Descrição
If you are seeking an honest and genuine classic at a sensible price, this could be for you. In the hands of one keeper for over 45 years, this super little Herald Convertible has just arrived at Shore Classics and it`s already turned a few heads in my neighbourhood. A genuine CV-code convertible, the Herald comes with service history going back to 1997 and clearly has benefitted from other maintenance including replacement front floors and Waxoil in very recent years. That said, from body panels to paintwork, from hood to interior trim, it would appear largely original and it drives just as one would hope. Easy to work on and offering fresh-air motoring for four, these baby Triumphs are still great value for money and benefit from an active Club and excellent parts availability.
Designed by Giovanni Michelotti and featuring a large glass area (93% all-round visibility) and razor-edged looks, the Herald was a compact 2-door car introduced by Triumph in 1959 and ultimately available as a saloon, convertible, coupe, estate and even a van. Built on a separate chassis, the main tub was bolted on allowing the entire front end to hinge forward allowing easy engine access. Indeed, every panel could be unbolted from the car allowing the different body styles to be constructed. Initially fitted with a 948cc engine and 4-speed gearbox, rack and pinion steering afforded the car with an unbelievable 25ft turning circle making it easy to drive with notably light steering. Bigger engines with more power came in the early 1960`s with the final variant, the 13/ 60, being unveiled at the London Motor Show in October 1967. With a 1296cc engine developing 61bhp, this final incarnation come with updated front end (similar to a Vitesse) and revised interiors.
Our car dates from November 1967 making it one of the very first 13/ 60 models off the production line. We understand that it was sold new to a gentleman in Weston Super Mare who retained it for around 45 years, the car selling to it`s second keeper, a local lady, in 2012. In terms of service information, we unfortunately don`t have much prior to 1997 but by this time, our first owner was using the services of a local garage, Bray and Griffiths in Weston, for annual maintenance and MoT inspections. Computer printouts documents from this period reflect regular attention albeit very miles covered (around 800 miles in 15 years) with notable work to include replacement radiator, exhaust system, minor welding, hoses, Waxoil treatment, full brake overhaul including flexi-lines, new calipers and pads, new clutch master cylinder, ignition parts and general service items. Around 12 years ago, the Herald was ultimately sold with 71, 000 miles recorded to a local lady with Bray and Griffiths continuing with maintenance. She retained the car for just 3 years selling it to the garage in 2015. Now owned by the garage proprietor, the car was used sparingly and covering just a few hundred miles over the next 8 years. It was during this period that we understand that the underside was refurbished with new front floors and a further coating of Waxoil protection. In November 2023, the garage sold the car to a lady near Cirencester and an unfortunate spell of ill-health has caused her to now reluctantly part with it after such a short period of ownership.
The car today presents just as can be seen in the photographs. It is very original and as such both body and paintwork display some age-related blemishes. That said, it is very solid and polishes up nicely. All trim including the original hood is tidy and serviceable whilst the interior once again, reflects a tidy cabin with original Black vinyl seats, wooden dashboard and recently replaced Black carpets. It is a “get in and go” example and whilst not perhaps an award-winner, certainly is perfect for a local show or Sunday afternoon run to the coast. Indeed, it is possibly the sweetest Herald I have driven in years and performs exactly as one would hope with eager acceleration, a nice precise gearchange and balanced handling. On a bright Saturday morning, I took the Herald out for a spin across the West Dorset Downs towards Maiden Newton. It was an absolute joy with a surprising turn of speed; so much so that I carried on for another 10 miles! Whilst a true British classic, this is genuinely a car that could be used daily through the summer months offering great practicality with style and enough performance not to be embarrassed under any circumstances.
The Herald comes with a log of service work undertaken from 1997 to 2016, lots of old MoT Certificates (last inspected in 2022) and a current V5C. It is naturally both MoT and road-tax exempt albeit was inspected for MoT most years from 1997 to 2022.
A really genuine Herald Convertible with nice low-owner provenance ready for the summer ahead.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
Deposit now taken.
