MOST complete Triumph collection in North America | Barn Find Hunter - Ep. 112

In Episode 88 of "Barn Find Hunter," You met a man named Vernon Brannon, who took us on a tour of one of the most impressive barn find collections we've ever had on this show. Vernon has since invited us to see his collection of Triumphs and other British sports cars buried deep in the hills of North Carolina. One car that makes this collection so unique is a Triumph sedan that has an interesting backstory. Back in the late 1970's British Leyland began negotiations with Honda to develop a small family sedan that would fill a production gap until the release of the Montego in 1983. To keep a long story short, Honda ultimately ends up re-badging one of their cars known as the Honda Ballade to become what we now know as the Triumph Acclaim. It's Vernons collection of unusual triumphs, such as the Acclaim, that make his collection one of the most complete collections of Triumphs in North America.
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[@PNWSV]

This gentleman is the best treasure in the collection. My biggest fear is some day all this information will be lost when guys like him aren't around. Thank you sir for being such a great caretaker of these wonderful machines and thank you Tom for what you do.

[@kyleforeman4543]

So true, the knowledge of all those different vehicles is amazin

[@joshyoung1281]

Wow. A collection that complete is indeed, a triumphant feat.

[@funone8716]

We see what you did there.

[@davidlong1786]

Gosh finally an older guy that kept most of his collection restored instead of just collecting more rust buckets. Good for him plus he stills races some of them. Got tired of seeing buildings full of cars that never will be fixed up. Don't buy more than you can handle.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

Okay, it's early in the video... my question is what does this man and his wife do that they can afford such a collection? I'm curious. His first purchase is sweet.

[@Tmrfe0962]

What a great episode! Exactly why I subscribe….and what a pleasure to meet such a passionate collector, from the van at the end to that gorgeous TR4 fast back! Wow…I’ll probably watch this episode two more times! Thank you all.

[@pianopaul4069]

Just home and a Barn Find Hunter upload. YES. Perfectly timed

[@devatron67]

As an aspiring Triumph enthusiast you couldn’t begin to imagine how excited I was to see this post up. I’m 22 years old and I’m onto I think number 6 now and I honestly can’t go through the day without checking sales sites daily for another. They’re a cheap, easy and exciting first classic and luckily enough a dime a dozen here in little old New Zealand. Thanks for sharing the amazing video!

[@gypsymusik4251]

Legend where in aoteroa are ya?

[@sporty196071]

I have learned so much from your videos. I will probably never have any of these cars, but if I do find one I be able to pass it to someone that will save it. It is so good to see these hidden collections in our own backyard. I get so upset when I see good stuff getting crushed.

[@SB-vb8ch]

The Acclaim was built under licence by ARG under the Triumph brand. There was a close partnership between Austin Rover & Honda which started with the Acclaim & fairly abruptly ended when BMW bought Rover Group in 1994. There is a lot of info on AR Online if anyone is interested, it's a great resource for british cars. XJ12C was only ever FI for production although some of the pre prod cars had carbs. Very nice collection of interesting cars. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheSlipperyBrick]

This man is amazing. His passion is amazing. His care for the cars is amazing. A true gem.

[@rogansmith2855]

On the Honda ballade, in South Africa we had an AMG spec version, nothing but interior trim that would be different and the AMG spec would only come in on the later versions of the ballade. That AMG was on available due to Hondas being sold through Mercedes dealerships until 2000 when they opened their first independent dealership.

[@mobiledevto]

I appreciate this man and the dedication he has for the cars.

[@RestorationObsession]

This is pretty exciting. My first car was a 71 Spitfire back in the 80's, and I currently have a 1980 TR7 I am finishing work on and selling soon.

[@impslap7620]

Thank you for sharing this! What a collection and there were even some cars I had no idea existed!

[@kenpallister5804]

Proof that Signore Michelloti knew how to style a motor car..!!

[@charliefox7206]

Tom, it is always a pleasure watching and listening to you. With your enthusiasm and interest, you bring so much to your Barn Find episodes.

