Brief Introduction to the Triumph Herald

This is a very brief introduction to the Triumph Herald. There’s plenty of articles for the history of the Herald out there for those that want something more in-depth.


Triumph Herald

Introduced in 1959 the Triumph Herald was designed by Motor Magazine the new Triumph HeraldGiovanni Michelotti. The designer for most of the Triumph range in the early ‘60s and a number of Maseratis and the Reliant Scimitar. The two door car was available in saloon, coupe, convertible, estate and van versions. The Herald was built using a separate chassis with bolt-on body sections. Somewhat unusual for the time as most other manufacturers were moving towards the more modern monocoque construction. Originally with a 948cc engine, this was increased to 1147 after Standard-Triumph was taken over by Leyland Motors (later BL) in 1961. It was re-launched as the Herald 1200. Well renowned for it’s high all round visibility and it’s tight turning circle making it a popular driver instructors car.

Triumph Vitesse

The Herald was joined by the Vitesse in 1962, with a re-worked twin headlight front end and a straight six 1600cc engine. Increased performance came in 1966 with the introduction of the 2 litre engine with a 0-60mph in 12 seconds and a top speed of around 100mph. Fuel consumption of around 25mpg.

Triumph Herald advertsTriumph Herald 13/60

In 1967 the Herald 13/60 was introduced. This used the more aggressive “slant-eyed” look of the Vitesse but with single headlights. The 1200 was discontinued in 1970. The 13/60 and Vitesse discontinued the following year being replaced by the Triumph Toledo/Dolomite range.

In 1970 Triumph were producing the Herald 1200 and 13/60, the Vitesse, the 2000, Toledo/Dolomite and four sports cars: the Spitfire, GT6, Stag and TR6.

Timeline graphic showing Triumph production during the 1960s


For more information about the Triumph Herald take a look at Wikipedia


Want to join the club? Check out the TSSC, the original club for the Herald small chassis range of Triumphs