The Triumph Southern Cross ("SX") Buyer's Guide
Prewar Triumphs are rare, especially in the US. (Triumph did not manufacture a left hand drive until after WWII.) As far as we know, there are two SX in the US at the moment, Duncan Wood's 35 Gloria 4 in Texas and Dale Will's 36 Gloria 4 in California. The best bet of finding another would be in England. The Pre-1940 Owner's Club quarterly newsletter lists cars for sale, and a 1934 SX and a 35 Gloria SX 4 were for sale in the last year. In addition, the cars seem to surface every year or so in ads in Classic and Sportscar and other British magazines.
The going rate for a Gloria SX 4 seems to start at around 13,000 pounds for a presentable car and head up based on condition. [The exchange rate is stuck around 1.6 dollars to the pound.] The SX 6 is in a different league, and rarely change hands. At the other end of the spectrum, the 1932-1934 SX are least expensive; a good project car was listed with the Club for 1750 pounds this year, and an immaculate car was offered in Classic and Sportscar for 7,950 pounds a few years back. We need one of these in the US so I would encourage someone to go fetch one!
The SX compares very well to the other classic sportscars of the period from Singer, Riley, and MG. The value of a good Gloria SX today remains comparable to such other small prewar sports cars.
As with any very rare vehicle, completeness is tantamount. Replacement of body panels and other unique Triumph parts will be difficult and/or expensive. John Graves, of Flagstaff, AZ, is restoring a Gloria Speed Tourer and has decided he will have to go to England to pin down used fenders, etc. Having said that, the cars were handmade to begin with and can be recreated. Gary Thompson of Christchurch New Zealand is building a Gloria SX from a bare chassis. If you find a purchase candidate, the Pre-1940 Club can provide an invaluable consultation as to the known history of the car and the availability of anything that might be missing.
SX 14/60 driving impressions The Healey designed 1787 cc engine is a sweet torquey thing, which feels much like, say, a 1600 cc MGA. There is good power throughout the rev range, with no flat spots. The car cruises happily at 65 mph. I have taken it up to 75 mph where there is still plenty of reserve power, so the maximum should be around 85+ where the engine would redline in fourth. For now, 75 mph will do since the tires are old and the tach accuracy is unknown! The handling is tight, and is a delight on smooth surfaces. The springs (leaf all around) are very hard and body roll cornering is undetectable. The Burman-Douglas worm and nut steering is a bit vague on going strait, but is similar to a TR-3 in the turns. Bad pavement will bounce the solid axles about where some heroics are required to keep the car on line. Imagine a TR-3 with solid axles on both ends and you get the picture. Also, the old 16" bias ply Avons tend to follow surface irregularities, so driving the car at speed requires two hands; no car phones need apply. The 12 inch hydraulic drum brakes are very firm, and stop true, but, combined with the narrow bias ply tires obviously require more distance than a modern car. In all, the SX is a very elegant go cart and is simply a blast to drive.
Above information provided courtesy of Dale Will, dalew@ci.aspen.co.us
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