Photograph:  Neil Lewin

First a brief history of the Triumph Roadster

The Triumph Roadster was the first vehicle made post-war by the Standard Motor Company after their acquisition of the respected Triumph name. It was manufactured between 1946 and 1949 which means ours was one of the last ones made.

It’s design went back to the classic tourers of the 30’s, even to the extent of featuring the ‘dickey-seats’, whereby 2 extra passengers could sit on seats in the boot! On this car these unique seats even had their own windscreen.

Though not a sports car the Triumph was acceptably fast in its day, managing a top speed of around 80 miles per hour.

The Triumph Roadster gained its notoriety as the daily transport for ‘John Nettles’ the Jersey based detective in the ‘Bergerac’ television series.

 

Most of the bodywork is clad in an aluminium alloy that was originally produced for aircraft construction in the Second World War, over an ash frame. The front wings are manufactured from steel which was in short supply in those days.

At the end of its production run over 4000 of these cars were built and it is estimated that around 180 survive on the road in the world with many others surviving in various states of repair.

We are active members of the Triumph Roadster Club of Great Britain and attend various club functions, which included our car representing the club at the National Restoration show in 2006 and in 2007 the International Triumph day - please see the events page for more information.

The Fire !

Our Roadster suffered severe Fire Damage after 45 years of ownership with the previous keeper, a battery 'trickle-charger' was identified as the cause of the fire. 

After trying to purchase the car directly from the last owners insurance company and then directly from the salvage company - after a year of chasing, finally, we were the successful bidder at a Universal salvage auction. By the time we had acquired the Roadster after the fire, it had stood outside for a year and had been hit quite badly there was additional damage to the door, window and 'B' post - it was in a very sorry state .....

 As well as the additional damage to the door, the RAF badge (as seen on the right of the Photograph) 'went missing' whilst in the possesion of Universal-Salvage, this badge was originally fitted 45 years ago by the last owner - it has never been recovered.

 For more information on this vehicles fascinating history and some photographs of the FIRE, click 'HERE'

 Photo Gallery

 Click on an image to enlarge it...............

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Photographs:  Ray Cope