1949 TRIUMPH ROADSTER 2000 CONVERTIBLE AN ICON OF POST-WAR...

Hammer

£18,000

1949 TRIUMPH ROADSTER 2000 CONVERTIBLE


AN ICON OF POST-WAR BRITISH MOTORING - WITH ONE VERY NOTABLE FORMER OWNER.

- Registration no. GSP 360 
- Chassis no. TRA278 
- Engine no. 33Y 
- Colour: brown  
- Mileage in 1971: 65,000  
- Personally owned by legendary musician and broadcaster Jimmie MacGregor MBE since 1971

- New four-cylinder 2088cc Standard Vanguard replacement engine from War Dept installed in the early-1970s and registering only 943 miles since then   
- Complete body-off restoration (including hood fitted by Mr. Timms the original maker for Triumph)
- Regularly serviced and maintained 
- Full aluminium body with heavy duty fibreglass wings; new tyres used over fewer than 100 miles; stainless steel exhaust; Wilton carpet; original leather interior; recent battery; new petrol tank                                          
- Folding rear “dickey” seats and windscreen 
- A range of accompanying documentation, including original owner’s manual and instruction book, registration book, registration certificate, receipts, MOT certificates, restoration photographs etc. 

First released in 1946, the Triumph Roadster owes its longevity at least in part to the steel shortages felt in the aftermath of war, the Standard Motor Company instead electing to use lighter-weight and more durable aluminium. With panels constructed over an ash frame, using the same machinery and techniques employed in the manufacturing of the wartime Mosquito bomber, the Roadster soon developed a reputation for robustness and consequently amassed a faithful following. Today, there are reckoned to be around 400 of the original 4,500 still in roadworthy condition.  

The distinctively bulbous front wheel arches, while undoubtedly the most obvious, are far from the Roadster’s only distinguishing feature. The inclusion of the, by 1946, fairly archaic “dickey seats” meant that one’s two-seater Roadster could be converted (through the deployment of additional folding seating concealed in the boot compartment) into a more capacious four-seater tourer, with the rear passengers even benefitting from the luxury of personal wind-screening.  

The Roadster’s sedate ride was enlivened in 1948, when Standard upgraded the 1.8-litre engine to a more powerful 2.1-litre unit. This late example, 1949 being the final year of production, is one of approx. 2,000 benefiting from the increased horsepower (to 68bhp) and top speed (circa-80mph) afforded.  

Though the majority of people will forever associate the Triumph Roadster with fictional Jersey detective Jim Bergerac, this particular car has been owned and driven by a decidedly non-fictional, culturally significant individual: veteran Scottish musician, writer and broadcaster Jimmie MacGregor MBE.                      
 
Acquired by Jimmie in 1971, the Roadster spent fifteen years on display in the Glasgow Transport Museum and has never, during his ownership, been exposed to rain. An artful herringbone dash inlay, executed by a guitar-builder friend of Jimmie’s, is a charming personal touch.

Included with the car is a fog lamp and a spare set of number plates.

Potential buyers should satisfy themselves regarding descriptions and condition of each lot prior to sale.

Each vehicle is offered as seen.

Buyers and their agents can view and inspect the vehicle by appointment only.

Contact Tommy Alexander. Telephone: 0141 954 1500, email [email protected]


Buyer's premium on classic car 12% plus VAT.

See Saleroom.com and easyliveauction.com for online bidding platform fees.