1970 Triumph Toledo

Triumph Toledo (Saloon), 1970 - 1976

The Triumph Toledo was in production from 1970 until 1976. Styled by Giovanni Michelotti, it is a front- engine, rear wheel drive saloon car seating four people.

The Triumph Toledo was the entry level into Triumph's convoluted small saloon range. Intended as a Herald replacement, the Toledo took the short tail of the Triumph 1300 saloon, the nose of its 1300 replacement, fitted simpler headlamps and a two door centre section. Underneath, the front wheel drive layout was simplified, to rear wheel drive with a live axle in the manner of the outgoing Herald. The engine was the 1300 unit from the Herald 13/60. The front retained its double wishbones.

Launched in August 1970, from March 1971 an export version was available with four doors instead of two, featuring a 1500cc engine in single and twin carburettor guises. From August 1971 the four door body became available in Britain too, though with the 1300cc single carb engine from the UK two door. Four door models had wrap-round bumpers front and rear - the two door had straight bumpers until a model rationalisation in 1973 gave it the same units as the four door. Four door models also had radial tyres instead of the two door's crossplies, owing to the extra weight.

Front disc brakes became standard fit in October 1972, while a heated rear window was fitted as standard from the end of 1973. In March 1975 the two door was dropped, though the four door model continued. At the same time, the Herald gearbox was replaced with one used in the Spitfire 1500, and the car received cosmetic updates including a black grille in place of the original silver item, stainless gutter trims and side strips. These late Toledos were well equipped; a dipping rear view mirror, reclining front seats, cigar lighter and hazard warning lights were now standard, while head restraints and nylon seats were offered as options. Just twelve months later though, the Toledo was dropped as part of a rationalisation plan which saw the Toledo, 1500TC, Dolomtie and Sprint reduced to the Dolomite family. Arguably the new Dolomite 1300 was a Toledo in all but name, but built into the longer-tail Dolomite shell. 113,294 Toledos were built.

The driving position of the Toledo is better for averagely sized drivers than tall ones. It's a little upright, especially with the non reclining seats. The unassisted steering is light enough, with plenty of feedback, but the car's lack of performance precludes any real sportiness. Toledos were manual only, but the box is pleasant enough - and as a parts bin car virtually everything is shared with at least one other small Triumph so parts are easy enough to source. Specialists such as Rimmer Bros and James Paddock will have everything you might need.

The front wing tips and front edge of the bonnet are common rot spots, as is the lower front valance. These are all susceptible to chipping and subsequent corrosion. The headlamp mounting panel is another common issue shared with the Dolomite, though the Triumph Dolomite Club offers GRP replacement noses for those worried about further rot. Jacking points on the sills can weaken and push through, while the front subframe mounts are a spot you need to inspect thoroughly before purchase. Mechanically, big end bearings can be an issue but replacement engines are plentiful.

The Toledo range doesn't have any especially desirable models relative to each other. Some prefer the rarity of the two door shell while others prefer four door practicality, it's true that later better specced cars are more sought after but the Toledo is a car best bought on condition rather than spec.

Competitors would include the Ford Escort and Vauxhall Viva, but Triumph's upmarket image meant that these cars were seen as inferior to the Toledo in their day. In house, BL could offer the Austin Allegro 1300 and Morris Marina 1300 as alternatives. Later in production, the Volvo 66 may have had a similar level of cachet to the Toledo, likewise the Audi 50 if one could be found.