[@paultucker1272]

The Triumph Acclaim was the first fruit of the BL/Honda tie up. This was co-developed with Honda and it and the Honda Ballade were sold at the same time. BL was devolved into Rover, and the Rover/Honda relationship continued for a number of years (the Rover Sterling was a badge engineered Honda Legend). Eventually, Rover was bought by BMW, and only lasted a few years until it was sold via a management buy-out. Sadly, that only lasted a few years until Rover was closed for good.

[@philtucker1224]

Yes I remember the celebrations in the Honda Swindon factory when the collaboration was first announced! (I’m in Berkshire U.K.) so very best wishes to you and your Tucker family for a happy healthy Christmas and prosperous 2022! 😊

[@adamweston4152]

SAAB used half of a triumph stag engine in the 99 and the 900. This is a good collection and well cared for. The 1500fwd is called the TOLEDO in the UK.

[@dainsmart6237]

Is it the one with the straight 4 and you changed the clutch from inside the car and few years later it was the triumph dolomite rwd

[@leehutton8951]

@@dainsmart6237 The 1500fwd was front wheel drive and you changed the clutch from inside the car. The Toledo was different. It was rear wheel drive

[@hipsterogre9652]

You can see the energy and life he gets his collection lights him up, I luv being around people with a real passion.

[@maisiefreeman8597]

I really love the old Triumphs, such stylish cars to look at - they have aged very well. Not the most reliable, I admit, but they definitely turn heads. Of all the British brands to bring back, Triumph and MG would certainly top my list.

[@7cougar0]

MG is back, though no longer British.

[@seankeef9838]

Tom's passion for the TR7. Don't blame you!

[@bryancohn9406]

The red/white stripe small mouth TR3 was built by Craig Leineke of St. Louis in the early 80's. I helped crew for Craig at a couple races including Brainerd where he won E Production and qualified for the Runoffs at Road Atlanta in 1983. Its fun to see that car again as I haven't seen it in a good 35 years.

[@rickfazzini22]

This is one of the best Barfind Hunters I have seen! This fella reminds me of my neighbor so much its crazy lol

[@mikefannon6994]

My first car was a Spitfire as well - a 69 model I bought in 70 for $1500. Absolutely loved it! Now drive a 2001 Miata. Same joy of driving, twice the power, and reliable.

[@1chish]

Just a gentle correction on that 1962 Mini. if its a genuine 1962 Austin Cooper it had the rarer 997cc not the later 998cc engine. The 997 was indeed homologated for Formula Junior and developed by John Cooper hence the name 'Mini Cooper' as was the 997cc Ford Anglia engine which had the Cosworth magic wand waved over it. Shame about the wheel spats but hey each to their own. But what a stunning collection. @ 04:06 the rally TR7 or 8 on the left caught my eye in Unipart colours I think. I remember the Abingdon competition department for BMC / BL put out some excellent cars with some very well known drivers.

[@neildaniel8232]

If the Mini is a 998cc then it's not a Cooper. 998 were the mid point engine then the base one when the 850 was dropped. Looks lovely though regardless!

[@briandurning9211]

Thanks, Vernon for showing us your unique collection. And thanks, Hagerty for taking us along for the ride.

[@TheopolisQSmith]

I had a TR-3 and a TR-4A back on the early 70’s. I think the 3 was a 61 and the 4 was a 66. Both were kind of beat up and I worked on them constantly. Great experience for a young guy.

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Really enjoyed!!!!!!!!

[@briandrake9467]

Canadian, where van at the end, should be a street freak, gasser... Just saying..

[@terencesaunders1357]

Triumph bought the rights to the Honda ballade when British Leyland were in trouble and didn’t have the money to produce a new model. It was when British Leyland Chairman was michael edwards.

[@simonedwards5070]

Edwardes

[@gordonhill2112]

I know the collector and have seen the collection in person. He’s a great chap and loves his Triumphs. There was a rare Avon ? Turbo version made of the Acclaim. They were popular and reliable cars. Love the racing Vitesse and the TR “wedges”. Triumph made some great stylish and sporting cars outside the well known sportscars. In fact they were almost on a par with some BMWs back in the day, ie Dolomite Sprint vs BMW 2002.

