Used Classic Triumph Cars Models Triumph Gloria Southern Cross Parts 1

Classic Triumph Cars

Classic Triumph Cars

Triumph Classic Cars Parts 1

In the Thirties - which enjoyed a great era of motor sports just before World War II - Triumph cars introduced half a dozen different models called 'Triumph cars Gloria Southern Cross', between 1932 and 1935.

The name was in tribute to Triumph's success in the Australia and New Zealand export markets, where they had been winning trials since 1929 and where their 'stars' were certainly favorable.

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Classic Triumph Cars

The best remembered Southern Cross is the 1934-1935 series which was offered as a two-seater sports car, which either 4-cylinder single carburetor or with the 6-cylinder twin carburetor engine (2-liter) option. The latter produced 100 bhp and in street trim could do 90 mph.

This particular car was taken to the USA by Rover Triumph Cars in 1973 to celebrate Triumph's 50 years. It was shown in the New York Auto Show at which it was much photographed along with Donald Healey and it was also shown at the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit. The Southern Cross was popular for rallying and competition work in the thirties and the earlier model did especially well in the 1934/35 Monte Carlo and Alpine Rallies.

Picture Of

Classic Triumph Cars

On display at the NY Auto Show was the 4-cylinder version, complete with Rudge-Whitworth 'knock-off' wire wheels. Although somewhat 'boxy' in appearance, the Four was a very useful Triumph cars in the long distance reliability trials such as the London to Lands End and the London to Edinburgh. Two spare wheels were provided for 'competition' tires (equivalent to modern snow tires) used on the cross-country, trials hill routes and are mounted behind the exposed fuel tank. Other equipment includes fold-down windshield with aero screens, and large diameter speedometer with rev. counter.

The four-cylinder engine with overhead inlet and side exhaust valves, has a capacity of 75.15 cubic-inches 92.59 by 3.45 in bore/stroke), driving the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox, with freewheel.

The Triumph Gloria Southern Cross roadster was quite a hit at the New York International Automobile Show. Fresh from a display at the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit, it arrived at the New York Coliseum just in time for photos with Patrick McNee, famous for his role in 'The Avengers' on TV and now starring on Broadway in 'Sleuth.'

The designer of the Triumph cars was also on hand at the NY Auto Show. His name was Donald Healey. In the mid-1930s, Healey was Development Engineer for the Triumph Motor Company and designed and competed in the firm's famous rally cars.