Even the most avid British car fan can be forgiven if the Herald is not in his vocabulary. But it should be, because though this little Triumph is not a common sight today, more than 500,000 were made, and the car’s design punched above its weight. Constructed using a bespoke box-section chassis that allowed for bolt-on panels to form anything from an estate to a convertible, the Herald could at once rattle apart on poor roads while also being readily repairable in a driveway. The inexpensive platform – reinforced in 1962 for increased rigidity – became the basis for the Spitfire, the GT6, and the Vitesse – all of which sold well. This rare 1963 Triumph Herald saloon (most were convertibles), boasting original paint and a rebuilt engine, can be found on craigslist for $5500; the car is located in River Falls, Wisconsin. Thanks to JDC for the tip!
In the beginning, the Herald was fitted with a 948 cc four-cylinder backed by a four-speed manual gearbox. Convertibles were given twin SU carbs, but the saloon received a single Solex. Output ranged from the closed car’s 35 hp to 42 hp if you bought the drop-top. The market’s initial impression of Triumph’s new model was influenced by its 30-second time to 60 mph: cute, but slow. The car was also dogged by its swing-axle rear suspension, which sent overly enthusiastic drivers into the hedgerows. As the sun set on Standard, forcing it into the arms of British Leyland, the Herald got a shot in the arm: its engine was upgraded to 1147 ccs, yielding another couple horsepower. Disc brakes became optional, and the car’s appearance was improved with a rubber bumper and real wood instrument panel. Sales ticked up despite stiff competition from the likes of Austin’s Mini and the MGB. This car’s engine has been rebuilt, and it’s fitted with twin SUs. Oh, and a word to the wise, born of unfortunate experience: when you’re messing around in this engine bay, watch out for that grille – those metal slats will cut your fingers in no time flat.
The interior is spiffy! I’m always favorably inclined toward a car when the owner has made an effort to maintain, repair, clean up, and otherwise present his car in a positive light. That said, this dash should be wood; perhaps it’s been painted.
Giovanni Michelotti designed the Herald with razor edges, a generous greenhouse, and a flip-forward bonnet. This saloon’s top is removable if you don’t mind turning a few fasteners, but the chassis isn’t reinforced like that of the convertible, so mind your driving manners out there. The gas tank is easily accessible; trunks were never carpeted – body-color paint and a hardura mat were the factory original finishes. The seller’s price is about average for a Herald in fair condition, but I spy a bit of rust. Whether that’s tolerable or not depends on your ambitions for the car – owning it for a couple of years could render the show season a lot more fun, as you answer questions about your odd little British saloon.
That’s it, you people have stood in my way long enough, I just happen to know someone in that area, and would gladly pick this up for me,,,unless he keeps it for himself. DARN YOU, SCOTTY G!!! Never have that guy go and look at something for you. :) The Herald is probably one of the 1st British non-roadsters we saw. Even the old man had one, I remember sitting on the front tire changing the plugs. It just seemed so unusual to do that. We saw an occasional Anglia, Cortina or a Morris, but not too many Heralds. We were still unsure how a country could rely on such a thing, compared to the old mans Oldsmobile. I see it has the incredibly efficient Smiths heater( shiver) and still has a “dynamo”, and the horns a nice touch, but the Herald was probably Triumphs most popular model,,,just not here. I’d love to have this.
Looks a nice wee car. The big test for Heralds (all of the separate-chassis small Triumphs, really) is to open both doors at the same time. If you then can’t shut them, it’s new chassis time – and you can get them.
Somewhere around here – I haven’t seen it in a while – is a bright yellow Courier with a Vitesse front end and a six fitted. Also GT6 wheels in black, to match the bumpers.