![ODE TO A SPECIAL 14/60 DOLLY]()
Among the offerings at Brightwell’s next up-coming classic auction is a pre-war car that, according to its review in the June 1937 edition of Motorsport Magazine, possesses ‘character that appeals particularly to those who have to motor far and fast’. I can’t help but find myself intrigued, not only by this eighty-year-old comment but also by the elegant waterfall radiator grille, beautifully sculpted aluminum bodywork and slightly tarnished dashboard gauges possessed by a 1937 Triumph Dolomite 14/60 Special on offer at an estimated £25,000-£30,000.
Upon launch, and continuing on today, Dolomites are frequently acknowledged as the best cars that Triumph produced in the pre-war era with the model proving itself as a credible rival to competition from Riley, SS and MG. This 14/60 possesses a cruciform-braced underside, similar to that of the Triumph Gloria, while the bodywork sits over a drilled chassis. Beneath a bonnet punctuated by numerous louvered side vents sits a 1,767cc overhead-camshaft engine that was designed by Donald Healey, that likely accounts for even a standard model being described in the 1937 Motorsport Magazine review as ‘a car of sporting tendencies’.
And ‘sporting tendencies’ is most definitely what this particular 14/60 Dolomite has in generous quantity, following on from a full re-build only a few years ago, that transformed this unique Dolly from a dilapidated state into a lively sprint and hill-climb competitor most usually the fastest in its class at the likes of Shelsley Walsh, Prescott and other famous motorsport venues.
The current vendor would like to see the car “go to someone with the driving skills to exploit it to its full potential” and coupled with some enthusiasm for the pre-war class, there is no reason why this shouldn’t be entirely possible. The engine can now boast of new pistons, a reground crank, fully rebuilt brakes and suspension as well as a completely overhauled 4-speed synchromesh gearbox and recorded radiator. Extra punch is added from a Wade supercharger fitted to a rare 2” SU carburetor. Meanwhile, the sporting package is made complete by twin fuel pumps, lightweight bucket seats, a foam-filled racing fuel tank and a custom-made stainless steel exhaust system that curves along the passenger side of this stunning Dolomite and according to the auction catalogue, gives out an addictive note “just within the decibel limit”. Spirited indeed!
Unusually for a sports car tweaked for maximum performance, this Dolomite 14/60 stills retains much of its vintage heritage. Alongside an uncovered metal floor and bright-red fire extinguisher within the passenger footwell are more traditional touches such as the delicately spoked steering wheel, smooth wooden gearknob, golden bonnet mascot, bullet rear-view mirrors as well as Pre-1940 Triumph Motor Club logos on two of the pull-out controls upon the dash and suitably aged gauges ready to clock your speed as you test what’s on offer. This 1937 Triumph Dolomite 14/60 Special is a fascinating blend of motoring efficiency paired with aged charm. Go see for yourself on Wednesday 27th September at Brightwells, Leominster!
Words by Gillian Carmoodie, images courtesy of Brightwells
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