Description
This car is to be auctioned at 'Beaulieu, National Motor Museum'
Landmark Triumph sporting car Developed by Donald Healey Only four owners from new Off the road 1968-2014 Restored in 2014
Developed by the great Donald Healey, the Gloria, more than any other model, established Triumph's reputation as a builder of fine sporting cars; taking its name
it is said
from one of Selfridge's fashion models, who was photographed with the cars for publicity purposes. 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 Donald Healey. Healey was quoted as saying: I was attracted by the Gloria project, which seemed better than Riley's own Nine... My first job was cleaning up the Gloria range, which was just about ready for production.
Introduced in 1933, the Gloria employed a conventional cruciform-braced chassis, under-slung at the rear and equipped with all-round 12 hydraulic brakes, on which was mounted low, streamlined coachwork of an elegance not previously associated with the marque. According to Holbrook, the Gloria was 'built to an idea... modern in conception, revealing lines that never before been achieved'. And few would deny that, once it had been 'cleaned up' by Healey, the Gloria was indeed most handsome.
The four- and 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. In tuned guise fitted with twin carburettors, the 10hp 1, 087cc inlet-over-exhaust four produced 46bhp at 4, 600rpm; thus equipped, the Gloria Special Tourer was good for 75mph.
This rare British sports car is understood to have had only four owners and had been off the road since 1968 when it was restored in 2014 at a cost of around 12, 000. Related bills are on file. Described by the vendor as in good restored condition throughout, the car also comes with old logbooks; a current V5C document; a selection of photographs; instruction manuals; and a document of verification from the Pre-1940 Triumph Club.
AUCTION TIMES
Friday, 1st September, starting at 11:00 CEST
Please contact Bonhams directly to receive a condition report with the lot number/ s of interest by clicking 'Message the seller'
LIVE AND ONLINE AUCTION
Please contact our Bids Department to register by clicking 'Message the seller'
COLLECTION OF PURCHASED LOTS
Purchases will only be released when cleared funds are received in full. Collections must be arranged with Bonhams staff. All Buyers should contact Richard Stafford to give instruction, or to seek further information.
Indigo Blue European Limited - details above using the button below +44 (0) the details below
Motor Cars Removal and Storage of Vehicles Cars cannot be removed on Saturday 2 or Sunday 3 September. Cars may be removed on Monday 4 September up until midday once full payment has been received / entry fees having been settled and by liaising with the Motor Car Department directly in good time. If you are unable to collect your vehicle by the given time, Lots shall be removed by Indigo Blue to storage at the Buyer’s expense (see below). Lots are at the Buyer’s risk from the fall of the hammer. It is strongly advisable that overseas purchasers and absentee bidders make arrangements regarding collection with Bonhams in advance of Sale. Cars under customs cannot be collected from the venue and can only be released once customs is cleared.
Transport and Shipping A representative of Indigo Blue, will be at the Sale and can arrange national and international transportation as agent for the Buyer or the Seller (as the case may be).
AUCTION ADDRESS
National Motor Museum,
Beaulieu,
John Montagu Building,
Beaulieu,
Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN,
United Kingdom





















