1975 Triumph 2000 Saloon Mk2

Lot details
Registration No: JWP903N
Chassis No: ML7903DLO
Mot Expiry: Aug 2010

Along with the Rover 2000, the Triumph 2000 helped to refocus the UK's luxury car market. Like its rival, and unlike the heavyweight gentlemen's carriages previously on offer from both makers, the new Triumph boasted a sleek, low hull, this time with smooth 1998cc six-cylinder power that had first appeared in the Standard Vanguard. The 2000 scored further with its excellent ride from coil-sprung independent suspension all round, by struts at the front and semi-trailing arms at the rear. The original 1963 car, styled by Giovanni Michelotti, paved the way for a family 'look' followed by the smaller 1300, but Michelotti was later commissioned to restyle the car so it resembled the company's luxury GT cruiser, the Stag; this MkII version appeared in October 1969, code-named 'Innsbruck'. The 2.5 PI version, using the TR5's fuel-injected motor, finished second and fourth in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally. In 1974, a mid-term facelift was introduced, using a Stag-style four-bar radiator grille. As the amalgamated BMC rationalised its range, the 2000/2500 series was replaced in 1977 by the Rover SD1 - whose 2300 and 2600 six-cylinder engines were derived from the Standard-Triumph 'six'.

This facelift car dates from late in production and is understood to been given an engine transplant so as to facilitate the installation of power steering. The straight-six currently to be found under its bonnet is believed but not warranted to have covered only 20,000 miles. The car further benefits from a spin-on oil filter conversion and electronic ignition. A variety of spares are reportedly available including the original engine, steering rack and column and sundry others. These will be offered free of charge to the new owner but will need collecting. The vendor describes the bodywork and paint as "very good" and the engine, four-speed manual transmission, cloth interior and electrical equipment as "excellent". A stylish yet practical classic saloon, the Triumph is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until August 2010.