1948 Triumph 1800

In 1944 the Triumph Motor Company, like many other automobile manufacturers, had been negatively impacted by the World Wars and the Depression and had fallen into receivership when it was purchased by the Standard Motor Car Company.

Sir John Black, the director of the Standard Motor Car Company, wanted to introduce two new vehicles, a sedan, and a roadster, at the end of the Second World War to combat the wonderful creations of the Jaguar Company, especially the SS 100. The designs that were to become the Triumph 1800 were heavily influenced by the 1930s, with the stylish, appealing, and sexy bodies made famous by Bugatti, Delahaye, and others.

In the front were large headlamps that appeared to be suspended without support. A large curvy fender and grille gently rolled into the long hood. The doors were hinged at the rear and opened in the classic 'suicide' form. The windshield was a single piece of glass. In the trunk was a rumble seat called a 'dickey' seat which offered additional passenger room. When not in use, the trunk offered plenty of cargo room. The Triumph 1800 is often called a 'Razor-edge' car in modern times due to the vehicle's curvy body and sharp edges that were prevalent with pre-war designed cars.

In 1948 the engine size was increased to 2088 cc, and the name was changed to the Triumph 2000. Production of the Triumph 1800 lasted from 1946 through 1948, with total production equaling around 2500 units. Sales might have been higher if the vehicle was not priced so high.

The Triumph 2000 was more than just a modification of the 1800's engine. The four-speed gearbox was replaced in favor of a three-speed all-synchro unit. With a top speed of just under 80 mph, the vehicle was suitable as a daily driver.

Jaguar introduced the legendary XK120 in 1948, which featured 160 horsepower. It had a top speed of 120 mph and could go from zero-to-sixty seconds in nearly a third of the time it took the Triumph 2000. The styling was modern and breathtaking. The Triumph 2000 may have been elegant, but in comparison to the XK120, it was outdated.

Production of the 2000 continued through 1949. During its total production lifespan, 2000 examples were created. With a low production figure of the 1800 and the 2000 they are highly sought after in modern times. Their exclusivity is the result of low horsepower, outdated styling, stiff competition, and a high sticker price. If the Triumph would have been produced in the later part of the 1930's it may have been a celebrated accomplishment rather than a tribute to post-war accomplishments that had trouble competing with modern design.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2005

The Triumph Motor Company started production in the UK, producing a variety of equipment, including sewing machines, bicycles, and a variety of autos.

The company eventually went bankrupt and was purchased by the Standard Motor Company, which produced engines for the SS Jaguar sports cars.

The Triumph 1800 was launched at the London Motor Show in 1947. It was designed to use the SS Jaguar engine. The car never really took off as its price was higher than the Jaguar 120, the design was old-fashioned by post-war standards, and the performance was no better than an average family car.