1964 | Triumph Herald 1200

Here comes the 1964 Triumph Herald 1200 Estate – a British gentleman on four wheels, effortlessly bridging the gap between utility vehicle and style icon, as if it had wandered into a James Bond opening sequence, only with more picnic baskets and fewer exploding pens.

A wagon that breathes the Union Jack
When the Herald 1200 Estate hit the market in 1964, it was the perfect car for those who still dreamt of driving an Austin-Healey but also had children, a dog, and Sunday cricket gear to transport. Its design came from Michelotti – a man who clearly knew how to give a family estate that certain “something.” The result: sharp lines, generous glass surfaces, and that gloriously British front end that tilts forward completely, giving mechanics – and curious neighbours – an unobstructed view of the engine.

And yes, this Herald isn’t just rare – it’s one of only 75 Estate models still registered in the UK. A rolling gentleman’s club, minus the cigar smoke.

Restored like a Victorian grandfather clock
Around 8–9 years ago, it underwent a meticulous body-off restoration: stripped to bare metal, properly de-rusted, repainted in original Triumph 2K Gunmetal Grey/Blue, and mechanically refreshed.
Since then? Only 2,000 miles covered, never driven in the rain – because, as we all know, rain in Britain is more of a rare exception… ahem.

The original 1,147cc four-cylinder fires up like a freshly awakened butler, runs smoothly, and works perfectly with its overhauled 4-speed synchromesh gearbox. Every gear slots so precisely that even a Swiss watchmaker would nod in approval.

Interior – Blue as a gentleman’s dinner jacket
The cabin is a time capsule in blue vinyl – original, well-kept, and surprisingly comfortable. The wooden dashboard reminds you that British cars back then were made not just of metal and oil, but with a touch of tearoom charm. Thanks to the generous all-round visibility, you see everything – and everyone – around you. Particularly handy when trying to avoid a puddle big enough to reflect your own car on the way to an old-timer show.

Driving – Small turning circle, big show
With its independent suspension front and rear, separate chassis, and comically small turning circle, the Herald drives like a London taxi on a Sunday outing. It’s no race car – 43 hp make it more of a relaxed tourer – but it moves with the kind of unhurried grace you only find in classics. And it’ll happily cover 100 miles in one go to draw admiring looks at a classic car show.

History & Value

• 61 years old, only six owners
• Complete vehicle file with all MOT reports until 2019
• Period-correct plate RFO 465, recently valued at £1,995
• £7,400 in restoration invoices

In short: This is not a car you buy just to “own” it. It’s a car you buy to enjoy – on country roads, at classic car meets, or simply in your garage with a pint of ale, wondering whether you should name it “Mr Herald.”

Conclusion:
This Triumph Herald 1200 Estate is a piece of British motoring history – charming, practical, rare, and maintained as only a true classic can be. Whoever buys it will own not just a car, but rolling proof that in the 1960s, you didn’t have to choose between style and practicality.