• Chassis # GA100920L
  • Engine # FM126051UE
  • Upgraded to a 1500cc Spitfire Engine & T9 5-Speed Gearbox
  • Comprehensively Restored By Ragtops & Roadsters With Receipts in Excess of $110,000
  • Offered With Restoration Receipts, Original Wheels, and Original Steering Wheel
  • A Multiple Award Winning Example
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This car is currently located in: Philadelphia, PA

The Overview

History

Towards the end of the 1950s, Triumph, or Standard-Triumph as they were known following the buyout by the Standard Motor Company, wanted a new two-door saloon to fit between their Triumph-branded sports cars and the aging Standard-branded saloons. Penned by famed Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti, the Triumph Herald was released in 1959 with a 948 cc OHV I4 that put out 34.5 hp. 

When the 1960s rolled around, Triumph was facing economic hardship and subsequently acquired by Leyland Motors in 1961. Some of the new resources were allocated to further develop the Herald with a new model dubbed the Herald 1200 released in April 1961. The Herald 1200 featured a more powerful 1147 cc engine that put out 39 hp through a single carburetor, although twin carburetors remained an option along with disc brakes. This new model also received rubber-covered bumpers, a wooden laminate dashboard, better seats, and overall higher quality control. A 3-door estate version was added to the lineup a  month after the release of the 1200. Production lasted until 1970.

This Car

This particular example, Chassis # GA1009206, is a 1963 model year making it a Herald 1200, and fitted with the optional front disc brakes. The body is finished in Jasmine Yellow over a contrasting Black leather interior and a wood dashboard.

While the early history of this example has unfortunately been lost to time, we do know that the current owner purchased it in 2012 from its long-time owner in MA. The car was immediately entrusted to Ragtops & Roadsters, an award-winning restoration shop in Perkasie, PA, with a body-off-frame restoration to bring this British classic to factory fresh condition. The process started in November of 2014 and by November of 2019 the car was sorted, being driven, and a regular participant in local concours events. The cost of restoration exceeded $110,000, resulting in an award-winning Triumph Herald, an effort that is seldom undertaken for such a model. Details of the restoration and subsequent service history can be found in the “View Documents” section. 

In place of the original 1147 cc engine is a rebuilt twin-SU carburetor-powered 1500cc Triumph Spitfire engine backed by a T9 5-speed manual transmission. The 13-inch Mini Lite wheels and Komoto tires are controlled by a wood-rimmed Moto Lita steering wheel and stop with the help of front disc brakes and rear drums. The original wood dash was refreshed and all of its gauges function as they should.

Owing to the quality of the restoration are the numerous awards this Herald has received, including 1st in class trophies at the 2019, 2021, and 2022 Cars and Motorcycles of England at Hope Lodge (CMOE) show, at the 2019 Brits at the Peddler’s Village show, and at the 2022 “The British are Coming” Show in Perkasie, PA.

As it sits, this is likely one of the nicest examples of a Triumph Herald on the market. The body-off-frame restoration was completed with no expenses spared and no corners cut. Every part of this Triumph that was touched by age in any way was taken care of and any mechanical or electrical maladies were addressed. The result is a turnkey, ready-to-drive, British classic that is sure to turn heads and attract more awards at any show it attends.

Upon purchase, the new owner will receive all of the restoration receipts on file, an excellent condition car cover, the original steering wheel, original wheels with like-new tires and hub caps, and assorted parts and materials including the original owner’s manual.

The Details

exterior

body and paint

The presentation of this Herald is excellent overall and can easily be considered show worthy. The Jasmine Yellow paint has a consistent luster throughout. Thanks to a total restoration the body is overall straight and free of any major issues. The metal is thin, and the quality of restoration evident. The panel fitment could see improvement however, specifically the doors which do stick out a bit in the bottom corners. These cars were never perfect from the factory however. The quality of presentation is otherwise indicative of a totally restored example. The top is new, fits well, and is without any flaws to note.

