Triumph 2000 mk2 - the best car Triumph ever made?!
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- čas přidán 22. 07. 2023
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Triumph 2000 MK2
To set the scene for you contextually, the Triumph 2000 came to market in the autumn of 1963, the P6, a key homegrown rival had been released the week prior and the automotive world was abuzz with these fantastic new mid-sized motors.
The car was styled by michelotti, which is a name you’ll have heard many times if you’re a fan of Triumph and was available in the UK, where it was made in Coventry, and across the world in commonwealth locations like Australia and New Zealand alongside countries where Triumph proved to be popular like Belgium.
Sales of the MK1 were high - the car was popular with many buyers if for no other reason, than at first, the key competitor P6 had been launched with a 4 cylinder engine against the 6 cylinder offered by Triumph.
With sales high and the public perception strong, Triumph decided to bring the MK2 to market; but they learnt a valuable lesson from the Vanguard. The Vanguard, like the 2000, had been a popular motor, but resting on laurels and letting the car run without intervention of modern tweaks had meant it had hit end of production looking tired and lacklustre; which not only impacted the vehicle’s reputation but that of Triumph.
The only issue was this: in 1968, British Leyland was born. This now meant the once completely separate rival P6 was now sitting under the same roof as the 2000. This meant sales would cannibalise and there was reticence in spending too much to take the MK2 to where it needed to go.
So what did they do? Well, they took the learnings from the Stag and applied it to the 2000 MK2, which really impacted how it looked through to how it was all modernised for the next generation. If you’re wondering what they changed for the MK2, the upgrades included:
- Bigger disc brakes
- Bigger servo
- Wider track and wheel trims
- New fascia
- New adjustable steering column
- Dipping mirror
- Redesigned seats
- Alternator
- Luggage space - 15 cubic feet of space
- Fully recline seats
- Breathable vinyl or brushed nylon interior
- New rotary light switch
- Everything falls naturally to hand or eye
- Fully automatic, manual or manual with overdrive
- Raised the compression ratio for livelier acceleration and more power
- 34 ft turning circle 4 turns lock to lock
- 100mph top speed condition dependent
- 0-60 13.6 seconds
- Oh and if you’re wondering if that lock you’ve spotted on the front wing is some sort of optional extra, it’s not, it’s a period alarm somebody fitted many moons ago
Of the 2000, 2 litre, we’re testing today; the market entry car, there were just over 100,000 made between 1969 and 1977.
The car did well and it was highly thought of across the globe, even in New Zealand where the prime minister of the time owned and drove a 2500s. The car’s also entered the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup rally - placing 2nd and 4th.
They might’ve had their problems occasionally, but the 2000 was a great car and who knows what might’ve been if Triumph and Rover hadn’t been forced into the same box by the creation of British Leyland.
As it stands, Rover won on paper, as the car which came into replace this within the BL line up was the SD1. A lovely car, but not quite the special car which is the Triumph 2000. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Guess which Wally (spoiler, it was me) said Clubman not Countryman. Bloody Nora, what am I like?! Sorry!
The person who never made a mistake, never did anything! You're fine!
Best wishes from George
@@georgejohnson1498 thanks George ❤️. It’s annoying because sometimes you’re just ‘copyblind’. Which is exactly why proof readers are very much a thing 😂
@@idriveaclassic If I try to proof my own typing, I read what I intended to write. I guess that is there definition of copy-blind! I always review some time later when I have forgotten exactly what I did write, and spot most of the errors!
Best wishes from George
Back in the 80's I had a Clubman and a Countryman. Each cost £30. Those were the days! I converted the Countryman to left hand drive for a trip around Europe. I also had a 2500 S. A most excellent car.
dear Steph That is a TRIUMPH 2000 mark 2, I HAd a mark 1, 2-5 fuel injection what a fabulous car to drive hard and fast the 2000 mark 2. came out in about 1970 nothing comes close to TRiumphs drivability. Thank you. ever tried a Volvo 850 another special car.
M Dad had a lot of Triumphs from Heralds Mk1 2000 Mk2 2000 finally a 2500. Mum had a Herald. I had a Mk1 Vitesse 2000. Still miss that car and my parents.
