The 1964 Triumph Herald, a compact and stylish British car, emerged onto the automotive scene with a unique blend of practicality and performance. This era marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Triumph brand, as the Herald ushered in a new era of compact and affordable cars, while retaining the brand’s reputation for quality and engineering excellence.
The Herald’s distinctive design, featuring a unibody construction and a distinctive grille, set it apart from its contemporaries. Its 948cc engine, while modest in size, provided a surprisingly spirited performance, making it a popular choice for both city driving and weekend excursions.
The Herald’s success can be attributed to its blend of affordability, practicality, and a touch of British flair that resonated with drivers across the globe.
Introduction
The Triumph Herald, a compact car produced by the British manufacturer Triumph Motor Company, made its debut in 1959. It quickly gained popularity for its affordability, practicality, and stylish design, becoming a staple of British roads throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
The 1964 model year marked a significant milestone for the Herald, as it saw the introduction of several key upgrades and refinements that further enhanced its appeal.
The 1964 Triumph Herald in Context
The year 1964 was a period of rapid innovation and growth in the automotive industry. The post-war economic boom had fueled a surge in demand for personal vehicles, leading to the development of new technologies and designs. The 1964 Triumph Herald was a product of this era, reflecting the trend towards smaller, more fuel-efficient cars that were well-suited to urban environments.
Design and Styling
The Triumph Herald, launched in 1959, was a revolutionary car in terms of its design and styling. It broke away from the traditional British saloon design and embraced a more modern, compact, and functional approach. The Herald’s design was a departure from its predecessors and contemporaries, and it became a popular choice for its distinctive and practical features.
Influence of Predecessors and Contemporaries
The Herald’s design drew inspiration from several sources. The most notable influence was the Austin A35, which shared the same platform and underpinnings. The Herald, however, incorporated a more modern and streamlined body design, featuring a distinctive rounded front end and a spacious cabin.
The design also borrowed elements from other contemporary cars, such as the Volkswagen Beetle’s compact dimensions and the Morris Minor’s practicality.
The 1964 Triumph Herald, though a more compact and affordable car compared to its contemporaries, shared the same British sports car spirit as the legendary 1959 Triumph TR3A. Both models offered a blend of practicality and performance, making them popular choices for enthusiasts seeking a fun and engaging driving experience.
While the TR3A boasted a powerful inline-four engine, the Herald, with its smaller engine, focused on agility and maneuverability, making it a nimble city car.
Materials and Construction Techniques
The Herald’s body was constructed using a combination of steel and aluminum. The use of aluminum panels, particularly in the doors and bonnet, helped to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency. The body was designed with a monocoque construction, where the body itself served as the main structural element, eliminating the need for a separate chassis.
This approach allowed for a lighter and more rigid body, enhancing handling and performance.
Unique Design Features
The Herald’s distinctive design features included:
- A rounded front end with a large, curved windshield. This design contributed to the car’s aerodynamic efficiency and improved visibility.
- A spacious interior for its size, with a high roofline and ample legroom for both front and rear passengers.
- A unique “suicide” door design on the passenger side, where the door hinge was located at the rear of the door. This design was controversial but allowed for easier access to the rear seats.
- A distinctive rear end with a wrap-around rear window and a wide, integrated bumper.
Engine and Performance
The Triumph Herald was known for its modest power output but provided a peppy and engaging driving experience, especially for its time. Its engine and drivetrain were designed to deliver practicality and affordability, making it a popular choice for everyday commuting and leisurely drives.
Engine Specifications
The Triumph Herald was initially powered by a 948 cc four-cylinder engine, which was also used in the Morris Minor. This engine produced 38 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 54 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. Later models received larger engines, with the 1147 cc unit producing 48 horsepower and 64 lb-ft of torque.
- Engine Type:Four-cylinder, water-cooled, inline
- Displacement:948 cc (initial models), 1147 cc (later models)
- Power Output:38 hp (948 cc), 48 hp (1147 cc)
- Torque:54 lb-ft (948 cc), 64 lb-ft (1147 cc)
Transmission and Drivetrain
The Triumph Herald featured a four-speed manual transmission, which was known for its smooth and reliable operation. Early models were equipped with a column-mounted shifter, while later versions transitioned to a floor-mounted shifter. The car employed a rear-wheel drive layout, offering a classic driving experience.
Handling and Driving Experience
The Triumph Herald was praised for its agile handling and responsive steering. Its relatively light weight and compact size made it easy to maneuver in urban environments. The suspension, while basic, provided a comfortable ride for its time. The car’s driving experience was characterized by its simplicity and engaging nature, making it a joy to drive on winding roads.
Interior and Features
The Triumph Herald’s interior, though compact, was designed with practicality and comfort in mind. The cabin offered a surprising amount of space for a car of its size, accommodating four adults comfortably. The interior design was simple yet functional, with a focus on durability and ease of use.
Cabin Space and Layout, 1964 Triumph Herald
The Herald’s interior was well-designed for its size, providing ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The front seats were comfortable and offered good support, while the rear bench seat was spacious enough for two adults. The dashboard was straightforward and easy to read, featuring a large speedometer and a smaller tachometer.
Features and Amenities
The Herald offered a range of features, including:
- A heater and ventilation system for climate control.
- A radio, optional for some models, providing entertainment on the road.
- A rear window defroster, a practical feature for cold weather.
- Optional extras such as a sunroof, additional gauges, and a rear window wiper were available.
Comfort and Practicality
The Herald was known for its comfortable ride, thanks to its independent suspension system. The car’s small size made it maneuverable in city traffic and easy to park. Its practicality was further enhanced by a spacious trunk that could accommodate a reasonable amount of luggage.
