Lot number | 36 |
---|---|
Hammer value | £2,900 |
Description | Triumph Herald 13/60 Convertible |
Registration | RRU 87H |
Year | 1969 |
Colour | Cream |
Engine size | 1,296 cc |
Chassis No. | GE51035CV |
Engine No. | GE56387HE |
By the late '50s, Triumph were one of the few manufacturers still building cars using a separate chassis and were certainly way out on their own when they introduced a completely new model range using this construction at the end of the decade.
It did have its advantages, allowing the car to be built in a variety of body styles with minimal fuss – saloon, coupe, estate and convertible versions were all available. The hinged bonnet/front wing assembly also 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, making it a doddle to manoeuvre and park.
The last derivative of the range, the Herald 13/60 appeared in 1967. As the name suggests, the 13/60 used a 1300cc 60bhp engine as fitted in the contemporary Triumph Spitfire. This lively little engine ensured that the Herald still maintained the sporty, economical performance that had made it so popular when it first appeared, with a top speed of 85mph.
To distinguish the 13/60 from earlier models a new grille and bonnet were fitted in a style similar to the six-cylinder Vitesse model. The interior received some minor improvements and in this form the 13/60 survived until production of all Herald models ended in 1971.
This 1969 Herald Convertible has had four owners to date and comes with a history file showing that it has received much attention over the years. The outriggers were replaced back in 1981 and it has travelled only around 13,000 miles since it was fitted with a reconditioned engine in 1989. There are four old MOTs on file and a workshop manual and its current MOT expires in August 2015.
These sprightly little 13/60s are surprisingly good to drive, the convertible models combining the practicality of 4 seats with open-top motoring like few other cars of the period.