Triumph 1300 (1965-70)

COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.

1. **Alignment Woes**: When considering a vintage Triumph Spitfire, channel your inner detective. Walk around the car, inspecting its body and interior. Pay particular attention to the body panel alignment and those cheeky doors. If the doors seem a bit wonky, it might signal a damaged or faulty chassis. And while you're at it, check for suspension sag – those rear leaf springs tend to droop over time.

2. **Rust, the Uninvited Guest**: Rust is like that distant relative who overstays their welcome. You'll find it lurking under footwells, pedals, and along seat rails. Sneaky! Pop the bonnet (or hood, if you prefer) and give the wheel arches, suspension attachment points, and light surrounds a thorough once-over. Oh, and don't forget the hinges and the area behind the back wheels. Run your hand along the paintwork; any suspicious blemishes might hint at rust bubbling underneath.

3. **Engine Serenade**: Listen closely to the Spitfire's engine. If it's crooning an unusual tune – knocking, rumbling, or doing an interpretive dance – pay attention. One common issue is that someone might have swapped the original engine for something less melodious. Original Spitfire engines start their serial numbers with an F:FC (MkI/MkII), FD (MkIII), FH (MkIV, except for US cars), or FH (1500, except for US cars). But sometimes, rebels install engines starting with G (Herald), D (Dolomite), or Y (1500 saloon). Naughty, naughty! Also, keep an eye out for cheap oil changes – the wrong oil filter can lead to premature engine woes.

4. **Thrust Bearings Drama**: Now, let's talk about the 1300 engine. It occasionally throws a diva fit in the form of worn thrust bearings. How do you spot this drama? Give the front pulley a gentle push and pull; if it wiggles like a jelly on a trampoline, those bearings might be on their last legs. If they decide to stage a dramatic exit, they could wreck the engine block, and nobody wants that.
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Generations/Trim Levels
Please Note: Generations and Trim Levels Across Countries
Generations and trim levels of vehicles often vary between countries as manufacturers tailor models to meet the preferences and requirements of specific markets. For example, a trim level designated as “GL” in the UK might be labelled as “XS” in another country. Due to these regional differences, the information provided on this site pertains exclusively to UK-specific products.

**Triumph 1300 Generations (1965–1970):**

1. **First Generation (1965–1970)**:
- The **Triumph 1300** made its debut at the London Motor Show in October 1965. It was designed as a replacement for the popular Triumph Herald.
- This medium/small 4-door saloon was Leyland's first front-wheel-drive (FWD) design.
- The engine, a 1,296 cc OHV four-cylinder unit, developed 61 hp (45 kW) and was mated to a 4-speed all-synchromesh gearbox.
- Styling was somewhat unusual, with a family resemblance to the larger Triumph 2000. The front had a "squashed" version of the 2000, and the rear had an almost "chopped-off" look with a short, stubby boot.
- Inside, the 1300 boasted full instrumentation on a wooden dashboard, wooden door cappings, adjustable steering column, and comfortable seats with ventilated PVC upholstery.
- Despite a slightly baulky gearchange, it was easy to drive with reasonable performance.
- The 1300 was eventually replaced by the Triumph 1500, but its legacy lived on in other models (more on that below).

2. **Reincarnations and Offshoots**:
- Triumph/Leyland got good mileage out of the 1300's shape. After its initial run, it was reinvented in various forms:
- **Triumph 1500**: Essentially an evolution of the 1300, the 1500 carried forward the same basic design but with a larger engine.
- **Triumph Toledo**: The 1300's platform was re-engineered to create the Toledo, another compact saloon.
- **Triumph Dolomite**: The Dolomite range included the 1300/1500/1850/Sprint variants, all based on the 1300's underpinnings.
- Alas, after a good 15-year run, the Triumph 1300 finally took its curtain call in 1980.

So, there you have it—a little slice of automotive history! If you ever spot a Triumph 1300 from that 1965–1970 era, give it a nod; it's a true classic. And remember, vinyl seats are durable, just like a well-worn leather-bound book.
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Body Styles
The **Triumph 1300** was a medium/small 4-door saloon car that graced the roads between 1965 and 1970. Picture it: swinging '60s vibes, tweed jackets, and perhaps a hint of mod style. Here's the lowdown on its body style:

1. **Four-Door Saloon**: The Triumph 1300 was all about practical elegance. It strutted its stuff as a proper four-door saloon. Imagine those sleek lines, the dignified roofline, and the promise of comfortable seating for you and your three best mates. It was like the automotive equivalent of a well-tailored suit – understated but oh-so-classy.

