It was a rare pleasure to meet Geert and his pride and joy: the Triumph Herald 12/50 Saloon, a car that, in this beautiful condition, caresses your retina. It was not only a beauty experience, but also a journey through time, in which Geert relived the past. The Triumph Introduced in 1959, the Herald was one of the brand's most recognizable models, thanks in part to its design by the famous Italian stylist Giovanni Michelotti.
De Triumph Herald was known for its progressive features for its time, including a special chassis construction that made the car particularly suitable for enthusiasts who wanted to maintain or restore it themselves, like Geert. The car was available in various versions: station wagon, coupé, convertible, van and of course the popular sedan (saloon), which made it attractive to both sporty drivers and families.
Beautiful shapes from an Italian master
Geert says: “I had been thinking about starting another Triumph Herald, but purely as a hobby car. One day I saw an advertisement for a Herald. The model appealed to me even then because of the distinctive bonnet and the small wings at the rear lights. Simply a car with character.” Michelotti’s design brought a fresh, modern look to British cars. And his influence on the Herald is clear to see in the graceful lines and functional aesthetics that make this car timeless.
A construction kit?
For Geert, buying the car was just the beginning. “For me, the car was a kit. I lifted the bodywork from the chassis and started working systematically. From day one, I recorded everything, including photos, and those detailed reports are now used by other Triumph Herald enthusiasts used.” With his technical background, Geert could do everything himself: from engine overhaul to sheet metal and spray painting. He found the special parts via a donor car and with the help of the Triumph-club. The entire restoration process was once described in detail in the magazine of Club Triumph Netherlands.
Beauty experience
The beautiful paintwork of the Triumph Herald combines beautifully with the shiny chrome details. A real eye-catcher with a stylish interior and a wooden dashboard. Almost 60 years after its construction, this descendant of Triumph make an impression. “It is a picture to behold, and you cannot remain insensitive to its dazzling beauty,” says Geert. He also finds it great to be able to share his passion for classic cars with the readers of Auto Motor KlassiekFor him it is a way to enjoy nostalgia and his love for technology.
The restoration report of the Triumph Herald you will find here.
(Photos continue below)
I still have an original unused key ring, in new condition, probably as old as the car.
Interested in this? Let me know.
Mine is still in rest position, since 2005, when I almost completely restored it from a man in Venlo. Still needs to be partially rebuilt and the interior needs to be done completely. The rest is in new condition.
My grandmother had one and I was supposed to get it from her “later”, unfortunately she didn’t look properly when driving out of her parking space and a car coming from behind crashed into it, total loss, dream gone!
My favorite Triumph, together with the Dolomite. But this one is unparalleled. What a shame that the British car industry has done itself in.
Absolutely a picture, Geert. Construction and maintenance with the utmost care and dedication. You can see that. A beautiful Herald 12/50 that you can rightly be very proud of.
Recognizable 60s car.
Because of the construction on a real chassis, many Haralds continued as kit-cars. This kit-care also included beautiful examples.