[@tomrut3653]

That gentleman is sharp.

[@philtucker1224]

He certainly knows his subject!

[@rustybearden1800]

I've heard of this guy and his legendary collection and now we all see it - was hoping he would chat a bit more about the TR8s in his collection - my personal favorite roadster, the 1980-81 TR8 - no likes to talk about them

[@philtucker1224]

Agreed (but only due to the bad rep of the TR7 I think) however that Spengler racing TR8 looked absolutely superb! 😊

[@rustybearden1800]

@@philtucker1224 surprised he didn't have any Buffum racing TR8s

[@dainsmart6237]

In 1988 I was 18 and my first car was a 1983 triumph acclaim metallic light blue the engine ran for ever but the bodywork was rotten 10 year's later but I loved it everybody else used to laugh at it but more Fool them it was so reliable and cheep to run as a daily car I had about 120000 miles on it I traded it in for a 1988 Austin rover metro and that was terribly uncomfortable you felt every bump it had rubber cones for suspension what a mistake. 🇬🇧✌️

[@mattsullivan3751]

I’d love to spend a day with the owner here in NC.

[@Follett2121]

So many cool cars! Learned A LOT this video

[@Funsho97]

Wow, what a great collection!!! I purchased my first car in 1984 when I was a senior in highschool, it was a 1976 Triumph TR6. My car was red with chestnut brown interior. That was a fun car but I reluctantly sold it around 1990. CF51849U is the vin, I still remember it after all these years.

[@alexanderwooldridgesmith6629]

Triumph Acclaim. My first car as my Grandfather always had Triumphs and it was the fastest car for its insurance group. Very rare, even in the UK, as they rust very badly.

[@briandrake9467]

What is a future classic??? That is the question.......

[@michaelhartt1]

What a gentleman, what a collection, and with amazing memorabilia on the walls too. As an American living in the England, I've developed an affection for Triumphs, fun little cars with character (just ignore the rust and oil leaks...) that I knew so little about when growing up in the States. Hope to buy a GT6 for weekend adventures in the coming years.

[@briandrake9467]

Thanks to all the legondary builders.

[@FredsRandomFinds]

Needs a Triumph Sprint?

[@bjnz4328]

Dolomite Sprint, awesome car.

[@ronlynch7744]

He might be the King of Triumph’s. The rare stuff/low production cars too. Now I really miss my 1974 TR6 I sold back in 1992. Great one Tom. 😎👍🇨🇦

[@MADKIWI]

We bought an Acclaim after my wee Talbot Samba got wrecked on a UK lane. Great cars.

[@Oh-Jay52]

Talbot Samba , Thats a name I havn't seen in absolutely ages , Do you remember the Talbit Matra Rancho??

[@MADKIWI]

@@Oh-Jay52 no m8, Samba & Sunbeam Lotus in the 80's UK. Samba went very well...

[@Oh-Jay52]

@@MADKIWI You see the bangers and cash Tv show with the Lotus Sunbeam sale ? wow a rustbucket for 5k I think he wanted

[@MADKIWI]

@@Oh-Jay52 no i didn't but rare as hens teeth

[@Oh-Jay52]

@@MADKIWI True , Ive never seen one close up ..Local car sales had a Mk1 Lotus Cortina in the window for years until it closed though. Thats nearest I got to a Lotus Variant

[@rileyk99]

"The Shape of Things that Break"

[@dexburwell]

Absolutely loved this episode. Hands down the best complete collection of Triumph auto I’ve every seen anywhere stateside 👍

[@torqueamerican4319]

I am British, it's nice to see Americans into our cars but I love this channel because I like Tom uncovering USA gems from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Especially musclecars...

[@tysongarrett8688]

Great video!....I'm 64....bought 1974 TR-6....in 1974 when 18....have lived in chicago/Berkeley/phoenix/tustin....Tustin.... now iowa city!....have moved that many times and still own my sweet sweet ride!...44k original miles...classic....everything I get in it and start the engine and hear that TR-6 purr.....I'm instantly 18 again.....car is going to the grave with me....what a hairy chested beast she is!

