1968 Triumph Herald 13/60 Convertible

Description

Lightly upgraded for modern use including twin-carb Spitfire engine; all-synchro 4-speed overdrive gearbox; servo brakes; electronic ignition; LED lights; MGF seats; recent £2,500 spend; runs beautifully; driven 40 miles to the sale

The final version of the Herald which had first appeared in 1959 with a 948cc engine, the Herald 13/60 came out in 1967. As the name suggests, the 13/60 used a 1300cc 60bhp engine as fitted in the contemporary Triumph 1300 saloon. This lively little single-carb unit ensured that the Herald still maintained the sporty, economical performance that had made it so popular when it first appeared, with a top speed of 85mph. It also had front disc brakes and beefed-up half-shafts on the swing-axle independent rear suspension.

To distinguish the 13/60 from lesser models, a new grille and bonnet were fitted in a style similar to the six-cylinder Vitesse. The interior received some minor improvements and in this form the 13/60 survived until production of all Herald models ended in 1971.

First registered in January 1968, this 13/60 Convertible comes with an album of photos which show that it was treated to a body-off restoration about 25 years ago. Affectionately known as Hetty, it was also upgraded with a twin-carb Triumph Spitfire engine and all-synchro 4-speed gearbox with overdrive which not only improves the performance but makes it easier to drive in traffic. It also got reversing lights (automatic on selection of reverse); electronic ignition; brake servo; rev counter; black leather sports seats with headrests from a later MGF; inertia reel seatbelts; wind deflector; H4 halogen headlights; LED stop/tail, numberplate, interior and sidelight bulbs; 12v accessory socket and twin door mirrors.

Our vendor acquired Hetty earlier this year as a gift for his wife and has spent some £2,500 on getting her up to the standard he required, as detailed in invoices on file. This included welding repairs to the NSF floor pan and the following new parts: steering rack gaiters; fuel hoses; front brake hoses; rear brake cylinders; brake servo; propshaft universal joints; NSF wheel bearing; OSF lower suspension bushes; OSF track rod end; wheel alignment and balancing; clutch master and slave cylinders; clutch and brake fluid; oil and filter; spark plugs; plug leads; sports coil; oiled front suspension.

Although she is now MOT-exempt, Hetty was put through an MOT in April this year which she passed with just one advisory for a minor oil leak. We are told that she runs and drives well, with working overdrive, although the vendor advises that the speedo under-reads slightly so you are always going a bit faster than indicated. She has certainly been starting promptly and running very sweetly indeed as we have moved her around on site.

There are 15 old MOTs on file along with an owner’s handbook, an original service book and manufacturer’s guarantee plus the aforementioned album of restoration photos. There is also a tonneau cover in the boot and a spare mohair hood, both in serviceable condition.

Unfortunately our vendor’s wife did not appreciate all the effort he had put into getting Hetty just right for her and she prefers to use other cars in the family collection instead. Bid vigorously now and her loss could be your gain!

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email [email protected]