The styling of the bottom model clearly made it to the full-scale stage (see below), but the top model didn't - but that car bears a striking resemblance to the Stag at the rear...
The 1300 was a vitally important car for Triumph.
It is clear from the number of attempts to get the styling right that the company wasn't taking any chances - and Michelotti obliged by producing a fantastic looking product.
Michelotti styling sketches
The styling of the bottom model clearly made it to the full-scale stage (see
below), but the top model didn't - but that car bears a striking resemblance
to the Stag at the rear...
Conceptual drawings bear a striking resemblance to the TR sportscar range...
Nearing completion
Ajax was drawn up in a very short amount of time by Michelotti, and as can be
seen from this early proposal, a rather TR4-like front end was investigated.
The rear view of the clay Ajax shows many similarities to the final, production
Triumph 1300. At this stage in development, a two-door version was still on
the cards. As it was initially drawn up as a replacement for the Herald, the
two-door bodywork was deemed important to the model.
Thanks to Ian Nicholls and Graham Arnold for the pictures