Classic Van Auction Talk

Thursday 11 August 2016

1937 TRIUMPH DOLOMITE SHORT CHASSIS SALOON - HISTORICS @ BROOKLANDS

COMING TO AUCTION
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SATURDAY 20th AUGUST 2016
BROOKLANDS MUSEUM, BROOKLANDS ROAD, WEYBRIDGE, SURREY, KT13 0QN



1937 TRIUMPH DOLOMITE SHORT CHASSIS SALOON


We are delighted to offer this wonderful example of the Pre-war Triumph Dolomite, so well recognised for its flowing art deco style waterfall radiator. Some may also recognise this Triumph Dolomite, as it was sold to the current owner in our Mercedes-Benz World sale in November 2014. Since then, the Dolomite has been kept in a Carcoon within dry storage and used sparingly; in fact, the Triumph has covered less than 100 miles in that time. Mr Fred Richardson originally purchased the Dolomite from 'Glovers of Ripon and Harrogate'on December 16th 1937. In 1955 Mr Richardson, then 70 years old, parked the car in his garage for the last time until a Mr Keith Snowdon discovered it, 25 years later. It was a further two years before the car was finally rescued from the garage whereby, sadly, the roof had collapsed on it but although the Dolomite was in very poor condition it had only 28,000 miles recorded on the clock.
In 1998, now in the ownership of a Mr Alan Davis, a restoration was embarked upon that would eventually take several years to complete. Rob Green of Gloria Coachworks who is probably the world's authority on the restoration of pre-war Triumph motor cars undertook the major works. The hand crafted alloy over ash coachwork was removed from the chassis and the chassis itself completely restored to as new condition. In fact, the detail includes the fully operational chassis lubrication system. The frame was replaced with new ash and the alloy body panels carefully crafted onto the frame. The interior was found to be in a very poor state so an extensive re-trim to the original specifications was carried out with attention to detail that includes the exquisite art deco door cards and leather detailing surrounding the rear window and roof area. Mechanically, the original 1.5 litre engine has been replaced with a rebuilt 1767cc pre-war Triumph unit fitted with twin SU carburettors with drive via the rebuilt gearbox and a differential that was replaced with a higher ratio unit resulting in higher cruising speeds at lower engine revs making this car so much more usable on today's roads. All of the internal and external lights are fully functional and the additional indicators front and rear are in addition to the working illuminated semaphore units. The delightful 'Mellowtone'horns, that sound either loud or soft on operation of the select button upon the steering wheel, work as designed. The coachwork is in excellent order and presented in Willow Green and complimented by the green leather seats and well finished woodwork. A useful sunroof operates easily for those sunny days.
An extensive history file contains photographs of the car when found and of the restoration. The original sales invoice and buff log book are also present as well as period road test reports service data and a useful period 'Triumph Cars' maintenance book by T.P. Postlethwait. Detailed invoicing of parts purchased and works carried out total in the region of £60,000, confirming a no expense spared attitude to the restoration and maintenance of this motor car.
This Dolomite stands out by its striking Art Deco forged alloy grill and handsome lights and horns at the front. We strongly advise that you take a very close look at the detail displayed throughout CWR 860; we are sure that it will delight. This magnificent pre-war Triumph is delightful to drive and is a true example of automotive art. Being VSCC recognised, it may be enjoyed at the VSCC events throughout the year. Offered at a very reasonable estimate this surely represents a rare opportunity with so few remaining today.





SELECTED BY: CLASSIC CHATTER
KEEPING IT CLASSIC
Since: 2010

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