1963 Triumph Herald 12/50

Lot details
Registration No: AOW214A
Chassis No: GD2547RS
Mot Expiry: Dec 2008

Launched in April 1959, the Herald was the first Standard-Triumph to utilise the company's new generation separate chassis platform (which would later underpin the Spitfire, GT6 and Vitesse). Blessed with elegant lines, courtesy of Giovanni Michelotti, the model 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 Superseded by the '13/60' in 1967, it nevertheless accounted for some 53,267 sales.

According to information kindly provided by the vendor: "This Triumph 12/50 with factory-fitted sunroof is in timewarp original condition. The car was supplied new in April 1963 by Alvin Blundell & Co Central Garage (Bognor Regis) to a local lady who used it only occasionally during the summer months. All the MOTs from its first one in 1967 until 1988, when she donated the Herald to a young relative, are present together with numerous receipts for service and maintenance from the local garage. The second owner only drove the Herald for one year and it was then stored until 2007 when it was recommissioned. A thorough overhaul of the brake system was performed, new clutch / master cylinder fitted and the 12/50 treated to a new battery, exhaust system, tyres and full service. The mileage then being 17,000. The car has never been resprayed, although local paintwork has been carried out to the sills and valances and the wheels have been repainted in the original colour. There is no evidence of any welding to the chassis. The interior also remains in original condition although a new set of wool carpets have been fitted. The sliding sunroof is in working order. Included amongst the documents are an original sales brochure, service voucher book, petrol ration coupons and the original lady owner's AA membership cards and V5. A more genuine Herald than this would be very hard to find".