The Triumph Gloria was an attempt by Triumph to move upmarket, and it followed the recruitment of Donald Healey to Triumph in 1933. The Glorias were available from 1933-37 in a variety of models. Triumph designed the closed bodies of the Gloria range, with Walter Belgrove and Frank Warner at the drawing board. Using Coventry Climax engines the smallest Gloria was a 9.53hp with a 1,087cc engine, and later Fours having a 10.8hp 1,232cc engine. The first Gloria Six received a 1,476cc 6-cylinder engine with either twin or single Solex carburettors, and from 1934 a 15.72hp 1,991cc 6-cylinder engine. The Gloria Fours were relaunched as Gloria Twelves for 1935 but retained their 10.8hp engines. The Gloria Sixes also got renamed in 1935, as 'Gloria 2-litre' whilst keeping their existing 15.72hp engines; Vitesse versions gained twice as many SU carburettors as the lesser 2-litres. For 1937 Triumph came up with their own 11.81hp 1,496cc ohv 4-cylinder engine for the new Gloria 1½litre saloon giving the outgoing 'Twelve' a real 12hp replacement. A larger 13.95hp 1,767cc version of this Triumph engine was given to the Gloria Fourteen for 1937/8. Confusingly Gloria Vitesses were sold as well as the new Vitesse model which existed as the 13.95hp Vitesse 14/60 from 1936/38, and the Vitesse 2-litre for the same period with 6-cylinder Triumph 1991cc ohv engine. To confuse the customer even further, Triumph also sold the same mechanics repackaged in flamboyant coachwork under the 'Dolomite' label.
Triumph Gloria Ten 1935 - badge on grille
Triumph Gloria Monte Carlo 1934 Tourer - grille. The external mesh was only added to the Monte Carlo Tourer. Most Gloria cars had a 1,087cc Coventry-Climax OC engine, but the Monte Carlo Tourer was given a 1,232cc version of this engine.
Triumph Gloria Ten 1935 - grille. This 'black' grille was given in 1935 replacing the 1934 grille which had vertical chrome bars
Triumph Gloria Six Saloon 1935. A Coventry Climax 1991cc six cylinder engine of 15.72hp powered the Gloria, and a twin carb version was available in the 'Gloria Vitesse'. Donald Healey engineered these Triumphs.
Triumph Gloria Ten 1935. The Gloria had been launched with a 1,087cc 4-cylinder Type OC Coventry-Climax engine (also used by the Crossley Ten). But Triumph worked on this engine to produce a overhead inlet with side exhaust valve.
Triumph Gloria Ten Tourer 1934, with Coventry Climax type OC 1,087cc which was also given to the Crossley Ten. The vertical-barred grille was changed for 1935.
Crossley Motors
Triumph Gloria Monte Carlo 1934 Tourer - interior
Triumph Gloria Monte Carlo 1934. A Tourer body modelled on the Monte Carlo special with came 3rd in the 1934 Monte Carlo Rally.
Triumph Gloria Six 1935
Triumph Gloria Six Saloon 1935. A Coventry Climax 1991cc six cylinder engine of 15.72hp powered the Gloria, and a twin carb version was available in the 'Gloria Vitesse'.
Triumph Gloria Six Saloon 1935. Walter Belgrove contributed to the body design of the Gloria models
Triumph Gloria Southern Cross 1936. A short chassis version of the Triumph Gloria, 'Southern Cross' commemorated the success in Trials that Triumph Cars had in Australia and New Zealand.
Triumph Gloria Ten 1935. For 1935 most Glorias received a larger 10.8hp engine, but the Ten Saloon was the cheapest model and retained its 9.53hp engine.
Triumph Gloria Ten Tourer 1934, with Coventry Climax type OC 1,087cc which was also given to the Crossley Ten.
Triumph Gloria Ten Tourer 1934.
Triumph Gloria Tourer 1933 Monte Carlo. A special built on a lightened chassis and with an aluminium body for the 1934 Monte Carlo rally where it finished 10th in class. The Gloria Monte Carlo production cars were based on this prototype.