User:Pre-1940 Triumph Motor Club/Triumph Super 9

The Triumph Super 9 was first introduced by the Triumph Motor Company in 1931 at a price of £ 185 it continued through into 1933. RAC rating being 8.9 hp. There were three significant models on the same chassis, a 4 door six light saloon, a 4 door tourer and a 2 door 4 seat tourer known as the Southern Cross.

The Super 9‘s were the first Triumphs to use 12 volt electrics (early Southern Cross’s still used 6 volt for a short period). and the first to be fitted with the Coventry Climax engine, which was made under licence by Triumph. They had a track of 3ft 7 ½” and a wheelbase of 7ft 8” The front  doors on the saloon were hinged at the front while those at the back were hinged to the rear. A sliding sun roof was standard, operated by a rotating handle above the driver. Folding rear arm rests were fitted but do not appear on the prototype. The most noticeable differences between 1931 cars and the later models was a change to the radiator surround and different profiling of the front wings. Two 6 volt batteries were housed under the rear passenger floor, while the prototype had a single 12 volt battery on the bulk head. Many of the chassis and transmission components were left overs from the Super 7’s and 8’s.

Optional extras were a luggage rack, chrome bumpers and Stevenson Jacking system. The wheels were the Magnum type with 5 stud fitting. The upholstery was leather cloth with leather seating. The only known Super 9 to have Bedford Cord through out is the prototype this also has a smokers vent in the roof which is shown on brochures, but is not seen on any production 9’s. Instruments consisted of a speedometer, clock, oil gauge and ammeter. After 1931 a petrol gauge was added, prior to this a fuel tap was incorporated to give a reserve supply. Dash switches consisted of, a dash light, interior light, ignition, and a starter button, also choke and fast running control. External lights switching, battery charge rate, and ignition timing were all at the centre of the steering wheel.

The Coventry Climax engines are of the OISE configuration, with a bore of 60mm and a stroke of 90mm, giving 1018 cc. Generally a Solex side draught carburettor was normal. During 1931 the rear of the engine was supported on a 3/16” steel plate spanning across the chassis, consequently the gearbox bell housing was deep and with the starter along side. Later cars had a cast iron flywheel housing and a much shallower bell housing, the starter was then repositioned alongside the engine. (This being the adopted arrangement for the following Super 9s & 10’s and the Glorias). Cooling is by thermal syphon aided by the sloping shape of the aluminium water manifold on the head. The dynamo is driven by a Duplex chain with the distributor mounted at the rear end of the dynamo. A top speed of 60mph was obtainable with a cruising speed of 45mph. Petrol consumption in the region of 35 mpg for a car weighing 19 cwt. unladen.

Steering is a worm and wheel, the drop shaft attached to the wheel is on three keyways so it can be turned through 120 deg. to compensate for wear. Also adjustment is provided for engagement of the worm to the wheel.

Transmission is through a single 8 ¼” clutch plate along with a 4 speed and reverse gear box. The hand brake operated a transmission brake attached to the rear end of the gear box. A conventional Hardy Spicer prop shaft connected it to the axle. The rear axle is a worm and wheel with under slung worm making for a low floor. The brakes are Lockheed hydraulic acting on 9 ½” drums with one leading and one trailing shoe on all 4 wheels. The petrol tank is at the rear, unlike Super 7’s which had a gravity tank. Fuel was pumped either by Autovac or SU Petrolift. Suspension consists of 4 semi elliptic springs on rubber bushes damped by Luvax hydraulic shock absorbers. Cars after 1931 replaced the rubber bushes with bronze bushes and grease nipples.