1948 Triumph 1800 Roadster
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Highlights
・Aluminium body
・Dicky seat
・‘40s style
・Open topped touring
The Background
The Triumph Roadster was designed during the late war years with the intention of challenging Jaguar’s sports cars.
It utilised a tubular steel chassis, wooden coach-built body and was intended to be clothed in steel, but as this was in short supply when production started, fortunately aluminium was used instead.
The engine was the well proven Standard Motor Company, four cylinder block, converted from side valve to overhead valves by Weslake just before the war.
This was mated to a 4-speed gearbox driving the rear wheels.
Always intended as a low volume, handmade car, approximately 2500 examples were produced before production ended in 1949.
The History
What we know about this car is unfortunately a little limited.
According to it’s British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, it rolled off the production line on the 17th of February 1948.
Originally Grey with Blue upholstery, we believe it was first registered in Reading roughly a month later, on the 9th of March 1948.
The previous owner acquired the car at a Brooks Auction in 1999, taking it home to Aberdeenshire.
Here it stayed for the next 22 years until bought by only it’s 4th registered keeper the vendor, earlier this year.
After a little driving , it’s current owner has decided that it’s just a little to large for his current requirements and so is looking for a smaller ‘60s example of the triumph marque.
The Paperwork
There is a current V5c in the vendors’ name, along with various receipts for work carried out by the previous keeper over the last 20+ years.
There is a Heritage Certificate and also present is an original driver’s handbook.
The Interior
Carpets and seats are both in good condition and have probably been replaced / re-covered over this car’s lifetime.
The dash is in a solid condition and has possibly been refinished in previous years.
Dials are in place and the vendor tells us that both the fuel & oil gauges work, but the water guage needs a little help to operate correctly.
You’ll no doubt notice that this car has been converted to a more convenient floor mounted gear change as opposed to the original column shift.
The Exterior
Being aluminium, the body is in great overall condition and resplendent in its red paint scheme.
Lights, radiator and other chrome work shines and would look to be original. All four wheels are fitted with period spec cross ply tyres, best suited to ‘40s motoring.
Overall a good-looking car with few visible bodywork faults.
An earlier restoration which has matured very well.
The Mechanics
The Triumph started well using the technique suggested in the driver’s manual and seemed to run and drive as expected for the photoshoot.
She’s a long car when manoeuvring, but a driver soon adapts accordingly.
Recent work ( 2021 ) has seen the brakes overhauled, with wheel cylinders being replaced with Land Rover Series 1 Girling items. Apparently, a modification recommended by the Triumph Owners Club to give reliable. improved braking.
Receipts show regular servicing by the previous owner over the years, with invoices for both work & parts along the way. Various spares included in the sale as well, including replacement radiator grill with a good shell. Also kept are the old brake cylinders, if buyer wants to refurb and refit for originality.
The seller advises the water temperature gauge needs a new bulb ( to which he advises a member of the Triumph Roadster Club charges £100 for refurb of gauge and bulb).
The seller advises the water temperature gauge needs a new bulb ( to which he advises a member of the Triumph Roadster Club charges £100 for refurb of gauge and bulb).
The Appeal
Open topped ‘40s sporting motoring with room for two passengers in the dicky seat when required.
Sunny summer trips to a classic car show or just out for a spin in the local countryside , the Triumph Roadster will take all in it’s stride.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1948
- Make Triumph
- Model Roadster
- Colour Red
- Odometer 79,200 Miles
- Engine size 1800
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Cumbria
- Country United Kingdom
14
bids
from 8
bidders
- S.•••• £13,000 24/08/21
- ca•••• £12,000 24/08/21
- Mr•••• £11,000 24/08/21
- ca•••• £10,000 23/08/21
- gi•••• £9,500 23/08/21
- ca•••• £9,000 23/08/21
- Tr•••• £8,600 21/08/21
- br•••• £8,500 19/08/21
- br•••• £7,500 19/08/21
- br•••• £5,000 19/08/21
The Gallery
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