1948 Triumph Roadster 1800

We are delighted to be offering for sale a fully restored Roadster 1800, built in 1948.

Our seller acquired the car in 1999 from Andrew Morley, then secretary of one of the Triumph Roadster clubs. Completely disassembled, it was very much a project.

Our intrepid seller was not fazed in the slightest as he had his own engineering company and had the talents to take on the work. We gather he completed the work over very many years, only farming out the rechroming as this was beyond his considerable capabilities.

With little use in recent years, our seller feels the time is right to let someone else have some fun with this attractive and very usable classic Triumph. He reports that the car drives well, with no issues and is a real head-turner, especially with those old enough to remember the TV show Bergerac. The popular drama saw John Nettles play a Jersey-based detective, who raced round the island in his maroon Triumph Roadster, solving crime.

We gather from our seller that the Triumph was resprayed ten years ago, and the paintwork is still in excellent condition, the car having been properly stored when not in use, protected by a bespoke car cover.

There are a few small blemishes and chips and very slight bubbling on the aluminium, but these do little to spoil the overall effect.

The hood was of course replaced and was made by P & G Trimmers of Milton Keynes, a professional coach trimming company specializing in hand crafted superior quality workmanship, using the finest natural and manufactured materials. It is made of mohair by the way.

The chrome was redone by Derby Plating Services, another top-drawer specialist company, skilled at their craft. It is unblemished.

The tyres look to be in new condition, always a good sign, but are over ten years old and should be replaced before the car is put into regular service once again.

The Triumph’s upholstery was originally Connolly leather and our seller acquired replacement leather just before the company sadly ceased trading.

The beige leather that now adorns the seats is not only as original as possible, but it also looks fabulous, with barely a mark or crease anywhere to be seen. Not only that, it smells divine.

Three across the front bench might be a bit of a squeeze, but two will sit most comfortably.

There are of course a pair of occasional seats that can be unfurled should the need to carry extra passengers be the order of the day. They too are trimmed in matching leather, and they can be folded away when not in use, increasing the car’s luggage capacity. And let’s not forget that rather fabulous protective screen, designed to afford the rear seat occupants a modicum of shelter from the wind.

Carpets are as new and have been beautifully fitted. The woodwork too looks to be in fine order and adds to this car’s period charm.

The steering column mounted gear lever may take a little getting used too, but once the knack is mastered, it soon becomes second nature.

During the restoration process, the car’s chassis was shot blasted and then epoxy coated and looking at the raft of photographs, it all looks to be still in good order. All other parts on the underside were either epoxy or powder coated.

All rotten wood found during the rebuild was cut out and replaced with new ash, as required.

The engine compartment is in excellent condition, but of more concern to a would-be buyer is the engine itself. Our seller confidently reports that the engine runs nicely and the gearbox is smooth, with a precise gear change.

We cannot be certain that this is the original engine, though there is a spare engine and separate engine block with the car.

Our seller seems to recall that Mr Morley had the Triumph Roadster stored in his barn for many years, completely in pieces.

It was purchased for the princely sum of £2,500 with some spares in 1999. And thus began a labour of love, a journey which took many years, to restore the car to as new condition.

Looking at the result, you must agree our engineer seller is a very able chap, completing almost all the work himself. The car is still in his capable hands, so if you choose to go and see it in person, he will be only too delighted to talk you through the process in detail. You won’t be disappointed.

With the car is a long list of spare parts:

*Another 1800cc engine, plus 20 thou bore with head removed. Includes carburettor and starter motor. New cylinder head gasket and oil filter

*2 clutch release assemblies

*Engine block plus 20thou bore with crank shaft, cylinder head and connecting rods

*2 bell housings

*Exhaust manifold

*Dismantled gearbox (complete)

*Complete back axle

*Back axle minus differential

*Brake master cylinder and various wheel cylinders

*4 headlight glasses

*4 hub caps

*Steering box housing with shaft

*Radiator cowl in poor condition

*Windscreen and surround

*Dickie seat windscreen with original curved glass

*Steering wheel

*2 side lights

*Rear brake light glass

*Front half bumper

*Dickie seat windscreen hinges

*Various gear selector assemblies

*Various shock absorbers

*5 white wall tyre surrounds unused

With a guide price of between £18,000 and £26,000, we think this terrific Triumph is exceptionally good value, especially when you consider what a Jaguar XK120 is now fetching, a car no better engineered or built.

Surely one of the most beautiful cars of the period, with wonderfully sleek lines, it has been restored to an excellent standard and is ready to drive away and enjoy the summer. A road trip to Jersey perhaps?

Viewing is always encouraged. The car is located in Wimbledon, London. To arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. You won’t be disappointed! Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’