Triumph Dolomite 1850HL

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A woefully underrated and sweet-driving saloon, the Triumph Dolomite 1850 was a genuine BMW rival in its day but has always been overshadowed by its more overtly sporting Sprint cousin.

A more upmarket version of the Toledo, the Dolomite was in production from 1972 to 1980, the base models having 1300 and 1500 engines. In 1850 form the Dolomite had a 91bhp OHC slant-four with an iron block and an alloy head which gave it spritely performance – a top speed of 100mph and 0-60 in under 12 seconds.

Luxuries included reclining front seats, cigar lighter, fasten seat belts warning light, driver’s door mirror, twin reversing lamps and dipping mirror as standard, while the HL (High Line) spec added a rev counter, volt meter, separate fuel and temperature gauges, analogue clock, adjustable steering column, height adjustable driver's seat head restraints, seat pockets, rear arm rest and walnut door cappings.

This late model 1850HL was first registered in January 1981 and is finished in oh-so-period Sandglow with a brown cloth interior. Appearing to be in highly original condition throughout, it was acquired by our vendor in 2015 when it had 98,550 miles on the clock.

A retired tool maker and production engineer, he has maintained the car meticulously to make it a reliable daily driver, keeping a detailed log of every journey made and every penny spent. It has covered 5,000 trouble-free miles during his ownership, averaging 33mpg with a very healthy engine (170 – 180psi across all four cylinders). Supplied with a good file of history, it is due to have a new MOT in time for the sale.

Shown at the Triumph Dolomite Club annual get-together in 2017 and 2018, it scooped the second place award for the best-kept 1850 on both occasions. Of the 204,000 Dolomites made in total, fewer than 1,900 are still UK registered today of which only 219 are 1850HL models, making this a surprisingly rare machine.