Neil Blog 29/03/10
..My Triumph 2000 estate!
Yes, my poor old Triumph 2000 estate. What a heap. Or at least, that's what it looks like. Deep down, I know that it is a lovely, sound low mileage car (less than 85,000 miles in 37 years) with only a few minor cosmetic issues. Like paint and bodywork.
Thing is though, I quite like it looking as it does. Yes it's only been washed once since 1988, yes the paintwork could do with cutting back (to say the least) but it does have the look of a car that has spent the last 21 years stored in a hut in Wiltshire - largely because it did - and you can't fake patina like that.
I've got the bumpers to put back on, but they've been beautifully rechromed and therefore don't suit the car in its present state. Has anyone got a set of patinated ones for sale I wonder?
In short, I love it. I love the way the windscreen leaks onto my right leg, I love the way it fills with water when it rains (not so much now I've taken the rubber bungs out of the floors, mind) and I love the look of abject terror on other road users as I approach them travelling in the opposite direction.
In short, it is what owning a classic should be about - the pride, the horror, the beigeness, the slightly damp trousers when it rains. Lovely. I was thrilled at the recent Triumph Spares show at Stoneleigh last month (its first taxed excursion onto UK roads since 1988) to see that it was by far and away, the worst looking car in the Triumph parking area. And that's a real achievement.
To be fair, there were a few that came close, but on the whole - it would have won the 'Are you sure it has an MoT?' award if there was such a thing, which of course, there wasn't. I followed this trip up with a ride up to Race Retro at the same venue the next weekend.
Again, I'm proud to say that it was also the sheddiest looking car there. Brilliant. However, while I was admiring the car from afar listening to the public openly laughing at it as they walked past, I came up with a great idea - a Triumph 2000 van! Yes, why not? They did it with the Herald, so why not build a Triumph 2000 Courier?
I could even use the badges of a Courier to make it look authentic! Brilliant! So here it is, my Photoshopped visualisation of what should have been. So ladies and Gents, please behold the 2000 Courier.
Well I like it...
Posted: 10:57am, 29 March 2010
Words: Neil Campbell
Images: Neil Campbell
2 comments on Neil Blog 29/03/10
Reader comment
Date: Wednesday August 25th, 2010, 8:39 pm
"Somebody hold him down whilst I make the phone call........"
Posted by:Date: Wednesday August 25th, 2010, 8:39 pm
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"Love it! Fair play, dude..."
Posted by: stewkirstDate: Wednesday April 21st, 2010, 7:58 pm