Triumph Gloria
| Triumph Gloria | |
|---|---|
 1991 cc 6-cylinder four door sports saloon April 1935 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Triumph Motor Company |
| Production | August 1933–1938 [1] |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission | four-speed |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 108 in (2,743 mm) or 116 in (2,946 mm)[2] |
The Triumph Gloria is a range of cars produced by the Triumph Motor Company in Coventry, England, from 1933 to 1938.
History
[edit]Between 1933 and 1938 Triumph made a large and complex range of Gloria sporting saloons, coupés, tourers, 2-seater sports cars, drophead coupés and golfer's coupés. All these Glorias, apart from the final two models (1.5-Litre Saloon and Fourteen (1767 cc) Six-Light Saloon of 1937-1938) were powered by 1087 or 1232-cc four-cylinder or 1467 or 1991-cc six-cylinder Coventry Climax overhead inlet and side exhaust valve designed engines (modified and built under licence by Triumph).
The chassis came in two lengths, with an extra 8 in (203 mm) ahead of the passenger compartment depending on whether the four- or six-cylinder engine was fitted, and had conventional non-independent suspension with semi elliptic leaf springs. The brakes were hydraulically operated using the Lockheed system with large 12 in (305 mm) drums.[3] A four-speed transmission was fitted with an optional free wheel mechanism allowing "clutchless" gear changing. Synchromesh was fitted to the gearbox on the final Fourteen and 1.5-litre models.
Base range
[edit]The first models in the Gloria range were a 9.53 hp (tax horsepower, 1087 cc) four-cylinder and a 12.95 hp six-cylinder model of 1467 cc, introduced in August 1933.[4] After about 1,850 had been built, the four-cylinder's engine was increased to 1232 cc in August 1934, although the smaller engine continued to be installed in the Gloria Ten Saloon until July 1935. The six-cylinder engine was enlarged to 1991 cc at the same time.[4]
Gloria Vitesse
[edit]From August 1934 to 1936 the Gloria range included "Gloria Vitesse" models (not to be confused with later Vitesses) which were up-rated, with twin carburettor engine and equipment, versions of the equivalent Gloria and slightly different bodywork in the case of some saloons.
Gloria Southern Cross
[edit]
There was also from 1934 to 1937 an open two-seat sporting model, the Southern Cross, re-using the name previously applied to the sports version of the Triumph Super 9. This used a shortened chassis of 96 in (2,438 mm) for 1232 cc four-cylinder models and 104 in (2,642 mm) for the 1991 sixes.[1]
Scale models and die-cast models
[edit]Lansdowne Models introduced a model of the 1935/6 Gloria Vitesse Sports Saloon in 2008.
References
[edit]
- ^ a b Sedgwick, M. (1989). A-Z of Cars of the 1930s. Devon, UK: Bay View Books. ISBN 1-870979-38-9.
- ^ Culshaw; Horrobin (1974). Complete Catalogue of British Cars. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-16689-2.
- ^ Robson, Graham (1972). The Story of Triumph Sports Cars. London: Motor Racing Publications. ISBN 0-900549-23-8.
- ^ a b "Gloria Models – 1933 to 1938". Pre-1940 Triumph Motor Club. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020.