In 1935, Triumph was about to split the motorcycle division of the company off from the car company (it happened the next year). But the turmoil didn’t stop the firm from producing some very desirable automobiles in the meantime, like this 1935 Gloria coupe. The seller tells us that there are only four Gloria coupes left, and that this is the only 1935 model and the only roadworthy one of the four, making it a true one of one remaining! It’s listed for sale on eBay with a required starting bid of $30,000 and a buy-it-now price of $35,600. The car is located at a dealership in Etna, New Hampshire.
There weren’t a lot of Glorias produced in the first place, with the Pre-1940 Triumph Motor Club stating an estimate of 1,600 cars were produced between 1934 and 1935. This car has a much more documented history than most, with the original purchase taking place in Surrey, England. There’s a picture of the second owner with the car in 1937 in the car’s history file, along with others showing the car in somewhat deteriorated condition in the 1960s. CPE454 was restored over four years after being “rediscovered” in 1971, and proceeded to win a “Best in Show” prize at the Hanbury Hall Triumph International Rally–the premier event worldwide for early Triumphs.
I don’t think the motorcycle-font “Triumph” decal is correct for the car, although it does appear in this old ad where the car was previously sold after its show win.
The interior is beautiful and complements the Walter Belgrove-designed exterior nicely. The wood dash is in exquisite condition. While I was researching this post, I saw that the car had been previously offered for quite a bit more money ($54,795), so perhaps it’s a bargain now? And you certainly won’t find another one at a show.
I’ve long been a fan of the detailed cloisonne badge on the front of the Gloria. You just don’t see details like this in most cars.
This is the original four-cylinder engine, which also featured a freewheel system that enabled clutchless gear changing. No, the air cleaner isn’t the original type! We’re told the car is in excellent mechanical condition as well as its beautiful cosmetics.
This 1935 ad for the Gloria highlights some competition successes, while also pointing out its comfortable seating and ease of entry. A little-known fact is that Donald Healey (yes, that Healey) was the competition director for Triumph at the time, and had a lot of influence over the sporting aspects of the production cars. How would you like to be the caretaker of this one-of-one special car? I know I would!
Fun Fact for you, Jamie: While Donald Healey was Chief Engineer at Triumph, he led the team that created the Dolomite, essentially a British copy of an Alfa-Romeo 8C 2300. The Gloria, while somewhat sporting, was not so ambitious, particularly under the bonnet.
But isn’t it lovely! I’ve always had eyes from British saloons of this period, which combined a basic formal body shape with enough curves to make it elegant. The interior is no slouch, either…who can resist wood and leather?
I, too, would be tempted to bin the “Triumph” decal on the spare wheel cover. I strongly doubt it would have been there originally. Other than that, assuming it’s in mechanical condition to match its looks, I’d just buy it — assuming I had that kind of money — a drive it.
I was thinking about the decal – in some states, isn’t it required to have an indication of the make of the vehicle visible on both ends? Agreed, a more appropriate decal could have been found…
What a Glori-ous car!
Can’t tell for sure, but that decal looks more like the current iteration rather than the older one. The serif from the R should come down, loop around , and come in from the right side of the H at a slight downward angle. Tried blowing it up but got too blurry.
Reminds me of my 34 Delage saloon that’s about the same proportions and lives in a museum today