Triumph Herald Engine Evolution

The Enduring Heart of the Triumph Herald: An Engine Journey

The Triumph Herald, a quintessentially British motor car, graced our roads from 1959 to 1970. More than just a pretty face with its distinctive " italiano " styling, the Herald was a versatile and adaptable vehicle, a testament to British engineering prowess of the era. A significant part of its charm and longevity lay in the evolution of its powerplant. This article delves into the story of the Triumph Herald's engines, charting their development, specifications, and the impact these changes had on the car's performance and appeal.

The Genesis: The 948cc Engine

The very first Triumph Herald rolled off the production line in April 1959. Initially offered as a Coupe, it was powered by a compact 4-cylinder Overhead Cam (OHC) engine. This unit displaced 948cc and produced a respectable 42 bhp. A key feature of this early engine was its twin SU H1 carburettors, which contributed to its lively performance for the time. This engine was also found in other contemporary small Triumphs, providing a familiar and proven foundation for the new model.

The early Herald was lauded for its innovative features, including independent rear suspension and an impressively tight turning circle of just 25 feet. The engine, coupled with a 4-speed manual gearbox, allowed the Herald Coupe to achieve a top speed of 84 mph. The initial offering was soon complemented by a Saloon version, which, while offering more practicality, initially featured a single Solex-carbureted variant of the 948cc engine, producing a slightly more modest 38.5 bhp gross (34.5 bhp net). This demonstrated Triumph's approach to offering different performance levels within the same model range.

Expansion and Refinement: The 1147cc and 1200 Series

The Herald's range expanded rapidly. By March 1960, a Convertible joined the Coupe and Saloon. This year also saw the introduction of the Herald S, a stripped-down saloon that, unfortunately, didn't capture public imagination. The real step change came in 1961 with the introduction of the 1200 series. This update saw the Herald equipped with a larger 1147cc engine. While specific power outputs varied slightly across the 1200 range, it generally offered a more relaxed driving experience, partly due to a revised final drive ratio.

The 1200 series encompassed the familiar Saloon, Coupe, and Convertible body styles. Alongside these, Triumph introduced the Estate Wagon and the short-lived Courier van, broadening the Herald's appeal to a wider audience. This period marked a significant phase of development, with Triumph refining the chassis and drivetrain to improve the overall driving experience.

The 12/50: A Touch of Luxury and More Power

A notable upgrade arrived in March 1963 with the introduction of the Triumph Herald 12/50. This model was essentially a 1200 Saloon that received a significant boost in power, courtesy of an uprated 1147cc engine now producing 51 bhp. This increase in performance was achieved through a revised cylinder head and, importantly, the adoption of twin Stromberg CD carburettors (replacing the earlier SU H1s on the higher-spec 1200s). The 12/50 also boasted a distinctive different grille, a folding sunroof (a desirable feature at the time), and improved interior trim, elevating its perceived value and appeal. By the end of 1964, the Coupe variant of the Herald was discontinued, perhaps overshadowed by the emerging popularity of the Triumph Spitfire.

The Final Flourish: The 13/60 and the 1296cc Engine

The most significant engine change for the Triumph Herald came in October 1967 with the introduction of the Triumph Herald 13/60. This model featured a completely new engine: a 1296cc unit. This engine, also found in the Spitfire Mk.3 and Triumph 1300, provided a substantial increase in power and torque. In its single-carburettor form for the Herald 13/60, it produced 61 bhp. This powerplant brought the Herald's performance more in line with contemporary rivals and offered a more effortless driving experience, especially for cruising.

The 13/60 also received a subtle front-end restyle, incorporating a variation of the Vitesse's sheet metal, giving it a slightly more modern appearance. The interior also saw improvements, aiming to provide a more up-market feel. The Herald 13/60 was available in Saloon and Convertible variants, and it effectively replaced all previous Herald configurations, with the exception of the 1200 Saloon, which continued for a short period. The Herald 13/60 was produced until January 1971 for the Saloon and April 1971 for the Convertible, marking the end of the road for this enduring model.

Production Figures and Engine Variants

The success of the Triumph Herald is reflected in its substantial production numbers. Understanding these figures alongside the engine variants provides a clear picture of the model's lifecycle:

It's important to note that the 13/60 figures also include approximately 15,000 units exported in knockdown form, highlighting Triumph's global reach.

The Australian Connection: AMI 12/50

In Australia, the Triumph Herald found a different life, being assembled by Australian Motor Industries (AMI) from parts shipped from Coventry. These cars were often sold as the AMI 12/50. These Australian-market Heralds featured several distinct differences from their UK counterparts, including the use of a Vitesse bonnet and the absence of a sunshine roof on many models. The engine specifications remained largely consistent with the UK models they were based upon.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When did the Triumph Herald get a new engine? The Triumph Herald received its most significant engine upgrades in 1961 with the introduction of the 1200 series (1147cc engine), in 1963 with the 12/50 (uprated 1147cc engine), and most notably in 1967 with the 13/60 model, which adopted the larger 1296cc engine.
• What was the first engine in the Triumph Herald? The first Triumph Herald, launched in 1959, was powered by a 948cc 4-cylinder OHC engine, typically fitted with twin SU H1 carburettors.
• Did all Triumph Heralds have the same engine? No, the Triumph Herald was offered with several different engine capacities and specifications throughout its production life, including 948cc, 1147cc, and 1296cc variants.
• What was the most powerful engine offered in the Herald? The most powerful engine offered in the standard Triumph Herald range was the 1296cc unit found in the 13/60 models, producing 61 bhp.

The Triumph Herald's engine story is one of continuous improvement and adaptation. From its humble beginnings with the 948cc unit to its final iteration with the more potent 1296cc engine, each powerplant contributed to the car's enduring appeal. Whether you're a seasoned classic car enthusiast or new to the world of vintage motoring, understanding these engine evolutions provides a deeper appreciation for this much-loved British icon.

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