Triumph Dolomite (1937-1939)

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triumph
Triumph Dolomite 1938.JPG
Dolomites
Production period: 1937-1939
Class : Middle class
Body versions : Sedan , coupe , roadster
Engines: Petrol engines :
1.5-2.0 liters
(37-55 kW)
Length: 4267-4648 mm
Width: 1651-1702 mm
Height:
Wheelbase : 2743-2946 mm
Empty weight : 1422-1448 kg
Previous model Triumph Vitesse
successor Triumph 1800
Triumph 1800 Roadster

The Triumph Dolomite range was built by the British automaker Triumph Motor Company from 1937 to 1939 .

history

The Triumph Dolomite was developed by Donald Healey . The Dolomite was the last model under the Triumph Motor Company before the takeover by the Standard Motor Company . The most striking feature of the Dolomite is the “waterfall” grill, designed by Walter Belgrove. The name Dolomite was borrowed from the legendary Triumph Dolomite Straight Eight of 1934/35 and was intended to build on its sporty, but hapless history. More than any other model, this vehicle established the reputation of the Triumph brand in the sports car sector. In the 1970s, the prestigious type designation was used again by Standard-Triumph for another Dolomite model.

The Dolomite was offered in the variants Saloon (limousine), Drophead Foursome Coupé (coupé with 4 seats) and Roadster Coupé (with mother-in-law seat) . The Roadster Coupé body shape in particular is said to be strongly modeled on the Mercedes-Benz 170V . Exact production numbers cannot be given, as these are mixed with the Vitesse models produced at the same time. A total of around 6200 Vitesse and Dolomite models were produced, including the 200 Dolomite Roadster Coupé.

The Dolomite Roadster Coupé was the open version of the Dolomite with a bench at the front and a mother-in-law seat for two people and was available with the same engines as the other Dolomite models (14/60, 14/65, 2-liter). 50 6-cylinder (2-liter) versions of the Dolomite Roadster Coupé were produced, as well as 100 4-cylinder vehicles of the 14/60 type and 50 vehicles of the 14/65 version. The convertible top is lowered into the footwell of the mother-in-law's seat using a patented device. A coupé version with a fixed roof was shown, but never manufactured.

Triumph experimented with an increase in the output of the 4-cylinder engine, since the 6-cylinder engine, due to its higher weight, did not provide the expected performance increase. A performance-enhanced 14/65 version with 65 bhp (48 kW) was delivered from the factory. The 4-cylinder engines were equipped with two SU carburetors, the 6-cylinder engine with three SU carburetors.

All Dolomite models had a synchronized four-speed gearbox. The Lockheed hydraulic brakes were fitted with drums 300 mm in diameter. Depending on the body shape, a cruising speed of approx. 120 km / h could be achieved. The vehicles are equipped with a 12-volt electrical system (two 6-volt batteries), main headlights, fog lights, rear light / brake light combinations, and mechanical direction indicators (indicators).

The body of the Dolomite is executed on a load-bearing frame in a wood, sheet metal and aluminum construction. The vehicles were equipped with automatic central lubrication ex works. However, since this worked unsatisfactorily, most of the vehicles were converted back to conventional grease nipples over time. The vehicles were optionally equipped with mechanical or electrical fuel pumps from SU.

  • Hood ornament 1938

  • Dolomite Roadster 14/65

  • Dolomite Saloon

The cars were marketed as "the finest in all the land" and aimed directly at the sporty luxury sedan market. The cars received excellent reviews in the contemporary motor press. However, the relatively high price (348 - 425 GBP) and the unconventional grille, which was unpopular with buyers, prevented commercial success. In order to better meet the tastes of customers, Triumph brought out the "Continental 2-liter". This was identical to the Dolomite, but had the conventional radiator grille of the Vitesse models.

During the Second World War , Triumph switched to manufacturing aircraft parts due to its experience in aluminum construction. In 1940 the Coventry plant was bombed by an aerial vehicle.

Models

Dolomite 14/60

The base of the Dolomite 14/60 corresponded to the Triumph Vitesse 14/60. The 4-cylinder engine with 1767 cm³ has an output of 62 bhp (45.6 kW). Body styles: Saloon and Roadster Coupé.

Dolomite 14/65

The base of the Dolomite 14/60 corresponded to that of the Triumph Vitesse 14/60. The factory-tuned 4-cylinder engine with 1767 cm³ displacement develops 65 bhp (48 kW). Only available in the Roadster Coupé body variant.

Dolomite 2 liter

The Dolomite 2-liter has a 6-cylinder in-line engine with 1991 cm³ displacement and 75 bhp (55 kW). It was only available as a Roadster Coupé, initially with 2 and later with 3 SU carburettors. The technical basis corresponded to that of the Triumph Vitesse 2-liter.

Continental 2 liter

Identical to the Dolomite 2-liter, but equipped with a conventional radiator grille.

Dolomite 1 1/2 liter

In 1938 a weaker motorized variant with 50 bhp (37 kW) appeared as a sedan and touring car. The Dolomite 1½-liter had a four-cylinder in-line engine with 1496 cc with a SU carburetor. A 1767 cm³ engine for the Triumph Gloria Fourteen was initially available as an option and was part of the standard equipment in 1939. It was equipped with one or two SU carburetors.

Dolomite Royal

The Dolomite Royal, announced in July 1938, was the largest and most luxurious vehicle manufactured by the Triumph Motor Company. It was available as a saloon with 14/60 and 2-liter engine variants. The body has been completely redesigned. It had a continuous steel roof, doors that opened to the front, more interior and more head room. Prices for the 1939 Dolomite Royal were £ 375 and £ 425, respectively.

Web links

Commons : Triumph Dolomite (1937-1939)  - Collection of images, videos and audio files

literature

  • Richard Langworth, Graham Robson: Triumph Cars - The Complete 75-Year History. Motor Racing Publications, London 1979, ISBN 0-900549-44-0 .

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Culshaw, David & Horrobin, Peter: The Complete Catalog of British Cars 1895-1975. Veloce Publishing plc., Dorchester 1997, ISBN 1-874105-93-6 .