One of the best sounding six cylinder engines in my opinion ❤
Except for a fuel injection TR6 in my opinion
The Triumph six is my favourite engine sound of all time ❤
Agree
I have one of those engines in my Vitesse Convertible
Shame about the unrefined sounding starter motor though.
As my family own a 2500PI, i can assure you the manual (+ the fuel injection) means they go like a rocket! Loads of torque too which automatics usually sap. I find the Triumph to be a sporting saloon, whereas my 2ltr Rover P6 is much more comfortable. I feel blessed to enjoy both at the same time!
I totaly agree with you...I used to service the police 2.5 PIs and test drive them...They took off like a rocket!!!..The only down side was the Lukas fuel injection.
Lucas...I spelt that wrong...:-)
My mum had one for 9 years. I still remember every detail 43 years later. Hers was green, I think it was called Forest Green. She kept 2 of those short concrete fence posts in the boot to improve handling, and even made a nice cover for them from an old tartan travel blanket 😀
Haha a woman on a mission. Love that.
My tall and elegant village librarian ran a green Mk1 estate for most of the seventies and into the eighties too. 👍
My Dad had a 67 Mk1 in Conifer green, a lovely car.
Dad put breeze blocks in his boot 😂
I love the styling, it is still acceptable half a century after the car was introduced. Using the Triumph brand rather than the Standard brand gave the car a sportier image compared with the Vanguard it replaced. I love the front hinged bonnet (hood) This part of the design allows better access to the rear of the engine and is slightly safer as air pressure travelling over the car keeps an unlocked bonnet down. A well designed car!
My Dad had the 2500 PI version in 1973, that engine sound is totally the best ever and not only when it's running, it has the most unique sound when cranking over too - love those cars!
My father was forever changing his cars, but I do recall his Triumph 2000 in 'Cactus Green' ( which may have been the interior shade.. )
Beautiful looking car. IMHO, it's one of Triumph's best looking cars.
One of our primary school teachers had a Triumph 2000 auto back in the mid 70s - The sound of it was magnificent as he went up the drive of the school - His was blue as well
He was a gent and never had to raise his voice- great teacher - Funny how the 2000 suited his demeanor and echoed his personality - as soon as I saw the video thumbnail I was back to the mid 70s and Mr.Breslin ! Good Times!!
Teachers were sufficiently well paid back then to afford a decent car!
Yes! My dad had one. He said it was the best car he ever had. I wish he'd lived to see this video! (although on a personal note, those wheels are an atrocity and that opening backdrop is horrendous!)
You’re a great presenter Steph. Long live your channel and the old 70s and 80s bangers that you review. Huge nostalgia hit every time!
Thanks lovie x
Hear, hear. As I've said many times, IDAC really should be on TV.
@@johnjtm1097 💯
@@johnjtm1097TV is dead
Lovely car. I had the pleasure of owning an "R" reg 2500S in the late 1980's
My family had two Triumph 2000's and we all loved them.
Triumphs are still popular in New Zealand.
Ive had a 2500tc for 18 years and people always come over for a close look when i take it out. I put it in a show a few weeks ago and it was quite popular. Even amongst some high end V8 stuff.
We have a '76 2000TC auto. Love it Steph!
I loved mine... and it was the same colour. Thanks for the memory.
My father had a 2.5PI Estate with manual +o/d. Annoyingly this was while I was at university, but I did manage to drive Mum, Dad and me from South Yorkshire to Guildford on one occasion. I’ve driven all sorts of car since then, circa 1969, and I still think it was one of the best. Sadly dad decided it was too powerful for him but we changed it for a 2000 Mk2. From memory, that was our fifth and final Triumph. Happy memories!
Same engine as my GT6 - and the 2500S was silky smooth
Several Triumphs do look good, but this must be the best one. Really lovely. Michelotti made several pretty cars over the years.
I suddenly recalled hitching home from Norwich CNS (then a boys' school) to our village on a hot summer's day in 1968. A couple stopped to offer me a lift in their Triumph 2000-I even sat up front! Compared to my dad's ancient Ford Consul, this was luxury motoring. We had a school _Internal Combustion Engine_ club for aspiring petrol-heads, where I later gave a talk on the Triumph 2000, comparing the P6. Happy days... Two British cars to be proud of.
