1973 Triumph 2500 Pi MK2 - Fuzz Driving Review

[@barrywhitley7492]

Used to sell Triumphs and this one was a wonderful car. A real BMW eater, and the British just let it slip away. What a shame.

[@TheLifeEvents]

Yup. Red Robbo ruined BL. But Triumph should have stayed unique. My Dad had a 1966 Triumph 2000 in Nairobi. We would cruise to Mombasa and Kisumu, no problem. (Get your maps of Kenya out). I'd love one. Pity about the Stag, if only they had used a trusted engine.

[@Markcain268]

Yeah, the rover p6 3500s was a real BMW or Mercedes alternative in the 70's

[@keithclinch1303]

I went to my much loved uncle’s funeral today who was an amazing mechanic too. I only knew him to drive three cars. A top spec Hillman Minx, a Triumph 2.5pi and a BMW 320i. He loved all those cars but the Triumph he ran forever. John died a few weeks ago at the amazing age of 98 years of age living a very happy, stress free, enjoyable life and he lived it with a smile.

[@jerryhaggett2391]

Got the tr version good fun and the sound is incredible

[@timothyhosking6055]

I grew up with my mum having one of these. I took it over in stead of getting a new modern car. We had to trade it in years later, after I finished University. The finest drive I have ever had and that includes V12 mercs, and Beemers I got from the office to use for clients. Just lovely. We had the slide back vinyl roof, great in Rhodesia in the heat. An elephan'st trunk came through and nicked my orange.

[@007JHS]

Heh heh heh... an elephant swiped your orange... heh heh heh.

[@johndavey72]

I think Fuzz was smitten ! He reminded me of the quarter light wind noise they suffered from. Back in 1973 , l was 19 , and worked at a main dealer . I bought a A 1970 mk 2 p.i for £600 ! It really was a fantastic car and of all the cars l've had since the only one that came close was the series 1 4.2 XJ6 Automatiic l bought 18months later. My brother bought a new TR6 but the CR had a milder cam and my early 2.5 would out run his TR both in performance and road holding. We serviced the police 2.5's . One day a traffic officer brought "his" car in complainig of a petrol smell. He was smoking his pipe , oblivious of the potential hazard ! On opening the boot l was greeted by the spare floating in petrol ! I calmly walked to the front of the car and asked the Sergeant to switch off the engine and give the p.i a wide berth as he exited the workshop ! The injection sytem could be problematical but they really were a magnificent car to drive . I too would have this but my garage has an 'e'type and very early TR6 that l'm restoring ! Thankyou very much for sharing .

[@manorparkclassics5420]

Well that was smoothly done! The spare floating in petrol lol!

[@tjxkeith]

I did my car mechanic apprenticeship with a Triumph Rover Jaguar dealership in Gloucester in the early 70’s. I have owned a mk 1 and mk2 Triumph 2000 in my opinion the mk1 2.5 PI was better than the mk2. The cylinder head was a slightly different design. The PI had lots of reliability issues. If only what we know now we knew then things would be so much different. The main issue was the Lucas fuel pump in the boot which was just a wiper motor driving the pump with 1 of the 3 brushes removed it was unreliable. In later years a Bosch pump was fitted by enthusiasts it improved things no end. It was embarrassing for the police in Gloucestershire as after a high speed chase they would turn off the engine and it was then difficult to restart due to vapour lock. I know this the police workshop foreman was on my course at technical college. Clutches were an issue to it was Laycock or Borg & Beck that were used always replace with what you took out or it’s possible the clutch release bearing carrier will jam, I learnt that the hard way. I wonder what Fuzz would have preferred if could have driven the mk1 and mk2.😢

[@spartanhouse]

Had the pleasure of driving my dad's 2500TC many times and miles, over several years from new to 3 years old (1974-1977). Less power than the PI, but coming from a Mini, you can imagine how good it felt. Loved the overdrive in 3rd and 4th. Always thought it was one of the best looking cars, and one of my favourite drives. Fuzz got this review dead right.