glass and trim

The glass is all original Triplex. The rubber trim throughout is new and supple including the ubiquitous Herald white rubber trim which does show a couple of cracks but otherwise fits nicely. The brightwork is good but not perfect. The stainless trim is all present and also good but not perfect. With some items on both brightwork and stainless trim showing as new and others being restored original components. But it is important to note that all trim, even the smaller, often missing bits on these cars, are all present on this example.

wheels

The wheels as photographed are proper 13” mini-lites. The original wheels have been restored and are included in the sale and can be found at the end of the gallery.

notable flaws

There are some flaws worth noting such as a few small chips near the driver side and passenger side headlights. As well as hairline cracks where the rear ¼’s meet the rear/top body section. There are minor flaws here or there, but nothing that warrants refinishing. Please refer to the photos to see these paint flaws. The windscreen, being original, also shows some flaws in the way of chips and peppering.

interior

seats and surfaces

The interior of a Herald is rather spartan, this example shows a well restored interior to correct specification. As with the exterior, everything is restored to a high level with nothing left untouched. The seats were completely rebuilt with new covers. The kick panels, center console, carpeting, door cards, dash top, rear seats etc… all new and properly/correctly restored. Under the carpets we find modern sound deadening, but under that we can see that the car was taken down to bare metal and the floors are body color. The gauges were rebuilt and the dash fascia restored as well. The door jams show nicely with updated accessory Triumph sill plates. The only obvious modification/update is that of a Moto-Lita wooden steering wheel which has a smaller diameter than the original. The original is included however. Under the dash also looks great and is properly finished, tidy and as it should be.

functionality and accessories

All aspects of functionality in terms of knobs, pulls, switches, stalks and the like are in proper working order. All lighting, heater blower motor, turn signals, high/low beams, dash/gauge lights etc…. All in correct working order.

engine bay and trunk

engine bay

The engine bay is about as nice as one will find on a Triumph Herald. Seldom are these cars restored to this level and when opening the hood the engine bay continues the trend of a well-restored example. Everything appears to be new or lightly used from the post-restoration miles that this car has been enjoyed. There have been some minor deviations from correct/stock such as the hose clamps which have been upgraded to a more modern (reliably) type as well as a battery disconnect.

trunk area

As expected the trunk area is as restored as the rest of the car with the quality carrying right into the spare wheel compartment. The trunk is finished with carpet to match the interior and even a decal has been added to the gas tank per original. A well appointed trunk.

Underside

The underside shows as a fully restored car does, but not without some signs of use as this car has seen some enjoyment, post-restoration. Any flaws or oxidation that might be present are minor. By our inspection and the photos, it does not appear that this car was excessively rusty before being restored. A hallmark of a good car.

notable flaws

We did note one rubber vacuum hose showing some cracking that will need tending to at some point in the future. It does not seem to affect running performance at this time.

mechanicals

engine

The 1500cc Spitfire derived unit starts easily with choke and with a little temperature runs well off of choke. It builds consistent power, oil pressure and holds temperature for the duration of use. A snappy little 4-cylinder and well suited for this chassis. It runs out strong and feels fresh. No unwanted noises, smoke or knocking of any kind.

transmission

The transmission is an upgraded T9 5-Speed that shifts as intended with no issues noted. Proper clutch action/release/engagement and no issues to note. A sensible upgrade that makes for a very enjoyable car.

brakes and suspension

The brakes work well for being so small thanks to the Herald being so light. Discs brakes up front and drums in the rear means this car stops on command without any pulling or feedback in the pedal, which feels firm and reliable.

tires

The tires are Kumho Solus 175/70 R13 on all 4 corners with dates codes of 2017. They remain supple with plenty of tread life left. The tires on the original wheels are also new.

driving experience

This little Triumph Herald is an inviting drive. It is snappy, quick, and moves with modern traffic. Ideal for town & country roads or even city use. Highly usable and easy to live with and room for the whole family or friends. Most notable however is the reality that his car has seen a six-figure investment in its restoration and care to bring it to the condition you see today. A very rare instance for a Triumph Herald. Surely this is one of the best and easily a smart buy for anyone looking for a fun one-car garage or an addition to any collection of quality.

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