1949 Triumph 2000 Roadster

2,088cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Solex Carburetor
68bhp at 4,850rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*The last series-produced automobile built with a rumble seat
*One year only model
*Definition of traditional English sports car

THE TRIUMPH 2000

Triumph drove into reorganization just before the onset of hostilities and Sir John Black's Standard picked up the pieces. At the time MG was highly successfully exporting its TC Midgets, earning badly needed dollars for Britain's postwar economy. Black wanted a sports roadster to compete for the American market. "Triumph" had a more appealing ring to it than "Standard", so it was under the Triumph name that development began.

Introduced in 1946 the Triumph 1800 featured rollup windows and a top that folded completely out of sight. Its most significant feature, however, was the dickey seat under the rear deck with a cover that had two glass panels, forming a protective windshield for the two passengers when the cover was opened. The Triumph 1800 was the last production automobile to be built with a rumble seat.

It was succeeded in 1949 by the vastly improved 2000 with 2,088cc Standard Vanguard overhead valve four-cylinder engine, a single Solex carburetor and 68 horsepower. Coil springs replaced the 1800's transverse leaf spring in the independent front suspension and the column shifted gearbox was synchronized on all three gears.

At the same time as the 2000 was introduced Triumph was hard at work on its replacement which would be introduced in 1953 as the TR2. Production of the 2000 ceased after only one year.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This 1949 Triumph 2000 Roadster is powered by the more powerful 2,088cc Standard Vanguard engine and was acquired by Mr. Spain in 1995 just outside of Portland Maine. Unfortunately, little is known about the vehicle's history prior to its placement into the museum other than the previous owner's name- Nils Sjulander.

What can be said based on the condition of the car, however, is that it was sympathetically cared for and possibly restored as needed through the years. The classic British Racing Green paint appears a respray but in good order, as does the interior. The latter of which was most likely replaced; Although the steering wheel looks original to the car. Under the hood, things are less tidy, and could use a good cleaning and tune up.

A traditional English sports car (with a nontraditional wind shielded rumble seat,) this Triumph is perfect for joyful weekend drives down shady lanes.