Triumphs we have loved and lost!

1976 Triumph Dolomite 1500HL

The car that started it all: the first Searle Triumph. Bought in 1984 this 1976 Dolly had the 1500 engine with twin SU carbs and an overdrive gearbox. It underwent some bodywork renovation including a full respray before being sold. By then the TR6 had arrived.

1976 Triumph Spitfire 1500

Affectionately known as 'Pyg'. This was my brothers first Spitfire and true student hack. No overdrive, remould tyres and enough big-end rattle at start-up to wake the neighbours. It came with factory hard and soft tops. Sold after about a year to buy a Mini 1275GT (!), that was later sold to buy another blue 1976 Spitfire 1500.

1975 Triumph 2500TC

This was MOT failure bought, for parts, for £60 UK. The bodyshell was severly rusted so the car was completely dismantled, with parts either being kept as spares for the other Triumphs or sold. I had to do this quite.............

Here's the 2500 behind the GT6 and the Spitfire.

The 2.5 litre 6-cylinder engine was installed in the GT6 but after nearly a year the smoke trail left by the burning oil became so bad I couldn't see in the mirror if anyone was following me! The original 2 litre engine had to be refitted. When the 2.5 litre was stripped down the number 3 and 4 pistons had both broken piston rings.

1973 Triumph Spitfire MkIV

Another car bought for spares, this time for  £50 UK. The 1300 engine was unserviceable, as a dropped valve had severely damaged the head and holed a piston. The gearbox was also on its last legs. The bodywork doesn't look bad in the picture below but there was serious rust throughout, as well as accident damage. The car was stripped for spares and then the body and chassis cut up - as can be seen!