1939 Triumph Dolomite 14/60 Saloon
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Highlights
- Older restoration in beautifully preserved condition
- Owned by the Chairman of the Pre-1940s Triumph Motor Club
- Very rare and highly specified pre-war Triumph sporting saloon
- Gorgeous detailing including waterfall grille
- Low mileage car
The Appeal
Triumph’s pre-war Dolomite range was part of the firm’s determined drive upmarket and a bid to exploit the burgeoning demand for sporting-orientated saloon cars. Its lavish ‘waterfall’ grille, designed by Walter Belgrove and influenced by transatlantic trends, was just the eyecatching starter for an advanced car that was developed with input from Donald Healey.
With wind-up windows, auto-lubricating chassis, fully synchromesh gearbox, dual circuit hydraulic brakes and even an adjustable steering column, these were highly specified cars. There were coupe, roadster and saloon versions, all equipped with the firm’s powerful 1.8litre engine. The Pre-War Triumph Motor Club, which helps look after these remarkable cars, records just 112 14/60 saloons built and only 11 survivors.
This is one of them, a beautiful older restoration that is an original UK market car that spent a large part of its life in Australia, where it was restored. Repatriated by its current owner, the Chairman of the Club, it has been fastidiously cared for. As a result it looks magnificent, the refurbishment work having held up very well, with just a light patina of character beginning to show.
This rare, delicately styled yet thoroughly practical vintage saloon would be a wonderful addition to any collection or driveway.
The History and Paperwork
- DVLA records show the car was first registered on 31st December 1939
- Recorded as returning to the UK on 1st June 2017
- Current owner since that date
- Exported to Australia in 1956 and spent most of its life in that dry climate
- Restored over 28 years during its time in Australia
- During this work the engine was rebuilt
- We are told there is an extensive history file
- This includes photographic and documented record of the restoration work
- Current owner is the Chairman of the Pre-War Triumph Motor Club
- Displayed at the NEC on multiple occasions
- Vendor states that the car has been ‘100% reliable’
- In September he drove it 200 miles to the Prescott Hill Climb
- Club records indicate that just 112 of this model were built of which 11 survive
- Of these, only seven retain their original style bodywork, like this car
- No MOT history but of course it is MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
- The vendor states that the displayed mileage is genuine and it has not been around the clock
Investment by the seller:
- Reconditioned starter motor and solenoid
- New water pump
- New fan belt and cooling system hoses
- Oil and filter change annually irrespective of mileage
The Interior
- Beautiful and factory standard interior in remarkable timewarp condition
- There are some light signs of use and repair but they do not detract
- High specification includes wind up windows and adjustable steering column
- Even the dash-mounted factory map light works
- Appears highly original, right down to the original supplying dealer dashboard plaque
- The sense is of a gently patinated vintage interior in very presentable conditon
- Jaeger off-white dials in good, clear condition with undamaged rims and faces
- New headlining fitted
- Sliding sunroof by Weathershields Roofs and retaining its maker’s plaque
- Some light wear to the leather seats and repaired tears, but very presentable
- The vendor states that it may benefit from a retrim
- We are told that the petrol gauge can be erratic
- Veneers in good, well kept condition with only light surface cracking visible close up
- Door trims in original factory specification being presentable with good fittings
- Original Triumph branded pedals showing light wear
- Carpets in caramel, well trimmed and showing barely any wear
- Stylish factory four spoke steering wheel in good condition with sheen to rim
The Exterior
- Handsome saloon styling with evocative detailing including grille and side vents
- Aluminium bodywork over rot-resistance ash frame
- Lovely details include that grille and vents, all in lightly aged, well kept condition
- In very good, solid condition with no visible structural deterioration
- Clean, straight panels with good fit and consistent panel gaps
- There are some localised signs of use such as edge chips but nothing significant
- These marks do not detract from the overall impression of a well presented car
- Looks particularly good sat on smart black wire wheels with chrome spinners
- Quality Excelsior vintage tyres fitted with good tread
- The vendor states that there is some poor paint on the bonnet
- This is not immediately visible in the photographs
- Chromework is well kept and shows only very light tarnishing, not immediately visible
- Factory spot lamps enhance the purposeful front visage
- Wing mirrors fitted
- Auxiliary lights fitted under rear bumper
- Underside appears solid with no visible causes for concern
The Mechanics
- 1,767cc Triumph 4cyl engine developing around 60bhp
- 4spd all-synchromesh manual gearbox
- Dual circuit hydraulic brakes
- Engine rebuilt during the car’s restoration while in Australia
- Annually serviced by the seller irrespective of mileage
- We are told that the displayed mileage is genuine and the odo has not gone around
- Tidy engine bay with smart polished Triumph-branded cover
- Advanced auto-lubricating chassis
Summary
Sporting saloons may now be a staple of modern forecourts but the idea all began with cars like the remarkable Triumph Dolomite 14/60. Quick and engaging like a sports car whilst as practical as any saloon should be, these highly specified cars were both rare and rewarding purchases for pre-war buyers.
Few saloons like this one were built and only a handful of original-bodied cars survive. This example is surely one of the best. An older restoration with superb provenance, it is surely an unmissable treat for any vintage enthusiast.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1939
- Make Triumph
- Model Dolomite
- Colour Black
- Odometer 83,890 Miles
- Engine size 1767
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Derby
- Location Derbyshire
- Country United Kingdom
3
bids
- simon-o•••• £8,500 24/09/23
- arthur-•••• £4,500 23/09/23
- sergio-•••• £500 23/09/23
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