REFLECTING ON THE GLORIA DAYS

Roy Begent has recently rejoined the Pre-1940 Triumph Motor Club, having first been a member in the 1960s after buying his 1935 Triumph Gloria Vitesse in 1961 from a Mr Butterworth, who apparently preferred Bentleys.

“My Gloria is at present buried under the junk that has accumulated in the garage over the past 50 years [above],” explains Roy. “Unfortunately, there is not much history that I am aware of between 1935 and 1961, when I bought the Gloria for £90 – including a £50 loan from my grandfather! I had a happy life with the Triumph. I used to enjoy rallies with the local club [below] and had a bit of success.

“One of its foibles was that the electric SU fuel pump had an annoying habit of ceasing to pump fuel through. Because it was mounted on the bulkhead, the first remedy was a violent kick at the panel from either the driver or passenger, which usually shocked the contacts inside the pump into working once again.

“After a few years I bought a Lotus Seven kit, which I raced using the trusty Gloria as a tow car, then I replaced that with another kit, this time an Elan, which was around the time when the Gloria started to get neglected.”

The Triumph was first registered BXP 268, in London, and last taxed in 1970. It is thought to be one of only two survivors from nine Gloria 10.8 Vitesse tourers recorded by the club. “Sadly, I do not feel I have the wherewithal or the time to restore the lovely Triumph,” says Roy, “so when I get around to it I will have to find it a new caring owner.”