Now, let's talk styling. The 1300 had a certain je ne sais quoi, partly dictated by its tall engine/gearbox arrangement. Giovanni Michelotti, the design maestro, sprinkled some magic on it:
- The front end was like a "squashed" version of its bigger sibling, the Triumph 2000. Single headlamps gave it a confident gaze.
- The rear? Well, it had an "almost chopped-off" look – short, stubby, and ready to hit the town.
- And that roof? Oh, it had a pronounced lip above the rear window, like a hat with attitude.

Inside, the 1300 treated its occupants right. Wooden dashboard? Check. Wooden door cappings? Check. Adjustable steering column? Check. And those seats – comfortable with ventilated PVC upholstery. It even had through-flow ventilation, because fresh air is essential for a happy drive.
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Trim Levels
1. **Standard Triumph 1300**:
- The base model, where simplicity met elegance. Imagine it as the automotive equivalent of a well-tailored suit – understated but oh-so-classy. It came with all the essentials: four doors, comfortable seats, and a dash of British charm.

2. **Triumph 1300 TC (Twin Carburettor)**:
- Now we're talking! The TC version added a dash of sportiness. Picture this: a promising little saloon with a twin-carb 75 bhp Spitfire engine. Yes, you read that right – Spitfire power in a saloon!
- The TC also boasted a brake servo (because stopping is essential), a four-branch manifold (for that extra growl), and, of course, the inevitable TC badging. It might not have been as exciting as a Vitesse, but it could hit 90 mph (145 km/h) – quite the feat for its time. And fear not, it still managed a respectable 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km).

3. **Luxury Trim and Innovative Features**:
- All Triumph 1300s came with luxury trim. Wooden dashboard? Check. Wooden door capping's? Check. Adjustable steering column? Check. And those seats – comfortable with ventilated PVC upholstery. It was like sinking into a well-loved armchair.
- Oh, and let's not forget the innovative fold-flush window winders. Because who needs protruding window cranks when you can have sleek flushness? 🪟

4. **Styling by Michelotti**:
- Giovanni Michelotti, the design maestro, sprinkled some magic on the 1300. Styling was somewhat unusual – partly dictated by the tall engine/gearbox – with a strong family resemblance to the larger Triumph 2000.
- The front? A "squashed" version of the 2000, complete with single headlamps. The rear? Almost "chopped-off," short and stubby, ready to hit the town. And that roof? A pronounced lip above the rear window – like a hat with attitude.
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Engine
The engine that powered the Triumph 1300 was none other than the trusty **1296 cc Standard SC unit**. Now, this engine had quite the backstory. Imagine it as a seasoned traveler, having originated back in 1953 in the Standard Eight – a modest 803 cc form. It's like the automotive equivalent of a wise old sage, sharing tales of simpler times.

But let's get to the nitty-gritty:
- **Configuration**: A conventional **OHV four-cylinder** setup – none of that fancy overhead cam business. It believed in tradition, you see.
- **Power Output**: It flexed its muscles to the tune of **61 horsepower (45 kW)**. Respectable, right? Not exactly a fire-breathing dragon, but it got the job done.
- **Carburetion**: For its sustenance, it relied on the **single Stromberg CD150 carburettor** – the same one that graced the Triumph Herald 13/60. Imagine it sipping fuel like a refined tea connoisseur.
- **Transmission**: To channel all that power, it danced with a **4-speed all-synchromesh gearbox**. Smooth gear changes, anyone?
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Performance
1. **Maximum Speed**:
- When the Triumph 1300 first graced the tarmac, it was like a polite nod from a well-mannered neighbor. The company's official performance claims were, well, modest. But hold your fascinator – a road test a few months later decided to stretch its legs. The result? A **maximum speed of 93 mph (150 km/h)**. Not bad for a car that probably knew all the best tea shops along the way.

2. **Acceleration**:
- Picture this: you're at the traffic light, and the light turns green. The Triumph 1300 doesn't roar; it politely clears its throat and eases forward. The **0–50 mph (80 km/h)** sprint? A respectable **10.5 seconds**. It's like a gentle nudge from a friend saying, "Off we go!"

3. **Fuel Economy**:
- Now, let's talk practicality. The 1300 wasn't a guzzler; it was more of a sipper. On a good day, it could manage a respectable **30 miles per gallon (7.8 L/100 km)**. Efficient, just like a well-brewed pot of Darjeeling.

