Vendor supplied images

Highlights

Older restoration in beautifully preserved condition
Owned by the Chairman of the Pre-1940s Triumph Motor Club
Very rare and highly specified pre-war Triumph sporting saloon
Gorgeous detailing including waterfall grille
Low mileage car

The Appeal

Triumph’s pre-war Dolomite range was part of the firm’s determined drive upmarket and a bid to exploit the burgeoning demand for sporting-orientated saloon cars. Its lavish ‘waterfall’ grille, designed by Walter Belgrove and influenced by transatlantic trends, was just the eyecatching starter for an advanced car that was developed with input from Donald Healey.

With wind-up windows, auto-lubricating chassis, fully synchromesh gearbox, dual circuit hydraulic brakes and even an adjustable steering column, these were highly specified cars. There were coupe, roadster and saloon versions, all equipped with the firm’s powerful 1.8litre engine. The Pre-War Triumph Motor Club, which helps look after these remarkable cars, records just 112 14/60 saloons built and only 11 survivors.

This is one of them, a beautiful older restoration that is an original UK market car that spent a large part of its life in Australia, where it was restored. Repatriated by its current owner, the Chairman of the Club, it has been fastidiously cared for. As a result it looks magnificent, the refurbishment work having held up very well, with just a light patina of character beginning to show.

This rare, delicately styled yet thoroughly practical vintage saloon would be a wonderful addition to any collection or driveway.

The History and Paperwork

DVLA records show the car was first registered on 31st December 1939
Recorded as returning to the UK on 1st June 2017
Current owner since that date
Exported to Australia in 1956 and spent most of its life in that dry climate
Restored over 28 years during its time in Australia
During this work the engine was rebuilt
We are told there is an extensive history file
This includes photographic and documented record of the restoration work
Current owner is the Chairman of the Pre-War Triumph Motor Club
Displayed at the NEC on multiple occasions
Vendor states that the car has been ‘100% reliable’
In September he drove it 200 miles to the Prescott Hill Climb
Club records indicate that just 112 of this model were built of which 11 survive
Of these, only seven retain their original style bodywork, like this car
No MOT history but of course it is MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
The vendor states that the displayed mileage is genuine and it has not been around the clock

Investment by the seller:

Reconditioned starter motor and solenoid
New water pump
New fan belt and cooling system hoses
Oil and filter change annually irrespective of mileage

The Interior

Beautiful and factory standard interior in remarkable timewarp condition
There are some light signs of use and repair but they do not detract
High specification includes wind up windows and adjustable steering column
Even the dash-mounted factory map light works
Appears highly original, right down to the original supplying dealer dashboard plaque
The sense is of a gently patinated vintage interior in very presentable conditon
Jaeger off-white dials in good, clear condition with undamaged rims and faces
New headlining fitted
Sliding sunroof by Weathershields Roofs and retaining its maker’s plaque
Some light wear to the leather seats and repaired tears, but very presentable
The vendor states that it may benefit from a retrim
We are told that the petrol gauge can be erratic
Veneers in good, well kept condition with only light surface cracking visible close up
Door trims in original factory specification being presentable with good fittings
Original Triumph branded pedals showing light wear
Carpets in caramel, well trimmed and showing barely any wear
Stylish factory four spoke steering wheel in good condition with sheen to rim

The Exterior

Handsome saloon styling with evocative detailing including grille and side vents
Aluminium bodywork over rot-resistance ash frame
Lovely details include that grille and vents, all in lightly aged, well kept condition
In very good, solid condition with no visible structural deterioration
Clean, straight panels with good fit and consistent panel gaps
There are some localised signs of use such as edge chips but nothing significant
These marks do not detract from the overall impression of a well presented car
Looks particularly good sat on smart black wire wheels with chrome spinners
Quality Excelsior vintage tyres fitted with good tread
The vendor states that there is some poor paint on the bonnet
This is not immediately visible in the photographs
Chromework is well kept and shows only very light tarnishing, not immediately visible
Factory spot lamps enhance the purposeful front visage
Wing mirrors fitted
Auxiliary lights fitted under rear bumper
Underside appears solid with no visible causes for concern

The Mechanics

1,767cc Triumph 4cyl engine developing around 60bhp
4spd all-synchromesh manual gearbox
Dual circuit hydraulic brakes
Engine rebuilt during the car’s restoration while in Australia
Annually serviced by the seller irrespective of mileage
We are told that the displayed mileage is genuine and the odo has not gone around
Tidy engine bay with smart polished Triumph-branded cover
Advanced auto-lubricating chassis

Summary

Sporting saloons may now be a staple of modern forecourts but the idea all began with cars like the remarkable Triumph Dolomite 14/60. Quick and engaging like a sports car whilst as practical as any saloon should be, these highly specified cars were both rare and rewarding purchases for pre-war buyers.

Few saloons like this one were built and only a handful of original-bodied cars survive. This example is surely one of the best. An older restoration with superb provenance, it is surely an unmissable treat for any vintage enthusiast.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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