29/08/2002
The Triumph Herald is more than just a car; for many, it's a lifelong companion, a passion project, and a gateway to a world of classic motoring adventures. This iconic British vehicle, produced from 1959 to 1971, holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts, not least for its distinctive design and the robust community that surrounds it. Whether you're a seasoned classic car aficionado or simply curious about automotive history, the Triumph Herald offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of motoring, characterised by innovative engineering and a touch of timeless elegance.
The Genesis of the Herald: Michelotti's Masterpiece
Designed by the renowned Italian stylist Giovanni Michelotti, who also penned many of Triumph's other celebrated models of the early 1960s, including the Spitfire and the 2000, as well as cars for marques like Maserati and Reliant (the Scimitar), the Triumph Herald was a departure from the norm. Introduced to replace the Standard Eight and Ten, the Herald was built upon a separate, robust chassis. This design choice, while somewhat unusual as the industry trended towards monocoque construction, allowed for the body sections to be easily bolted on. This modular approach meant the Herald was incredibly versatile, available in a range of body styles: saloon, coupe, convertible, estate, and even a van.
Initially, the Herald was equipped with a 948cc engine. However, following the acquisition of Standard-Triumph by Leyland Motors in 1961, the engine capacity was increased to 1147cc, and the car was re-launched as the Herald 1200. This updated model, along with its successors like the 12/50 and the 13/60, cemented the Herald's reputation. Its excellent all-round visibility and remarkably tight turning circle made it a favourite among driving instructors, earning it the moniker "The Car with the 100-Yard Turning Circle."
A Personal Journey: KJJ 178D – A 2 Litre Triumph Herald 1200
The story of the Triumph Herald is often deeply personal for its owners, as exemplified by the tale of KJJ 178D. Purchased for a mere £200 in 1979, this 1966 Triumph Herald 1200 became the author's first car. The initial 'tidying up' involved copious amounts of chicken wire and filler, finished off with a respray from a garden sprayer – a testament to the resourceful spirit of classic car ownership. However, life with a classic often brings challenges. A couple of years later, the Herald failed its MOT due to "excessive chassis rust front to rear."
This led to a monumental body-off restoration commencing in June 1981. The ambitious goal was to transplant a 2-litre, 6-cylinder Triumph Vitesse engine and running gear into the Herald's frame, all while preserving the original 1200 appearance. This involved a significant, yet subtle, re-working of the front end to accommodate the larger engine. The first rebuild was a marathon effort, taking over seven years to complete. But the dedication paid off, creating a unique hybrid that blended the classic lines of the Herald with the more potent performance of the Vitesse.
Fast forward two decades, and KJJ 178D, despite its previous extensive restoration, began to show its age. While major rust was confined to the doors, surface rust had started to appear elsewhere. In August 2007, the decision was made for a second full strip-down and restoration. This undertaking, completed in a remarkable 14 months, brought the beloved Herald back to its former glory, ready for more adventures.
The Lifelong Affair: Memories and Milestones
Owning the same car for such an extended period, as in the case of KJJ 178D, forges an undeniable bond. It's a relationship built on shared experiences, triumphs, and the occasional breakdown. While the author admits the Herald has never been perfect – including a memorable incident where a rear UJ had to be changed in a station car park, and the car spending much of its first major holiday in a garage being fixed for the return journey – the joys have far outweighed the tribulations.
The Herald has been a faithful companion through numerous events: from strip racing at Santa Pod (even with a subsequent head gasket failure!) to charity race days at Snetterton and Prescott Hillclimb. More recently, it has embarked on three European tours, towing a matching Viking Fibreline caravan, proving its versatility and reliability even on longer journeys.
The Triumph Herald and its Companions: A Classic Combination
The Triumph Herald's story is often intertwined with other classic vehicles, particularly its matching caravan counterparts. The author's collection includes a 1970s Viking Fibreline caravan, purchased in July 2016. Despite being in good overall condition, it had been poorly painted by its previous owner, necessitating a full strip-down and repaint in a complementary blue and white scheme.
