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.
Great write-up Michelle! As a former Spitfire owner, I knew very little about the Herald. Thanks for the education!
For whatever it’s worth, this is NOT a 1963 model; more likely it’s a 1960 or 1961 (for whatever reason not titled until 1963). The interior is pretty much (as) original, and yes, the dash is correct, with the wood fascia not becoming common until the later 1200 series models. Oh, the Spitfire Mk2 engine seen here is nice, but it’s rather too much for the early chassis of this car. (Hopefully it’s at least mated up to a Spitfire gearbox and differential!)
Ohh ohh, im first.
HARK THE HERALD AXLES SWING
I was coming here to say that!
I believe British cars of this era had the title dated when sold. I know that was the case with my brother’s MG in 1968.
Thank you, Andrew Mace, for standing up for the old molded cardboard dash panel. Jeff Hawkins
Seller is right I have never seen one that would scare me for replacement parts like brakes and other things. But it would definitely get some attention at car shows
One of my several stalled projects is a 1965 (we think) 1200 Sports convertible. I picked it up to supplement my 1959 TR3A as a parade vehicle since it will seat four as opposed to the two in the TR. I ordered a little over $4000 in new parts and even got a few installed, such as the entire front suspension and brakes, before illness ( couple of MIs) and age (81) caused it to be put on the back burner (actually, not even on the stove anymore). As you said, you’re not likely to see another one at cars and coffee or a small, non-British car show. It is interesting how the British rounded their numbers. 1147=1200, hmm. Maybe I’ll get motivated before I turn 90 to get this back on the road.
I saw one this past weekend at a car show in Jackson, CA. I was there with my Mk2 Cortina, the funny thing being that this was a hot rod car show. Fun little cars with a hood that flips up for easy engine access. Maybe if this one was closer.
Some information is incorrect , I have a 64 herald convertible and it has the single solex (known as the PITA) Unless it was a converted saloon which I doubt as I met the original owner. Wood dash and drum brakes all around. Every car show Ive taken it to its the only one. One of my neighbors who was a newbie at the show had a 57 Chevy bel air and scoffed at it. I proceeded to point out the 3 other 57s the 6 or so 55 and 56s and that there are NO Heralds
If this was closer, I’d go buy it… It would look just fine parked between by GT6 and TR6…
In the mid 60s I was working at a summer camp for special kids and my co-counselor much older than me, had a Triumph Herald of this vintage. I got to drive it a couple of times and it was fun on country roads, but totally inappropriate for American highways.
I saw this one at the British car meet in Dobson,NC a few
weeks ago.Had a nice talk with the owner.
As our ’67 MGB GT is still off the road,I took the “M” car –
’97 Miata.When I got to the show I told the guy at the entrance that
“it identifies as a Lotus Elan”.He didn’t buy that!
I’m a paint guy and except for the roof the paint looks like it would buff up to a decent shine. It keeps the patina of this old Triumph….maybe I would paint the top a low gloss black……
Looks just like the one we got here in Dallas over by Love Field Airport….thought it was it…..it sits out on the street for long periods of time but won’t sell it….goes back in the driveway when Code Compliance gets a call….
In the late 60s, me and my friends were acquiring our first cars mostly Dad approved (money talks). One of my friends was issued a Herald like this except his was a convertible. Not exactly the Dodge Challenger he was pinning for. The fact that the top went down helped and the maneuverability of this compared to the full size American behemoths that we all learned to drive on was practically otherworldly. But boy was it slow. My friend wasted no time saving his pennies and dimes and in about a year he had his Challenger. I guess we didn’t appreciate British cars back then as much as American muscle. But that said; my cousin had a Stag and my brother was gifted a Sprite and I sometimes swapped my Camero with his Sprite because dang it; it was a blast to drive on a nice day. I can’t remember the last time I saw a Herald in any version on the road or at a show. Unique might be an understatement. GLWTS.
Thanks to Top Gear, I cannot see a Triumph Herald without picturing a mast and a sail sticking out of it!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7dsp_Aulp8Y&ra=m
Looks to be one of the easiest to work on autos ever – the real mechanic’s dream.
Michelle, thanks for the write up.
About “born of unfortunate experience”, does that explain my ever growing list of injuries and surgeries?
Some i call freak accidents and most were caused by others.
Usually when someone hears of some of my body’s history, they assume motorsports. Just a concussion in1970 when foam rubber and black tape was the norm on roll bars.
I’m walking pretty good and will have a few more weeks of physical therapy. Some metal detectors went off for my pelvis hardware and some didn’t. Screws in my ankle and a plate screwed in my leg might change that.