Triumphs

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Like MG, Triumph is one of those wonderfully quintessential British car makers that parent company British Leyland, that had little sense of heritage, left to die an undignified death. Unlike MG however, Triumph never made a return.

Happily as a classic, the name lives on and the marque is arguably the most popular on the block, thanks to a wide range of models that includes traditional sports cars and luxury saloons at prices to suit all level of budgets. There genuinely is a classic Triumph out there right now with your name on it!

One of the chief reasons for the brand’s survival is due to the unstinting support of an army of model-specific and general marque owners’ clubs, all determined to keep the name alive. This means Triumphs are one of the easiest classics to keep on the road.

Having said that, some are far easier than others due to their popularity and therefore parts supply – none more so than the strain of TR sports cars and the Stag, the latter which probably would not enjoyed something of a rebirth thanks to a change of fortunes if it wasn’t for the unstinting efforts of their loving owners and dedicated specialists!

This is not to say that owning something like a 2.5PI or 1300TC is hard work, because mechanically many models used common parts. But items such as trim and details are much harder to find, where as you can almost make a new TR from scratch. This special buying guide covers all post-war models which we hope will help you in your choice. Best advice is to go along to a classic car show to see them in the flesh and talk to their owners – there’s never a shortage of Triumphs at events – and, if you want to drive a few, check out one of the many classic car hire companies who usually have a TR or Stag on their fleet.
The cost of a day or weekend hire isn’t exorbitant and you get the chance to live with your chosen classic to see if it really matches your dreams – it probably will do! And once you’ve bought your chosen Triumph, join an owners’ club to enjoy a great social scene that will make car ownership doubly desirable.

Roadsters

Best known for cameo appearances in Bergerac, these roadsters are a world away from later TRs but provide elegant touring for up to four with more than a hint of pre-war character about them – including a quaint rear dickey seat. The 2000 used the Standard Vanguard 2-litre and is far preferable to the 1800 although both use a column gearchange – located on the right of the steering wheel. Prices are around £20-£35,000 depending upon condition.

Saloons

Apart from saloon versions of the 1800 and 2000 Roadsters, there’s also the Renown and Mayflower, all built on a separate chassis and boasting similar stately Rolls- Royce-like pre-war styling. But at least the 2000 sports the same basic engine that starred in the TR – the 1800 used an engine also shared with Jaguar of that era. All are a matter of taste – of course – and carrying out restorations won’t be easy or cheap to offset the low prices currently asked; £7-£10,000 on average for best examples.

1300/1500/toledo

Triumph took a leaf out of Austin Morris and went all modern and front-wheel drive with its 1300, but this Herald replacement was too dear and it so marketed as a small luxury ‘2000’ of which it excelled. A very nice Spitfire-engined TC followed before the body was enlarged and called the 1500 for 1970 with even more luxury. A fundamental rethink, after the Dolomite was launched in 1972, saw the 1500 become rear-wheel driven too plus used Spitfire power as standard before range was all ‘Dolomited’ for 1976. The rear wheel drive Toledo was the true Herald replacement and is more basic; if you can find any of this bunch left (there’s not many) you can have upmarket pleasant classic for £2000.

Acclaim

Sadly, the last all new Triumph wasn’t one at all but a rebadged Honda saloon – ironically front wheel drive just like the original and far superior 1300 was 15 years earlier! The Acclaim won’t ever be hailed a classic like other Triumphs which went before it, despite having some historical significance surely? But instead they make a reliable, dependable daily driving classic. It’s doubtful you’ll pay £2000 for one even for a luxury and performance packed Avon Turbo model.