Marque: Triumph - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand
Triumph
Triumph was always in some degree of trouble through its life. Loved for its upmarket saloons and sports cars, yet even before the WW2v it was struggling to survive. Founded in 1923 as a car maker, but Triumph was more famous for its motorcycles, the two outfits splitting in 1936 before the car manufacturer went into receivership in 1939.
After the war Triumph had to choice but to accept the…
Triumph 1300/1500 (FWD)
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1300: 1965-70 (TC 67-70); 1500: 1970-73 - Bodywork:
Four-door saloon - Engine:
All are overhead valve in-line four-cylinder units 1300: 1296cc 61bhp; 1300TC: 1296cc 75bhp; 1500: 1493cc 61bhp (TC 64bhp) - 0-60 mph:
14-19 sec - MPG:
25-30
PAST: Triumph’s first front wheel-drive model, the 1300, made its debut in 65. Looking like a scaled-down 2000, it used an enlarged Herald engine (1296cc) longitudinally in line with the gearbox. Luxuriously appointed, a Spitfire-powered TC also joined the range in ‘67. The summer of 1970 saw new larger 1500 range take over. A nonindependent rear suspension system was now employed but the front drive 1500 was replaced by rear-wheel drive 1500TC after only three years before becoming a down-market Dolomite!
PRESENT: These overlooked saloons represent real bargains. They are comfy, nicely trimmed and smack of good taste – a BMW 3 Series of its day? Performance is adequate but overdrive is a real boon for a 1500 engine.
FUTURE: These cars have novelty value only. Top value although spares and support isn’t nearly as good as other Triumphs. Most 1500s were scrapped ages ago to keep old ‘real’ Dolomites going…
Triumph 2000/2500
Fast Facts
- Produced:
2000: 1963-77 2.5PI: 1968-74; 2500TC: 1974-77 - Bodywork:
Four-door saloon/estate Engine: - Engine:
Overhead valve six-cylinder 2000: 1998cc 90bhp 2.5PI: 2498cc 132bhp (fuel-injected); 2500TC: 2498cc 106bhp - 0-60 mph:
2000: 14 sec 2.5PI: 9.5 sec; 2500TC: 11 sec - MPG:
18-30mpg
PAST: The 2000 was the BMW 5 Series of its era. Launched at the same time as Rover’s 2000, it was more orthodox, using twin-carb Vanguard Six power with an estate option. In October 1968, a detuned 132bhp TR5PI-powered flagship arrived while a year later larger, plusher sharper styled Mk2s took over. After years PI of woe, May 1974 saw new, twin carb model – the 2500TC and a year later the PI was killed off by the 2500S. Production ceased to make way for expanded Rover SD1 range in 1977.
PRESENT: If you can find a good one, they make fine comfy cruisers while the estates are extremely handy. Not fast, but okay and 2500 TC is the best all rounder.
FUTURE: Like the 1300/1500, the big brother is also in a void and look like remaining so for some time. This means that there are some good value, fine cars around making full scale restorations hardly worthwhile.