[@procrastinationracing6099]

12:50 - That is the Flashback Racing TR-3 racecar built by Craig Leinicke, Bill Boemler, and Barry Heuer in 1982, iirc. Maybe late '81. Craig raced it mainly at Mid America Raceway, Wentzville, MO, but did go to several tracks in the Midwest to get his points to go to the Runoffs at Road Atlanta. In 1983, he and I took it to Atlanta where it picked up a lot of attention as the tube frame cars had just become legal, and this was almost that except on a frame. 4:25 - I had an '82 Honda/Triumph hire car in 1982 for a couple of weeks. I picked it up at Gatwick and drove straight to RAF Mildenhall and then Lakeheath. I can't remember where I returned it to. IIRC, it was sluggish if you left it in Drive but if you manually shifted the automatic, it ran really well. The counter people asked when I got it if I could drive an automatic. I thought that was funny, since in the States even then, you had to ask if people could drive a manual.

[@stan110782]

If its leaking oil, it has oil!! A lot like my UK Ford Sierra. Love the 2 litre straight 6 motor in a friend's rat rod Gt6.

[@grahamh6988]

The Acclaim was built at the same time as the Honda Ballade. The following generation was badged as the Rover 200 series (213-216) and was largely (2nd gen) Ballade based too, but with a substantially different front end. The Acclaim came in 4 versions, all with the same 1.3l engine...L, HL, HLS and CD.

[@bluesteel6612]

The Triumph Acclaim saloon is rare in USA . It was a international co-operation between British Leyland soon to become known as Austin-Rover when Jaguar - Land Rover separated and Honda . Triumph’s last car . And First Japanese car manufactured in Europe !! thousands sold in UK and some European countries was a popular compact saloon and similar to Honda Ballade After which Rover continued to cooperate with Honda with larger saloons in the Rover 800 series replacement of the Rover SD1 of 1970s which ended its run by 1987 , with new Rover 800/825/827 luxury sterling & vitesse models all with Honda derived engines similar performance to the Honda saloons If not more powerful than Japanese models. Those were top of the range cars and Sold into early 1990s . The Rover 827 Vitesse was competing against BMW 525 - 530 series . Rarely see these on roads in UK now as 1980s and 1990s cars are not seen as environmentally friendly . That red UK Rally prepared Triumph TR8 in video should have been mentioned.

[@jeremywentworth1833]

I'm English here in the UK the Triumph that the gentleman said was a Triumph 1500 is called a Triumph Dolomite 1500 they also did a sports version which in the 70s was the Subaru Impreza WRX of its day an Triumph Dolomite sprint 1850, The car to the left of the 1500 was a Triumph Toledo which is a 1300 it was also a Triumph Dolomite 1300 depending on year of its manufacturer. The Triumph Acclaim was built at the same time as the Honda Ballade which it's based on but built at a Rover, they were both for sale in the UK at the same time. The Acclaim was manufactured for over 3 years not 2 as the owner said. With our roads been gritted (salted) their isn't many left they have all rusted away. It was the last ever Triumph built BMW still have the rights to the name like several other old Leyland brands , Austin Morris Riley Wolsey Triumph and obviously Mini.

[@nickthomas181]

Triumph Acclaim was the result of the BL Honda partnership signed Christmas 1979.The Rover 213/216/216 Vitesse was the next Honda / BL partnership.Triumph Scooters are Triumph Motorcycles is not the car company,my mum had one she sold it for a washing machine! Mum and Dad had a Triumph Vitesse in the 1960s.

