Big Triumph fanboy
Discussion
Owned quite a few over the years: Herald 12/50, Dolomite 1850 (not the HL model), 2 x Dolly Sprints and a Stag with original Triumph engine. I know they have a reputation for blowing head gaskets but I've never had coolant problems. It's all about good maintenance, and the trick is to use distilled water with good quality antifreeze.
I would love to own another really early Dolly 1850 after the lockdown.
Anyone else share the love? Tell me your story.
I would love to own another really early Dolly 1850 after the lockdown.
Anyone else share the love? Tell me your story.
In my younger years :- 1 x 1963 Spitfire MK1, 2 x 1969 GT6 Mk2, 3 x 1969/70/72 TR6 (150 bhp), 2 x 1980/81 TR7 V8 converitbe (Solihull cars, both conversion done by myself), 1 x 1974 Dolly Sprint, 1 x Triumph 2000.
Never had the need for breakdown cover in the many thousands of miles covered by all of these cars, perhaps due to good home maintenance.
Never had the need for breakdown cover in the many thousands of miles covered by all of these cars, perhaps due to good home maintenance.
I had a TR6 as a daily driver for nine years in the 1980s, then had a TR4 for seventeen years.
I also owned a Stag in the naughties for six years.
When my wife, then girlfriend, were courting she had a Spitfire 1500 which she loved only selling it after we were married and she became too big when pregnant to fit behind the wheel.
So yes, have a lot of enthusiasm for Triumphs but have since moved over to other marques.
I also owned a Stag in the naughties for six years.
When my wife, then girlfriend, were courting she had a Spitfire 1500 which she loved only selling it after we were married and she became too big when pregnant to fit behind the wheel.
So yes, have a lot of enthusiasm for Triumphs but have since moved over to other marques.
I've not owned loads. But I have been a Triumph owner since 1999'ish.
My Dad had a Dolly 1850 when I was young. My Uncle a Toledo. My best mate had a GT6 and now a TR7 Sprint.
Myself, TR7 FHC in 1999, followed by another in 2001 which was converted to V8 power shortly after. And I still own.
My Dad had a Dolly 1850 when I was young. My Uncle a Toledo. My best mate had a GT6 and now a TR7 Sprint.
Myself, TR7 FHC in 1999, followed by another in 2001 which was converted to V8 power shortly after. And I still own.
My first car: Herald 1200, uprated with twin SUs & overdrive. That was written off by a careless truck driver, so bought another one. This ended up with a MK3 Spitfire engine that was tuned to the point of only just being usable on the road - c.120 bhp at a little over 7,000 rpm, but utterly gutless below 3,000. Traded that for a GT6 Cabrio (or Spitfire 6 if you prefer). That had a few tasty upgrades too I also have very fond memories of helping a friend to convert his Spitfire to Dolomite Sprint power. That was quite an entertaining project.
I still find myself contemplating a TR6, but my inability to leave these cars standard would probably end up taking up far too much time and money.
I still find myself contemplating a TR6, but my inability to leave these cars standard would probably end up taking up far too much time and money.
Yup, it's an addiction. Currently on my 4th, 5th and 6th Triumphs - 13/60 estate, 1500TC and TR7 convertible. Learned and passed my test in my parents' 1850 (following their 1500). My brother passed on his 1500FWD to me as a first car when he upgraded to TR7s and I then had a 13/60 daily runner and a 1200 restoration project. He currently has my father's retirement Spitfire IV. Growing up my aunt had a new Triumph every 3 years and worked her way through Heralds, Vitesses, 1850s and eventually even an Acclaim from the 60s to the 80s. I don't have room for any more sadly or I'd be tempted by a big estate and probably a Spitfire for myself. Given a lottery win and unlimited space and funds I'd probably add a nice Stag. But I'm quite content with what I've got.
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