Great Britain, great cars. The UK motor industry is respected the world over, and though many of the vehicles are actually owned by foreign manufacturers, there can be no doubting of the fantastic heritage of the British motor.
To celebrate Britain’s famous history CarSupermarket.com is launching a series looking back on some of the most famous vehicles the UK has ever seen.
Triumph Herald
Between 1959 and 1971 there were more than half a million sales of this iconic design from the Standard-Triumph Company of Coventry.
The Triumph Herald was designed by Italian stylist Giovanni Michelotti, who had built Ferrari’s and Maserati’s before moving onto the more English suitabilities. The car was offered in a range of trims including a saloon, convertible, coupe, estate and even a van.
As well as selling well in the UK, the car was also popular in India, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, Malta and was even produced at two factories in Peru.
The truly distinctive 1950s design and performance lasted through three separate decades, but was outdated by the early 1970s and though the Herald Saloon lasted until December 1970, the Convertible and Estate a little longer until May 1974, but production was ended in that same year with the labour-intensive method of production cited as the main reason for its demise, though it was also selling at a loss.
The Triumph Herald made a famous return to the public eye when it was one of several vehicles driven around the track at the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics.
Years of manufacture: 1959-1971
Price when new: £708
Price now: £500-£10,000
Engine: 1,147cc 4cyl petrol, 48bhp
Top speed: 80mph