1948 Triumph Roadster 1800

Description

Total nut-and-bolt restoration about 10 years ago and only lightly used since; a wonderful example of this rare and quirky Roadster at a very enticing guide price

The first post-war car from Triumph Motor Company, the Roadster was produced from 1946 to 1948. Styled by Frank Callaby and Arthur Ballard, with mechanical design by Ray Turner, the Roadster was fitted with a 65bhp Standard 1.8 engine which gave it a top speed of 75mph.  

Post-war steel shortages meant that the swooping bodywork was built from aluminium using rubber press tools that had been used by Standard to make parts for the Mosquito fighter bomber during the war. The steel tube chassis featured transverse leaf sprung independent suspension at the front and a live axle with half elliptic springs at the rear. The rear track was considerably narrower than the front. Brakes were hydraulic and drive was via a four-speed column-change gearbox with synchromesh on the top three ratios.

The front bench seat could accommodate three at a squeeze and additional room for two was provided by a dickey seat in the rear with its own folding windscreen and a stepped rear bumper to aid entry and exit.

Famously driven by John Nettles in the 1980’s BBC crime drama ‘Bergerac’, just 4,501 Roadsters were made, making these elegant roadsters rare and sought after today.

First registered in Warwickshire in July 1948, HAC 406 was acquired by the previous owner in c.2012 at which point it was in a fairly dilapidated state, having been off the road for at least 30 years. A retired engineer, he set about a total nut-and-bolt restoration which was to take four years to complete and cost well over £20,000, as documented in invoices and photos on file.

This included a full chassis and body restoration with new ash frame sections as required, although all the aluminium outer panels proved salvageable and now look wonderful in their Royal Blue paintwork. Once pulled apart, the engine was found to be in remarkably good condition so it was carefully reassembled. The four-speed column change gearbox was fully rebuilt and treated to a new clutch.

The wiring loom was renewed along with all the usual perishable parts, the interior retrimmed in caramel leather with refurbished woodwork and a new double duck hood fitted with a glass rear screen. The original trafficators were restored to working order although flashing indicators have also been discreetly fitted along with a detachable LED brake light in concession to modern driving conditions.

Finally finished and back on the road in 2016, the car was only lightly used before our vendor acquired it via Brightwells in 2018 (for considerably more than the guide price suggested here). He has used it sparingly in fine weather only, keeping it tucked away in a dehumidified garage when not in use.

Shortly before the auction it was lightly recommissioned by RR&B of Bromsgrove following a period of inactivity (invoice on file). It has been starting promptly and running well as we have moved it around on site, with healthy 60psi oil pressure.

Documentation includes a current V5C, a buff logbook from the 1960s, an album of restoration photos, various invoices, correspondence from the owner’s club registrar, technical literature and a handbook.

Very little used since the restoration was completed, this lovely ‘matching numbers’ Roadster would doubtless benefit from a precautionary check-over before any long journeys are undertaken. One of the nicest we have seen, it is on offer here at a very enticing guide price.

Consigned by James Dennison – 07970 309907 – james.dennison@brightwells.com