1948 Triumph 1800 Roadster

Lot details
Registration No: DRV 79
Chassis No: TRD1443
Mot Expiry: Aug 2008

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 four-wheel 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 Superseded by a larger-engined version in 1948, just 2,501 1800 Roadsters are thought to have been made.

Finished in black with beige upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork and wheels / tyres (while, he rates the paintwork as "average"). Reportedly "restored as a labour of love" by its previous keeper "an elderly gentleman who had served his time at Triumph when the Roadsters were first built", chassis 'TRD1443' entered the current ownership some nine years ago. Said to have been "used on dry weekends only" and to "run very well", it further boasts "an attractive radiator mascot and some original tools" as well as "a number plate that has been valued at £2,500". Apparently "a real head turner" that would nevertheless reward some "minor cosmetic work", this delightful Triumph is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until August 2008 and historic class (free) road tax valid until July 2008.