Triumph 2000
The Triumph 2000 was a mid-sized automobile produced by the Triumph Motor Company between 1963 and 1977. The 'Mark I' was built between 1963 and 1969; a substantial facelift styled by Michelotti came in 1969, updating the car for the 1970s. It came in saloon and estate forms.
In 1968 the 2.5 PI Mark I was launched, fitted with a Lucas Automotive mechanical fuel injection system. Performance was very good, but the PI models gained a reputation for unreliability and poor fuel economy. Because of the launch late in the Mark I's life, there are relatively few PIs in the original shape.
In October 1969, the Mark II range was launched, aping the look of the then-upcoming Triumph Stag grand tourer. There were entry-level 2000 models, which were the most plentiful, but the remainder of the range consisted of 2500, 2500 TC and 2500 PI models. Apart from the PI models, all Triumph 2000 and 2500's had twin Stromberg or SU carburettors, so the 'TC' designation is confusing.
1972 saw overdrive standard on the 2.5 PI Mk2.
The range received a mid life facelift in May 1974 with improved trim and facia dials. The PI models were renamed 2500 PI Mk2. The end of 1974 saw the withdrawl of the 2500 PI mk2 estate.
1975 saw the introduction of the 2500S model (saloon or estate), with 14 inch alloy (356 mm) wheels, anti-roll bar, P.A.S., tinted sundym glass and overdrive. This model replaced the now defunct 2500PI mk2 saloon. The 2000 became the 2000 TC (increase to 91 bhp), the 2500 became the 2500TC with overdrive now standard.
The Mark II, the last big Triumph car, ceased production in 1977, supplanted by BL's corporate executive car, the Rover SD1. A few were still being registered in New Zealand as late as 1979, and many were still on the road in the 1990s. Sir Robert Muldoon, New Zealand's then-Prime Minister, privately owned a 2500S and had been known to drive to work in it.