The Triumph 2000/2500 was another successful commission from the illustrious Italian stylist Giovanni Michelotti, one of the most prolific sports car designers of the 20th century. His design flourish gave these Triumph models a purists’ pedigree. Michelotti made an extraordinary contribution to the 1960s & 1970s, designing special bodies for Ferrari, Lancia, Maserati and Triumph marques. His cars are highly sought after by motoring enthusiasts. Michelotti was also associated with British Leyland after its takeover of BMC.

In October 1969, Triumph launched the Mark II range of the high-volume entry-level 2000 models. The upper-end of the range consisted of the 2500, 2500 TC and 2500 PI models. These cars were up-dated for the slicker 1970s, with the front appearance leading the way for the soon to be launched Triumph Stag.

Although marking the cessation of fuel injected engines, improved acceleration was claimed for the twin carburettor 2500S and its slightly less expensive 2500TC stable mate, both aspirated by either twin Stromberg or SU carburettors. These new versions also featured suspension changes which included an anti-roll bar.

This example for auction has the straight-6, 2.5-litre motor, with twin SU carburettors; an automatic 4-speed gearbox with disc brakes on the front and drum brakes on the rear. It was delivered new in Tauranga in December 1973 and has been in the care of the same family ever since. It has an odometer reading of 77,795 kilometres approx. A period classic car presented in its original tobacco paintwork (code 1173), original interior trim and carpets and accompanied with its spare wheel, handbook and tool kit, this car is still serviced by the original delivering dealer! The stamped handbook is still in the glove box. All under bonnet decals remain in situ. The back seats appear never to have been sat in with Firestone Cavallino radial tyres from another era present. Assembled in Nelson, but demonstrating prime manufacturing techniques, door shut lines appear consistent with factory specs.