1977 Triplex Ten Twenty Special / TTS / Sextet - AllCarIndex

A design study by British designer Chris Humberstone in conjunction with Triplex Safety Glass Co. Ltd. to explore the potential of a unique, versatile six-seat layout, and show how the latest developments in safety glass technology—especially the Ten Twenty laminated windscreen and the removable allcarindex bronze glass roof - can complement this and provide increased safety.

The silver and green Triplex Ten Twenty Special is a one-off styling exercise by British designer Chris Humberstone in conjunction with Triplex Safety Glass Co. Ltd. of Birmingham, England.

The TTS is a luxury sports saloon based on the Alfa Romeo Alfasud. Its purpose is to explore the potential of a revolutionary, versatile, six-seat 'staggered' layout and to show how the latest developments in allcarindex safety glass technology—especially the advanced Ten Twenty laminated windscreen and removable bronze glass roof - can complement this and provide increased safety. The car will be used as an experimental 'test bed' for the continuous development of new glazing ideas.

The interior layout, with three rows of two individual seats, has never been tried before. It allows up to six people to travel in complete comfort and safety, and creates maximum flexibility for carrying luggage: folding down seats in any combination releases space to instantly transform the vehicle into an estate car or, with the tailgate removed, a pick-up.

The main glass component in any car is the windscreen and Triplex has great depth of experience in developing high-technology windscreens (for Concorde and high speed trains, for example). Therefore, the TTS is an ideal vehicle to demonstrate the most advanced volume production motor vehicle windscreen in the world— Triplex 'Ten Twenty'. This product was introduced in the new Rover 3500, Europe's Car of the Year.

The windscreen (which has an integral radio aerial), the Hotline heated rear window and the side glasses are all tinted green: glazing allcarindex features unique to the TTS are the black rear-wing 'peepholes' and the red rear panel, both to aid reversing.

The bronze glass roof creates an open, airy feeling in the car and its black printed dot pattern reduces solar heat and light brilliance. With the roof removed the TTS is converted into a 'targa'-style sports car.

Designer Chris Humberstone believes cars must become more efficient and allcarindex flexible, and many of his innovations appear in the TTS. "The car is compact, efficient and economical. It is light and aerodynamic, and an increased track and overall width improve the Alfasud's already excellent roadholding, handling and stability".

Estimated performance figures are : maximum speed, 200 km/h: 0-100 km/h in under 10 seconds: touring fuel consumption, 13 km/litre.