Kept within the same family from new until present day
Well presented, in truly fine mechanical and aesthetic order
One of the final production cars to ever be fitted with a rumble/dickie seat
Incredible history file that includes numerous old MOT & both buff log books!
The Appeal
Designed in the closing days of World War II, the Triumph 1800 Roadster, model name 18TR, was fuelled by post war optimism and an imminent boom in private car ownership. Aimed at competing with offerings from Jaguar, Triumph, who had recently been purchased by the Standard Motor Company, utilised a solid 1800 engine, and aluminium and ash frame construction to make a wonderful little sports car, which would go on to find fame on the TV screens being used in the 1980s detective show Bergerac.
This 1947 Roadster is a wonderful example of the model, having been kept within the same loving family from first purchase in early 1948 until present day. Presented in wonderful aesthetic order and in good overall mechanical form, this slice of Triumph history must surely be one of the best preserved examples of the rare model on the roads today.
The History and Paperwork
First registered 01/01/1948
After initial purchase it was used for some years before being passed to the original owners son
It was kept by this owner until present day, making this a genuine two owner car as we understand
Accompanied by an impressively sized history file
Original older style registration tax books are present with the vehicle
Motor fuel ration book assigned to the car is still within the history folder
Triumph Roadster technical and operating handbooks
Extensive collection of older MOT certificates
The car is now both tax and MOT exempt due to its age and historic status
V5 registration document is present with the vehicle
The Interior
Smartly presented highly original interior space
In excellent overall form boasting high quality leather upholstery throughout
Understood to be the last production car fitted with a rear fold out rumble/dickie seat
Wonderful brown leather bench seat in the front section of the cabin, presenting with a light, honest patina, but no signs of blemishing or excessive wear
High quality wooden dash panel takes pride of place in the front of the cabin, still in great clean form with more minimal signs of wear and age making themselves apparent
Neat collection of original gauges and switchgear, boasting a well earned, gentle patina
Opening the rear hatch one is presented with the aforementioned fold out rear rumble/dickie seating with two smaller brown leather chairs
Rear seats are in good clean form and are a wonderful nod to the automotive engineering of years gone by
Plush brown carpeting drapes its way across the cabin floor in both the front and rear sections
Wonderful two spoke, leather wrapped steering wheel in good honest order
Two “suicide” style doors with excellent leather upholstery along with quality wood and chrome embellishments
Classic Blaupunkt radio unit
Read leather press stud tonneau cover, in great clean form
The Exterior
Gorgeous, sloping, curved exterior design
Predominantly ash frame construction with aluminium body panels due to post war steel shortages at the time
Presented in wonderful overall aesthetic order
As we understand the car was taken back to bare metal and resprayed in its current black hue a few years ago
Paintwork now presents very well with a deep glossy shine, exhibiting very little in the way of wear or age related marking
Lashings of excellent high quality chrome trim throughout
Four wonderful black wheels with decorative Triumph chrome trim reside at ground level, in good clean order
A full size fifth spare wheel sits in the rear of the car
External badging and glass work are all in fine fettle
Folding red leather soft top roof which stows into the rear section of the car
A smart selection of period correct badging and club embellishments sit proudly on the front of the car
Bold chrome headlights, wing mounted lights and chrome appointments sit comfortably around the wonderfully styled front end
Vertically slotted Triumph front grille piece
The Mechanics
1800 model with a good quality 1776cc four cylinder engine residing in the front of the car
In good presentable mechanical order
As we understand both the engine and gearbox have been removed, stripped down and rebuilt in the car’s more recent history
A period correct tool set it stowed under the bonnet and looks to have seen very limited use within its time
The car fires into life comfortably and quickly, and after release of the choke, settles into a suitable idle
A wonderful driving experience is provided by the Triumph with good power delivery and solid brakes
Manual column shift gearbox which, once the gear layout is learnt operates smoothly and comfortably
Underside appears solid and clean throughout
Summary
This impeccable Triumph Roadster is a wonderful nod to the glory days of post war motoring. With its gorgeous sloping curved design, it's certainly a high ranker in the looks department, and backed by a solid 1800 engine, it’ll undoubtedly make a wonderful showpiece to enjoy through the current summer months. HDD 17 is finally ready to leave the nest after a near 80 year long spell with its original purchasing family, and longs for a new loving home with a devoted enthusiast.
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1947 Triumph Roadster
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