4. **TC Variant**:
- Ah, the TC – the slightly spicier version. It might not have been as exciting as a Vitesse, but it had its moments. The TC could gracefully hit **90 mph** (145 km/h). Imagine it – a saloon with a hint of mischief, like a secret smile behind a cup of chamomile tea.

5. **Sweet Driving Saloon**:
- The Triumph 1300 wasn't about raw power; it was about the journey. It handled like a well-practiced waltz – nimble, predictable, and utterly British. And when Triumph revived the pre-war Dolomite name, things got even sweeter. The Dolomite 1850, with its 16-valve head and 127 bhp, was like a jazzed-up afternoon tea – stunning and well-equipped.
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Designer/Dimensions
The Triumph 1300, produced from 1965 to 1970, was designed by Giovanni Michelotti. Here are its dimensions:

- **Length**: 3,937 mm (155 in)
- **Width**: 1,568 mm (61.7 in)
- **Height**: 1,372 mm (54 in)
- **Wheelbase**: 2,451 mm (96.5 in)
- **Kerb Weight**: 914 kg (2,015 lb).

Michelotti's design gave the Triumph 1300 a distinctive and elegant look, contributing to its popularity.
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Spares
1. **EU-SPARES**:
- The knights of EU-SPARES have assembled a grand hall of OE original parts for your Triumph 1300. Picture it: shelves lined with spark plugs, bellow sets, and ignition coils.
- Need a spark plug? They've got you covered – NGK, Champion, and even the elusive ULTRA TITAN BERU. Choose your weapon (or rather, your spark plug). Prices start at a mere £2.57.
- And if your drive shaft needs some love, SKF and MAXGEAR have bellow sets waiting in their armory. From £7.58, you'll be back on the road in no time.
- Visit the [EU-SPARES Triumph 1300 section](https://www.euspares.co.uk/original-parts/triumph/1300) and let the quest begin!

2. **Car-parts.ie**:
- Across the rolling hills of Car-parts.ie, you'll find spare parts for any Triumph 1300 Saloon model. Imagine it as a mystical forest where each tree hides a clutch cable or a brake pad.
- Seek out their [Triumph 1300 parts](https://www.car-parts.ie/car-brands/triumph/1300-1965-parts) section, and perhaps you'll stumble upon the legendary Holy Grail of car mats.

3. **AUTODOC**:
- AUTODOC, the alchemist's workshop, offers parts for various model generations. From the humble 1300 to the mightiest Dolomite, they've got you covered.
- Explore their [Triumph 1300 section](https://www.autodoc.co.uk/spares/triumph/1300) and unravel the secrets of brake discs, water pumps, and perhaps a potion for eternal engine health.

4. **Car Parts Online Store UK**:
- The UK's No. 1 spare parts store – a bustling marketplace where Triumph 1300 parts dance like leaves in an autumn breeze.
- Visit their [Triumph 1300 section](https://www.autopartspro.co.uk/triumph-1300-carparts), and who knows, you might find the elusive floor mats that grant +10 charisma to your car's interior.
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Specialists
1. **Phillip McCallen Triumph**:
- Picture it: a modern showroom and workshop nestled in Lisburn, Co Antrim. This is where Triumph motorcycles and their four-wheeled cousins find solace.
- **Services Offered**:
- New and used Triumph motorcycle sales.
- Genuine Triumph parts and accessories.
- Expert technicians for servicing, MOTs, repairs, and customizations.
- A large clothing department with dedicated staff – because even cars deserve stylish attire.
- Whether you're seeking a spark plug or a dash of personalized charm for your Triumph 1300, Phillip McCallen Triumph is your haven.
- Visit their website: [Phillip McCallen Triumph](https://www.phillipmccallentriumph.com/)

2. **Phillip McCallen Motorcycles**:
- Not just Triumphs, my friend! Phillip McCallen Motorcycles wears multiple hats: Triumph dealer, Kawasaki dealer, and KTM motorcycle dealer. They're like a bustling marketplace for two and four-wheeled dreams.
- And yes, they've got clothing and accessories too – because every Triumph 1300 deserves a snazzy riding jacket.
- Explore their offerings: [Phillip McCallen Motorcycles](https://www.phillipmccallen.com/)
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Racing
While the Triumph 1300 didn’t chase checkered flags, it left its mark on the streets – a polite nod to classic motoring.
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Valuation
The value of a 1965 Triumph 1300 can vary depending on its condition. Here are some approximate values based on different conditions:

- **Fair Condition**: Around £4,000
- **Good Condition**: Around £6,000
- **Excellent Condition**: Around £9,000
- **Concours Condition**: Around £12,000

These values can fluctuate based on the market and specific details of the car.
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