With the introduction of the Michelotti styled Triumph 2000 of 1963, a new kind of executive car was born. A luxurious 2 liter, six cylinder, four door saloon with compact dimensions and youthful diver appeal, it clashed head on with Rover 2000, a technically more sophisticated car than the Triumph. However, the Rover was bereft of the refinement of the Triumph’S six cylinder engine. Making 90 bhp, the old Standard Vanguard derived twin carburetor straight six could haul the 2000 up to just on 100 mph (160 km/h) in manual overdrive form. With all independent suspension (struts up front, semi trailing arms at the back) and servo front discs, the 2000 was a comfortable, nicely finished, well mannered car, just for the new breed of young executives who didn’t want big, lumbering cars of the old school. Leather seats, with a wooden dashboard and door cappings, increased its up-market image and sales were strong. The car’s appeal was broadened in 1965 by variants such as the 2000 Estate, one of the most handsome load carriers of its generations, which wasn’t bettered at the time.
Best of the bunch however was the 2.5 Pl of 1968, with the Lucas injected 2.5 liter engine form the Triumph TR5, detuned to 132 bhp by virtue of a single outlet manifold, tamer valve timing, and the milder camshaft from the GT6 MK II. Top speed leaped to 160 mph (170km/h), with 0-60 (96 km/h) in 10.6 seconds. Production of the classic original 2000/2500 saloons and estates the classic in 1969. It was landmark car for Triumph and opened up a new niche market that it very capably filled during it six year lifetime.
