Triumph Herald Vignale

The Triumph Herald, a car designed by Giovanni Michelotti in collaboration with the Vignale design house, was a significant milestone in the history of…

Vehicle Overview

The Triumph Herald, a car designed by Giovanni Michelotti in collaboration with the Vignale design house, was a significant milestone in the history of the British automaker. The project began when Triumph sought to expand their range with a new utility model. Michelotti, known for his refined designs, proposed three distinct body styles: a sedan, a coupé, and a cabriolet, all showcasing modern lines, though their distinct “Italian style” was somewhat at odds with British tastes at the time. One of the key elements of the Herald was its use of a separate chassis, rather than a self-supporting body, which was a more cost-effective approach. This was a strategic decision by Triumph, as it allowed for easier manufacturing and repair, though it lacked the sophistication of more modern monocoque designs. Despite this, the Herald debuted in April 1959 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, immediately drawing attention for its aesthetic appeal and innovative design. Michelotti’s work on the Triumph Herald was marked by a beautiful and elegant 3-box, 2-door body. The car’s proportions, clean lines, and sophisticated styling elevated it above many of its contemporaries in the compact car market. A significant focus was placed on the car’s finish and the quality of its equipment, which contributed to the Herald’s reputation as a well-built, attractive small car. The Herald’s final design, however, was largely the result of a unique, almost serendipitous, meeting between Harry Webster, a senior executive at the Standard-Triumph Group, and Michelotti. While returning from a vacation in Sorrento, Webster stopped by Michelotti’s studio in Turin to review the progress of the Zobo prototype, a design initially developed by the technical team led by Arthur Ballard. Upon arriving, he found that Michelotti had yet to begin work on the project. After spending nine hours in the studio, Webster emerged with the final version of the Herald, a design that was, in fact, entirely new compared to the earlier Zobo prototype. This momentous meeting marked the birth of the Triumph Herald, a car that would go on to become a symbol of British elegance with an unmistakable Italian flair. The success of the Herald helped solidify Michelotti’s place as a key designer for Triumph, and it showcased the valuable collaboration between British engineering and Italian design.

Technical Specifications

Body

Limited
Year

1959
Make

Triumph
Model

Herald
Coachbuilder

Vignale
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DESIGNER

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Triumph Herald Vignale

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