[@ldnwholesale8552]

Hondas with Triumph badges and with Rover badges. Happened in the 80s because BL had no idea of making cars. TR4,, [Standard] Vanguard 4 engines as well as Fergie tractors!! TR6 were Vanguard 6 engines,, as for PI? That means they usually do not run! Triumph Dolomite Sprint engines,, a terrible thing compounded by putting two together and making a V8. Most Stags have been converted but the engine bays are very short, the reason the Stag V8 had the waterpump inside the engine!! A masterpiece of design,,NOT Mag??? generally hi mag alloy absorbs moisture and causes the wheels to become more porous and brittle. Display pieces, do not use them!! They have a useable life of about 5 years. What is with the Triumph Ensign?? Vangard 4s were 2.1 litre. I grew up with them and know of no smaller capacity version

[@chrisbailey1966]

Clip of outside Stoke Railway station (England) at the beginning about 5 miles from me, I have had TR8, TR7DH, TR7FH, TR6LHD, TR6RHD, TR4 and my dad had 2000 saloon, 2500S saloon

[@Oh-Jay52]

Triumph Acclaim ? Hmm they rusted as you stood there , you could watch it visually rust infront of you .. Thats a rare car to not be rotten . The Herlad also had independent rear suspension, very 60's formula 1 type , I loved both my Cars , Herald 1200 cc MRM 689F (Miriam) and the Acclaim 1300cc Glad you didnt get the MG , Theyre so boring its untrue ( British Point of view I may add) Thanks for sharing the Collection !

[@CharlieRoamin]

Peerless GT's were built on TR2/3 chassis ! Triump Standard built great cars but when British Leyland took over the bean-counters and unions destroyed the marque !!!!!!

[@mickbrown8249]

No Triumph 2.5 Pi Saloon ?my Pa had white one late 60's Took 5 of us through France to Lloret De Mar / Blanes Spain Pyrenees mountains, Andorra then on to Barcelona ..Great times pa rip this year 87yrs old ..2 jabs Gone hmmmmn..

[@fosmith61]

What? No Mayflowers?

[@dcanmore]

The holy grail of Triumph Acclaims is the Avon Turbo model. Avon Engineering would take your standard Acclaim slap a turbo onto the 1335cc engine (from 70hp to 105hp) and give it a posh interior of leather and wood, duo-tone paint, vinyl roof, front and rear spoilers and turbo graphics.

[@johnnydeutschemark3620]

Excellent. Did I miss a the TR-6 in that collection? Our family had a white TR-3, bought new in Albany NY. There were two versions of the 3 :different grilles mainly..

[@patriottowing4973]

Ugh.....20 minutes goes by like 20 seconds....please slow down Tom and give us the full 2 and half hour tour .... what an amazing place ! God Bless

[@christerolsson1962]

This Triumph Collection, Loves me..??? Because be saves THE cars in plastic..No dust and wear..lovely..

[@TrueBlueGaming1]

The Triumph Acclaim came about due to the partnership between Austin Rover (As British Leyland came to be known) and Honda. The Acclaim was a badge engineered Civic, the 200 series was a badge engineered Ballade and the 800 series was a badge engineered Honda Legend.

[@richardthacker2919]

Magnesium must NEVER EVER be powder coated !!!! Very dangerous. The heat makes it brittle. Old magnesium wheels must also be used with caution.

[@maxdegraaf5893]

Dream of any Triumph enthousiast like me. Greets Max RubberMax Holland

[@dodgywheelsandropeywiring5697]

A bit of info on the Triumph Stag V8, it was designed specifically for the Stag and was never ever used again for anything. A common refurb has long been the Rover 3.5 V8 as this was on offer at time of production as they'd just taken over Rover but Triumph were stubborn and thought they could design a better one. They were wrong on every count, it was down on power compared to any rival engine and reliability was a joke, it a nutshell it was crap.

[@scottcarter90]

A awesome collection of Triumphs and other cars!

[@charlesmoss8119]

Sorry I am watching this and making lots of odd noises - the XJ12C - the Mini - the various triumph (um not the Ballade Acclaim - too many wrinkled people near me had those) but wow - it is amazing that so much passion exists - hah to Tesla and hello to oil leaks

[@BEGGARWOOD1]

The Acclaim was built as the same time as the Honda . It gave BL insight into Japanese quality and build and the Japanese a footstep into the U.K. market and a company . It was pre Honda having a U.K. base to access the EU

[@supernova6677]

Does Tom ever listen to what a guy says or is he just interested in hearing himself ask the same stupid questions? It's from Canada Tom...From Canada...Obsessed about the hunt is what this should be called.

