Featured model: 2000 Roadster
Chances are when you think of a long, twisty road and the throaty rumble of a big, nearly indestructible wet-liner four cylinder engine, the 2000 Roadster isn’t the first Triumph convertible that comes to mind.
Looking at the 2000’s curving, bulbous fenders, tall chrome grille, huge headlights, front bench seat, and fold-away rumble seat, this particular roadster bears no physical resemblance to the sleek and stylish two-seater convertible sports cars that defined the Triumph marque in North America.
The 2000’s mission wasn’t to sell in high numbers. In total, only 2,000 were ever built. And of those, less than 300 came to the United States. The 2000 Roadster would help establish the Triumph name in America at a time when all British automakers had to export the majority of their production or face the very real prospect of being forced out of business. The British government wanted manufactured goods exported to earn dollars for the country’s war-shattered economy. Automakers that didn’t export the majority of their vehicles wouldn’t get scarce materials such as steel.
Fans of Triumph know that the company was a scrappy one, pioneering such things as disc brakes, fuel injection, independent rear suspension, and in early 1973, the world’s first regular production OHC sixteen valve four-cylinder engine — all done on a shoestring budget. Nowadays when retro cars such as the Mini Cooper, Mustang, Camaro, Challenger and Beetle are all the rage, we should note that the 2000 Roadster of 1948 can lay claim to being one of the first retro cars.
Though it was a new car mechanically, the 2000’s look was pure 1930s. The frame is steel. But the body’s framework is aluminum and steel over wood — makes for many entertaining stories by the few brave souls who restored this classic Triumph and battled mightily to get the body panels in correct alignment.
The 2000 Roadster, and the 1800 that came before it, did not sell well in North America, but that doesn’t mean the car didn’t have its fans. Bob Hope owned one and loved it.
The 2000’s real legacy, though is its rugged engine. The powerplant would live far longer than the car, with versions of the engine, retuned and upgraded, powering every TR built from 1953 to 1968.
Though used and especially NOS parts are scarce and restorations difficult by TR or Spitfire standards, that hasn’t stopped the 2000 from winning a small but loyal following. Expertly restored 2000 Roadsters don’t change hands often, but when they do, prices will be high compared to most other collectible Triumphs.
–Written by Richard Truett
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