***Images supplied by vendor***
Highlights
- Just 22,248 original miles
- Used as a wedding car
- Thousands spent on mechanical restoration
- 1 of fewer than 3,000 made
- Thought to be less than 200 left worldwide
The Appeal
One of the first vehicles to wear the Triumph badge following the SMC takeover, the Renown is a traditional saloon car, built from 1949-1954.
With fewer than 3,000 originally made, there are only a very small number still on the road in the UK. It’s a pretty and nicely proportioned vintage car, with a fine, swooping fender design and some lovely design touches.
With fewer than 3,000 originally made, there are only a very small number still on the road in the UK. It’s a pretty and nicely proportioned vintage car, with a fine, swooping fender design and some lovely design touches.
This particular car is one of the final models made – a MkII TDC. That means it is built on the MkI limousine chassis, which offers an extra 3 inches of legroom over the TDA and TDB models.
It’s little wonder then that this car has been used as a wedding car for some years, with the longer wheelbase and lovely, classic styling, it’s the perfect vehicle for a sunny, summer wedding.
It’s little wonder then that this car has been used as a wedding car for some years, with the longer wheelbase and lovely, classic styling, it’s the perfect vehicle for a sunny, summer wedding.
It also makes a lot of sense as a usable classic to enjoy regularly or keep for shows.
Rare, pretty, kept in excellent condition and with a very pleasing specification, this charming old car makes a fine case for itself.
Rare, pretty, kept in excellent condition and with a very pleasing specification, this charming old car makes a fine case for itself.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 25 October 1952
- Historic vehicle: MOT and tax exempt
- 4 owners from new
- Just 22,248 miles from new
- Current owner reports spending thousands on mechanical restoration
- Stored indoors during current ownership
- Previously used as a wedding car
- Part independent service history
- V5c included
- Selling due to car no longer fitting the business
The Interior
- Retrimmed brown and cream vinyl upholstery
- Wood trimmed dash, door tops and window frames
- Retro radio
With a large glass area giving the cabin a light and airy feel, and the extra legroom afforded by the ‘limo’ chassis, the interior of this Renown is certainly a nice place to spend time.
With plush, two-tone brown and cream upholstery, complemented with a light headlining, oatmeal carpets and that classic wooden dash, it’s a fine colour scheme and specification.
With plush, two-tone brown and cream upholstery, complemented with a light headlining, oatmeal carpets and that classic wooden dash, it’s a fine colour scheme and specification.
All of the cabin elements look to be in very good condition, with no evidence we could see of damage, rips or significant wear.
Of course, there are elements showing signs of genuine wear and age-related patina, but this should very much be expected on a 70 year old car. Overall it appears to be in much better condition than we would expect, probably due to the vehicle’s low mileage and light use as a wedding car.
Of course, there are elements showing signs of genuine wear and age-related patina, but this should very much be expected on a 70 year old car. Overall it appears to be in much better condition than we would expect, probably due to the vehicle’s low mileage and light use as a wedding car.
The owner describes the interior of the car as a “7/10”, which we think is very fair. The boot area is described as being in good condition, but it should be noted that there is no spare wheel or toolkit present.
Generally, this is a good, usable daily classic with lots of period charm.
Generally, this is a good, usable daily classic with lots of period charm.
The Exterior
- Cream paintwork
- Lots of original brightwork
The traditional ‘long bonnet, three-box’ saloon design of the Renown really does make it a very pretty vintage car.
Well-proportioned with interesting design details such as the front ‘suicide’ doors, chunky upright chrome grille and sweeping front fenders, it cuts a dash wherever it goes. The ‘push button’ door handles and larger rear window area also confirm this is a MkII TDC model.
Well-proportioned with interesting design details such as the front ‘suicide’ doors, chunky upright chrome grille and sweeping front fenders, it cuts a dash wherever it goes. The ‘push button’ door handles and larger rear window area also confirm this is a MkII TDC model.
Generally the paintwork is in above average condition, but with some minor blemishes and faults.
Although the current owner does not know if the car has been restored previously, it certainly hasn’t been in their ownership, so the bodywork and paint should be considered to be in good, unrestored and largely original condition.
Although the current owner does not know if the car has been restored previously, it certainly hasn’t been in their ownership, so the bodywork and paint should be considered to be in good, unrestored and largely original condition.
All of the brightwork is complete, with no trim pieces missing. It’s all in good condition, with signs of wear commensurate with the age of the vehicle, and adds a lovely period charm to the car.
The wheels are white painted steel items with chromed hubs, presented in good condition.
The wheels are white painted steel items with chromed hubs, presented in good condition.
The Mechanics
- 2,088cc inline-four
- 3-speed manual transmission
With a burbly little four-cylinder, the Renown offers a capable and characterful drivetrain.
The vendor tells us they have spent thousands over their ownership in mechanically restoring the car. As a result, they tell us it drives, stops and steers very well and idles perfectly.
We’re informed that there is a “slight tappet noise”, but otherwise the car is mechanically in excellent condition.
The vendor tells us they have spent thousands over their ownership in mechanically restoring the car. As a result, they tell us it drives, stops and steers very well and idles perfectly.
We’re informed that there is a “slight tappet noise”, but otherwise the car is mechanically in excellent condition.
Summary
This is a beautiful example of a true British classic. Hailing from that post-war era when some truly pretty and interesting cars were being manufactured in the UK, it’s a handsome vintage saloon.
Finished in a lovely cream-over-brown specification, genuinely rare and benefitting from fine internal and external details, a good history of maintenance, genuine low mileage and gentle use as a wedding car.
If you’ve been on the lookout for a quality, charming and genuinely usable vintage classic, this should definitely be very high on your list.
If you’ve been on the lookout for a quality, charming and genuinely usable vintage classic, this should definitely be very high on your list.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
