Front drive ceased in 1973 after 214,703 cars had been built, and the rear-wheel-drive small Triumphs were simplified into the Dolomite range in 1976.Prices are modest and there are still nice, low-mileage examples to be found. It wiped the board in its first televised outing in rallycross, but shortly after was rolled, and no more were made.A small 4x4 off-road vehicle, the Pony, was also developed using 1300 running gear it would eventually be built by Autocars in Israel.Sophistication was weighty and expensive, however in the end Triumph reverted to rearwheel drive and even a live axle.
Four doors and luxury trim, with innovative fold-flush window winders, added to the appeal.Michelotti penned sophisticated (if chunky) mini-2000 styling, and the in-line engine meant no loss of Triumph’s trademark tight turning circle, with double-wishbone front suspension.The model’s sporting stardom came with a clever 4x4 adaptation using 2000 rear suspension and a Weber-carburetted motor.
It meant a fairly high bonnet, but could use the engine unchanged bar crank and sump.To get good performance in what was a heavyish bodyshell for its class, the 1147 unit was taken out to 1296cc and fitted with an eight-port head, based on that developed for the Le Mans Spitfires.The 1296cc engine would soon be used in the Spitfire, too, and would eventually give the Herald a new lease of life as well, as development costs forced Leyland to take the 1300 upmarket.
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