Production and Evolution
The Triumph Herald enjoyed a lengthy production run, spanning over a decade, and witnessed several significant updates and variations throughout its lifespan. These changes were aimed at keeping the car competitive and appealing to a wider audience.
Production Years and Model Variations
The Triumph Herald was produced from 1959 to 1971, with a total of six distinct model variations introduced during its lifespan. These variations included the original Herald 1200, the Herald 13/60, the Herald 1200 S, the Herald 13/60 S, the Herald 13/60 Coupe, and the Herald 13/60 Convertible.
The 1964 Triumph Herald, a compact and stylish car, was a popular choice for those seeking a practical yet fun driving experience. While the Herald was known for its affordability and versatility, it also served as a platform for the development of the sporty 1974 Triumph Spitfire.
The Spitfire, with its sleek roadster design and peppy engine, built upon the Herald’s underpinnings, creating a more focused and exhilarating driving experience. Despite their differences, both cars offered a unique blend of British charm and performance, appealing to a wide range of drivers.
- The Herald 1200was the first model, launched in 1959, and was powered by a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine. It was initially offered as a two-door saloon, with a four-door version being introduced later.
- The Herald 13/60was introduced in 1961 and featured a larger 1.3-liter engine. It also received a number of styling updates, including a new grille and bumpers.
- The Herald 1200 Sand 13/60 Swere introduced in 1963 and were sportier versions of the standard models. They featured a more powerful engine, a sportier suspension, and distinctive styling cues.
- The Herald 13/60 Coupewas introduced in 1964 and was a two-door coupe version of the Herald. It was a stylish and sporty option for those looking for a more compact and agile car.
- The Herald 13/60 Convertiblewas introduced in 1965 and was a popular choice for those seeking open-top motoring. It featured a fabric soft-top and a distinctive design.
Significant Changes and Updates
Throughout its production run, the Triumph Herald received several significant changes and updates. These updates were aimed at improving the car’s performance, handling, and overall appeal.
- In 1962, the Herald received a new front suspension system, which improved its handling and ride quality. The original suspension was considered too soft, causing a bouncy ride, and the new setup with independent front suspension was a significant improvement.
The 1964 Triumph Herald, a compact and stylish car, was a popular choice for its affordability and practicality. While the Herald offered a comfortable ride, its performance was somewhat limited. Triumph sought to address this with the introduction of the more powerful and sporty 1979 Triumph TR7 , which boasted a wedge-shaped design and a more potent engine.
However, the Herald continued to be a popular model, particularly among those seeking a reliable and economical car for everyday use.
- In 1964, the Herald’s engine was upgraded to a 1.3-liter unit, which provided more power and torque. This update improved the car’s performance, making it more enjoyable to drive.
- In 1967, the Herald received a facelift, which included a new grille, bumpers, and taillights. This update gave the car a more modern look and helped to keep it fresh in the marketplace.
Impact on the Triumph Brand
The Triumph Herald was a significant car for the Triumph brand. It helped to establish Triumph as a manufacturer of affordable and stylish cars, appealing to a broad range of buyers. It also served as a platform for introducing new technologies and design features, which were later incorporated into other Triumph models.
The Herald’s success paved the way for other popular Triumph models like the Spitfire and the GT6.
Legacy and Impact
The Triumph Herald, despite its relatively short production run, left a lasting mark on the automotive landscape. It represented a shift towards affordable and stylish small cars, influencing both the design and social perception of automobiles in the 1960s and beyond.
Its impact can be seen in its cultural significance, its role in motorsports, and its influence on subsequent car designs.
Cultural Significance
The Triumph Herald became a symbol of the swinging sixties, its compact size and sporty styling appealing to a younger generation seeking affordable and fashionable transportation. It was frequently featured in popular culture, appearing in films, television shows, and magazines, further solidifying its image as a cool and trendy car.
The Herald’s affordability also made it accessible to a wider range of people, contributing to a growing trend of car ownership in the UK and beyond.
Role in Motorsports
The Triumph Herald, despite its modest engine, proved surprisingly competitive in motorsports. Its lightweight construction and agile handling made it a formidable contender in various racing categories, including rallying and circuit racing. The Herald’s success in motorsports helped to enhance its reputation for performance and reliability, further contributing to its popularity among enthusiasts.
- One notable example is the Triumph Herald 1200, which was a successful competitor in the British Saloon Car Championship in the 1960s.
- The Herald’s success in rallying, particularly in the hands of privateer drivers, helped to solidify its image as a capable and fun-to-drive car.
Influence on Subsequent Car Designs
The Triumph Herald’s innovative design features, such as its unitized body construction and independent rear suspension, influenced subsequent car designs, particularly in the small car segment. Its compact dimensions and sporty styling paved the way for a new generation of affordable and stylish hatchbacks that would become popular in the decades to come.
- The Herald’s use of unitized body construction, which eliminated the need for a separate chassis, was later adopted by other manufacturers, contributing to the development of lighter and more efficient cars.
- Its independent rear suspension, which provided superior handling and ride comfort compared to traditional live axles, was also widely adopted in later small car designs.
Last Point: 1964 Triumph Herald
The 1964 Triumph Herald left an enduring legacy, not only as a successful model for Triumph but also as a symbol of British automotive ingenuity. Its impact on the automotive landscape is undeniable, as it paved the way for a new generation of compact and affordable cars.
Today, the Herald remains a popular choice among classic car enthusiasts, admired for its timeless design, engaging driving experience, and its place in automotive history.
