As I mentioned in an earlier post, the Triumph 10 (also called the TR10) was an upmarket version of the Standard 8. It was known as the Standard 10 throughout most of the world. In North America, where the Standard brand was unknown and Triumph was having success with the TR3, they decided to badge it as a Triumph. (Triumph-Standard was still an independent company when this car was designed and built. It wasn't taken over by Leyland until 1960.)
When most of us think about Triumph cars we think of sport cars with decent power, a dash full of useful gauges surrounded by wood veneer, sporty suspensions and a nicely styled body. This car is none of that.The TR10 was basic transportation at its most basic. It was roomy for a small car, but had few creature comforts. It got great gas mileage (40 MPG), but was unbelievably slow, taking over 25 seconds to reach 60 MPH. (Triumph claimed it had a top speed of 78 MPH, but I doubt anyone was patient enough to find out whether that was true or not.)
This TR10 needs restoration (the engine is sitting in the driveway), but is a rust free Arizona car. It looks like the tail lights are missing and there is no mention of the condition of the interior. (The dry heat that saves AZ cars from rust, kills interiors. It's a good bet that the one in this car is shot.) Parts are pretty much non-existent in the US, but these cars have a decent following in the UK and parts can probably be sourced there.The Triumph 10 was quite possibly the least exciting British car ever sold in America. Still, it's a cool piece of automotive history and would be a great car to restore and bring to shows. (I can't recall ever seeing one of these at any recent car show I've attended.) The asking price is a reasonable $800.00.
Located in Oracle, AZ, click here to see the Craigslist ad.A big thanks to JaCG reader, Michael, for sending me the link to this car.
