Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Chassis No: GD17026RS

- Entered from a private Irish collection

- Warranted 16,200 miles from new

- Rare, surviving 'Skylight' (sunroof) model

Launched in April 1959, the Triumph Herald was styled by Giovanni Michelotti. Equipped with all-round independent suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, its new chassis would later underpin the Spitfire, GT6 and Vitesse. An accomplished town car, criticism as to its lack of pace was answered by the introduction of the '12/50' for 1963. Powered by an 1147cc four-cylinder OHV engine that developed 51bhp and 63lbft, it was capable of some 80mph. Visually distinguished by a new grille, the '12/50' also boasted a folding 'Skylight' sun-roof and front disc brakes.

According to its original logbook, this example was first registered as '563 XTG' to P.W.E. Longhurst Esq. of Penarth on 25th March 1964. The same document bears just four road fun licence stamps; the last one expiring on 28th February 1968. Acquired by Terry Lewis's Amman Garage thereafter, an accompanying invoice from DJ Motors of Llanelli suggests that the Triumph remained in Wales until the end of the 20th Century. Dated February 25th 2000, a letter on file from D. Chapman Esq. of Wombwell, Barnsley states: 'I have known the above vehicle for many years. The vehicle is totally original in every way. It has never been welded or sprayed, the mileage of 3,027 is correct'. Responsible for adding over 10,000 miles to its odometer, John West Esq. of Chalfont St. Giles owned the Herald from April 2002 - June 2006. Entrusted to Kingsdown Garage of Faringdon a month later by its next keeper, Anthony Goodyer Esq. of Whitchurch, Hampshire, the 12/50 benefited from attention to its back axle, speedo cable and brakes etc. Last issued with a MOT certificate at 15,801 miles on 13th May 2010, the Triumph has since covered a further 400 or so. Dry stored as part of a private Irish collection for the past few years, '563 XTG' is a true timewarp that remains in remarkably original condition.