1949 Triumph Roadster 2000 |

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1949 Triumph Roadster 2000

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£10,600

Mileage~1,132 on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine2.0L
LocationEvesham

SOLD

1949 Triumph Roadster 2000

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Glyn Parry

Professional Consigner

A classic British roadster with vintage styling and space for 4!

The Triumph Roadster 2000 is a rather unusual car in terms of its functionality. While it accommodates the driver and a front passenger, it also features a rear passenger section thanks to the fold-down dickey seating option. Another intriguing feature of this car is the fold-down rear windscreen for passengers, a feature unlike anything seen before or since. In the front, both the driver and passengers sit on a bench-type seat, providing a comfortable position for the journey ahead. Until 1948, the Roadster was equipped with a 1.7L 4-cylinder engine, which was a standard shared engine with the SS-Jaguar. Then, from the end of 1948, the car received an upgrade to a more modern 2.0L 4-cylinder Triumph engine, which powered everything from Ferguson tractors to Triumph TR models. The 2000 model came with a 3-speed column shift, located behind the steering wheel in this example.

This car comes to market from ~23 year family ownership, and most recently In 2021, it had a replacement refurbished cylinder head installed. The car had an older exterior renovation in 2011 in "Old English White" and the interior was renewed in the current ownership too.

This listing was written from information supplied by Glyn after meeting Iain the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I love the look and feel of the roadster, the experience driving it is incredible, one of the main reason's the family adore Triumphs!

The car comes to market after Iain inherited the car from his dad, it's taken over a year for Iain to let the car go as the Roadster has been part of the family for many years now. The Triumph was a labour of love where the car was updated, improved and driven out on pleasant days over its previous ownership. Recently the car has been garaged and not used as much as it once was "The car has many fond memories for the family, we loved trips out in the car and going to shows in it. Nowadays it just doesn't get used as much which is why we've taken the decision to sell".

The car is an honest example that would benefit from an owner willing to put a little time and attention into its future, "I'd love the car to go to an owner that would put the same amount of effort that my dad put into it. Travelling out in the Triumph, around the countryside or attending events where the car can be seen and admired by many, is the life I'd like it to lead for the rest of its history". Iain will be happy to answer any questions on the car in the comments below.

Iain

Vehicle Owner

Iain saved £1,800* when they
sold their Triumph with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Curvaceous styling, beautiful flowing lines and an extra windscreen at the rear, the Triumph Roadster is uniquely different.

Wheels and Tyres

The car is equipped with the original body-colored chrome-capped wheels, and the chrome is generally in respectable condition, but showing signs of wear in the form of pitting consistent with its age.While the wheels have been repainted, the finish of the paint seems a bit thin in areas.

The wheels are fitted with a set of Excelsior 6-16 tyres, and their condition appears to be good, with date codes indicating they are from 2013. For a closer look at the Triumph's exterior, including a detailed inspection of the wheels and tyres, please refer to the provided photos and videos.

Bodywork

This Triumph is a charming original example, presented honestly with plenty of future potential. The car sits level, the shut lines on the bonnet and boot align nicely, but the doors appear somewhat misaligned and could benefit from some readjustment work.

As for the exterior bodywork, we noted a couple of marks and small dings around the outside, which are in keeping with the Roadster's heritage. There were a few issues around the door edges, and we found some signs of corrosion, along with a slight area of damage that had been patched on the underside. The bumper sections showed signs of rust in the strut area and also around the exhaust. The rear quarter does exhibit some damage and has been painted over in a slightly different shade of white. Considering the car is over ~70 years old, the areas we observed don't present a significant concern but would require attention from the new owner.

We have provided more detailed observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take the time to review all the media files for a comprehensive view of what's available and to assess the car's condition for yourselves.

Paint

The car was painted "Old English White" in 2011, replacing the original grey colour. Being an older exterior renovation, the car has a number of marks and touch-ups to the paint as photographed in our detailed gallery. We found some areas where the finish exhibited paint drips and several touch-up patches with a noticeable mismatch in color. There were also areas with paint bubbling and cracking, particularly under the front wing, which would require attention. Additionally, we noticed a rust stain under the front light fitting.

To provide a comprehensive assessment of the bodywork and paint, we've captured high-resolution images and videos of the car for your evaluation. These visuals offer various angles, allowing you to scrutinize the car as if you were physically present. We encourage you to take the time to thoroughly assess these media files to form your own judgment about the paint's condition.

Glass and Trim

The glass sections on the Roadster 2000 all appear to be in good condition. This includes the windscreen, rear passenger windscreen, windows, mirrors, and lenses. We did not observe any cracks, chips, or significant scratches during our visit.

The seals and lights, both at the front and rear of the car, are in good condition, aligning with the overall presentation of the vehicle. While the badges show some signs of wear, they complement the car's look and feel. One notable feature of the Roadster is the number plate secured behind glass at the rear.

The tonneau hood is showing its age and could benefit from a cleanup, but it is free from rips or tears. It's worth noting that the hood doesn't provide full coverage for the rear passengers, but it would adequately protect the driver and front passenger from a rain shower if needed.

To get a closer look at the car's exterior, please explore the exterior gallery and review video. These visuals provide a comprehensive view of the car, allowing you to examine the Triumph in greater detail and appreciate its appealing appearance.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Compact, yet comfortable, the interior of the Roadster is a great place to be, it feels like a step back to a vintage era.

Seats and Carpets

The smart red leather seats are in great condition, displaying some natural creases in the leather that add to their character and history. During our inspection, the rear fold-down optional seating section also appeared to be in good condition. An interesting feature is that the rear seats come with their own windscreen section. We didn't observe any rips or tears in the front bench seating, following its restoration in 2001.

