Project Description
Triumph Herald
Is this the best Triumph Herald convertible available?
Price
SOLDYear
1970Mls/Kms
(1)22,568 milesSold in
ItalyHistory File
Our nut and bolt, frame-off restoration Triumph Herald 13/60 convertible, was built on the 30th December 1969 with an initial registration date of 11th February 1970. The UK V5 Vehicle Registration Document confirms just three owners: the initial owner is not documented but, the second owner, Mr Gary Michael Epps, purchased the car in December 1976 before selling to the final UK owner, Mrs Denise Jane Keen in June 1978. Mrs Keen, would retain the car for almost 20 years before selling on the 4th October 1997 to Herr Thomas Becker in Germany for £1000 cash. An original hand written Bill of Sale is still with the car confirming that ERIC – as it was named by its last owner – and registration number UOT460H was now export bound. Herr Becker registered the car in Germany on the 13th May 1998 following one of the best do it yourself restorations we’ve seen at Cathedral Classics, within this category. The car features in the German magazine Oldtimer Praxis (Practical Classics) in October 1998 with a warm 7 page article highlighted just much of a family affair the restoration actually was. The car remained within the Becker family until April 2008 when it is purchased by the cars 5th owner who would treasure and regularly use it as part of a small private collection. It’s quite rare for these cars to have such detailed documented history and we are delighted at Cathedral Classics to offer it to the market place. The result is astonishing and we would argue that it is quite possibly, the very best Herald available.
Exterior
The last major re-alignment in the Herald range arrived in October 1967 when the 13/60 was available in either: convertible, estate or saloon models. The distinctive nose and larger headlamps are unique to the 13/60 with a bonnet profile borrowed from the Vitesse. But it’s the colour of our example which makes it stand out in the crowd. The Giovanni Michelotti design is finished in the distinctive Saffron which suits the model extremely well and was specifically chosen by the cars German restorer, Herr Thomas Becker. Changed from its original white, it was clearly a good choice. A couple of tiny age related marks are now evident but, nothing to worry about and they would be hard to find if not pointed out. The combined white bumpers and wheels with just the right amount of chrome trim, including the very expensive (£275 in 1998!) chrome boot-rack, are all in superb condition and make this example a real head-turner. A new PVC hood was fitted to a new fold-away frame in 2017 with both still in “like new” condition. The hood fits perfectly behind the rear seats and comes with two (full and half) appropriate fitting tonneau covers. The quirky tow bar was fitted in Germany during the restoration and is only registered to pull a bicycle trailer.
Interior
The interior is largely original and still in amazing condition, particularly the abundant amount of wood. The grey check cloth-pvc seats are original and show just the right amount of patina without further restoration required and combine well, in terms of authenticity, with the cars 3-spoke steering wheel. A new dash top and black sun-visors have been fitted which have complimented the overall appearance nicely. The additionally but discretely fitted push-button Blaupunkt Nürenberg M11 radio looks as though it’s from the factory and works fine. With the roof up, it’s apparent that the roof frame and all fittings are still as new and, importantly, fit correctly. The car is surprisingly roomy, which is a development from its predecessor and is done by recessing a rear armrest in each side panel. There is also a single rear lap-belt fitted too.
Documents
Engine & Transmission
British Motor Industry Heritage Trust have confirmed that we have a matching numbers vehicle: chassis GE/59408-CV and engine number GE/66658-HEA are combined with a 4 speed, fully synchronised overdrive Triumph Spitfire gearbox. Hailing from an engineering background, and having owned a Spitfire for 11 years, Herr Becker, who restored the car, was more than equipped to make the professional adjustments to ensure the correct fit and the result is a smooth 15k plus miles since the restoration. With the lift-up front bonnet open, it reveals a complete nut and bolt restoration to the highest standards and will impress any Triumph enthusiast. With the head open during the restoration, it was clear that an overhaul had already taken place but, new valves, valve guides and seats were all replaced and the head re-planed. The original 1296cc engine produces an appropriate 61bhp (45kW) which moves the car along nicely. Huge attention to detail has been applied throughout the restoration and the list is too long to show but: new wiring loom, axles sand-blast prepared; water pump replaced; sensitive body panels strengthened are just a flavour of what exactly took place.
Wheels, Tyres & Brakes
Everything has been completely overhauled: rear drums and front disc brakes are all working perfectly well and are covered by sweet, white painted steel wheels covered with ample tread Ziex 175/60R13 77H quality tyres.
Underneath
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