Triumph Renown TDB

The Triumph Renown is strictly the name given to the Triumph‘s large saloon car made from 1949 to 1954 but it is, in reality, part of a three-car series of the 1800, 2000 and Renown models. Together with the Triumph Roadster, they were the first vehicles to carry the Triumph badge following the company’s takeover by the Standard Motor Company.

The Triumph Razoredge Owner’s Club Ltd, formed in 1975, provides support to the remaining Razoredge saloons. As of 2016, the Club knows of around 250 of these cars distributed worldwide. The later two series of cars with chassis numbers commencing TDB and TDC have survived better than the earlier two variants. This may be due to the commonality of most of the mechanical parts with the Standard Vanguard which was produced during the same period.

These cars provide an elegant sedate motoring experience.

Triumph Renown Mk I TDB 1949–52

The car was renamed the Renown in October 1949. It had an entirely new chassis based on the Standard Vanguard with pressed steel sections replacing the tubes previously used. The front suspension changed to coil springing. The 3-speed column change transmission was retained. A Renown tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1950 had a top speed of 75.0 mph (120.7 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 24.3 seconds. A fuel consumption of 23.9 miles per imperial gallon (11.8 L/100 km; 19.9 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £991 including taxes.

Of the 6501 produced, fewer than 100 are known to have survived.

About this car

Tis car although not in its original colours is an eye catcher. Walking from a distance towards her she will get your attention with the black and white colour scheme as well as with the so typical razor edge line. Not to mention the suicide front doors and the fact that you can actually fire up the engine by cranking the motor with a lot of elbow grease. You will have some spectators around you. It is by all means a very sound car and even today a drivable one too. The couples marrying will surely know to find you.

Since this car is in the collection for quite some years, we consider searching a new home for her.

On the outside

This car has been restored some time in the past. Good job done. Original colour scheme not kept but replaced by a very attempting black and white that suits her very well. Paint is good but shows some imperfections. Standing straight and proud on four white wall tires, having a magnificent radiator accompanied by two beautiful big headlamps looking straight at you. The body panels are aluminium over an Ash wood body frame. The majestic wings made of steel. All components are there, lights, glass, etc and in good condition. Opening the hood is done by opening the side skirts one by one. All doors, bonnet skirts and boot are opening and closing very well. All rubbers are there but not all are yet assembled.

On the inside

Opening the suicide door is always exiting, the word alone … Steering wheel at the right side, shifting gear selector at the left side of the steering wheel. Three shifts and a reverse. All wooden and leather interior in very good condition. The dials are located in the middle of what you can now call the dashboard. All dials are working. Starting procedure, insert the key, turn the key forty five degrees, ignition light turns on. Some dials wake up. Pull the choke to maximum, the knob with the C. Push the starting button, indeed the one with S, until the engine fires up then let go. Push the coke a bit inwards and listen to the nicely running engine. One seat in front and one seat in the back. Ashtray in front and two in the back, those were the days. Opening the boot will ask some effort. The boot is opening from top to bottom and is actually the place where the spare tire is located, so keep it firmly. Nicely maintained boot with some tools.

Underneath

Opening the motor compartment unleashes a two litre four-cylinder engine known to be a very solid motor used in several cars, tractors, … When the car has sat for a while you should pump the gas into the carburettor before firing up. It is a mechanical fuel pump. You can either use the electric starter or the crank to fire up the engine. The exhaust is not the original shape and looks a bit strange hanging underneath the car. So this definitely is an area for improvement for the next keeper. Very healthy chassis and all elements there are in good condition.

History

This car has been well kept over the years and was sold between dealers several times before it came in the hands of the previous owner. He was a real car enthusiast and kept the car in his small garage well protected against the elements. But as his family grew and everybody needed more and more space the car had to go. Lucky for us we could buy it from him and transported the car to our collection. The transport itself was an adventure. On our way back cruising the M6 we were warned by a coach driver that our trailer has had a blowout. Luckily there were four wheels so two axles on the trailer. Once we made it to a Motorway service save and sound, we wanted to change wheels and discovered that we had no spare tire with us and that the spare we needed was not a normal size. Anyway, with the help of the staff at the rest area and an mobile tire specialist some eight hours later we were on the road again.

In 2016 the car was invited at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Queen. There was one car representing every one of the 90 years. The car represented the year 1951. So not only there are not many left, there is only one that has been at Buckingham Palace celebrating the Queen.

What we think

This is really an opportunity for the lover of pre-war styled cars. Although the car is built 1950, the design is pre-war and this gives you the benefit to have a drivable pre-war styled car. A head turner every time you will be on the road. We would like the next owner to use it and enjoy it as much as we did during the time we were her keeper.