Additionally, we examined the boot section, which was well-maintained, clean, and tidy, serving as the storage location for the spare wheel. While the carpets appeared slightly worn, a thorough cleaning and shampooing would likely restore them to a very nice condition.

Dashboard

An exquisite wooden dashboard graces the cabin space, offering a delightful journey back in time with its timeless display and style. It provides a charming setting to appreciate the road ahead.

The wooden dash area appears to be in excellent condition, with no significant issues to report. The top of the dash presents well, free from splits, cracking, or warping. At the time of our visit, the odometer displayed ~1,132 miles, likely having gone 'around the clock' considering the car's 74-year history.

In the center of the car, a Smiths clock is on display, although the clock face lacks needles, and a couple of other modern buttons have been added to this area. An original ignition and push-start mechanism are also located here. Notably, metal hooks are featured to secure the doors, a nostalgic precursor to modern central locking systems.

The dials, switches, and controls are beautifully presented without any real concern given the car's history. Our interior gallery section takes you through some closer images of the Triumph's dashboard. Head over and see the car's interior in finer detail.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The two-spoke steering wheel appeared to be in good condition, with leather trim that showed minimal signs of wear.

The chrome gear lever is a nice touch and is positioned conveniently behind the steering wheel. We've included high-resolution photos in our gallery section for you to review and fully appreciate the interior's condition.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Under the split bonnet lives a 2.0L engine which gave the Roadster 2000 a top speed of ~77MPH back in the 1940s.

Engine and Gearbox

The Triumph's cold start went smoothly, without any issues, which is noteworthy given the car's age and recent periods of storage in a garage. Under the bonnet, the engine bay is finished in black, and all components appear as they should. We noted twin SU carburettors, an updated starter motor, power lite components, an updated battery, and an AC fuel pump.

The Roadster 2000 performed admirably and didn't give rise to any concerns on the road. The only challenge we encountered was that Iain, being more accustomed to driving modern cars, had some difficulty locating 2nd gear. During the drive, we observed the car's smooth operation and gained valuable insights from Iain's perspective regarding its performance. Please take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting from cold and for a closer look underneath the Triumph.

Suspension and Brakes

On the drive out, we didn't hear any knocks, bangs, or squeaks from the suspension, and overall, the car performed as expected, showing no observed issues. The brakes felt solid, with no noticeable pull or vibrations during the journey, allowing the car to come to a smooth stop. However, it's worth noting that they aren't as powerful as more modern braking systems.

The Triumph did exhibit some rattling, as can be heard in the video, which is quite typical for a 1940s car. Surprisingly, we didn't observe much rust on the underside, considering the car's age. We cover the underside of the Roadster in our 'Mechanical gallery' section. Head over to our video section where we've summarised our visit in more detail for you to view for yourself. We take you around the mechanical elements of the car and give you an overview of what's on offer here.

The Drive

As mentioned earlier, the Roadster performed well during our short drive. The engine started easily and operated without any unusual noises. While the gearbox may be a bit fiddly at first, once you get the hang of it, it works smoothly.

The suspension and brakes also appeared to function as expected, with no unexpected noises even on uneven surfaces. To witness the car in motion, please watch the 'on the road' video.

Electrics and Other

The electrics on the Triumph are straightforward and hark back to a time when driving was all about pure pleasure. These systems don't burden the driver with unnecessary complexity, which aligns with the essence of this car.

Within the driver's dial area, there's a newly updated clock from Smiths, although it lacks needles on the clock face. The speedometer stands out as a lovely highlight on the dashboard. Additionally, you'll find oil, fuel, and water gauges in this section.

While the engine electrics were in good working order, the traffic indicator wasn't functioning correctly. Some more modern switches have been added to the car to assist the driver. The Roadster comes complete with a tool roll, a warning triangle, and a jack. The additional tonneau cover appeared to be in good condition but was slightly dusty in appearance. There's a spare wheel located in the rear of the car, and it appears to be in good shape. Iain shared that he's had no significant issues with the car overall; it has been a pleasure to drive and enjoy.

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History and Paperwork

This car comes to market from over ~20 years of family ownership and just 5 former keepers over its life.

The Triumph has been cherished for the past two decades, and it was a car that Iain's dad invested a lot of his own work into. Triumphs are generally known for being easier to work on compared to some other cars, often becoming passion projects for their owners, much like this Roadster.

We have included a comprehensive history of paperwork in the gallery sections, which contains numerous receipts and invoices for purchased products that were then installed on the car by Iain's dad during his ownership. An interesting note is the presence of the original logbooks, fuel ration books, and registration documents.

In December 2021, the car underwent significant work, costing over £1,100, which included the replacement of the cylinder head, inlet valves, carburettors, and new water hoses. Additionally, new spark plugs were installed in the same year. Notably, the speedometer was repaired in 2019, a new battery was fitted in 2015, a wheel cylinder kit was updated in 2014, and a total respray was completed in 2011. The engine was retuned in 2008, and the brakes were overhauled. In 2001, the front bench seat was repaired, and the leathers were reconditioned.

Should any questions be required, Iain would be happy to answer these in the 'ask the owner' section.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house. Please note, the car may be in daily use, so the mileage may increase from that shown here - you can request an update check with us after you register your interest.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
13.12.2021	Refurbed Head & Carbs
06.02.2014	Brake Master Cylinder
20.09.2005	Bearings
29.05.2003	MOT	13,747
31.05.2002	MOT	13,747
24.05.2001	MOT	13,747
25.05.2000	MOT	13,747
15.05.1999	MOT	13,361
06.03.1998	MOT	52,681
23.03.1995	MOT	12,918
13.08.1993	MOT	12,640
18.05.1992	MOT	12,541
03.05.1990	MOT	12,390
17.08.1988	MOT	12,087
29.04.1987	MOT	11,868
29.06.1974	MOT	10,774