Description
The Triumph 2000 has long been a popular choice for historic rallying and is backed up by an extensive network of club and specialist support. This well-sorted and nicely presented example has benefited from considerable recent investment and is an extremely competitive historic rally car that’s eligible for a wide range of events.
The Michelotti-designed 2000 was launched in 1963 and much was made of its all-round independent suspension and the flexibility offered by its six-cylinder engine. Through 1964 and ’65, Triumph’s Competition Department modified a handful of 2000s to Group 3 specification and entered them for major international rallies. Jean-Jacques Thuner won his class on the 1965 Tulip Rally and Roy Fidler did likewise on that year’s RAC Rally, before a change in regulations for the following year led to Triumph switching to near-standard Group 1 cars.
Originally built in June 1965, this Triumph 2000 was converted into a Group 3 replica by marque specialist TR Enterprises for a previous owner, who then used it in the 2002 Trial to the Nile – an adventure that was recounted in the magazine of the Triumph 2000 Register. Ownership of the car then passed to his US-based son, and it had very little use until being acquired by a British enthusiast who shipped it back to the UK and reunited it with its original registration number.
He then embarked on a full restoration, the bodywork receiving new sills, repairs to the rear wheelarches and a new front valance. It was then repainted white with the roof being wrapped in bright blue to evoke the period rally cars.
A Triumph Stag braking system was fitted, with discs at the front and drums on the rear, and the suspension was rebuilt with new bushes all round and Leda adjustable dampers. New driveshafts were then installed, the radiator was recored and bolstered with twin electric fans for improved cooling, and the Group 3-spec triple Weber carburettors were overhauled. The six-cylinder engine was then set up and a dyno report shows it producing just over 133bhp.
The electrical systems are all fused and relayed in the glovebox and the interior includes Cobra seats, a full Safety Devices roll cage and an original Halda Tripmaster. There’s also a long-range fuel tank and twin Facet fuel pumps.
The care and attention that’s been lavished on this Triumph 2000 is detailed in its extensive history file, which features a wealth of invoices from specialists such as Chris Witor. It comes with a spares package that includes five Minilite wheels and a quartet of steel wheels and is now ready to makes its return to historic competition.
A perfect choice to go classic car rallying at home in the UK or further afield in a car with all the right ingredients, ample room and boasting a DNA with it coming from the Triumph Motor Company, the same manufacturer of the Big Triumphs that rallied with much success with some of the biggest names in motorsport across the 1960’s and early 1970’s.
The car is currently with Rally Preparation Services sister Company, the RPS storage facility and available for inspection.
All viewings and test drives welcomed by appointment at Rally Preparation Services.
All enquiries please contact us on using the button below or telephone +44(0)the details below
