Description
This car is Lot 436 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Beaulieu Sale on 6 September, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Friday 5 September from 10:00 until 17:00 and Saturday 6 September from 08:30 until 17:00 at The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.
Lot 436
1949 Triumph 2000 Roadster
Registration no. not UK registered (see text)
Chassis no. TRA 658
One of an estimated 400-or-so survivors
Standard Vanguard 2. 1-litre engine and running gear
Restored in present ownership
Thanks to its use by TV's fictional Jersey detective Jim Bergerac, few post-war classics are as instantly recognisable as the Triumph Roadster. A landmark model in the history of the Coventry firm, the 1800 Roadster was one of the first post-war designs to bear the Triumph name. The chassis - an all-new design featuring independent front suspension - comprised two large-diameter steel tubes joined by cross braces. Styled by Standard's Frank Callaby, the Roadster's elegant alloy-panelled body was unusual in retaining the dickey seat that had been a feature of the pre-war Triumph Dolomite Roadster Coupé.
Launched in March 1946 alongside its sister car, the 1800 Saloon, the Roadster was not revised until 1948 when it received the 2. 1-litre engine, three-speed gearbox, and rear axle of the newly introduced Standard Vanguard. When Roadster production ceased the following year, a total of 4, 501 of these charismatic cars had been built.
Finished in Old English White with tan leather interior, this Triumph 2000 Roadster was purchased for the collection at a UK auction in 1999.
Ahead of sale, the car has been gently recommissioned, although we would advise close inspection before returning to the road for regular use. The recommissioning consisted of: new fuel filter installed; the fuel pump removed, disassembled, cleaned, and reinstalled; fuel lines replaced with new ones; carburettors stripped and rebuilt; brake pump removed, repaired, and reinstalled; and a new battery installed.
The purchase invoice from the auction is on file and the car also comes with a photographic restoration file; during which time the car was resprayed from maroon to its present colour. Also present are sundry invoices for parts; export paperwork; and an old UK V5 registration document (VSV 648).
Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
