Description
Now this is very pretty. Just arrived at Shore Classics is this charming original Herald Convertible (CV code) presented in British Racing Green with superb Tan interior and benefitting from major refurbishment by leading marque specialist, Southern Triumph Services, less than 500 miles ago. The subject of an older restoration, this proper 4-seater convertible comes with an excellent hood and Tan hood cover and is summer-ready for immediate enjoyment. With nice Heralds creeping up in price, this is pitched to sell quickly.
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 was registered in September 1970 and is a genuine CV coded convertible, not a later converted saloon. Supplied new to a gentleman in London, we sadly know little of it`s history but understand that it underwent extensive restoration around 20 years ago. The paperwork on file records the car residing just outside Bath at this time moving to Frome in Somerset in 2011. A local garage was evidently responsible for maintenance and servicing with notable highlights to include replacement wheel bearings, front trunnions and full brake overhaul. In April 2015, the Triumph was sold to a couple in Weymouth who took the car to Dorset specialists, Southern Triumph Services in Bournemouth, for a full appraisal. The conclusion of their report was that they were looking a substantially restored Herald with all the right bits, not necessarily in the right order! Issues were noted with gearchange, steering, suspension and brakes and so began 3 weeks of sorting at a cost of just over £2500. The invoice for parts and labour is highly detailed and includes over 90 thumbnail colour photographs of the work undertaken. Further details can be provided upon request. The car was subsequently enjoyed on local runs but other than tyres and all new ignition parts in 2018, little else is recorded in terms of maintenance. That said, very few miles were covered annually before the Herald went into hibernation in the Autumn of 2022.
Roll forward to May 2025 and we hear of a Herald sat in a timber garage on the outskirts of the town. Covered in a thick layer of dust and refusing to start, we organised transport and ultimately recovered it back to base for a proper look and tinker. Some fresh fuel and within minutes the little car was fired up and driving around the yard. A full health check was then undertaken of the underside, general levels and electrical systems worked through before hitting hard with T-Cut and polish.
The photographs hopefully tell the story. This is one bright and shiny Herald and whilst not perfect, presents well from all angles with both surprisingly good panel fit and paint finish. Just a few micro-blisters on the passenger door and some marks in the paintwork on the bonnet detract from what is a very pleasing sight. The underside would seem very solid and would possibly benefit from a rub-down and oil treatment (or equivalent) whilst the engine bay is very original and offers scope for cleaning and detailing. Trim, glass and general detailing would all seem excellent whilst the hood is in super condition with clear PVC rear screen. The interior is stunning and a real “wow” point on the car with virtually unmarked Light Tan trim throughout, an exceptionally nice wooden dashboard, excellent door cappings and contrasting Dark Green carpets. All must have been replaced when the car was restored and is genuinely one of the prettiest interiors I have seen recently on any sporting Triumph. Turn the key and the little 1296cc fires immediately into life sounding sporty and purposeful. Select 1st and the Herald pulls away smartly with higher gears coming smoothly and quickly with 50MPH coming up in no time. Since the checking the car over, we have had the opportunity of several longer blasts across the West Dorset Downs and not surprisingly, the Herald seems to drive better and better each time. The work undertaken back in 2015 is clearly evident with nicely balanced handling, positive steering and superb brakes. It would probably benefit now from a service but we have gone as far as we wish too with a garage full of other projects demanding our attention. But in our opinion, all the hard work has been done and it now seeks an enthusiastic new owner willing to fettle and enjoy.
The Herald comes with history and paperwork covering the period from 2010-2018 and includes details all the work and photographs undertaken by Southern Triumph Services in 2015, a Tan Hood Cover, full set of keys and current V5C. It is naturally both MoT and road tax exempt.
A very pretty and substantially restored British classic ready for the sunshine ahead. Great value too.
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.
