Historically, Triumph had always been somewhat snake bitten by poor timing and limited finances. The introduction of the TR2 was able to change the company’s fortunes significantly by bringing in valuable funds from export sales and increasing awareness of the Triumph name in North America. By the end of the 50s, the Standard 8 and 10 were considered long in the tooth and work started on a replacement car that was originally to be badged as the Standard Herald. Michelotti was tasked to design the new car and his concept featured sharp styling features and an open greenhouse. Unfortunately, plans to construct the car with a unit-body fell through due to difficulties encountered when Fisher & Ludlow was purchased by rival BMC. When the Herald was introduced in 1959 as a Triumph (the name was now much better known world wide) it featured a saloon and a coupe with a convertible, estate and commercial versions added soon thereafter. The coupe would last until 1964 when it was cancelled due to fears of scavenging Spitfire sales but it would last long enough to see replacement of the 948 cc with the 1147 cc engine as the Herald 1200. One of the more attractive cars of the 60s the Herald Coupe is an under appreciated gem in the Herald/Vitesse range and should be considered a prime candidate among entry-level options.
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 13:13:00 +0000
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