• Believed to be one of only four Gloria Six Tourers produced for 1935
• Well preserved, benefitting from an older restoration and single ownership since 1996
• One of only two Triumph models designated as a Full Classic by the CCCA

One of the most beautiful production cars in Triumph Motor Company’s history, the Gloria helped propel the British automaker upmarket. Prior to its launch in 1934, Triumph had largely produced smaller, conventional cars. The Gloria was larger, more stylish, and luxurious—with a price to match. It was produced through 1938 in a dizzying array of variants, including sporting saloons, coupes, tourers, and two-seater sports cars. Power came from four-cylinder or six-cylinder engines with displacements ranging between 1.0 and 2.0 liters.

With a wheelbase eight inches longer than that of four-cylinder models, the Gloria Six featured a 1,991-cc, inline, six-cylinder designed by British engine manufacturer Coventry Climax and produced under license by Triumph. The suspension was non-independent with semi-elliptic leaf springs, while a Lockheed hydraulic system controlled 12-inch brake drums at all four corners. An optional freewheel mechanism for the standard four-speed manual transmission allowed gear changes without using the clutch pedal. Given its beauty and exclusivity, the Gloria Six—produced through 1937—is one of only two Triumph models classified as a Full Classic by the Classic Car Club of America.

The Gloria Six Tourer four-seat convertible offered here was registered to its first owner in Cheltenham, United Kingdom on 20 August 1935, according to its original registration book. It is said to have been refurbished in the early 1990s, which purportedly included rebuilding the engine, respraying the body to its current shade of dark blue, and retrimming the interior in matching blue leather.

Under current ownership since 1996, this Gloria Six Tourer is said to be the only one of its type known to survive with original bodywork, according to the Pre-1940 Triumph Motor Club. Rare to begin with and now even more so, this elegant pre-War British Full Classic can be enjoyed on any number of CCCA touring events.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo22.