THE ROADSTER YEARS

The Triumph Roadster was produced by Britain’s Standard Motor Company between 1946 to 1949. It was first available as the Triumph 1800 Roadster (18TR) from 1946 to 1948 and then as the Triumph 2000 Roadster (TRA) from 1948 to 1949.

Triumph, the company had been bought by the Standard Motor Company. Owner, Sir John Black, wanted a sports car to take on Jaguar, who had used Standard engines in the pre-war period.

Steel shortages meant that the body was built from aluminium, using rubber press tools that had been used making panels for the largely wooden bodied Mosquito bomber that had been built by Standard during the war.

The engine was a version of Standard’s 1.5-litre, four-cylinder side-valve design. A four- speed gearbox with synchromesh on the top three ratios was used.

The tubular steel chassis was a short-wheelbase version of the 1800 Saloon variant featuring transverse leaf sprung independent suspension at the front and a rear wheel drive system with semi- elliptic springs. The brakes were hydraulic.

The front sporting separate chrome headlamps and radiator well back from the front between large coal scuttle wings. The front passenger compartment comprised of a bench seat that was claimed to seat three (or two adults and a small child!).  Additional rear seating for two was provided int the form of dickey seats. This area had its own folding wind deflecting screen. The folding hood only covered the front seats. Entry and exit to the dickey seat compartment was via steps on the rear bumper. The Roadster was the last production car with a dickey seat.

The only significant update in the Roadster’s production came in September 1948 for the 1949 models, when the 2088cc Vanguard Engine was introduced along with a three-speed gearbox including overdrive. This later version of the Roadster was given the model designation, TRA.

The Roadster was not produced in large numbers and was largely built by hand. 2,501 model 1800TR’s were built and then 2,000 of the later TRA models (the 2000cc version)

Sadly production ended in October 1949.

Today only a small number of Roadsters survive with the TRA version the most coveted. As well as the UK, Roadsters are active in North America, across Europe and other far reaching countries. It is a testament to Sir John Black’s design that the Roadster is a well sought after classic. Many have spent thousands resurrecting sadly neglected TR’s and will continue to do so.

A Triumph Roadster club exists if you would like to know more about these cars or indeed own one!

https://triumphroadster.org.uk/