Descripción
Taking its name, according to legend, from one of the Selfridge store's fashion models who was photographed with the car for publicity purposes, the Triumph Gloria was produced by the British manufacturer between 1933 and 1938. Standard-Triumph's managing director, Colonel Claude Holbrook, wanted to move the company away from the small cars that had underpinned its success in the 1920s, aiming to take a slice of the medium-size sporting-car market dominated by Riley. Indeed, ex-Riley employees would be instrumental in the Gloria project, designer Charles Ridley having been recruited from them, as was the legendary Donald Healey. More than any other model, the Gloria established Triumph's reputation as a builder of fine sporting cars. Introduced in 1933, the Gloria range consisted of a series of coach-built cars that included saloons, coupes, tourers, two-seater sports cars, drophead coupes and even golfer coupes. The Gloria used a conventional cruciform-braced chassis, underslung at the rear and equipped with all-round 12in hydraulic brakes, on which was mounted low, streamlined coachwork of an elegance not previously associated with the marque. Its four (and later) six-cylinder IOE engines were built by Triumph to designs by Coventry Climax, who supplied the raw castings, while the four-speed synchromesh gearbox and spiral bevel rear axle were supplied by ENV. The Gloria’s 1087cc four engine was joined by a 1991cc six in 1935, this being its final variation, incorporating many additional refinements to the chassis and running gear.
According to the British Triumph club, this 1934 Triumph Gloria is one of only eight examples left in the world with its original bodywork. Fitted with an Australian body by Ruskin of Melbourne, this ’34 Gloria was comprehensively restored by a previous owner in the early 2000s. Today, it presents in very nice condition throughout, finished in black over white paintwork, with painted knock-off wire wheels and a chocolate brown leather interior with matching carpets. There’s some patina to the cabin and a bit of creasing to the leather seats, signs of a life lived, while the lovely timber dashboard features a comprehensive array of reconditioned instruments – incongruously with a modern Speco tachometer mounted on the steering column – joined by a stereo/ CD player under it. Outside, there are also some small marks to the paint and general wear, but nothing that needs major attention. Under the shapely Gloria bonnet is the 1087cc four-cylinder engine. Previously on full Victorian registration, this 1934 Triumph Gloria also comes with a large, comprehensive folder of its history and general model information.
The 1934 Triumph Gloria is being sold here unregistered.
