Owning a rare classic car can have many advantages, but there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. If that vehicle requires restoration, sourcing parts to complete the job can be difficult. This 1948 Triumph 1800 Roadster is certainly rare, with only 2,501 rolling off the line during two years of production. It runs and drives but would benefit from a cosmetic refresh. It has no major body issues, but it comes with an enormous collection of spares to help its new owner on the path to returning it to its former glory. Located in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, you will find the Triumph listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner has set a sale price of $11,500, although he may consider trades.

Post-war Britain was a sad place, with the conflict wreaking physical and financial damage that lasted for decades. For vehicle manufacturers, materials like steel were in short supply, so ingenuity was crucial if new cars were to roll out of factories in respectable numbers. Triumph had been in dire financial straits during the early 1940s, but under new ownership, it was on a firm financial footing by 1946. Still, they faced the same issue of material shortages, which explains the construction techniques employed on the 1800 Roadster. The company fashioned the box frame and fenders from steel, but the remaining panels were aluminum formed over rubbed press tools the company had previously utilized for aviation construction. They hung these panels over a timber body frame fashioned from ash, producing a sports car that was robust but slightly on the heavy side. Our feature car appears to be structurally sound, with no evidence of rust or rot. The panels exhibit no significant dents or marks, while the trim and chrome appear excellent. There is no soft-top, so the next owner may have to scour a few internet sites to find what they need. For those who may be worried about potential future panel damage, the seller has them covered. Included is a virtually complete set of panels and numerous other parts. While most vehicles of this type offered seating for two people, this classic had a surprising ace up its sleeve.

Many enthusiasts, especially those with a young family, will deem a classic sports car impractical due to its seating capacity. However, Triumph produced an ingenious solution that skirts this problem. For a vehicle of this size, its trunk is enormous. Not only is there room for a surprising amount of luggage, but the two-piece deck lid opens like a clamshell to reveal a pair of “dickey” seats. These probably wouldn’t be that comfortable for full-size adults on longer journeys, but they could be just the ticket for children. The inclusion of a windshield for that area provides wind protection and reduces the claustrophobic feel that may come from staring at an unrelenting wall of aluminum. However, the lack of a top means that things are less pleasant should the weather turn wet. It appears that both of the seats are intact, and the glass is free from flaws. If you took this Triumph to a show or a Cars & Coffee, it would attract comments and admiring glances from those who have never seen this configuration in this type of car before.

Okay, this Triumph has you covered if you are a family of four, but what happens if there are five of you? Once again, the company provided a solution. The Roadster’s overall width of 64″ was considered large for a sports car of this period, but by specifying a bench seat and column shifter, the front seat could accommodate three people in relative comfort. The vehicle would have felt luxurious when new, thanks to leather upholstery and a walnut veneer dash, but it looks pretty tired now. The seat appears to wear a relatively new cover, but the plaid cloth door trims are rather jarring. One of the photos suggests that the owner may have installed new carpet, but its fit doesn’t look good. Sourcing upholstery pieces is possible, although the buyer may need to contact one of the British companies willing to ship internationally. A few are listed on the internet, so it will cost nothing to drop an email to see what is available. However, the dash may pose the most significant challenge. The walnut has peeled away in many places, while a few of the pieces that form the “foundations” are missing. It may not be the end of the world because a competent cabinetmaker or timber specialist may be able to fashion replacement pieces and apply new veneers.

The drivetrain of this Triumph could be considered stereotypical of classic British sports cars from this period. It is no surprise to tip back the hood to find a 1,776cc four-cylinder engine that sends its 65hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The power figure would seem respectable for a vehicle of this type, but that engine needs to shift a car that tips the scales at a relatively heavy 2,541lbs. As a result, this isn’t the fastest car on the planet. The journey from 0-60mph would take 25.2 seconds, while this classic would run out of breath at 80mph. It’s hardly fast, but when you consider the seating versatility on offer, it stacks up reasonably well. For potential buyers, there is plenty of good news. The owner recently installed new brakes and tires, and it seems that the car may be roadworthy. It runs and drives, and once again, there are piles of additional parts to help keep this beauty in sound mechanical health for decades to come. These include a complete engine and transmission, plus boxes of other items.

Traditional British sports cars have a dedicated following in the classic community, and rare vehicles in good condition can command attention. The low production figures for the Triumph 1800 Roadster allow it to wear the “rare” badge, and natural attrition means that they don’t often hit the market. When they do, a spotless example can easily fetch a price north of $40,000, although they tend to be more highly sought in their home country than in North America. Parts, especially body panels and associated hardware, can be difficult to source, but this car has those bases covered. If this Triumph is as structurally sound as the photos suggest, it represents the type of project that its new owner could tackle in a home workshop. Are you searching for a classic British sports car? If so, do you find this Roadster tempting?