1947 Triumph 1800 Roadster

The first Triumph made following the takeover by Standard - indeed the first post-war model to wear the badge - was the 1800, released in two versions during 1946. Offered in either saloon or roadster guises, the 1800 came powered by an overhead-valve four-cylinder engine derived from that used in the Standard Twelve and Fourteen models, with a 6.72:1 compression ration and developing 62.5bhp at 4400rpm. The four-speed manual gearchange was column-mounted on the right side and had synchromesh on all but first, with a Borg & Beck single dry plate clutch. Brakes were Girling hydraulic, front suspension independent via transverse leaf springs and triangular upper links while a traditional semi-elliptic set-up was employed at the rear. The 1800 roadster featured attractive bodywork made of aluminium (apart from steel front wings) with a screen provided for the dickie seat passengers, who had small steps on the bumper to allow access. Interesting details include the triple windscreen wipers and column-mounted gearchange on the right side. After the first 2,501 cars had been made, Triumph introduced the larger-engined 2000 at the 1948 London Motor Show, making the 1800 Roadster a particularly rare find these days.