My Dad had an October 1974 2000TC Auto, badged as a 2000 Mk.2 for 12 years, it was also Sapphire Blue, and we absolutely loved that car, not quite as powerful as the Rover 2000TC that it replaced, but much more practical, smooth, and reliable. In South Africa, it was called the Chicane.
We used them in the Met. Police in the late 60's and early 70's. Very comfortable.
I used to own a 1972 green 2000 Mk.2 auto and later a 2500TC auto in Maroon . They were brilliant cars with that super smooth 6 cylinder engine and great on long journeys. Definitely the best cars from Triumph.
Now, this is a car I have always loved Steph, absolute class.
What a gorgeous car ❤ love the 2000.
Great looking cars. I loved Triumphs of this era.
A very good selling car in the Greek market as well. Many of these survived till the late 1990s as daily driving cars. I still see 1 being used daily close to where I live, in bad but working condition. In general English cars were very popular in the Greek market until 1980s
Nice to see, have a 2500s and it's a wonderful car.
You were on the Wolverhampton-Kidderminster road ! Not far from myself. Nice video Steph. The Triumph 2000 /2500 range had an air of quality about them at the time, and still gave a better quality ride than many -a- modern car today.
Triumph 2000 and Wolverhampton to Kidderminster Road brings back memories in 1978 of seeing the Police using a Triumph 2500 PI chasing a getaway (possibly a cortina!) car along there. God knows how fast they were going, but it was certainly well above the speed limit.
@@michaelsandy3353yep, can get some speed up on that road lol
Yep, standard Honda Jazz pulling out driver tactics from the region!
The six cylinder engine was very smooth and this was a great saloon car. Best model was the MkII 2500pi manual with overdrive.
The South African version was known as the Triumph Chicane, Stephanie.
Because you had to drive it like you were in a chicane so you don't get carjacked?
The Chicaine was actually the last of the line mk2 , 2.5 straight six , feul injection and a manual 5 speed box
Great cars, I drove my Dad’s several times when it was new in 1978. He had a 2500TC and my uncle had a 2500S. They would have been imported and assembled by Leyland Australia back then I guess.
Such a good looking car , my family had one , a J reg with leather interior , walnut dash . It looked great and was really comfortable on long journeys.
A lovely car. My dad had a Mk1 and a 2500s. Love them!
Lovely lovely cars. The 2.5 S was my favourite. And they are rare beasts these days. Thank you for showing this fine old lady. And the visibility from the drivers seat is exceptional. Fine design.
The Rover P6 and Triumph 2000/2500PI were both absolutely stunning looking cars and the estate versions of the Triumph looked really good too.
We had both, the Rover was more classy and more sporty, but the Triumph was more practical and more robust
Great to see that car . Loved it.
I had a Triumph 2000 in 1989 and had alot of fun with it. It had the manual trans with the electric overdrive switch in the gear shift liver. it would work even in reverse. it was a two speed planetary gear set up using an electrical engagement system that was located directly behind the manual transmission before the prop shaft.
Made by Laycock Engineering Sheffield, ultimately part of the GKN group.
Thanks for sharing Steph 😊👍
I have always loved this model. Thanks Steph. Loved it. John (Australia).
My dad cherished his white 2000 straight six for years
Loved mine too
Bought the 1971 model new in Australia - a beautiful car, one of the best I have owned.
Welcome yo the Midlands Steph Great video again another classic well presented
After his mk1 NOK 996F, my dad had a mk2 as his company car with Dunlop.
GEG 525L identical to this one and the same colour! I loved that car. Both were automatics.
Fantastic review Steph 👏
My grandad had the 2500 TC and as a child i always loved the sound it made starting up and running, impressive 😊
what a beauty
Great video Steph! These great cars are underrated. Michelotti is also an underrated Genius and those gorgeous Triumph sixes were the best engines they made by far.. and sadly the last.. The slant four that followed and its V8 derivative was badly engineered from the start, full of mechanical nonsense and a nightmare for customers..
I just love watching.....and you go into details. Oh, also, I like your outfits.
I remember my grandad owned a cream Triumph 2000 Mk 2 and travelling at the back felt so special. The sound of the ignition and seeing that car glide out of its garage will remain special memories forever.
Best car I ever owned, wish I still had it .
