When the Triumph Roadster appeared in 1946, it was only the second newly designed British post-war car. It pioneered the steering-column gearshift lever (originally fitted to both 1800 and 2000 models): the unusual right-hand location (right-hand drive cars normally had the shifter on the left) of the gear lever was intended, with the wide bench seat, to permit three-abreast seating - hence the provision of three windscreen wipers. Modifications to the early hood ("convertible top") allowed it to be erected single-handedly from the driver's seat, to cope with the vagaries of British weather.

 Additional information at Vintage Triumph Register

The Triumph Roadster Club