Lot Ended
Description
Smart
example having been owned for the last 11 years by our vendor; believed one of only
150 surviving worldwide; driven 40 miles to the sale
One
of the most curious cars of its era, the Triumph Renown was rushed out within
months of the end of the war to cash in on the booming post-war export market.
However, while other manufacturers were busy making their cars look sleek and
modern, the Renown was wilfully formal and upright, with the air of a
distinguished gentleman who had accidentally wandered out of a black and white
film and into the colourful chrome-laden world of the 1950s.
Coach built
by Mulliner of Birmingham, it featured the ‘Razor Edge’ styling that had become
fashionable in the mid-1930s on prestigious models from the likes of Daimler,
Bentley and Rolls-Royce. Due to post-war steel shortages, most of the body
panels were in lightweight aluminium over a traditional ash frame.
In
1949 the original 1.8-litre engine was replaced by the excellent Standard
2,088cc unit and three-speed column-change gearbox which transformed the car,
giving 75mph performance. In 1950 things got better still with the launch of the
TDB which had a new lengthened Standard Vanguard chassis with much-improved coil
spring front suspension and the option of overdrive.
This TDC Mk2 is the
final version of the Renown and used the long-wheelbase chassis from the
limousine. It is easily distinguished from the earlier cars by virtue of the
push button door handles and the wider rear window.
Only
2,800
Renown TDC Mk2s were
produced, and it is thought that only 150 now remain
worldwide,
produced between 1952 and 1954, making this a very rare car indeed.
This
lovely example has been in the current ownership for the last 11
years, our vendor buying it from a close friend. Unfortunately most of the
history has been lost over the years, but the car was driven here over 40 miles
without a problem and been starting, stopping and driving while on
site.
Used
only on nice dry days and for the occasional wedding and prom, this will be a
nice car to take to shows, for days out or even to earn its keep as a
hire car for film or wedding work.
Contact
[email protected]