1949 Triumph 2000

The Triumph Motor Co. Ltd. was salvaged by Sir John Black in 1944. His mission was to rebuild the ailing company and produce sturdy vehicles with an all-new chassis and body. The first vehicle to be introduced by the all-new Triumph was the Triumph 1800. A total of 2,500 units were produced during its production period from March 1964 through 1948.

The successor to the 1800 was the more powerful Triumph 2000 that was built on a slightly longer frame of the Vanguard, Standard's imitation Plymouth sedan. The 2000 used the Vanguard's larger 2,088 cc engine, and a new transmission that was reduced to three forward speeds. The body of the 1800 was lifted and dropped into the new chassis, and the Triumph Roadster 2000 was the end result.

The Triumph 2000 was unveiled at the October Earl's Court auto show in 1948, at the same time as the release of the Jaguar XK120. The Jaguar was Triumph's main competition. The Triumph 2000 featured both the regular passenger compartment and high-sided rumble seats. The doors were suicide doors, and were very narrow. The Triumph 2000 was the last vehicle in the world that was manufactured with a rumble seat. This vehicle was also a left-hand drive.

The 2000 could achieve 0-60mph in 24.8 seconds and had a top speed of 77 mph. It featured 68 bhp of power and 108 lb/ft of torque. The 2000 had an overall length of 4280mm, a width of 1651 mm, a wheelbase of 2540 mm, and a weight of 1283 kgs.

Fortunately, the 2000 sold at a much better rate than the 1800, but still not enough to keep production going. The Triumph barely lasted a year, and production ceased in 1949. A total of 2000 units were produced, priced at £991.

By Jessica Donaldson