1973 Triumph 1500

Triumph 1500 (Saloon), 1970-1976

The Triumph 1500 was in production from 1970 until 1976. Styled by Michelotti, it is a front-engine, front or rear wheel drive saloon range seating four adults.

Initially the Triumph 1500 was developed as a replacement for the 1300 - a front wheel drive car intended as a Herald replacement but which was priced above the Herald range. Subsequently, the 1300 shell would be adapted into a simpler rear wheel drive Herald replacement, and the 1300 was uprated and restyled as the 1500 both to modernise its appearance and ensure greater distinction between the models. The 1500 was simplified in 1973 - mating the 1500 engine to the Dolomite's rear drive running gear gave us the 1500TC, which continued in production until the 1500 was subsumed into the Dolomite range along with the Toledo in 1976.

While both cars appear similar on the surface, mechanically they are very different owing to the different driveline configurations. 66353 1500s and 25549 1500TCs were built over the six year lifespan of the car, of a total of 567000 small Triumphs sharing the same basic architecture from 1300 to Sprint. 1500s are often forgotten amid the complex mid range structure within Triumph during the 1960s and 1970s, but can offer excellent value if you want something a little different to a Dolly but that retains plenty of creature comforts.

It would be remiss not to consider the later Dolomite 1300 and 1500 models as rivals today, likewise the 1300 is a valid alternative to a 1500 if you want front wheel drive. The BMW 1602 offered two door compromise in a similar shell and market sector, while upmarket Allegros like the 1750SS would give customers a more sprightly package in return for a compromise in perceived quality. While these were not range topping cars, it's not reasonable to consider a Marina as competition - Dolomite buyers would be keener to align themselves with the Citroen GS and Alfasud. From Rootes, the Hillman Hunter might have been a solid alternative - while fans of front drive would consider the Saab 96 an interesting possibility.