This chipper little roadster is a 1961 Triumph Herald 1200, featured here on craigslist for $7800. It’s located in Phoenix, Arizona, and T.J. sent us this tip – thanks, T.J.! The Herald was first launched in 1959 in sedan or coupe configurations. Eventually, body styles included a van, a wagon, and a roadster. While most buyers opted for the sedan, the variety on offer broadened the Herald’s appeal – useful since both the Mini and Ford’s Anglia outsold the Herald in the model’s early days. While its tiny 948 cc four-cylinder barely topped 34 hp, a dual-carburetor option could bring that past 40. Its styling was considered modern at the time; penned by Giovanni Michelotti, it’s an angular, edgy shape punctuated by swage lines down its flanks. The hooded headlights were showing up on American cars by the mid-1950s. By the end of production in 1971, more than 500,000 Heralds were sold, so most parts are plentiful.
The 1200 arrived in 1961, equipped with an 1147 cc four; dual carburetors remained an option, but the base engine saw a slight increase in output to 39 hp. The seller indicates his car has an 1198 cc four-cylinder – probably some confusion exists around aligning the engine size with the car’s name. In fact, “1200” was a slight conceit given actual displacement at 1147. At least this example sports dual SUs. The four-speed, three-synchro gearbox came from the earlier Standard Ten, and it never changed throughout the duration of the Herald. The same swing-axle rear suspension that gave Spitfire drivers fits also plagued the Herald, until 1968, when the suspension was revised. This car has new tires and is said to run and drive well.
The seller has replaced the windshield, the convertible top, and the interior, but the listing doesn’t show the seats or carpet. Early Heralds had pressed fiberboard dashboards with wood veneer as an option, but by the time the 1200 arrived, the wood dash was standard. I know it’s basic, but I like the two-spoke wheel with the clearly-visible center gauge.
The Herald’s distinctive reverse-angle rear lamps and rubber-covered bumpers help it stand out from the sea of more common TR6s and MGBs, though its performance doesn’t compare as favorably. But the Herald is an unusual choice, and can be had for less than its peers: recent sales of good quality examples hover around $10k, making today’s example a potential bargain. What do you think – would you give this Herald a spot in your garage?
First off, Great write up Michelle and a great find here T.J These are really neat looking cars. The Craigslist ad left me wanting more photos, but I agree with Michelle, this could be a really good price ( lets face it, everything is expensive today) but if its bought right and doesn’t need much sorting you’ll have a great little drop top to enjoy.
Always thought Heralds were perky little cars. Even though my preference is for the Vitesse — a Herald with Standard-Triumph’s little inline-six engine — this one’s worth a look.
I’d ditch the LED headlights and black wheels, though. To me, they look dumb and out-of-place.
It’s cute. And probably good value if the mechanical condition matches the cosmetics.
I remember the old saying: “Hark! The Herald’s axles swing!”
I knew that they shared the rear suspension with the Spitfire. But had always heard (“never played with one and have only “seen one in the wild”) that they were in fact a Spitfire underneath. Bodies swap back and forth? I used to own a Spitfire many years ago. And still have the desire to own another.
The Spitfire had a Herald underneath, as the Herald preceded the Spit by a few years.
Have one in the garage awaiting finishing (only ten years in so far!) Awaiting medical clearance to start pulling wrenches following open-heart surgery.
I agree with the comments above, neat little cars that you don’t see much. My younger brother had a 2dr sedan that was abused by him and his crew. High revs, over loaded with young men, often a quart or more low on oil, I would cringe every time he crunched gears shifting and slipping the clutch as he got under way. It lasted one summer before it headed to the crusher. A testament to the toughness of this little car.
Michelle, you have such a great writing style. You can capture the essence of a car in just one word or phrase.
Ex. “This chipper little roadster.”
That is a real talent and greatly appreciated.
Whenever I see your byline, I stop and read the article. I may not be interested in the actual car, but I am educated, enlightened and entertained by your insight.
Thank you for what you do.
Of course! Thanks for the kudos, much appreciated!
I have a 1966 Herald conv. Lovely little car , good club, parts available, mostly spitfire. I,d buy it in a second if I didn,t have to worry about shipping.
A college mate in the late 60s, Wilmot had a Herald for reasons we could not understand. This was a small school in Northern New Hampshire where there was very little furrin car support in the area and his car had Lucas electrics. We found you could not push-start it from the front: the swing-open front body would cause mysterious shorts and open circuits when we pushed on it to move the car.
not bad lines but I really like his (Michelotti’s) Ferrari 365 GTB and Maserati 3500GT. The Ferrari is iconic in a way. My idea of best ‘car looks”.
The Alpine 110, the Lancia Nardia Blur Ray and Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale real hits as well. Designs that seem to last thru inflations, recessions, ‘coke bottle’ designs, the ‘space ships’ we see from Korea, and more…
More partial to his design for the TR3’s through 5’s…but still a sharp looking car!
Open both doors at the same time. If you can’t close them thereafter, the chassis is a bit soft.
As said here many times before, some BF readers readily share amassed encyclopedic knowledge of their experiences with certain vehicles. Good stuff Derek and good to know.
My first Brit – the first of many happy rides. It replaced a ’57 Mercury with the big V8 – but that’s when I learned “It’s more fun to drive a slow car fast, than to drive a fast car slow.” Another big plus – with the full-frontal bonnet open, the front tires made great seating while tinkering with the engine.
It’s the best conditioned Herald I have ever seen! Fun little car and I agree with the comment about the black wheels. After market wheels are OK by me, however I like them to be period to the car. The black doesn’t work for me. ‘To Each his Own!’