[@johnbiggs9561]

Those 6 cylinder triumph engines were super smooth. Motor magazine always said in late sixties/early seventies they were the finest six cylinder engine in the world..and BMW had an ohc six at the time!

[@matthewfoyle4421]

I had one years ago. This brings back happy memories. I sometimes ran it around without the air filter and associated plumbing. Six open bodies, sucking induction sound...fantastic !

[@alanthomas9418]

I have a Stag with a 2500pi - it is glorious and probably the engine Triumph should have used !

[@GlennPowell-ls3lg]

I have read a fair few stag owners put the straight six in them.I actually prefer a straight 6 to a V8 because they spool up so quickly and with a good carb or throttle body on good headers and exhaust sound bloody good plus on carbs the overun is fantastic for a crackle and pop.Triumph were really the last " independant" company under BL management and arguably made the last great "sports" cars before their demise within the group.With The Stag they could easily have used the Rover V8 but chose to make their own ( albeit that turned out a bit pearshaped)

[@mw8653]

I had one of these in 1978 when I was 18 paid £800 for it and it was a peach. The previous owner told me his son had put a TR6 camshaft in it. My father worked at Lucas and was able to get the injection system completely overhauled for £100, I had the option to fit rich running injectors for better performance. It really did go like stink but the mpg slumped to 12mpg, I wasn't too bothered with petrol around 80p a gallon I had some fun in my 2.5PI. To keep me off motorbikes my dad let me insure it in his name with me as a named driver £75 a year ! Happy days 😊

[@simonworman7898]

This is slightly breathed on example ,but still factory wear well, after all noddy loved as much as 3500 Rovers but I do suspect they were also slightly breathed on! As a young exc it was the car to have, but along came the BMW 3,0SI on to the 2nd hand market and we all defected and then bought new as soon as we got up the exc ladder some more,By the time we were into 733s and 730s Triump had ceased as a brand,We originally like them because unlike Rover or Merc they were a younger professional motor and didn't come from Sweden ( If they had they might not have rusted?

[@sumo1756]

My older brothers mate had one of these in the same colour, interior, manual when i was a kid in 1980. Any time i seen him i bugged him to take me for a spin in it and he just ragged that car literally everywhere. Great car with a great sound. Love it.

[@billsmith1809]

I had a F plate mk1 in Valencia Blue. O/D with leather seats.. Absolutely loved it.Smooth as silk. Miss it even to this day!!😊

[@darrylguise8493]

I had a J plate Mk 2 in Valencia Blue with O/D. Can remember dozing in the pax seat with my 22 yr old wife in the drivers seat doing over 100mph. That is how good the car was.

[@JohnWilliams-iw6oq]

I had a 1971 model and loved it, a pleasure to drive and cruising on a long trip down under was magic.

[@howtofixyourtech9945]

haha that's what ive got now

[@simonlovett151]

Beautiful car. My parents had a sixteen year old 2.5 pi in the eighties. I remember the rear axle broke on it, common fault, and they parked it up for a few years until it got fixed. Drank petrol like you wouldn't believe and they used to have to hit the electric fuel pump, (in the boot), with a golf club every time to get it to start! Once it was running, 'though, it was amazing. Definitely one of the best Triumphs ever made :)

[@jonathanhorner8709]

When I started work in the 1970's , several managers (including mine) had 2.5 pi models. My boss used to drive it across Leicestershire at an astonishing rate of knots. How he kept his licence I never knew , for he was braver than I. Got to drive it once back from a skittles evening ( I was nominated driver, unusual in those days) . A great car, classy interior and such a smooth engine with plenty of ooomph. I wanted one, but at 19 couldn't afford the insurance. Thanks for reminding us of this truly great marque.

[@1258-Eckhart]

Leicestershire was a civilised place in those days. I was a student and owned a BMW 1602, which I always drove across Leics. "at a rate of knots" with no trouble whatever from PC Plod. I had a student job at Cooper Cars in Rothley and we took out a customer's BB 512 on the A46, hitting 140 mph briefly. Happy Days.

