Triumph 2000 MkII

ENGINE 1998cc/6-cyl/OHV POWER 84bhp@5000rpm TORQUE 100lb ft@2900rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 96mph 0-60MPH 13.3 sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 21-28mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual + o/d MoT 12 months ODOMETER 64,207 WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

This two-owner executive saloon starts on the first turn of the key and once out on the open road, the performance belies its 48 years. The lack of assisted steering is only a problem when parking, while the handling is precise with little body roll. Acceleration is surprisingly brisk and the overdrive switch offers an instant change – motorway speed cruising is achieved at 2500rpm. Braking is straight and true. Our test confirmed this Triumph would make an ideal daily driver; as competent through the country lanes as around built up areas. The current long-term owner has had the car for the last 48 years.

BODYWORK CHECK

It’s unrestored and all original. The Laurel Green finish is almost unblemished and there’s no rust – this Triumph truly requires little more than a wash and polish. There’s one stone chip on the front panel and a minute touch-in on the bonnet, plus another two tiny chips on the offside front wing and another on the rear of the nearside front wing. The chrome bumpers and trim are bright with no dents or marks. A driver’s side wind deflector is fitted. The underside is very clean, with no evidence of welding repairs or later reapplication of underseal.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The interior is so in-period it feels wrong to take to the driver’s seat without wearing bell-bottom trousers. The deep tan vinyl seats are wide and very comfortable with matching brown carpeting that has been well protected by overmats. The fabric on the door cards has lifted slightly but is undamaged and the wood finish on both the door cappings and dash front would benefit from a light wax to return the shine. All the switches operate correctly, as do the gauges, aside from the factory-fitted clock which only reads correctly twice a day.

UNDER THE BONNET

The engine bay is above average but offers enthusiasts the chance to make slight improvements; with a few hours of effort, a show standard would be easily achievable. The history of this car tells of an RAF pilot who purchased it in 1970 for £1526 according to the original bill of sale. He meticulously maintained the car over the next 48 years accumulating invoices for parts purchased dating back to 1977, but unfortunately the MoT history only goes back to 2006.

THE CCW VIEW

For buyers who put originality before anything else when purchasing their classic this 2000 MkII is almost the car that left the showroom nearly five decades ago. While there is room for improvement those tasks are minor – this Triumph drives very well and its straight panels are corrosion-free. It will happily take four to a local show or cruise across Europe in comfort.