Adding to the caravan collection, a 1960s Viking was acquired in the summer of 2020. This particular Viking was chosen to better match the age of the Herald, featuring subtle design differences such as curved corner windows that allowed more natural light into the interior. This caravan had the advantage of already being stripped out, giving the owner creative freedom for the interior renovation. This project was completed over the winter and spring of 2022, in anticipation of a significant upcoming journey.
Further expanding the classic fleet, a Triumph 2500S Estate became the latest addition. This vehicle has undergone a comprehensive rebuild, with the underside addressed in Part One and the bodywork in Part Two. It now serves as an everyday car and also tows a Sprite Musketeer caravan, which is currently undergoing its own restoration and is slated to feature on the blog soon.
The Four Cs Challenge: A Grand Tour
The Triumph Herald, along with its matching Viking caravan, recently took centre stage in an epic adventure: The Four Cs Challenge – Classic Car and Caravan Coastal Challenge. This ambitious undertaking saw the intrepid duo travel around the entire coast of Britain, covering an impressive 3,500 miles over four weeks. Such a journey is a true test of any vehicle, classic or modern, and highlights the enduring capability and spirit of the Triumph Herald.
Why Choose a Triumph Herald?
The Triumph Herald continues to be a popular choice for classic car enthusiasts for several compelling reasons:
- Unique Design: Giovanni Michelotti's styling, combined with the separate chassis and bolt-on body panels, gives the Herald a distinctive character.
- Versatility: Available in multiple body styles, there's a Herald to suit almost every taste.
- Community: A strong and active owner's club, such as The TSSC (The Triumph Sports Six Club), provides invaluable support, parts, and social events.
- Restoration Potential: The straightforward chassis design makes it a relatively accessible car for restoration projects, appealing to those with mechanical skills.
- Driving Experience: The excellent visibility and nimble handling offer a rewarding and engaging driving experience, particularly in scenic or urban environments.
Triumph Herald Variants and Key Features
Over its production run, the Triumph Herald evolved, with key models and features:
| Model | Production Years | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Herald S | 1959–1964 | Initial model with 948cc engine. |
| Herald 1200 | 1961–1964 | Updated with 1147cc engine. |
| Herald 12/50 | 1963–1967 | Improved performance with a higher compression engine and disc front brakes. |
| Herald 13/60 | 1967–1971 | Final major update, featuring a 1296cc engine and revised styling. |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Triumph Herald
Q1: What was the original engine size for the Triumph Herald?
A1: The original Triumph Herald was equipped with a 948cc engine.
Q2: What made the Triumph Herald unique in its construction?
A2: The Herald was built on a separate chassis with bolt-on body sections, a design less common at the time compared to monocoque construction.
Q3: What are some of the common body styles available for the Triumph Herald?
A3: The Herald was offered as a saloon, coupe, convertible, estate, and van.
Q4: Why was the Triumph Herald popular with driving instructors?
A4: Its exceptional all-round visibility and very tight turning circle made it an ideal car for teaching new drivers.
Q5: Where can I find more information or join a community of Triumph Herald owners?
A5: The TSSC (The Triumph Sports Six Club) is the original club for owners of Triumph's small chassis range, including the Herald, and is an excellent resource for information, parts, and camaraderie.
A Legacy of Style and Adventure
The Triumph Herald, with its distinctive Michelotti styling, robust chassis, and remarkable versatility, remains a beloved classic. Whether being meticulously restored, undertaking epic road trips like the Four Cs Challenge, or simply enjoyed on a sunny Sunday drive, the Herald embodies the spirit of classic motoring. Its enduring appeal lies not just in its mechanical attributes but in the stories, memories, and adventures it continues to create for its passionate owners. The journey of KJJ 178D, from a budget purchase to a meticulously restored Vitesse-powered classic, is a testament to the lasting legacy of this charming British automobile.
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