Honda Triumph Vanden Plas?!

To Americans, the brand names Honda, Triumph, and Vanden Plas could not be more different from each other. However, in the 80s, they were one.

It all started with the Triumph Acclaim. In 1979, Honda and Triumph agreed to build Honda Ballades (4 door Preludes for us Americans) in Great Britain and call it the Triumph Acclaim.

The Acclaim was significant for many reasons:

• It was the only model Triumph made between 1981 and 1984.
• It was the last Triumph model ever made.
• It was the first Japanese car made in Europe.
• It began Rover's relationship with Honda.

When Triumph ceased to exist, the next generation Honda Ballade (Civic sedan to us Americans) became the basis for the Rover 200. This is where it got interesting. The Vanden Plas trim included the following:

• Lucas (!) electronic fuel injection.
• Connolly leather or velvet upholstery.
• Power windows and locks.
• Walnut door inserts.
  

The fruit of globalization

CKY