[@scootosan]

Awesome collection. I love that Van (weirder the better). A friend had a Spitfire when I sat in it I could reach over and touch the ground. Later he had a Renault Gordini....when was the last time you saw one of those?... and this was in Milw. WI The Heartland of the Rust Belt.

[@calebbailey9666]

Wow i learned to drive in an Acclaim, it previously belonged to a UK football team managers wife, and was full leather and walnut inside. Neat car!

[@rogersmith7396]

No GT 6s or Dolomites. The Stag V8 has been called the worst engine ever made. No one knows why they did'nt use the Rover V 8 which was one of the better ones. Leyland was always able of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

[@farrendavis4143]

Great collection. missing my favorite, '69 GT6! loved that car! had to sell it to keep the driver's license!

[@GFrenchy1955]

That Devin body was used on the famous Echidna’s from the late 50’s and early 60’ at road America and all around. SCCA winners.

[@timries4916]

My first car was a 1964 TR4. I got when I was 14 and my dad gave me one thing for it. A manual and told me take it apart fix it and rebuild it before you can drive.

[@Daxis834]

My 1969 Triumph 2000 MK1 Is getting a Barra engine for Xmas, Should be stupid once its done.

[@donswier]

Tom at 3:59 "...and it works???" Best line here! (owned a 66 mk2 Spitfire in the 1980s)

[@johnbown3119]

I learnt to drive in a Triumph 1300 FWD. I never knew there was a facelift before the RWD Toledo.

[@808v1]

I love triumph, had a TR6 years ago and a TR7 that I never got on the road...but that red XJ12 is gorgeous.

[@robt2151]

Pity he didn't talk about the taxi. Vernon should look for a Mayflower and a Renown, to extend the collection historically.

[@ftby59mikeD]

It was great to see this collection👍...Dad had a TR250, although he's passed, it's still with us. After an asst. of Austin Healeys & MGs, he declared it his favorite! Thx Hagerty!

[@MisterSprocket16]

My grandpa built that red tr3 race car. He built a full cage on it because the guy driving it was a graphic designer and wanted to protect his hands. Would be neat to see it back on track.

[@StephenMcFadden]

I wish he would have asked a few more follow up questions about why he loves collecting and why he cares so much.

[@davidg4026]

No mention of the TR7 V8 rally car??! Seriously Tom?? That's the coolest car in there!!

[@stephenvictorbailey4055]

I had a triumph herald back in the 80s which leaked oil like crazy.... Met my wife in it during the winter with no heater

[@nickthomas181]

Triumph Atlas were sold in India as The Standard Atlas the original company as Standard India for decades.

[@nestorouaf528]

J'avais une triumph Acclaim, au début des années 90, j'ai du faire 150 miles kms avec et revendu pour bénéficier d'une juppette elle devait avoir 260 miles kms.... une sacrée bagnole!!!!

[@charlesc.parker1164]

You cracked me up with " sounds like something a priest would drive ". I was thinking the same thing.

[@williammiddleton2145]

There was a Dark Blue GT-6+ briefly on the screen next to the mini cooper - I wish it was shown :(

[@BandiMasha]

Tom, did he have a Dolomite Sprint. In England in the 70s, they were the GTI of their day

[@jamesfranklin2203]

The Triumph Acclaim and the Honda Ballade where built in the same british factory

[@raynermeneses4802]

Where is Tom I miss this man, hoping everything is ok with you sir I love your show and I can only wish the show comes back soon

[@Kickinpony66]

Funny, he talked about the red Jaguar, but not the red Mustang. The Ensign reminds me of a 1955 Ford.

[@olikat8]

North Carolina & the SE in general have tons of cars & trucks squirreled away.

[@ThatguyMatthew]

That triumph Atlas van is my favorite of the bunch. I wonder if he would sell?

[@petespanel]

Man, he's got the triumph thing bad. The best 2 are the mini copper and the xjc V12.