Triumph Car History (Triumph Gloria & Gloria Vitesse & Gloria Southern Cross)

The History Of The Triumph Classic Cars with Triumph Gloria (Triumph Cars Models) Parts

Picture Of Triumph Gloria Car

History

Between 1933 and 1938 Triumph made a large and confusing range of Gloria sporting saloons, coupés, tourers, 2-seater sports cars, drophead coupés and golfer’s coupés. All these Glorias, apart from the final two models (1.5-Litre Saloon and Fourteen (1767 cc) Six-Light Saloon of 1937-1938) were powered by 1087 or 1232 cc four cylinder or 1467 or 1991 cc six cylinder Coventry Climax overhead inlet and side exhaust valve designed engines (modified and built under licence by Triumph).

The chassis came in two lengths, with an extra 8 in (203 mm) ahead of the passenger compartment depending on whether the four or six cylinder engine was fitted, and had conventional non-independent suspension with semi elliptic leaf springs. The brakes were hydraulically operated using the Lockheed system with large 12 in (305 mm) drums. A four speed transmission was fitted with an optional free wheel mechanism allowing "clutchless" gear changing. Synchromesh was fitted to the gearbox on the final Fourteen and 1.5 litre models.

Gloria Vitesse

From August 1934 to 1936 the Gloria range included ‘Gloria Vitesse’ models (not to be confused with later Vitesses) which were up-rated, with twin carburettor engine and equipment, versions of the equivalent Gloria and slightly different bodywork in the case of some saloons.

Gloria Southern Cross

There was also from 1934 to 1937 an open two seat sporting model, the Southern Cross, re-using the name previously applied to the sports version of the Triumph Super 9. This used a shortened chassis of 96 in (2,438 mm) for 1232 cc four cylinder models and 104 in (2,642 mm) for the 1991 sixes.