[@deano2160]

A mate of mine drove/shared his dad's triumph 2000. He drove it like a bloody rally car. You knew your were pushing the engine when it made this kinda repetitive humming noise. When it did that we knew we were pushing. We held on and many a time, on the razors edge of control. Great times haha. I remember once we were hooning down an old roman road and he lost the back end and flipped it onto its side. We climbed out the drivers door and pushed it over onto its wheels and drove home making up a story to tell his dad. Serious it drove it beyond its design and for the most part he was spot on. Cracking motor.

[@lordleonusa]

My Dad had a 1974 Sapphire Blue 2000TC, it was a wonderful car, took us deep into France and back many times with hardly a single issue. Loved that car. I now have a Convertible Mk.2 Vitesse.

[@robertp.wainman4094]

A beautiful looking car, with good ride and great sound.......love that overdrive too!

[@nigethesassenach3614]

I grew up with Triumphs like that. Love them.

[@kjh789az]

Owing to he oil crisis in 1979, I bought a Mk2 PI in racing green for a snip - they are thirsty! They are also well built as I discovered when I reversed into a colleagues Datsun Cherry in the staff car park. Not a mark on the Triumph, but the Datsun required major body panel reshaping! Overdrive is a weird concept, but it does keep the revs down. Finally waved farewell to mine when a wishbone in the gearbox went and the repair was not within my modest means. Pretty good experience for my first car!

[@trevorstewart8]

They get thirsty if you don't clean and/or replace the injectors every year. Re solid as. I was poking my nose through a traffic queue in Gilford one day and a banker in his Rover 3500 went screaming up the kerbside, no lane, just a gap. The triumph front bumper opened up the front door of the Rover like a can opener.

[@pete9359]

The memories.... My pops had one when I was 15... It was his work car as a builder... I would TAKE his jag to school (thinking he never knew🥴) Weekends he would use the jag I would TAKE the triumph "what a car for its era" First time I drove it I was just like fuzz😁😁😁 My nan had to drag me out the darn thing "ya dad will string you up sunshine" I remember them words like it was yesterday.... Thank you for bringing back the good old days fella😁👍🍻👊

[@britishcomposers]

Great to see you enjoying yourself Fuzz. Where was this? Milton Keynes?!! You should've taken it right onto a long, quiet motorway with Police escort to have some real fun with this beauty. This was the very best car ever owned, (and this includes an E-Type V12, a 911 3.8S Gen 2, a Panamera, TR6, MGC, and James May's old 2000), which was over a twelve year period, completely restored. Same as this car, but the pre-emission version with 132bhp and max torque starting way low down at 2,000rpm and right up to the red line - as smooth as silk with no sense of rumble or imbalance from the engine. Ice Blue paint with Powder Blue interior. I actually secured new old stock of the later seats with headrests. 0-60 was about 8-seconds, but the top speed on four star was 125mph. Not the rubbish that every magazine would state as being 107mph. These cars had to have everything set up by one who knew about the system; knowing the tricks to get out of trouble, like air locks and sticking Lucas fuel pumps in excessively hot weather. The 110psi fuel pump sat right above the exhaust backbox which heated up the metal boot floor in which the pump was affixed to! I've heard it that one of these on 100 RON five star or converted to run on the latest 98/99 RON super unleaded (the valve seats require changing to hardened ones) with manual/overdrive can do a red-line top speed of 130mph. This begs the need for a higher ratio differential as the body with it's two rear scoops, (back window and tail light panel) and the narrow and low frontal profile make this car very aerodynamic for the time and relatively so ever since. I found it so stable on motorways. 80-100 was so effortlessly quick and smooth in direct top and way quicker than my BMW 540i. It could keep abreast with a Double Six to 110. The black-rimmed cluster of instrument dials and the better grade of dashboard veneers that the PI's had over every other model were just magnificent looking. The legroom was superb for a tall driver. Not sure why Fuzz had his seat so far forward, but these were a better laid out interior with a more supple ride than any P6 Rover, although the Rover did look rather dignified on the outside over the long, low-lying sports saloon, - which these were. A BMW M5 of it's day. The Rover SD1 was basically the follow-on from these in wheelbase and size, though interior headroom was lower in an SD1 by quite a margin as my Dad found out in a test drive, so he kept his '77 2500TC for a few more years. The 2300 and 2600 engines in the SD1 were actually intended for a newer (2000/2500 replacement) Triumph saloon, but BL management decided to cull the in-house competition between Rover and Triumph and instead deployed these in the later released SD1 six-cylinder variants.

