Description
The Southern Cross compared favourably with other small sports cars of the day, and particularly excelled in trials and rallies where their strength could win out over lighter but more fragile machines. This robust quality would become the hallmark of the TR's success in later years. It is said that Standards CEO John Black acquired Triumph primarily for the sporting reputation, which was largely the result of the Southern Cross.
We are told there are only 8 known survivors of this model known to the club, making is exceptionally rare. FS 3514 was supplied new to its first owner in Edinburgh and the car had spent its entire life in Scotland before coming to us in North Yorkshire in 2015. The car had been with the same owner for many years and was completely restored to ‘concours' condition around 25 years ago and arrived with us in immaculate condition.
The Triumph was restored to a very high standard and it was clearly carried out with no expense spared. FS 3514 became a regular site on the Scottish show scene and often was awarded prizes for its condition. We have a selection of trophies dating back to the early 1990's that come with the car. We sold the Triumph to a local enthusiast on the outskirts of York who has kept up to the Triumph's history of winning prizes. The Triumph has been enjoyed for shows, events, weekend runs out and been a delight to own. FS 3514 presents superbly with a first class body with stunning, gleaming paintwork. The body is perfectly straight and the underside first class. The chrome work is excellent, the weather equipment is in very good order and the upholstery is beautiful with high quality carpets, top quality leather seats and a lovely dashboard. The car still has a high quality finish 25 years since restoration and presents like a car rebuilt within the past five years.
Mechanically the Triumph is strong with its Coventry Climax engine running superbly holding very good oil pressure. The Triumph had not covered high mileage since restoration so in 2015 we thoroughly prepared the car and work included re-conditioning the fuel tank, replacing the fuel pump, rebuilding the king pins, new front spring bushes, exhaust silencer, relined hand brake shoes, front brake flexi hoses, new brake back plates, wheel cylinder cup seals, fresh gearbox oil seal and new engine mounting bolts. In total we spent over £2500 preparing the car which has ensured its proven reliable and enjoyable to own over the past five years. All the running gear is in excellent order, four wheel hydraulic brakes are in very good working order, the Triumph handles and steers well and the four speed gears are a delight to use. The Triumph comes with a well-documented history file and has provenance and rarity that makes this car something very special. It is ideal for the show scene and will make a fine addition to any rare pre-war car collection.
