Thanks to its use by TV's fictional Jersey detective Jim Bergerac, few post-war classics are as instantly recognisable as the Triumph Roadster. A landmark model in the history of the Coventry firm, the 1800 Roadster was one of the first post-war designs.
Standard's wartime purchase of Triumph, whose pre-war cars had been much admired for their performance and quality, was seen as the first step towards establishing an up-market offering to enhance Standard’s uninspiring range. Design work begun in 1944 envisaged a car built in two body styles - saloon and sports roadster - using a common 1800cc engine and gearbox, and similar running gear.
The chassis - an all-new design featuring independent front suspension - comprised two large-diameter steel tubes joined by cross-braces. A predicted shortage of sheet steel had ruled out a totally fabricated chassis frame, and also determined the choice of aluminium-alloy for the main body panels which also helped the car’s longevity as well as its weight.
Styled by Standard's Frank Callaby, the distinctive look of the Roadster was created with large separate headlamps and a radiator set well back and flanked by voluptuous front wings. Passengers could be accommodated was three abreast thanks to a 4 speed column change and a large bench seat.
Further room for two was provided at the rear in a dickey seat with its own folding windscreen. Entry and exit to the dickey seat was by way of a step on the rear bumper.
The Roadster was the last production car to feature a dickey seat.
This delightful Triumph was registered on the 7th June 1948 and thought to have been first used as a dealer demonstrator. The owner purchased it from Carr Brothers Garage in Purley in 1954; there is a receipt for £410 and 15 shillings on file.
It has been in the same family ever since providing years of service and is only now being sold in order to raise funds for new projects.
A glance at the V5c tells the story.. number of owners: 1
The owner didn’t retain that much in the way of paperwork, probably because it was in daily use and he completed much of the maintenance work himself.
There are a few MOTs on file, the earliest being from 1968. There is a continuation green logbook, with stamps from 1961, 1965 and 1966.
There is a receipt for a full stainless steel exhaust system from 1991 which is still on the car. There is a comprehensive Triumph 18TR Service Manual that will come with the car.
The inside of the Triumph has aged quite well. There are a few areas that could do with some attention, but nothing that would stop enjoyment of the car “as is”.
The front seat is in need of work, with a tear on the driver's seat currently held together with tape. A good clean and leather feed would improve it enormously. The dash was sympathetically restored a few years ago and the wood is in nice condition with no major cracks or damage.
The vendor pointed out the oil and temperature gauges don’t work at the moment, although a temporary temperature gauge has been fitted to the steering column. A very smart and well fitted hood was added in 2013, the maroon colour complimenting the black exterior.
The Dickey seat area could do with a clean but everything is present and correct. The seats are accessed using a step on either side. Once on board the matching leather fold down seats are quite comfortable, with your legs tucked away beneath the scuttle behind the front seats, and with great visibility and protection courtesy of the fold up windscreen.
A fun way to travel for youngsters and useful for those whose driving tips you’d rather ignore!
Although there is no invoice on file the Triumph is thought to have been repainted in its original black in 1990. Although nice from a distance the paint seems to have reacted, perhaps to the aluminium body, with areas of micro blistering, especially on the front wings. This doesn’t detract from the rakish good looks of a classic British sports tourer.
There are the usual chips and marks you’d expect on a car of this age, but being aluminium the body is sound and straight with good shut lines. All the chrome work shows a good shine with only age related marks. The wheels have their original Triumph hubcaps and matching Firestone tyres all round have plenty of life left.
The handsome grill is flanked by large head lamps and further driving lights and is topped with a gorgeous Art Deco eagle mascot, likely to be from a late 1920s Vauxhall.
In recent years the car hasn’t been driven much, but started regularly and moved around the garage to provide access for other cars. Recently there has been some gentle recommissioning undertaken. The coolant and oil in both engine and gearbox has been drained and replaced.
The air filter has been cleaned and re-oiled, the oil filter changed along with the fuel filter. The Triumph currently runs an electric fuel pump; the mechanical one has been bypassed. The rear brake cylinders were replaced with Land Rover items, apparently a club endorsed recommendation. The brake lines were renewed where necessary.
There are a few extra bits with the car, including the jack and handle, a grease gun and a spare block, the condition of which is unknown.
Running well on the day we took the photographs, the Triumph would only require minor fettling to take it to the next level, or could be enjoyed as it is.
Despite only 2500 of these attractive Roadsters being produced there are quite few still on the road. This we think is down to two important reasons; firstly the aluminium body and sturdy chassis and secondly, they are good looking, practical and fun.
There is enough power to make for interesting driving. Add to that the stylish and flexible seating options then we are sure you’ll agree the Triumph is an interesting proposition.
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1948 Triumph 1800 Roadster
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