[@KiwiStag74]

There's just something about them, isn't there? I have one of the last few built in the world - a NZ-assembled 1979 2500S, assembled 22 January 1979 at the Nelson NZMC plant. There were 22 built after mine, but mine is now the third youngest survivor. She's Pimento in colour and it looks stunning with the black 'C' pillar and the original 14" alloys. Engine is obviously running the twin HS6s rather than the petrol injection, but the sound of that engine and the pickup she has are certainly very similar to the wee beast Fuzz was driving in the video. When I bought her she ran quite poorly, but there was something about the way she went that I knew it wasn't anything serious. Turned out her timing was around 22 degrees ATDC, the points were shot, the vacuum advance was jammed by a too-long screw that was holding the points down and the centrifugal advance weights were seized. A couple of hours of replacing and adjusting things to where they should be and she was a totally different car. I've never had so much fun throwing a car around on the winding roads on the hundred mile trip up and over some fairly testing terrain and hillsides on the way to see family. The furthest I have driven her in one day was 580km (about 350 miles) and I felt like I could do it all again when I got there. The handling of the 2500 is more predictable than the Stag I also own and although the Stag has the power, the 2500S is more nimble and sticks better in the corners. I absolutely love the beast - it is comfortable, practical, seats four people effortlessly (and their luggage for a week too) will hold its own on the hills, is very economical for a straight six and happily keeps up with modern traffic. My only regret is that this one does not have a Webasto sunroof....but even so, I still smile more when I drive it than I do when I am in the Stag (and that aint no lie!). I'm glad Fuzz loved the PI. I hope he gets himself a 2500 one of these days and has a blast!

[@arxg1934]

cool to see this I have just moved to Christchurch but lived in Nelson my whole life, looking at a 2000 in chch for a reasonable price

[@TomTwain]

I had one of these late 70's early 80's... spectacular car... and it was quick !

[@jeffkeighley432]

I have one. There is nothing that drives like them. They pull so well. Quiet. Smooth and well in front of modern traffic. No problems on the motorway. Is some road noise through the windows! But on the whole. Not a journey you will ever tire of. If you don't own one. Then you'll rarely see one. But they are changing hands for money now as, the next generation; like classics with a bit of power. They are about. Affordable still. A bit thirsty. But that will get lots of Club card points. Run them on super unleaded. While they still sell it. As with all classic cars. Wipers aren't brill. There's good parts supply on the whole and the Triumph 2000 register, has loads of contacts, so things are pretty easy in that way. I have a Triumph 2000. They are good everyday cars, and very enjoyable. They are infact well powered, for everyday driving and cruise nicely, so don't over look them. They are not a sloppy seconds. Many classics hold up traffic and a good 2000 won't.. But the PI is 132bhp where as the 2000 around 90. So a noticeable difference. The MK1 has indicators stalk on the left. That's helpful. Pay more for the best you can find. Don't buy a wreck if you lack skills (I'm one of those people who doesn't have restoration or major engineering skill). Check for rot and don't believe anyone who says a car is in good shape, unless they are happy to let you get everywhere around the car. Watch the sills, door gaps. The floor under the rear seat. Well just about anywhere could have rust. If you find a good one, Someone will tell you that you could have found one cheaper. However, as repairs are expensive. Paying a bit more, for a sorted one makes the best sense unless you have plenty more time and money. Powersteering is a help. Overdrive is a help. Most people uprate to these options. There's nothing wrong in doing that IMO. The gearboxes with overdrive are flexible and you don't need a 5 speed as overdrive gives you far more. Mk2's are long, so please make sure you have room. Estates are great cars. In 2000 or 2500pi or so I am told 2500s. Lots of PI's sadly have been converted to carbs, which is a shame. There is lots of discussion about the reliability of a PI, but well sorted ones, turn up regularly to meets, on time. Check the car all over for the smell of fuel. Frankly, I don't know why these were never depicted as good get away cars. With 0-60 in just over 9 seconds, they would have been well suited. However, the police ones were even faster. So you probably could still be caught on the wrong day.

