1960 Triumph Herald 948 convertible
Almost 40 years ago, in the early 1980s, I owned and loved several Triumph Heralds, using them as family cars, even with three young children! These were Coupe and Saloon versions, both in 948 and 1200 versions.
I always hankered after the Convertible and Estate versions, but never found a good one. Until now. Apparently, there are only 75 known surviving 948 Herald Convertibles worldwide, so it's pretty special
This car had slumbered for over 40 years in a Canberra (Australia) garage, after ceasing active service in dry Wagga Wagga (NSW Australia) in 1981. It is an Australian assembled car (by AMI) with commission number Y11247 and engine number KB4682.
I purchased this original gem in September 2019, just as the Triumph Herald model celebrates its 60th anniversary (introduced mid 1959) and will update the page as things progress. It's waiting its time in the queue here at my workshop!
the
948 arrives at its new home, with younger brother 2500 TC still on the hoist
on the hoist to inspect the underneath from the front...
...and from the rear. Incredible freedom from rust or cracking!
I
originally thought the bonnet had been replaced, as it had been resprayed in
a mismatched colour. However, close inspection shows it is definitely the
original, and even has the original colour showing through where the respray
has worn through on the right hand side.
Commission number of Y11247 indicates a build around mid 1960. But strangely
no 'CV' suffix.
Last registration lapsed November 1980. NSW registration JLV614.
Roof half opened...
...and fully retracted.
The original tonneau cover and folded roof cover.
And a pile of great spares!
Unfortunately
the seller must have cranked the engine that had lain dormant for almost 40
years without the obvious precaution of first removing spark plugs and
gently rotating the engine engine by hand. Exhaust valves on cylinders #3
and #4 must have been frozen solid in their guides, and when cranked the
rocker arms simply snapped off when the camshaft and pushrods tried to open
the seized valves. The cylinder head has now been removed, and the problem
is simply a failed head gasket which allowed water to get into the
combustion chambers, and the open valves simply became rusted into their
guides. Thankfully, cylinder bores, valves, guides and even valve seats have
all cleaned up perfectly, and the engine has clearly been reconditioned not
many miles ago with 30 thou oversize pistons, and all new valve guides and
valves. A careful cleanup, two new rockers (already purchased), a new gasket
set, and this engine will be running beautifully again.
Just to show that the Triumph Herald Convertible didn't just appeal to me!