Description
For Sale is my beautiful 1981 Triumph Acclaim HLS, believed to be the oldest surviving example in the UK. Finished in Champaign Beige, with Beige Velour Interior. The car has a Heritage Certificate, and is in stunning original condition. It even still has the original Triumph branded Radio. The original owner passed when the car was only a few years old, and it then sat in his garage largely untouched for 30 years, only venturing out for the odd trip, and for MOTs. The car hasn't rusted, and it's never needed welding. The car was bought from the estate of the owner's wife in 2019, and recommissioned by the Chairman of the Triumph Sports Six Club during 2020. I understand it had new brakes, new battery, all fluids changed, and a new set of Toyo Tyres. That was all the vehicle needed.
The car was then entered into the Classic Car Loan Project, and I had the privilege of driving the Acclaim throughout 2021. I was then given the opportunity to purchase the car at the end of the loan period. I have driven the car regularly, and it has been 100% reliable. I've taken it to the Isle of Wight every year for a holiday, and the car has performed faultlessly. It hasn't let me down once. During my ownership, the car has been serviced every year, and a few improvements made. I've had the vehicle fully Waxoyl protected, I've fitted a Stainless Steel Exhaust, custom made to factory specification, and I've refreshed the Cooling System. The original Radiator was re-cored in 2024, I fitted a new-old-stock Water Pump, and I changed the Cam Belt. Some Sundry Items were replaced at the same time. The Gearbox Oil was changed in 2022. I've also fitted a new-old-stock Clock, as the original one didn't adjust due to broken up plastic gears inside. I still have the original. I also sourced a new-old-stock Headrest in the correct colour, as these were an option on early Acclaims according to the Brochure, and not selected by the original owner. I fitted one to the driver's seat for safety. Sadly, only one was available, so I couldn't fit one to the front passenger seat.
My Acclaim has a recent advisory free MOT, and it's just had a Major Service, including CV Boots replaced. The car is Tax Exempt, and is eligible for MOT exemption. I've always preferred to keep having MOT Inspections done, as it's £45 well spent in my view. I find it helps keep up to date with any maintenance required. The car has covered 35, 700 miles, but is still in regular use, so this will increase slightly. It has always been garaged. I have a new Clutch, as I thought the biting point was a little high when I first had the car, but it's never actually needed it. The one currently fitted operates as it should, with no slippage. I will however include the new Clutch with the car.
I have the original Sales Brochure and Accessory Catalogue, and the Book Pack is complete with all the Instruction, Radio, and Service Manuals. In addition, I have an original Triumph issued Workshop Manual, along with a Haynes Manual. The car has two keys, and I've collected some nice little extras to come with the car. These include a Triumph Acclaim T-Shirt that was issued with the Press Pack at the Acclaim's Launch, two original Triumph Acclaim Leather Key Fobs, and an original copy of the Briefing Notes between Honda & British Leyland from when the Acclaim was being developed. They make fascinating reading, and will be included with the car. Sadly, the car has been separated from it's early Service History due to it being an Estate Sale car. I have however started a new History File, full of all the invoices the car has generated in my ownership.
Parts Availability is pretty good. I've found everything I've ever needed on eBay, and through people I've met at Classic Car Shows. Service Parts are available new, and if you join a Triumph Car Club, there's always someone on hand to help find whatever you need. Things like the Clock and Headrest took a little time to source, but anything mechanical I've found straight away.
Overall, this is a stunning example of an early Acclaim, with some lovely details that were only available on the very first few cars. It even has the original Number Plates, original Dealer Sticker in the rear window, and the original Super-Cover Sticker on the windscreen. I've also added a replica of the original Road Tax Disk the car would have had when new. A video of my car was made by Lloyd Vehicle Consulting in circa 2022/ 3, and is available to view on his YouTube Channel. The car is available for any inspection should you wish, and you are welcome to view the car at any time. Please bring proof of insurance if you'd like to test drive the car before purchase.
This is a very reluctant sale, due to disability. I have a degenerative muscle disorder which means I am now struggling to operate a clutch, otherwise the car wouldn't be for sale. I'll be very sorry to see it go. This is a unique example of a well sorted car, that's ready to enjoy.