[@ianclegg9572]

Dad had one in the 70,s from New still remember her reg number today. SEN 874K a light blue 2000 loved that car

[@oboist3]

I had a 2.5 TC and it was quick, and I found it fine po pickup from standing. One of the loveliest cars I owned. Mine was also a 1973 model. I wish I had a PI model for comparison.

[@neilharrison7555]

Wasn't surprised when I saw the final auction price. Couldn't buy it - didn't have a spare £24k ! Looks (and sounds) like a really good car. Hope the new owner USES it !

[@jackjacko8706]

In times past I purchased a 1975 Triumph 2500TC , manual with electric overdrive, which after the problems they had with the PI reverted back too. I drove 300 Klm to a Club meeting at a racetrack. The Triumph was completely original as sold from the factory. Even down to the AM radio . I did not realize I had been entered against other Triumphs with Stag wheels and triple Webers etc. My stock standard Triumph did not disgrace itself, clocking nearly 100mph down the straight and only 4 seconds down on lap times on the race prepared ones. I then drove it home 300 Klm.

[@MyJon64]

Just imagine being a traffic policemen in 1969, getting out your own Austin A40 and into a 2.5pi Jam Sandwich.

[@manorparkclassics5420]

😂

[@tomfindlay853]

Learned to drive in one , created my love of triumph’s I know have a stag .

[@mikep2099]

My dad was an area car driver at Hackney police station during the seventies and drove these. His favourite police car.

[@christophersmith7460]

I remember your father, Robin. I was Radio operator on Golf 2 in a PI during the very hot summer of 1976 when the fuel pump in the boot couldn’t cope with the heat causing the fuel to evaporate. We had to blag bags of ice from a freezer shop in Mare Street.

[@mikep2099]

@@christophersmith7460 Hi Christopher, my dad is indeed Robin Parkes! I guess not too many Parkes’ at Hackney in the seventies. My dad has told me the same story about the fuel pumps and bags of ice. Also, lots of stories about mucking about on Hackney marshes on night turn spinning Triumphs about! Were you ever the radio operator with my Dad?

[@christophersmith7460]

Hi Michael. No I never worked with your Dad. We worked a 4 week rolling shift pattern. My shift started a week of nights when your Dads finished. I’m sure I was driving area cars before your Father left so probably relieved him a few times. I hope he is well. There is a Hackney reunion that has been postponed due to COVID but provisionally scheduled for later this year. Regards, Chris

[@mikep2099]

@@christophersmith7460 my dad is doing well, and lives in Rutland now. I mentioned these comments and seems to recall you drove out of Dalton? Dad left Hackney in 1982. I’ve also mentioned the reunion which he was aware of. Regard, Mike.

[@DingBatSplat]

Had a 2.5 PI, in white with black leather seats, from 1977 to 1984. Loved it.

[@lesklower7281]

Buzz enjoyed the review of the triumph 2500 love the wood in the interior more like this please

[@grahamgreenwood2383]

Had a 2500 tc modified so overdrive worked on every gear ,best car I ever had

[@stefanwiechmann7049]

A BMW chaser back in the day. I was in one as a 7 year old , the 2500S. Great car!.

[@stevestone4346]

That triumph six had a character all of its own. Shows what can be done with well chosen mods, not ott, just right.

[@janinapalmer8368]

My dad had one of these cars ... it was great so he told me ! The Surrey Police used them for a while too. I wish you could have shown all the parts of the car .... engine ... dash panel ... seats and boot space and the wheels ... do another one including what I mentioned ... make it Pt 2

[@tomfinney6498]

Great post fuzz ! from fellow petroll head and Triumph/Rover /jaguar mechanic and enthusiast , love the show mucker !! :-)

[@GrayJack9]

They were very classy cars. My Dad had one and always said it was his favourite. I took it out whenever I got the chance. I was 18 years old and had only passed my test a few months earlier. Great memories and yes Triumph could and did make some fab cars. Just a shame that BL screwed them over with corporate indigestion.

