Produced by the Rover-Triumph division of British Leyland and introduced in 1970, the Toledo was intended to provide a cheaper alternative to the Triumph 1300. To lower production costs, rear-wheel drive was added as well as installing a simplified interior including the use of a simple plank of wood for the dashboard and basic instruments. The materials used, however, felt elevated above many other similar compact cars which instead had adopted black ABS plastic or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Initially the Triumph Toledo was only available to buy as a two-door saloon, but in March 1971 a four-door version was launched at the Geneva Motor Show. The four-door’s main external difference was wraparound bumpers (although this changed in 1973) and internally there were two additional ashtrays added in each additional door. 

This car on display was donated in 2024 by Denis Buxcey, who worked at the Museum in the 1990s. His father bought the Toledo, affectionately nicknamed “Tolly”, in 1975 and it stayed in the family until its transfer to the Museum’s permanent collection. It features front disc brakes that were fitted as standard to Toledos from 1972, instead of all-round drum brakes, an upgraded aluminium exhaust, and aftermarket seat covers.