Registration - DDP 646

Chassis No. - TRD1739

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - 79,212

‘DDP 646’ sports red bodywork that’s complemented by a beige hood and black vinyl upholstery. We understand from the vendor that some £12,000 has been invested in the Triumph in the last few years, and the car is certainly accompanied by a sizeable selection of invoices for work carried out. He presently summarises the car’s condition as having ‘good engine, manual transmission and bodywork and ‘average’ paintwork and upholstery, and volunteers that the Triumph would now benefit from a touch of TLC. It is now being sold complete with a general history file and the aforementioned invoices. A rare opportunity for the Roadster-loving community.

Immortalised by the popular TV detective series Bergerac, the Triumph Roaster was conceived towards the end of WWII. The aim was a sports car to compete with Jaguar’s offerings of the time. The tubular steel chassis was a shortened version of that used by the 1800 saloon, while the body was largely aluminium panelling over an ash frame, with only the front wings being made from steel. The engine was a version of Standard’s four-cylinder unit that had been exclusively supplied to SS-Jaguar before the war. The optional bench seat was wide enough to accommodate three adults, while a further two could travel in the dickey one at the rear – the Roadster was the last production car to feature such accommodation. The 1800 version of the Roadster reigned from 1946 to 1948, when it was replaced by the larger-engined 2000 model. Production figures were modest, with 2,501 1800s built and just 2,000 of its successor being laid down, making them a rare commodity in today’s classic marketplace.

In summary:

• The beneficiary of a £12,000 expenditure in the last few years
• Accompanied by a large selection of invoices
• A late example of only 2,501 1800 Roadsters made