[@teabagmcpick889]

My dearly departed Uncle, God rest his soul, had one of these (a K reg) but it was in a sort of dark, inky petrol colour with chrome & a black interior - Much, much better looking than this blue version but it's great to see one running. It must have been an awesome machine back in the day.

[@LiveSteamNick]

My first car at 19!! Loved it more than anything. Sienna brown 2000 TC. NYN 977L Ran like a Swiss Watch…..till i fell asleep at the when at night and crashed it!! I survived,,, the motor did not

[@davidwaterhouse2552]

Beautiful car ! From my 1970's childhood! I would buy a 'decent' 1970's' model tomorrow! dx

[@retromechanicalengineer]

I had a MK1 2000 estate, a MK2 2000 saloon and a MK2 2.5S. Never had a PI. I love the things.

[@TheNemocharlie]

I bought one of these as a student, back in the late seventies - don't ask. It remains my favourite car, despite the ruinous fuel consumption.

[@NickDecock-z5x]

It was my first car in 1971. I’ve get rid of it after a year. Nice driving but lots of technical trouble. My next was an Alfa Romeo 2000 quadraporte and that was a super good car.

[@Destinysounds]

Dad had a Mk2 2000. Bought new in 1972 and shipped to Jamaica when we moved there to live. Taught me how to drive in it. At the age of 19 I bought my own through Triumph Specialists in Kingston. Wonderful times. I loved them. A total shame they went the way of British Leyland. I would love to see the badge and brand restored. A 21st century-designed Triumph saloon could look and feel complete bad-ass if the right designer came along...

[@martinhankin422]

Me Dad had one , still want one myself after all theses years stuck in my head how good it was and quick for the day ,remember him chasin down a vauxhall forenza down that cut him up give it a run for its money , could have put that engine in Stag would have been ample with a cam and bits, but Triumph were to obsessed with puttin a V8 in it for American market

[@johndavey72]

Hi . I've just glimpsed the auction estimate. I think it'll go past 20 k . I 'll have to wait and see .

[@nordic1121]

I tried to buy one a little while ago and missed out, I would love to get one mainly because of its underrated rareity . Triumph was a really good car manufacturer and owned by a bunch of people proporting to know what they were doing.

[@richardpayne5101]

Very nice. My dad had a 2.5 twin carb estate and it went like the clappers! I notice you dipped the clutch when engaging the overdrive…I don’t think you need to do this as it’s an epicyclic overdrive so uses brake bands like an automatic gbox. I assume the head has been converted to use unleaded? Cheers

[@PaulBriden]

My dad had one, FXD 611J in 1972. It was superb, he had the boot pump go at 90,000 miles and sold it at 140,000 miles.

[@simons.2948]

I had a 2.5 PI auto was super smooth and fast. Needed to keep re-tuning to keep the awesome performance. Wish I still had it

[@markb3146]

Club raced a PI here in Australia, fixed all the issues and put a WILD cam in it. Went like the clappers and could do 14s qtr mile.... If I was going to get one today I would slap the same cam in it but change to EFI... We have some of the best after market ECUs in the world by a company called Haltech. 200bhp isnt hard to get, team that with a close ratio gearbox and a rebuilt a-type OD and use a 3.7 diff you have a club sport rocket

[@dfluke3698]

My dad had one of these and the only problem he had was the Lucas fuel injection .

[@kennyriach]

Used to own a 75 Dolomite. It had the best seats I have ever sat in and when it was on song - I used to out run the Holden V8's....had high gear ratios for first and second gears. Cornering was amazing but overheating was always a problem with it. In a way I was saddened in a way when it blew the rings and wasn't worth fixing by that stage. It was sold for parts nearly 30 years ago now!!

[@kennyriach]

Hv to add - did like Fuzz's comment -Think what Triumph could have been???? Such a waste - bad governments, bad management from many sides consigned them to History!!

