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Triumph 14/65 Dolomite Roadster

Triumph 14/65 Dolomite Roadster

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Triumph 14/65 Dolomite RoadsterTriumph 14/65 Dolomite RoadsterTriumph 14/65 Dolomite RoadsterTriumph 14/65 Dolomite RoadsterTriumph 14/65 Dolomite Roadster
Triumph 14/65 Dolomite RoadsterTriumph 14/65 Dolomite RoadsterTriumph 14/65 Dolomite RoadsterTriumph 14/65 Dolomite RoadsterTriumph 14/65 Dolomite Roadster
Triumph 14/65 Dolomite RoadsterTriumph 14/65 Dolomite RoadsterTriumph 14/65 Dolomite RoadsterTriumph 14/65 Dolomite RoadsterTriumph 14/65 Dolomite Roadster
Triumph 14/65 Dolomite RoadsterTriumph 14/65 Dolomite RoadsterTriumph 14/65 Dolomite Roadster
Lot number 166
Hammer value £27,000
Description Triumph 14/65 Dolomite Roadster
Registration HG 6782
Year 1938
Colour Cream
Engine size 1,767 cc
Chassis No. 25/3/3544
Engine No. DR14/3552

Launched in 1937 when Donald Healey was Technical Director of the Triumph Motor Company, the Dolomite was a wonderfully flamboyant car that combined a mixture of Italian and American styling cues to create a most sporting-looking machine aimed at the luxury end of the market.

Available in saloon and roadster forms, it was initially powered by a 1,767cc four-cylinder engine although a 1,496cc four and a 1,991cc six were also later available. These new all-alloy overhead-valve units were the work of Donald Healey and featured efficient cross-flow cylinder heads, which placed the inlet and exhaust ports on opposite sides. In 1.7-litre form it could propel the car to a top speed of around 80mph, driving via a new four-speed gearbox which boasted synchromesh on the top three ratios.

The cruciform braced chassis was basically similar in layout to that of the outgoing Gloria, being upswept at the front and under-slung at the rear, although slightly wider to permit the accommodation of roomier bodies. The elegant bodywork was built from aluminium over a rot-proofed ash frame and was styled by Walter Belgrove, the most eye-catching feature being the ‘waterfall’ radiator grille and chromed bonnet side vents which were clearly inspired by the latest Hudson Terraplane.

Triumph had been moving progressively upmarket during the 1930s and the Dolomites were very well equipped with automatic chassis lubrication, a leather bound steering wheel adjustable for rake and reach, dual hydraulic brake circuits, twin trumpet horns and spot lamps all included in the price. The roadster had a leather bench seat that could fit three at a pinch with two additional dickie seats under a hatch to the rear.

Although the Dolomites were acknowledged as the best cars Triumph had ever built, the company could not make enough of them and, lacking resources to increase capacity, went into receivership in June 1939, by which time just 200 roadsters had been made.

The documented history of this 1938 model stretches back to 1963 when it  passed through a chain of owners in the North of England. It somehow ended up parked in a London garden under a tarpaulin looking rather sad. A restoration of sorts had commenced, the vendor tracking the car down in 2004 through the excellent Pre-1940 Triumph Club and taking it under his wing.

The car was completely stripped to its component parts, the chassis being shot-blasted and carefully repainted. The gearbox and back axle were inspected and given a thorough coat of paint while the braking system was totally overhauled with new brake cylinders and pipes etc.

One of the reasons the vendor took on the project was that its engine had been professionally rebuilt. A quick inspection showed that the work had been well done and after refurbishment of the ancilliaries, it was reinstalled in the chassis. The vendor sent the carburettors away to Burlen Fuel Systems for overhaul and fitted an electric fuel pump and electronic ignition for reliability.

The bodywork required considerable ash frame repair, with areas of corrosion to the aluminium paneling being cut out and replaced as necessary. A large file of restoration photographs shows clearly the extent of the work carried out. The dashboard was restored, including its correct instruments and a new wiring loom installed.

The car was then professionally painted in cream, the seats upholstered in green leather and a new hood and tonneau added. Completed in 2010, it has been used for local trips and has covered approximately 500 miles each year. The vendor advises us that it goes along very nicely and has a high-ratio differential which gives an easy 55mph cruise.

There is a large file of invoices and an information file that includes an original handbook and parts book. The club register records fewer than 50 pre-war Dolomites still extant, with just 12 or so being the desirable 14/65 Roadster model.

Ready to go and show, this distinctive and extremely rare Art Deco styled Triumph causes a great deal of interest wherever it goes.
 

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