Post-War Other Triumph 1800

There's a Triumph 1800 listed on e-bay and it's the first time I've actually seen one together. Pics not to great though. Says engine lost in fire. Anyone know about parts availability for this car or any other info?

Thanks,
Harry

Hi Harry,

I've always loved the looks of the 1800/2000 Roadsters. The "rumble seat" with it's own, separate folding windshield is way cool, as are the "suicide" doors! Overall, it's a very classy and great looking car. It is or at least "feels" larger than the later sports cars, but still has more flair and style than the sedans (just my opinion there).

There are a couple 1800/2000s in N. Calif. that show up regularly at the various British car shows. Whenever I see them I just have to stop and admire for a while.

That said, in all honesty I think it could be hard to get parts for the car. There are precious few of these cars here in the U.S. I don't think they were ever officially exported here, so *all* examples I've seen have been RHD.

On the "bright side", the cars share a lot of parts with some sedans of the same time period, which are a bit more common in England at least, and might offer an opportunity to find a fairly "correct" replacement motor, for example. I believe the engine in both 1800 and 2000 is a Standard Vanguard, but not in the same specification as used in later cars (TR2 thru TR4A, Morgans, etc.).

The body in the eBay auction car looks relatively complete... Thankfully since I would imagine body panels and trim are hardest to locate and some things might require custom fabrication to replace (that would mean big $$$s!).

There are some resources cited through www.vtr.org website... Look for links to "Triumph Cars" and then "2000". Apparently there is a Roadster Club in England. I don't think there is a "Buyers Guide" for the Roadsters on the VTR site yet.

Me, I'm on the look out for a "Southern Cross", but would love to also have an 1800 or 2000 to keep it company! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

As usual, Alan's pretty much nailed it, especially about the parts situation. I will only add a bit of information.

The original 1800s used a carryover prewar Standard engine in the patriotic (for the US, anyway) 1776cc displacement. I believe that motor is at least related to one used in some early postwar Jaguars (not that THAT gives you a wealth of possibilities, either). With the introduction of the 2088cc Vanguard motor a couple years later came the "2000" moniker. Chances of finding an appropriate 1800 motor stateside are pretty slim, I'll wager. For that matter, Vanguard motors aren't all that common, at least not below the Canadian border, and a goodly number of Roadsters have been upgraded to TR2/3/4 motors over the years.

This page <https://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/triumphroadster/membership.html> has information on the North American branch of the Triumph Roadster Club; the "home" club web site is <https://www.triumphroadster.org/>.

Oh, and I'll assume we're talking about the maroon (not sure that's an original color at all, but...) car in Rensselaerville (run THAT through your spell-checker), NY, right? That's actually not horribly far from me. I suspect that the car belongs to someone who might once have been a member of our local club, but I don't recall ever seeing it. Harry, depending on where in CT you are, it might be worth the drive up to look at the car; alternatively, I can try asking around our club's membership and see if anyone has any insight on the car.

Alan,

Thanks for the reply! I found the design very interesting. Rumble seat sounds like fun... now I know what that glass was all about on the rear of the vehicle.

Thanks again,
Harry

Andy,

Thanks for your reply as well... No need to look at it. I never saw one complete before and basically wanted some info in order to do some research before jumping in. Unfortunately, its going to be out of my price range at this time but maybe some day.

Harry

Well, Harry, it's WAAAAAY out of my price range as well. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cryin.gif

I've seen a number of these over the years, and I've also had the pleasure of riding in one, back in 1997 in Dallas. As I recall, it was a 2000, and it was a well-preserved, unrestored car. What a great cruiser, though! Not really very sporting, but I honestly don't think that was the intent (any more than, say, a '48 Packard convertible was "sporting"). They really are stunning automobiles!

Harry
My father and I are working on 2 roadsters 1949 2000 & 1948 1800. The 2000 will be going back to the factory specs. But the 1800 will have a Rover 3.5l V8 put in it. If you decide to purchase a car, spares are available. The club is a great resource for spares and I've found everything I need through the club or picking up parts on ebay. There was an 1800 engine listed on ebay not that long ago (they can be found!). A few weeks ago we had 7 Roadster cars lined up for the UBSCC show in Dixon, Ca. Unfortunately, it rained and only 3 1/2 cars made the event (I brought my chassis) (see pict). There is a lot of chrome on these babies and I think for me that will end up being my largest expense aside from paint and a completely new interior and hood.
You can see my progress at https://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/paulbos@sb...m/ph//my_photos

Paul

Followed Alans advise and went to the VTR web site (listed under TR2) and found https://www.vtr.org/classifieds/detail.php?siteid=1534 If the numbers are right this is a rare car! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
Paul
P.S. Would love to own a prewar Triumph /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif