・Kept garaged in current ownership

・Considerate upgrades to improve drivability 

・Based upon a Triumph Herald

Introduced in 1959, the stylish Michelotti-penned Triumph Herald was a stalwart of its time, being offered in almost every conceivable body style from coupés and convertibles through to small vans, such was the adaptability of the Herald platform.

In 1967 and toward the end of the Herald’s impressive life cycle, the range was once again updated with the ‘new’ 13/60 models being unveiled at the London Motor Show. 

Most important, was the upgrade to the 1.3-litre 1296cc engine, which was largely the same unit used in the Triumph 1300. Power was boosted to 61bhp and a Stromberg Carburettor was employed, allowing the Herald to last until 1970 in saloon form, with the convertible and estate variants also facing the chopping block during 1971.

But when is a Triumph not a Triumph? Well…

Built upon one of the last Heralds to come off the production line - being a 1970-registered vehicle - this ‘Special’ is in fact a 1970 Triumph Herald 13/60, which has been extensively re-bodied and fettled by Burlington to become the Morgan-look alike that you see here.

Clearly, this bodywork attracts plenty of attention, as during the vendor’s ownership the car has drawn plenty of curious onlookers and crowds at various events and classic car shows, where the unusual bodywork conversion is a sure-fire conversation starter.

Having been owned by the vendor since 2015 and thoroughly enjoyed, a number of minor maintenance items have been addressed, along with a few considerate upgrades having been installed. 

In terms of maintenance, the radiator has been re-cored and the engine has received a full de-coking, however beyond this only regular servicing has been required. A full stainless steel exhaust system has also been made for, and fitted to the vehicle to enhance the driving experience.

Inside, a socket has been fitted to allow for the use of a sat-nav or on-the-go phone charging, while a switch has been fitted which toggles an additional fan in the engine compartment which enhances the cooling capability of the engine, particularly useful in heavy traffic or hot weather.

The odometer currently has a very low reading, however this is due to it being out-of-action for a long time, and the true mileage is unknown. The mileage shown on the odometer is actually 155, as it was only brought back into operation very recently due to a faulty connection problem.

Included with the car is a plethora of paperwork from throughout its history, including a brochure from Burlington detailing the conversion and the parts required, photographs of the bodywork being fitted, the V5 ownership document and numerous invoices from the current ownership period for various parts and work.

Insider the cockpit, this Triumph ‘special’ looks to be in excellent shape, and while we already know the indicated mileage is not true, it wouldn’t be too hard to believe it was, judging by the condition of this interior.

The bucket-style seats show very little in the way of the typical patina you’d see on an exposed vehicle such as this, while the steering wheel, shifter and carpets all look to be in very good condition too, with no notable marks or wear.

The wooden dashboard has been painted black to tie in with the rest of the interior, though there are some marks to be seen to the upper edges where the paintwork has worn away.

The major gauges are functional, with standard indicator, oil pressure, and high beam warning lamps fitted, and the charging function is indicated via the ignition warning lamp in the normal way.  The vendor notes that the ammeter and radio system have never been connected during their ownership.

On the whole, it’s fair to say that this ‘Special’ is in fantastic condition externally, with the bodywork retaining a crisp colour and showing no signs of any fading or notable impact damage. 

Looking closer, the chrome window frame and details would benefit from a thorough polishing and show some signs of minor patina, while the front and rear bumpers look to be in very good condition with some light scratches in the surface, with the former also exhibiting some surface pitting and stone chips.

All four wheels present well, though there are some minor kerb grazes to be seen and the wheels would benefit from a refurbishment at some point, though this is hardly a pressing matter. 

There are the usual smattering of stone chips to be seen on the front end and exposed edges, though this is commensurate with the age and mileage of the vehicle. The rubber mountings of the rear luggage rack are also beginning to perish and crack, while there appears to be a small patch of bubbling towards the front of the nearside engine cover. 

First off, the undersides and chassis of this look almost clean enough to eat your dinner off of. That’s mightily impressive when you consider this is no ‘garage queen’ as is genuinely driven, as all cars should be.

Inside the wheel arches, the fibreglass bodywork all looks to be in good shape with no noted cracks or spidering, while the suspension components also all appear in good nick, with only some minor surface ‘bloom’ noted here-and-there. 

Under the bonnet, the 1.3-litre engine looks to be in good order, with the block and ancillaries all presenting very well indeed. There are no reported faults or issues with the vehicle, 

If all that wasn’t enough, despite being exempt on account of its age, the vendor still has the car MOT’d to ensure its condition remains top-notch, and we’re happy to report the most recent MOT which took place on 29 September 2020 showed no issues, resulting in a first-time pass with no advisories. 

Offering an enjoyable classic motoring experience with vintage looks, this Burlington-bodied Herald turns heads with ease, but offers the excellent fanbase and parts availability of the Triumph, which makes it a very attractive ownership prospect indeed. 

In excellent condition throughout and evidently well-maintained, this unusual Triumph-based conversion is sure to draw a crowd wherever it goes, and would make for an excellent ‘summer fun’ car for any classic enthusiast.

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