating the clutch difficult, this pampered Triumph comes with "original catalogues", "service book", MOT certificate valid until May 30th 2007 and historic class (free) road tax until June 30th 2007.