Triumph Herald 12/50

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Launched in 1959, the Triumph Herald flew in the face of prevailing trends in car design by retaining a separate chassis onto which the outer panels were bolted.

This allowed the car to be built in a variety of body styles with minimal fuss. Over the course of production, saloon, coupe, estate and convertible versions were all available. Conveniently, the hinged bonnet/front wing assembly permitted generous access to the engine and front suspension, making it one of the easiest cars to work on. The design also allowed an amazingly tight turning circle – just 25 feet, making it a doddle to manoeuvre and park.

From 1963 the 948cc engine was increased in size to 1,147cc, boosting power to a useful 48bhp in the Herald 1200. A sportier 12/50 was also offered with a slightly revised grille and tuned engine which upped the output to 51bhp. Later still the 13/60 made its appearance, with the more powerful 1,296cc engine from the Spitfire, Herald production finally coming to an end in 1971.

This 1969 12/50 saloon comes with a comprehensive history file that includes 21 old MOT certificates, its original bill of sale and service book. Recently recommissioned after a period of inactivity, it has just been fitted with a new stainless exhaust, four new tyres, a replacement radiator and new water hoses. The suspension has been overhauled with new trunnions and it is described by the vendor as running nicely.

MOTd until April 2016, the ‘Yellow Peril’ as its affectionately known would make an ideal first classic or economical second car for shorter journeys. Fun to drive, great around town and easy on the wallet thanks to their inherent reliability, excellent fuel consumption and cheap insurance, the Triumph Herald must rate alongside the Morris 1000 as one of the most straightforward classics on the market.