1953 Triumph Mayflower *Sold £4,050*

Description

• Extensively restored with professionally rebuilt engine
• A cherished and well preserved car, with bags of originality
• Just 2 former keepers
• Large history file going back to 1953
• Recent structural survey shows no issues

A four seat, 1 ¼ litre car – the Triumph Mayflower was launched as an “upscale” small car. Produced by the Triumph Motor Company from 1949 and noted for its razor edge styling. The car was launched at the Earls Court  Motor Show that year, priced at £505, it was up against similarly-sized, but lower-spec’d, stiff competition from Morris, in the shape of their Minor – a snip at just £382!

That slab-sided design may look, let’s say “quirky”, but it does have many advantages. It gives a huge amount of room inside, and with its narrow pillars and large glass area, the interior is notably light and airy.

Clever touches included an ingenious front seat mechanism, whereby the whole seat slides forward as the backrest is tilted to allow access to the rear. The boot lid has a hinged number plate, too, so that the lid can be left down to accommodate extra-large loads – an idea picked up by the Mini some years later. Plus the upright, squared-off rear means back-seat passengers can sit comfortably. This was luxury.. but in a smaller package!

However, beauty, as they say,  is in the eye of the beholder and it seemed that not everyone was enamoured with the styling of the car. Sadly, the Mayflower didn’t find its niche and sales didn’t meet the company’s expectations, so production ceased in 1953.

Here we have one of the later Triumph Mayflowers to have rolled off the production line, known affectionately as “May” she was manufactured in 1953 and registered on 15^th April of that year.

May’s history    

May was bought new in 1953 by Mrs Muir who lived in Roughton, Norfolk. It appears she was a lady of some means as she was chauffeur driven around the local area for many years. Her chauffeur kept fastidious records which are included in the history and it’s believed that May was well loved and cared for during her ownership.

In the 1980s, Mrs Muir was no longer of an age to be driven or to drive the car. Mr Chapman who lived in the same village and had admired May for many years, finally got the opportunity to buy her. A well-known member of the Triumph Mayflower club and an enthusiast, under his ownership he spent a lot of time and energy looking after May and undertaking some restoration works. When he passed in 2018, May came up for sale.

Our vendor, Darrell, had been looking for a Mayflower for some time and when the club advised that May was available, he jumped at the chance to own her. She came with a “mountain of paperwork, including original ownership documents from 1953 – workshop manual and handbook plus service schedules dating back to purchase. She looks to have been well loved and many works documented.” Unfortunately now is the time for Darrell to scale back his collection and May needs to find a new home.

Exterior and interior

May is presented in a lovely light grey with original red leather interior. Yes, the front seats are  showing some signs of wear and some there are some marks to the seat backs but she is almost 70 years old now! She features:

• Original 3 spoke steering wheel and bakelite dash
• Working trafficators
• Foot button for the full beam lights
• The door cards and rubber flooring are original
• The Mayflower ship pressing into the boot catch
• Whitewall radial tyres in “excellent condition” with what appear to be original hubcaps
• The brightwork looks good and we’re told that “all chrome is present”
• Analogue radio (receipt shows this was purchased in 1968) and speakers fitted
• Period AA and RAC badges

Engine and Mechanics

The Triumph Mayflower was built on a tiny 84” wheelbase chassis and given a touch of, albeit scaled down, luxury of the Rolls Royce and Bentley of the period.  We’re told that she “turns on a sixpence”, not something you’d manage to do in a Roller!

Featuring a 1247cc Standard Vanguard side-valve engine that was updated with an aluminium cylinder head and single Solex carburettor. Road testers of the day managed to push the Mayflower to a heady 62.9 mph, with an engine producing 38bhp.

The engine of this Mayflower was professionally rebuilt whilst under Mr Chapman’s ownership in  2018.

Darrell tells us that the Mayfower “..was extensively restored by its previous owner, including a professionally rebuilt engine. The car drives well and demonstrates smooth functionality for the gearbox and brakes… and has received a recent structural and engineering survey from Clydesdale Classic Cars in Glasgow that revealed no issues”

May benefits from “a recently installed electronic ignition” We’re also advised that “The underside is in excellent condition” images are in the gallery, take a look.

The odometer shows 51,371 miles – the MOTs suggest that May has driven less than 1000 miles a year and we have no reason to believe that it’s not correct but please make your own enquiries.

Summary

It’s not often that a Triumph Mayflower comes to market, never mind one in this lovely a condition. The previous owner has extensively restored her including an engine rebuild and she’s now ready to be enjoyed.

So grab yourself a well priced entry into 1950s motoring, in, let’s face it, fabulously quirky style.. Chauffeur optional!

 

Vehicle Location: Dumfries & Galloway DG4 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

Have a question about this Triumph Mayflower? Please contact the Evoke team at auction@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

 Guide Prices?

We’re different. But you know that. And we’re always honest. In a sector where no two classics are same, how does anyone put a ‘guide’.

Well, everyone knows the broad value of classic, let’s all be honest. So we don’t need to tell you what you already know, do we.

The ‘market’ decides and the old cliché that ‘it’s are worth what someone wants to pay’ is no less true. So why kid everyone!

But, because we are different, if it really does matter to you, that’s fine, we want you to be happy. Just drop us a line at auction@evoke-classics.com and one of us will be delighted to ring you back and discuss, it’s what we do.

Tedious but it’s vital you read this, please.

We will always strive to offer the most descriptive and transparent auction listings available. However, we can’t claim to be perfect. Your own analysis is very important and we are here to help and also answer any and all queries you may have prior to purchase.

We offer and positively encourage bidders to view, or arrange inspections for each vehicle thoroughly prior to bidding.

If we do take a physical, as opposed to a remote, look at any of the vehicles on our platform, they are not those of a qualified vehicle inspector or other professional. Nor do they include a test drive unless expressly stated.

As with all vehicles of a certain age, localised paint repairs are common. This specifically applies with classics.

So, please, unless we state explicitly to the contrary, please assume that classic vehicles on our platform could have had remedial bodywork of any kind at some point in its life.

Two final comments on images and photos.

The vast majority are supplied by vendors. Camera technology has and continues to improve significantly, but please note and understand that image and sound quality does vary. If you would like vendors to provide more images please ask us and we will contact the vendor for you.

If you are at all unsure, just ask us. It is what we are here for.

Finally, finally, finally. Please note that vehicles are sold as seen and a returns policy is not applicable. This is the norm for used items acquired at auction.

Our Terms and Conditions are here and our FAQS can be found here or contact us: auction@evoke-classics.com