Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
27th Nov, 2024 13:00
1949 Triumph 2000 Roadster
Estimate
£10, 000 - £12, 000
Lot details
Registration No: KYC 535
Chassis No: TRA619
MOT: Exempt
One of only 2000 manufactured between 1948-1949
Collection of MOT certificates and invoices
Offered with extensive history file and current V5C
In current ownership for 15 years
Introduced in late 1948, the Triumph 2000 Roadster shared the same flamboyant styling and dickey seat as its Frank Callaby-penned predecessor, 1800 of 1946. Based around a near-identical ladder-frame chassis equipped with independent front suspension, hydraulic shock absorbers, and four-wheel drum brakes, the newcomer benefited from the adoption of a more refined hypoid-bevel rear axle. Considerably torquier than the unit it replaced, the new Standard-Triumph 2088cc OHV four-cylinder engine made for a notably more relaxed performer. Such was the Roadster's newfound in-gear flexibility that the decision was taken to provide three rather than four forward speeds. Still bodied in 'Birmabright' alloy over an ash frame, the 2000 used more panel bracing than the 1800 and thus provided a tauter drive. With a production run of only two years, just 2, 000 2088cc-powered Roadsters are thought to have been made.
A recognisable part of popular culture, it was a Triumph Roadster that appeared in the long-running 1980's BBC TV detective series 'Bergerac'. The original screen-used car appears in a re-imagined U&Drama 'Bergerac' coming to TV screens in 2025 and is sure to put the model back in the spotlight. In current ownership for nearly 15 years, this example has been used extensively on Triumph Roadster Club tours.
Invoices for restoration bodywork carried out in 2003, are on file and show the respray in Vauxhall's Magnetic Blue Metallic. There was also a re-trim refresh of brightwork and a radiator re-core. Other work of note was a brake overhaul during the winter of 2019/ 2020. In May 2020, 'KYC's' major engine overhaul was carried out at Heritage Motors, Thorney, Cambridgeshire, which saw a new head gasket, a replacement second-hand cylinder-head - with the head re-faced and valve seats re-cut, big end shells and cam followers etc. 'KYC' is offered with a pleasingly extensive history file that includes a Triumph Saloon and Roadster Instruction Book, 3 rally plaques from the Triumph Roadster Club tours, hand-written maintenance manuals, a collection of old tax discs, MOT certificates dating back to 1971, correspondence relating to the owner's club dating back to the early 1970s and a current V5C.
