Triumph Herald 12/50 – A barn find revives

De Triumph A symbol of British car manufacturing and design, Herald remains a favorite subject for car enthusiasts around the world. In the April issue of Auto Motor Klassiek, in stores now, will be a fascinating restoration account of one Triumph Herald 12/50 from 1967 presented. This story, titled “A triumph or optimism”, is not only a journey through time, but also a testament to passion, perseverance and the joy of restoring classic cars.

The beginning of a passion

The protagonist of this story, the amiable Louis, has a lifetime of experience in the automotive sector. His car love, which once started with a self-built Lomax and an English Marlin, seemed to have disappeared for a while. But as is often the case with true passions, the fire never really went out. An accidental find by a friend brought him back to the Triumph Herald, the model who held such a special place in his heart during his youth.

A barn find is revived

The rediscovery of the Triumph Herald by Louis was initiated by a phone call from his friend Gert. Gert discovered the car under a rug in a shed, a real 'barn find'. This was the beginning of an adventure that Louis could not resist. With memories of his first Herald, purchased at a time when he had just started at British Leyland Netherlands, the circle was complete. This new Herald offered a chance to return to an old love, despite initial doubts.

The restoration process

The process of restoration of the Triumph Herald 12/50 was a detailed undertaking. With a mix of good luck, such as the complete condition of the car and the still sturdy chassis, and setbacks, mainly the stuck engine, the road forward was challenging but rewarding. Louis' structured approach, which started by drawing up a work list, demonstrates the importance of planning and preparation in any restoration project.

Technical setbacks and triumphs

The story highlights the technical challenges Louis encountered, from the brake shop to the engine compartment, and ultimately the stuck engine, which was a significant stumbling block. Every step of the way was carefully navigated, using both Louis' experience and the community of classic car enthusiasts and professionals he consulted. The restoration process included not only the mechanical work, but also the aesthetic, with attention to the sheet metal and paint.

The journey to completion

After months of hard work, setbacks and breakthroughs, the project was nearing completion. The moment the engine was installed for the second time in the car's life marked an important milestone. The successful start-up of the engine and the first test drive were crowning achievements and proof of Louis' skills and dedication.

Reflection and looking ahead

This restoration report of the Triumph Herald 12/50 is more than just a technical overview; it's a story about the love of classic cars, the importance of community and the satisfaction that comes from bringing a piece of history back to its former glory. Louis' journey with the Triumph Herald is an inspiration to every car enthusiast and proves that with passion, patience and dedication, any restoration project can lead to a “triumph or optimism”.

So sprint to the store now and score the recent AMK, because in it you will find the extensive restoration report of this Herald with dozens of photos. And finally take out that subscription, because in AMK we have at least one restoration report almost every month. Along with countless other interesting combinations of words.