Lot Ended
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 – [email protected]