Ebrington Triumph (Razoredge) Renown goes to France

Ebringtonians Mike and Ann Sampson recently took their 1951 Triumph Renown to France to compete in the Saint Hilaire de Riez 23rd Rallye Touristique de la Corniche Vendeenne.

They drove nearly 740 miles in five days from Ebrington, via Portsmouth and Saint Malo to St Hilaire de Riez on the Vendee coast.

Mike had wanted to drive in the Rallye since seeing it in previous years whilst holidaying in the region. This year friends in the area provided accommodation and secure garaging and the 23rd Rallye had approx 120 cars and bikes entered.

The Triumph was the only English registered car in the Rallye and obviously caught the judges eye as it won two trophies - "the overall award for best car of the Rallye" and "Best in Class" in the 1950's class.

The Rallye covered approx. 60 miles and lasted for four hours, departing from St. Hilaire de Riez at 08.30 then going down the coast to Les Sables D'Olonne, via St Gilles Croix de vie and Brem sur Mer, then returning inland via Vaire, Landevielle and L'Aiguillon sur Vie to arrive back at St. Hilaire de Riez at 12.40.

This Triumph Renown TDB was made in 1951 and has been in Mike's wife's family since new. Mike is only the third owner and the car has been with Mike and Ann in Ebrington since January 2002.

Over the past few years the car has been restored, the interior was completed recently requiring 4 leather hides for the seats and door trims.
Since new the car has completed just over 97,000 miles including a trip through France and over the Pyrenees to Spain in 1958 well before the advent of the autoroutes. Following this arduous journey it needed a return to the factory for a new engine and also a re-spray.

The Triumph Renown was produced by Standard-Triumph in Coventry between 1946 and 1954. The elegant and distinctive style became known as "Razoredge" due to the sharp edge design of the body. The car has a 2 litre petrol engine with a 3 speed column change gearbox and electric overdrive.

The car is available for Weddings and Special Occasions - telephone 01386 593572 or visit www.cotswold-classic.co.uk

The Triumph Razoredge Owners Club Ltd (T.R.O.C.) assist owners of Razoredge saloons to restore, maintain and preserve their cars by providing a spare parts service and through their newsletter "The Globe" exchange technical information and ideas as well as promoting club activities www.trocltd.com

Source: Mike Sampson