Triumph 2000
ENGINE 1998cc/6-cyl/OHV POWER 90bhp@5000rpm TORQUE 117lb ft@2900rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 93mph 0-60MPH 13.5sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 23-29mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-sp man + o/d MoT 12 months from sale MILEAGE 90,774 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
First impressions are of a sporty saloon that has had a lot of time, effort and money spent upon it. It starts instantly with a fruity note from the stainless exhaust note; it’s not offensive, just more purposeful than the norm. A firm clutch accompanies the short shift into first, the lack of any steering assistance is not a problem and acceleration is brisk with overdrive in third and fourth gears. Once up to temperature, the oil pressure gauge idles at 60psi. The suspension has enjoyed a full poly-bush upgrade, the handling is further enhanced by wider 185 tyres mounted on TR6 steel wheels and the brakes are very efficient with the addition of Aeroquip stainless hoses. Combined, all of these upgrades offer an assured and positive driving experience.
BODYWORK CHECK
Much of this car’s restoration would have been carried out over the past decade, in which time the Triumph has travelled just 10,000 miles. There are two small chips requiring touch-ins on the back edge of the bonnet, plus another on the scuttle panel. The front bumper chrome is aged but bright while the rear is slightly worse and may need refinishing in the future. The driver’s door has a tiny pin dent in it and the plastic indicator lens on the adjacent B-pillar is cracked. Overall, though, this 2000 has few bodywork issues, being damage- and rust-free with a quality paint finish.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The early white-dial dashboard is a lovely feature, with varnished wood trim on the passenger-side matching the door cappings. Seating is in showroom condition, but looks like it’s from a later MkII – a common upgrade because of their greater comfort. The original door cards appear aged compared to the rest of the interior trim, but the carpets, which have been protected by overmats, show little sign of use and the headlining is new. There are additional Smiths gauges for voltage and oil pressure, plus a clock. Finishing touches include an unobtrusive CD player and Moto-Lita steering wheel with matching gear lever, both of which feature the Triumph logo.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine block is either painted or polished and the bay finish is equal to that of the exterior. There are no signs of fluid leaks, but the tired battery clamp could do with a lick of paint. Modifications include a new coil with electronic ignition, alternator conversion, electric cooling fan and a hightorque starter motor. Invoices from the past decade record a gearbox rebuild and clutch assembly, halogen headlight upgrade, plus replacement inertia reel seatbelts.
THE CCW VIEW
This 2000 is in superb condition and drives as well as it looks, with sensible, discreet upgrades and improvements. There is plenty to admire inside and out, with just minor finishing tasks to complete. Price looked fair.