Triumph Dolomite (1934–1940)

The Dolomite name was again used from 1937 to 1940. The car this time had a 1,767 cc four-cylinder engine and saloon body. The design was overseen by Donald Healey [7] and featured a striking new design of radiator grille by Walter Belgrove.[2] The cars were marketed as "the finest in all the land" and targeted directly at the luxury sporting saloon market.

Triumph had been moving progressively upmarket during the 1930s, and the 1938 Dolomites were very well equipped, with winding windows in the doors, automatic chassis lubrication, a leather-bound steering wheel adjustable for rake and reach, dual hydraulic brake circuits, twin trumpet horns, and spot lamps included in the price.[10] There was even a tray of fitted tools slotted beneath the driver's seat cushion, and for an extra 18 guineas buyers could specify a radio.[10]

The body was aluminium over a rot-proofed ash frame.[10] Like many Triumphs of that time, the car followed the American trend of concealing its radiator behind a flamboyant shining metal grill.[10] The British market, then as now, was in many ways a conservative one, however, and, before Dolomite production was suspended completely, Triumph had time to introduce a "Vitesse"-branded version of the Dolomite on which the grill had been removed and the car's own radiator was exposed in the traditional manner.

A 14/60 four-door four-light saloon was road tested by The Times. Head clearance was described as moderate but it was felt there was good width and leg room for two persons in the back seat and the doorways gave "reasonable entrance". Interior fittings included three electric lights, two-way visors, a sliding roof, three ashtrays, an instrument board with large dial clock and speedometer, a telescopic spring steering wheel, wholly automatic chassis lubrication, a jacking system and a windscreen which could be wound out to give a direct view.[9]

At the front the equipment included a stabilizing bumper, two wind horns, two fog lights, two large headlamps and small side lamps on the wings. It was particularly noted that the modernistic front to the radiator was a die casting and not a tinny assembly.[9]

Testers described driving the car as giving the impression of a fine feel of control and with an engine to match that. Smooth enough to be thought of as a six the engine had "high mettle" and did not mind being called upon for speed affording almost "sportslike" pickup. The gearchange was considered "a delight" with a well located small remote control lever and excellent synchromesh. Steering was not too heavy. The driver was given a good view ahead and behind though the view through the back windows was rather small.[9]

The steering and suspension were rated as "adequate", back passengers they said "travel with comfort", top speed was found to be about 75 miles an hour.
Price as tested was £348.[9]

In April 1938 an increased compression ratio and mild further engine tuning justified a changed designation from 14/60 to 14/65[10] (where 14 was the fiscal horsepower and 65 was the claimed actual horsepower[10]).

Roadster drophead coupé s.w.b. with dickey seat

This is an open version of the 14/65, announced 29 March 1938,[11] with seating for three people on a single bench seat and "two additional outside seats in the tail, reminiscent of the dickey seat that was at one time common"[10] for two more people behind. The hood folded completely into the body to give the appearance of an open sports car. The car was announced with the 1,767 cc (107.8 cu in) engine with twin SU carburettors.[11] A two-tone (coffee and cream) version of this model featured in the 1945 film version of Noël Coward's Blithe Spirit, directed by David Lean. It was driven by Rex Harrison.

1940 1767 cc l.w.b.

In July 1938 a slightly longer wheelbase version powered by a 1,991 cc (121.5 cu in) engine fed by triple SUs joined the range[10] while the saloon version featuring the same 1,991 cc engine still made do with just two SU carburettors.[10] No power output figure was quoted by the manufacturers for the 1,991 cc Dolomite.

The cars received excellent reviews from the period motoring press.

• 2-litre Foursome drophead coupé, sports saloon and roadster drophead coupé
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In 1939, less than a month after Britain declared war on Germany, and before civilian automobile availability had been withdrawn by government in either country, the Autocar magazine featured a road test of the two-litre Dolomite Roadster coupe.[10] By this time the manufacturer's published price had risen to £495.[10] The testers recorded a mean maximum speed of 78 mph (126 km/h), with a best timed maximum speed of 81 mph (130 km/h)). Acceleration from rest to 50 mph (80 km/h) was timed at 15 seconds.[10] The testers appear to have been impressed by everything except the ambient weather.[10]

In 1938 a smaller-engined version with a 1,496 cc engine was announced and available as a saloon or tourer. The 1,767 cc engine was an option at first but became standard in 1939.[2]