I had a mk 1 Triumph 2000 four speed with overdrive in the 1970s. It was a few years old at the time and I had to do all the servicing etc myself as I was always skint. I still think it was the best car I have ever owned. It was solid and reliable and could cruise at just over a ton according to the spedo. Sadly I got shunted in a queue of traffic and while I was waiting to sort out the insurance I got rammed for a second time a couple of weeks later. I still would like to drive one again just to see if they feel as good today.
My Mk2 2500 blew an engine mount in the bush in Australia. I improvised a replacement mount with a bit of 4x2 I found to get us the 30 miles to a garage.
I was skint too, (just graduated, on first job), and I learned a lot about those b*stard rear hubs and the universal joints.
I can afford to buy one now, but I can't afford the garage it deserves 😞
They are magnificent cars.
We love Steph....my favourite old banger channel.
The thing that strikes me, when watching a presentation and road test like this are, damn, how Britain threw so much away from the early 60’s to the late 70’s.
The decade of motoring doom.
Yes Robert Muldoon had one nz prime minister from 1975 to 1984 very popular in NZ
One of my favorite car of all time is iconic Peugeot 205.
Loved this cars, I Met Policie used these👍👍
My Uncle had a Triumph 2500 in 1975,when I was 8 years old. My Mum & I had been living in Pennsylvania,USA for 3 years,& we moved back to England for six months or so. He came to pick us up at Heathrow & drove us back to Grantham. I also remember seeing a '67 Chevy Camaro on the North Circular that day! My Aunt in Pennsylvania had one at the time over there! My Uncle's 2000 had a PI badge on the C pillar,I remember asking him what it stood for,& he said 'Petrol Injection'
Always loved Triumph dashboards. Especially the Dolomite. You are right about the non ageing thing. Even with the wood, the very curvature of the driver area is timeless.
Fantastic example...problem is finding one as good as this!
I've had three of them Steph. My friend's father taught us all how to drive in one! One of the best British cars ever produced. The one you are driving looks to have been fitted with the smaller power steering type steering wheel. They are much nicer to handle with the larger rimmed manual steering type wheel. The manual gearbox with overdrive is a joy too.
Best wishes, Dean.
I always loved that the shape around the grille/headlights matched the rear.
What a beauty! Such understated easy elegance about its design...and I think the wheels look lovely as well.
Her more so I think 😁
@@pparrker5420 Steph is lovely as well! She's got great style.
Hello Steph. I love your videos, and especially the detail in which you go into, even such things as seat fabrics in this example. Thanks for sharing your talent and passion.
My schoolfriend's father had one, which as an Army major he'd regularly use between the UK and Germany. I was so taken with the design, the sound, the ride, but best of all.....the little gearstick mounted overdrive switch - so cool as the six cylinder got into it's stride, to hear the revs drop as overdrive engaged and the car went into cruise!
You're on good form Steph 👌 The directors of the company I worked for had the last 3 Triumph 2000's off the assembly line, it'd be about 1977
Oh really?! Good taste!
Discontinued in July 1977.
My Aunty Mary and Uncle Ivor had two of these from Bridge Sollars in Herefordshire. Firstly a Mark One and then a Mark Two like this. After that they got a Volvo 244, which was a much tougher car, but never seemed so luxurious!
Lovely memories stirred by this video. Thank you.
Best wishes from George
Those seats rubbing against a brown pair of BHS crimplene flares. Enough static electricity to solve the energy crisis.
Handsome Car and a beautiful example. I have a Hand Book and Brochure in my collection.
Great test. My Dad owned 5 in a row; up to the 2.5 . Yes awesome - quality cars !!!
My father had a Triumph 2000 mk 1 and he loved it so much that when the mk 2 came out he upgraded to it! Lovely car which I drove on many occasions. He kept it a long time before swapping to his last car a Peugeot 504. Do hope you will find one of those to test and demonstrate.
Love you and your channel! Great cars and awesome retro clothing!!❤❤❤❤
After a few months driving the 2000 without power steering you will be unbeatable at arm wrestling Steph! lol
I love your videos my friend ,keep them coming !
My mate's dad up the road had a cream one with manual transmission and overdrive, beautiful car.
I’d love to see one of these in cream.
Honeysuckle I believe.
