Triumph Acclaim
The reliable Anglo-Japanese alliance that marked the end of the Triumph marque.
- Power
- 70 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 12.7 s
- Top speed
- 96 mph
- Est. value
- $1k–$9k
About the Triumph Acclaim
The Triumph Acclaim was the final car to bear the historic Triumph badge, serving as a vital bridge between British Leyland and Honda. Based on the Honda Ballade, it was the first Japanese-designed car to be manufactured within the European Economic Community, bypassing import restrictions. While it lacked the traditional sporting character of its predecessors, it offered unprecedented reliability and build quality for a BL product. The HLS was the high-specification trim, featuring a more luxurious interior with velour upholstery and optional electric windows, making it a surprisingly refined small saloon for the early 1980s.
Triumph Acclaim specs
The Triumph Acclaim produces 70 bhp (52 kW) and 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 12.7 seconds and has a top speed of 96 mph (155 km/h).
| Make | Triumph |
|---|---|
| Model | Acclaim |
| Trim | HLS |
| Years | 1981–1984 |
| Type | Saloon |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Engine | 1.3-litre Honda EN4 inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,335 cc (1.3 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 70 bhp (52 kW) at 5,750 rpm |
| Torque | 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 12.7 s |
| Top speed | 96 mph (155 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 815 kg (1,797 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 86 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Triumph Acclaim worth?
A typical Triumph Acclaim is estimated to be worth $1,000 – $8,900 (about £746 – £6,600).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Triumph Acclaim rarity in CarSpot
The Triumph Acclaim is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 18 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Triumph Acclaim fun facts
- The Acclaim holds the record for the lowest percentage of warranty claims for any British Leyland car due to its Honda-engineered mechanicals.
- Despite its Japanese roots, the Acclaim featured 80% British-sourced parts to meet EEC local content requirements, including seats based on Ford Cortina frames.
- The very last car ever to wear a Triumph badge was a silver Acclaim CD, which rolled off the Cowley production line in June 1984.