The Triumph Mayflower Club is on a mission to raise the profile of both the Mayflower car and its club.

The club’s Publicity Officer, Mark Smith, told CW: ‘It has been estimated that there are only around 100 Mayflowers surviving worldwide, but from conversations I have had with people over the last few months, I am beginning to think this figure is incorrect and that there are quite a few cars out there which the club is not aware of as the owners are not members and their cars are off the road for one reason or another.’

It is probably true to say too that many classic car enthusiasts are not aware of the Mayflower, which is one of those classics that occupies a cul-de-sac of automotive design. Yet despite the small number of cars produced and their comparatively low profile on the classic scene today, the Triumph Mayflower seems to hold a special place in the hearts of those that came into contact with this quirky little car.

The Triumph Mayflower made its debut at the 1949 Earls Court Motor Show and copied the razor edge styling of the Renown. The car followed the design remit of Sir John Black to be a small luxury saloon capable of transporting four passengers in comfort. The body was designed by Leslie Moore, chief designer at Mulliners of Birmingham with input from Standard’s Walter Belgrove and constructed by Fisher and Ludlow at Castle Bromwich, Birmingham.

The Mayflower was to be aimed at the American market where it was believed there would be a post-war desire for a car that had the look of a small Rolls Royce, but it failed to catch the imagination of the buying public and sales were disappointing. With only 510 Triumph Mayflowers being sold in America, a new market was needed and so around half the total number of cars produced found homes in the Commonwealth countries such as Australia and New Zealand. Production finally finished in 1953 after a total run of just 35,000 vehicles.

The Triumph Mayflower Owners Club is dedicated to helping members preserve these wonderful cars and has members throughout the world in just about every country where they were sold. The club is particularly strong in the UK and America, and would encourage anyone who owns a Mayflower, is interested in finding a car for themselves or just has an interest in the model to become a member.

The club offers first-rate technical support for owners wishing to maintain their cars themselves, helps link potential buyers with those wishing to sell, and produces a club magazine featuring details of club meetings, technical support and general information to entertain as well as encourage existing owners to use their cars as much as they can. For more information or to download a membership form, go to the Triumph Mayflower Club