There’s something perversely fascinating about little postwar European cars – perhaps it’s their size, or their simplicity, or just that their entire philosophy runs counter to what’s mainstream in North America. Think back to 1958 – and make those Wayne’s World doodley-doo flashback sounds while you do – or at least try to imagine what it was like. Fangio was kidnapped briefly by a group of Cuban revolutionaries, the peace symbol was designed, Elvis joined the service, NASA and transatlantic jet flights both launch, and Jello Biafra is born. The 1958 Chevrolet Impala was the best-selling car in the United States. Into this world, Triumph released the TR10, likely inspired by the success of cars such as the VW Beetle and Renault Dauphine. You can find this 1958 Triumph TR10 for sale in Long Beach, CA for $1500.
Posts Tagged ‘triumph’
Born From Sportscars – 1958 Triumph TR10
January 26, 20144th Place – 1971 Triumph Spitfire Mark IV
January 24, 2014With just over 300,000 produced, the Spitfire beats out cars you’d think were more successful, like the BMW Z3, Honda S2000, and Mercedes R107 SL. Of course, it fell well short of the Z3 in terms of annual sales, but it did beat the other two. With a fully independent suspension, a single piece front end for better engine access, normal wind-up windows, and more powerful engines, the Spitfire seemed to outdo its main competitors, the Midget and Fiat 850 spider, fairly well. And while it’s subjective, you could argue the Spitfire has more attractive, flowing styling against the Midget’s and 850’s cheap and cheerful look. Check out this 1971 Triumph Spitfire, for sale in Fair Oaks, CA for $1800.
Crispy – 1975 Triumph 2000TC Mark II
January 3, 2014Triumph sedans were never a really big success in the United States. It’s too bad, because they could have easily had the jump on BMW. Just look at the offerings and think of what BMW offered 5-10 years later: the Herald/Vitesse, 1300/1500/Dolomite, and 2000/2500. All were sporting cars, ranging from spartan to entry-level luxury, much like the BMW E3 (aka Bavaria) and E10 (2002/Neue Klasse) cars, and Triumph also had a full line of sports cars where BMW offered their E9 coupes (and earlier, the little 700 cars). While a few Mark I cars made it over the Atlantic, the Mark II sedans were never offered in North America. Someone decided to bring over this 1975 Triumph 2000TC, and it is now for sale with bidding at $1500 and 6 1/2 days left to go in Norwalk, CT.


