Concepts and prototypes : Triumph 2000/2500

28 July 2011 Keith Adams 5

Some photos taken during the Triumph 2000’s development programme…

Project Zebu

Once the cat was out of the bag regarding Ford's future plans and their decision to introduce their "reverse rake" models, the reaction at Triumph was to effect a rather panic-stricken facelift. This is the Zebu model with a later (and more pleasant) front end treatment shorn of its characteristic rear window.
Once the cat was out of the bag regarding Ford's future plans and their decision to introduce their "reverse rake" models, the reaction at Triumph was to effect a rather panic-stricken facelift. This is the Zebu model with a later (and more pleasant) front end treatment shorn of its characteristic rear window.
The Herald was treated to a rudimentary "chop and grow" operation, where it was widened and lengthened in order to clothe the Zebu's mechanics.
The Herald was treated to a rudimentary "chop and grow" operation, where it was widened and lengthened in order to clothe the Zebu's mechanics.
Following the expanded Herald's failure to impress management, Michelotti was asked to produce a developed version of the concept. This prototype was considered too bland to be taken seriously, even though it possessed a certain understated style that served Peugeot and BMW so well during the 1960s.
Following the expanded Herald's failure to impress management, Michelotti was asked to produce a developed version of the concept. This prototype was considered too bland to be taken seriously, even though it possessed a certain understated style that served Peugeot and BMW so well during the 1960s.

Project Barb

It took Michelotti just three months to produce this original full-sized model of the Barb concept, and it was liked by all that viewed it. As can be seen from the evidence of added clay (this model was made of wood), around the top of the rear window, in-house stylists added their own tweaks.
It took Michelotti just three months to produce this original full-sized model of the Barb concept, and it was liked by all that viewed it. As can be seen from the evidence of added clay (this model was made of wood), around the top of the rear window, in-house stylists added their own tweaks.

Project Innsbruck

Michelotti's initial sketch for a revamped 2000 model, following the brief given to him by Triumph management
Michelotti's initial sketch for a revamped 2000 model, following the brief given to him by Triumph management

2000 fastback

During the development of Barb, there was a serious amount of thought put into the concept of a 2000 fastback. This would use an uprated version of the straight-six engine, and would serve as a stylish high speed executive express. This fully-built model was evaluated and then passed over in favour of tbe more conventional estate model. This did not stop Triumph using it for themselves as a company car...
During the development of Barb, there was a serious amount of thought put into the concept of a 2000 fastback. This would use an uprated version of the straight-six engine, and would serve as a stylish high speed executive express. This fully-built model was evaluated and then passed over in favour of tbe more conventional estate model. This did not stop Triumph using it for themselves as a company car...
The fastback under construction - a double-sided scheme at this time.
The fastback under construction - a double-sided scheme at this time.
Keith Adams
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5 Comments

  1. Today I spotted 4940KV in Bromborough, Wirral. It is under a cover on someone’s driveway, don’t recall seeing it there before.

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  2. The Inssbruck facelift looks more modern, but I can’t help thinking the first version is nicer. The Innsbruck cars lost the rear subframe, which led to problems with very noisy differentials. Was there a difference in the handling?

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  4. That Michelotti Barb wooden concept looks convincing. I always liked the 2000/2500 in both original and Innsbruck versions. Always had an Executive look…

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  5. The Michelotti version of Zebu has a lot of Lancia Flavia 815 saloon about its front end…

    I always wondered why Triumph didn’t do a three-door 2+2 version of the 2000/2500 as a fastback with a rear door akin to the GT6 or the hardtop E-type or following the profile of the “Harrington” Sunbeam Alpines… they could have produced something functionally like the Scimitar GTE too. 150BHP 2.5 injection engine, light bodyshell, it’d have been a flyer!

    And they could have worked the idea into the Dolomite: imagine a 3-door coupe/fastback with a MGB- or GT6-style hatch and the 1854cc slant-4 or the later 2-litre TR7 version and the Sprint engine.

    That could have been a forward-looking ‘hot hatchback’ to go up against the Escort RS1600/1800/2000 etc, and well before VW came on scene with the Golf GTI.

    But Triumph stuck with four-doors, and nasty quarterlights front and rear, which looked so dated and unnecessary once Ford had shown the way with “Aeroflow” ventilation that made quarterlights unnecessary.

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