@@caw25sha Yes that’s right! Just looked it up 👍🏻
The number of episodes of The Professionals this turned up in was off the clock. I do prefer the P6 though.
I liked the estate version best with quarter lights behind the passenger doors
My Dad bought a new one of these in Wedgewood Blue 'H reg' after he wrote off the MKII Cortina. We got a caravan the year after, it was perfect for pulling it.
As a child of the 1970s, if one of the Dads in your street had one of these, his kids were the coolest in the street.
I owned a Stag in the 1990s and I just loved the styling.
The warning light cluster in those Triumphs is a work of art.
I owned a 2.5PI, a Stag and then a 2500TC, and you've made me nostalgic.
Beautiful car, Steph. I can see the styling of the Toledo and Dolomite, as I look at it. Great vid, many thanks.
The Triumph 2000 Mark 1 was sold in the USA for a few years in the mid-1960’s. When Triumph’s American dealers were told the 2000 was coming, they weren’t thrilled. They thought that anyone who walked into a Triumph showroom was looking for a roadster, not a big sedan. The 2000’s poor sales suggest that their instincts were right. I’ve never seen a Triumph 2000 or 2500 in the metal, even at a British car show.
My grandad had two of these, my dad's had three, my best friend has had three, his dad has had four and I've owned six, one if who has been in my ownership for 25 years and is currently being restored. They are without a doubt the best cars I've ever owned, and I've been lucky enough to have had some great cars. I've also driven my 2000 down that very same road hundreds if not thousands of times as I only live about a mile away from where you filmed this.
The South African version was called the Chicane and sold quite well.
I've always thought they looked so much better and sleeker than the P6, they're hugely under rated and very popular with their owners for being extremely usable with great parts availability.
Maybe when mine is restored (and modified) I should get in touch and let you take her out for a spin! 😊
2500s estate for me!
I had a Mk 1. 1965, Mk2. 971, Mk 2 1976, Mk2 2500S all manual with over drive in my time, I loved them all and I knew when you got to drive one you would as well. It`s a different world of driving the 6 cylinder has so much torque at low revs and so forgiving makes enjoy the drive wherever you are going. Thanks for sharing your drive it brought back so many good memories.
Always loved these cars! Would love to own one now because to me they always looked so classy yet sporty.
Really good presentation as always steph love the triumph 2000 keep the reviews coming…..
Another excellent review Steph, a lovely looking Triumph.
I enjoyed the ride-along thanks. Yes the 2000 Mk2 was manufactured in Cape Town, South Africa by British Leyland. My dad drove one in the early 1970s and I remember it so well.
I bought a brand new NZ assembled 2500 PI and it was a fantastic car. I had the option of purchasing a British assembled 2.5 PI station wagon and I've kicked myself ever since for not buying it. I've always liked sw's. The Lucas injection never gave a moment's problem.
My first job when I left school was at a place in Coventry called Awson motor carriage where we made most of the BL dashboards including the triumph 2000. That was a good looking car.
FGF 709J - my Mk2 Triumph 2000 was one of my best loved cars - and according to DVLA its still out there somewhere! Gorgeous midnight blue with 2.5pi wheel trims at the time (and white walls for a while haha)
My dad had 3 including a navy blue one like that one, which by the way was a manual 2.5 & yes they were superb & very classy... great content well done!!
Steph your awesome your taste in classic cars is exactly like mine, respect
Great Video thank you!. Loved the 2000. I had a NZ assembled 1970 automatic and it's a complete package.
I love the Rover P6 but I have to admit that if I was in the market at the time the Triumph would have been a more sensible car. Rear seat legroom and boot space for 2. Does that make you sensible Mr. Palms???? Surely not….🤣
@@peterriggall8409 How can I be sensible Peter. I have too many Austin 3 Litres. If was sensible I would own Triumphs as well!
great line " .... the static is endless ...... "
You and this car look exactly back in Time amaizing
The car does suit you Steph. You Definitely should get one for yourself.
My dad had three of these including two mk 2s. I loved driving them, they felt luxurious, sounded great and were so smooth with the 6 cylinders. An uncle had a 2500PI and as a passenger it was the first time I travelled at 100mph!
What a lovely review! Many thanks for sharing; SUBSCRIBED!!!