One I’d Like To Have Back: 1967 Triumph 2000 Estate

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Even long-time Barn Finds readers might be surprised to learn my heart skipped at least three beats when this unusual British station wagon hit the market last week. More about why later, but the important thing is that this rare (only 7,255 Estates produced out of a total of 121,984 2000 Mk. I cars, and none were offered at US dealerships) Triumph 2000 Mk. I Estate is in very restorable, “garage find” condition and is listed for sale here on Facebook Marketplace for only $1,500! Thanks to Mr. Lou for submitting this great find! The car is located in Santa Rosa, California, which means it is safely 2,890 miles and 40 hours of driving away from me–darn it!

The Triumph 2000 Mk. I Estate was introduced in 1965 as “the slimmest shape that ever carried 50 cubic feet of luggage.” It was a logical follow-on from the sedan introduced in 1963 as an “executive car”. A company car was a perk for many British up-and-coming managers, and the 2000 Mk. 1 with its Italian Michelotti styling, 4-wheel independent suspension, and posh (wood throughout) interior certainly differentiated itself from the Rover 2000, Ford Cortina, and other competitors. Unfortunately, the 2000 Mk. I never did well in the US, and you can read in this Barn Finds post of mine from 9 years ago where one could purchase two sedans for $500.

While some rust is visible on this car, replacement parts are available from several specialists, notably Chris Witor, and the Triumph 2000/2500/2.5PI Register  is a superb club in the UK that offers all kinds of technical assistance and help with parts. The car appears straight and has a rare accessory luggage rack on the roof to make it an even more useful classic. Many of the parts are similar to, if not identical to, the Triumph TR250/TR6 or the Stag, and I successfully sourced parts worldwide for my car. My car? Read on!

This was my car, now owned by a good friend in the Midwest. I wish I had kept it–the story is too long and painful to relate in this post, but if you are interested you can read about it here. I had big plans. Sigh. The Conifer Green with red interior was featured in many of the early 2000 Estate advertisements, leading to my car being named “Chrissy” as she featured Christmas colors. My car was specially ordered for Irish delivery and eventually ended up in New York state.

The seller tells us that this 2000 was also specially ordered and that the seller purchased it from the original owner’s family. It was supposed to be a father-son project but it never worked out. Trivia time: the “2.0 Litre” badge on the left-hand rear is actually from a late TR7. The small plinth under the “Triumph” logo on the right indicates that this car is fitted with an automatic transmission, in this case the somewhat boring but suited Borg-Warner type 35. Although it’s only a three-speed, the silky-smooth inline-six yields sweet and smooth travels.

This appears to be the original 1998 cc version of the Triumph 6 which was shared with the GT6 Mk. I. Later versions of the engine were both larger (up to 2498 cc) and featured much more efficient cylinder heads, and the great thing is that there are a bunch of them over here in TR250s and TR6s. I planned a TR6 swap with my car, along with a 4-speed+overdrive transmission, all using easily obtained factory parts–it all bolts into place! There was also a Stag-based power front brake upgrade in the works. Other owners have fitted power steering from later cars (there was a Mk. II version featuring updated styling similar to that of the Stag). I’ll always miss Chrissy, and after some recent re-acquisitions in the Palmer garage, it’s probably the car I miss the most! Any western Barn Finds readers up for spending what amounts to almost pocket change on this beauty? Please let us know in the comments what you think of this Estate!

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Scotty GilbertsonStaff

    I was hoping you’d get this one, Jamie! This article has so much great information and trivia that it’s an instant resource to be bookmarked. Well done, sir!

    Like 10
    • Jamie Palmer Jamie PalmerAuthor

      Thank you so much, Scotty! I’m working on getting back into the swing of writing…I’m really missed it. There are fewer than 5 Mk. 1 Estates in the country (I know of 3).

      Like 3
    • David Frank

      Looks like it’s already found a new home. Hopefully it will be restored by the new owner.

      Like 2
  2. misterlouMember

    Didn’t know this submission would cause so much heartache…but as in all things automotive, hope springs eternal!

    Like 2
    • Jamie Palmer Jamie PalmerAuthor

      Added submission credit; my bad! And thank you anyway! 😩

      Like 1
  3. angliagt angliagtMember

    I knew of a White 4 door that was on a guy’s property
    for a long time just out of Eureka,CA.This was in the pre-internet
    days,& couldn’t find anyone to take it – for FREE.
    I’m sure that it’s gone to the wrecking yard by now.

    Like 1
    • Jamie Palmer Jamie PalmerAuthor

      I gave away this four-door myself in 2011 after rescuing it. I know what you mean!

      Like 2
  4. Joey MecMember

    I have never seen this wagon knowing most British cars. It looks to be the kind of project that you don’t have to worry about originality and deflating its value. Since TR parts are replacement, it might be a fun one to put back together. Of course, I’m on the east coast so it’s a moot point. In my older days I lean more to wagon projects as they still have some utility. Add the manual trans and it can be fun driver! Everything looks to be there and a simple acrylic enamel paint job will do wonders!!

    Like 2
  5. Big C

    Another one I’ve never seen in person, or in photo’s! Very cool and unique find.

    Like 2
  6. chrlsful

    yeah Big C, BF gets me 2, 3 X/yr & THIS 1 is only on the 9th of 1st mo ‘25 !

    I like it as being known locally by the name “WagonMan”. A lill longer/wider vehicle (carry space/ability to get in/out) is more my speed than this but love the i6. I see the siamesed ports so think a pep-up of three 2vs might B worth consideration. I remember some of those ODs could work in both 3rd AND 4th, a neat feature to me, a young merican kid in ’67. Not sure what to think here on 1st/quick impression w/o going to auto catalogue dot com or playing w/it in person…

    Like 0
  7. Jasper

    Cool wagon. The later 2500 is even better with the Stag style front end. These must’ve been some inspiration for the early ‘70s Toyota Crown wagons.

    Like 0
  8. Derek

    I had a Mk. 2 saloon for a year or so; was a good car. Same colour as my great-uncle’s one; that bogging brown!

    I have a factory workshop manual for a Mk. 1; the cutaway drawing is a thing of beauty…

    Like 0

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