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Triumph Herald

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Triumph Herald 1200 Saloon

The very attractive Triumph Herald was launched in April 1959 and was to have a very successful 12 year production run. The bodywork had been designed by the Italian stylist Michelotti and the clean cut modern looks of this sporting four cylinder saloon actually hid very well the rather outdated means of construction. While most other manufacturers had by now adopted unitary construction, the Herald featured a separate chassis with bolt on bodywork. This was actually a blessing in many respects though, as repairs were much simplified by this arrangement, and the huge one piece forward hinged bonnet assembly gave completely unhindered access to the 948cc ex Standard Ten engine. Other aspects of the Herald were quite advanced, with light and precise rack and pinion steering (giving the car a remarkable 25ft turning circle) and independent rear suspension by means of a transverse leaf spring, and telescopic dampers all round - in fact this was the first mass produced British car to have all round independent suspension.

These first Heralds were available in both saloon and coupe versions, the latter being fitted with a twin carburettor engine as standard, although this was later to be an option on the saloons. A Convertible model joined the range in March 1960, and this was also fitted with a twin carburettor engine. A good feature of the convertible was that the hood could be completely raised or lowered without leaving the car. April 1961 saw the arrival of the Herald 1200 which apart from a larger engine also benefited from a wood veneer dashboard as standard along with the white rubber bumpers which had been optional on the earlier models. Also in 1961 a roomy estate version of the Herald was launched for the 1200 range, and in 1962 a Courier van was produced although this was only made for two years.

In 1964 the 948cc engined cars were discontinued as was the coupe variant, but another addition to the range was made in 1963 in the form of the Herald 12/50 saloon. This had an increase in engine power over the standard 1200, a fabric sunroof, front disc brakes, and revised front grille styling. The 12/50 was discontinued along with the 1200 convertible and estate in 1967 when the new Herald 13/60 was introduced, although the 1200 saloon remained in production until December 1970. The 13/60 which was available in saloon, convertible or estate, featured an all new frontal appearance with horizontal grille slats and had a new angular looking headlamp arrangement, whilst the interior saw a completely new dashboard layout and improved seats and trim. The 13/60 saloon was discontinued in January 1971, and the convertible and estate in April the same year. Today the Herald remains a very popular choice amongst classic car enthusiasts who are seeking a practical, characterful and economical car. Spares and club support for the Herald are both excellent.


 

Specifications - Herald

Model

948cc - single carb versions

948cc - twin carb versions

Years Produced

1959 -1964

1959 -1964

Body Type

2-door saloon, 2-door convertible, 2-door coupe

Length

12ft 9in

12ft 9in

Width

5ft 0in

5ft 0in

Weight

1736lb

1736lb

Engine

4 cyl 948cc overhead valve

4 cyl 948cc overhead valve

Power

34.5 bhp @ 4500 rpm

42.5 bhp @ 5500 rpm

Torque

48lb ft @ 2750 rpm

49lb ft @ 3000 rpm

Gearbox

4 speed manual with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and top

Driven Wheels

Rear

Rear

Brakes

Drums all round

Drums all round

Front Suspension

Independent, coil spring and wishbone

Independent, coil spring and wishbone

Rear Suspension

Independent by transverse leaf spring

Independent by transverse leaf spring

 

Specifications - Herald 1200, 12/50 & 13/60

Model

1200

12/50

13/60

Years Produced

1961-1970

1964-1967

1967-1971

Body Type

2-door saloon, convertible, coupe, estate & "Courier" van

Length

12ft 9in

12ft 9in

12ft 9in

Width

5ft 0in

5ft 0in

5ft 0in

Weight

1837lb

1848lb

1848lb

Engine

4 cyl 1147cc overhead valve

4 cyl 1147cc overhead valve

4 cyl 1296 cc overhead valve

Power

48 bhp @ 5200 rpm

51 bhp @ 5200 rpm

61 bhp @ 5000 rpm

Torque

61lb ft @ 2500 rpm

63lb ft @ 2600 rpm

73lb ft @ 3000 rpm

Gearbox

4 speed manual with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and top

Driven Wheels

Rear

Rear

Rear

Brakes

Drums(front disc from 1964)

Disc front, drum rear

Disc front, drum rear

Front Suspension

Independent, coil spring and wishbone

Rear Suspension

Independent by transverse leaf spring

 

Performance - 948cc models

Model

Single Carb

Twin Carb Versions

Top Speed

73 mph

78 mph

0-60 mph

30.0 seconds

23.0 seconds

Fuel Consumption

33 mpg

30 mpg

 

Performance - 1200, 12/50 & 13/60

Model

1200

12/50

13/60

Top Speed

80 mph

81 mph

85 mph

0-60 mph

23.0 seconds

20.0 seconds

17.0 seconds

Fuel Consumption

31 mpg

29 mpg

28 mpg

 

Useful Links

Club Triumph

Triumph Sports Six club

Triumph Owners Club New Zealand

Rocky's Triumphs

Buy Triumph Herald books & more at Amazon.co.uk

Triumph Herald Tips & Tricks

Gallery