Rare left-hand-drive example with long-term ownership. Extensive documented restoration with upgrades. Beautiful original color combination. Runs and drives extremely well. An elegant Triumph that will stand out anywhere it goes!
The Triumph Roadster was an all-new design following WWII, despite it's pre-war look. Using tooling used to make bombers during the war, the all-aluminum skin was stretched over an ash skeleton to create a car designed to compete with much more expensive machines. In 1948, the 2088 cc engine was added, creating the Triumph 2000 Roadster. The handsome look is pure British sports car, long and low with wonderful details throughout. The grille is set well back between the fenders and the big headlights dominate the front end. Thanks to an extensive restoration by the experts at Automotive Artistry (we have a thick binder full of receipts and a second full of restoration photos) this might be one of the finest of its kind anywhere in the world. It's also a rather rare left-hand-drive example, of which fewer than 200 were built and perhaps only 10% of those are in the US. It certainly makes a difference in comfort in today's world! The handsome sheetmetal is finished in cream, so it has a traditional British look and the aluminum panels line up beautifully--probably better than new. All the chrome was refinished to show standards, the glass is like new, and there are very few details that were overlooked during the restoration.
The interior is trimmed in brown leather and nobody does interiors like the British. The upholstery, natural woodwork, and deep pile carpets lend an upscale air to the reasonably-priced Triumph and the big 2-spoke steering wheel makes it easy to handle. Beautiful Jaeger instruments are fitted to a centrally-mounted panel, with secondary controls underneath. Dual glove boxes are a nice feature, and due to the width of the 2000, there are three individual windshield wipers, each with their own knob. A center armrest folds to allow a third passenger in the front seat (it's cozy!) and roll-up windows seal up well enough to make this an all-weather tourer. Of note, the driver's door requires you to hold the latch open when closing (don't slam it!) but that seems to be the only demerit on an otherwise exceptional automobile. In back, the car features what is believed to be the last production rumble seat (or "dickey seat" as the British would call it), which has two folding jump seats for additional (small) passengers. It also has an innovative fold-up windscreen and getting in is easy thanks to rubber steps on the bumper. The rumble seat area also includes the full-sized spare tire and is fully upholstered to match the front. This Triumph is a clever little car!
In late 1948, the engine was upgraded to a 2088 cc inline-4 that improved the Roadster's performance somewhat. Thanks to a complete rebuild and a donor cylinder head from a Triumph TR3 that includes a pair of side-draft carburetors, this Roadster is a bit more fleet than some of its peers. Extremely well detailed and nicely finished, the engine bay is worthing of showing off any chance you get. It also runs superbly, starting easily with the pushbutton on the dash and settling into a blatting idle that's familiar to anyone who has owned a British sports car. You'll note the usual tire-changing tools stored on the firewall, all of which have likewise been restored. The larger engine also allowed the use of a 3-speed manual transmission instead of the former clunky 4-speed, and the ratios are well-chosen to make the most of the engine's performance. It zips around town with ease and cruises at 55-60 MPH without seeming to work very hard. The undercarriage is nicely finished with correct fittings throughout, as well as a newer stainless exhaust system that sounds great at speed. Braking is via hydraulic drums at all four corners, and it sits on 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps and 6.00-16 Columbia tires of indeterminate age.
This car comes with a lot of extras, too. In addition to the aforementioned receipts and restoration photos, there is a complete tool kit, factory service manuals, parts manuals, spare parts, a car cover, and an inflatable car cocoon.
Beautiful to look at, expertly finished, and ready to show or tour, this Triumph 2000 Roadster is surely one of the best available anywhere. It comes with an outstanding pedigree, and with the folding seats in back, it's actually kind of practical even if you have kids. An unusual alternative to the standard British sports cars, it rewards its owner with great road manners in the grand touring style. Call today!
Note that this car is titled as a 1950 model, as it was originally sold in the US in 1950. By production, it was built in the 1949 model year.
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.