[@richardshearwoodport]

I had three PI's in the '80s, but my favourite was the estate version. We'd be arrested these days, but we'd settle the children down in the back and drive overnight between Fort William and Wiltshire. Cruden Bay to Aberdeen was my favourite commute and I often had a bit of a race with another driver. The PI estate could be a bit "tail happy", but easy to handle, so imagine his surprise after I'd overtaken him, only to come from the other direction after a sharp corner 🙂 The PI's real rival was the Rover P6 V8, of which I also has a few. I always thought the Rover would benefit from the PI's overdrive, while the PI would be better for leather trim.

[@davec8381]

I had the MK1 2500 PI with O/D on third and forth, best car I ever had. Sadly I was hit in the side by a Landrover, written off unfortunately, I still miss it. Only problem I had was the thrust bearing on the crank dropping out due to the uprated clutch putting too much pressure on it. I had a Bronze replacement fitted and doweled to the block.

[@kasseyr1]

Had two 2.5PIs….great on a long trip..NZ

[@stevemaxwell7341]

thats how they drive ive had 11 and own a gen mk1 pi estate

[@lewisharper3353]

loved driving these as Traffic Cars (Surrey Police) in the mid 70s. A car you felt as part of yourself when driven. Perfection and thoroughly enjoyable🖕

[@blissy1]

I owned a 1975 PI, I was so glad to be get rid of it, really heavy steering when parking and poor fuel consumption, I could actually watch the fuel gauge heading to E during a trip

[@deelawrence1135]

I'd love to have my old purple one back... the 2.5pi do tune up exceptionally well

[@simonjohnson1]

I had an estate version which was loads of fun to drive.

[@rogergrey7761]

My late father's best car - a 2.5PI estate which I absolutely loved. I was 21 at the time and it was his fourth Triumph. I just thought they were brilliant. The Vitesse I persuaded him to buy was just mental..

[@alexcharlesworth7580]

I have a 1974 triumph 2000. Slightly smaller engine version of this one though still with the lovely straight six engine. Unforetunately knowhere near as quick as this but still a capable car on modern roads. Sadly I feel they're a very underrated 70s classic car.

[@bobs5290]

Had 2 of Them great cars lots of character ,Lucas fuel pump always" interesting "in summer

[@brettjones5041]

now you made me want to go out and snap up a good 1. thanks

[@johnlad1481]

Thats a nice triumph fuzz pot love the old classics

[@kwikat1170]

We had one of these in the 1980,s we rebuilt the engine, gave it a cam job and it was fast, it was so funny, most people Simple’s had no idea. It b,ew my mates Holden statesman with a 350 chev V8 away, it was faster than my 351V8 GT Falcon and it handled well.

[@astront917]

My dad had loads of these and knew them inside out,we drove from Northamptonshire to Lecce in Puglia Italy to see his family in 1978 when I was seven,I remember going over mont blanc etc, Absolutely wonderful memories watching this as dad died suddenly 5 years ago and this takes me back to being a child sat in the back. He had wgc 839m and bbt120k estate to name a few Thanks for posting

[@huwdavies6650]

Sold to the gent in the leather jacket and wooly hat.😉

[@manorparkclassics5420]

😂 you never know.....

[@alfindigo]

I had a 1971 model, brilliant car but by 60000 miles the engine had lost some compression and the PI unit got very thirsty. I swapped the engine for a new TC version, not quite as fast, but still drove beautifully.

[@peter.a.langan5872]

I had a Damson coloured 2.5 Pi automatic. It was a lovely ride and a gentleman’s car in a way, but heavy on the petrol. The plus was if you were light on the pedal or heavy ….no difference to the consumption. I enjoyed it while I had it.

[@stephengreenwood7621]

I've got a GT6 with a 2.5pi under the bonnet. Once the injection system is properly set up, it flies. I can keep up with most cars, even my mates Audi TT

[@paulhall170]

The only way to eliminate the 'lurch' was to replace the rear half-shafts with Datsun 1600 models. You just had to machine a few thou off the swinging arms and they bolted straight in. The British PI system was a bodge, lots of people replaced it with Bosch components, but of you replaced the arthritic winscreen wiper motor that powered the pump and moved it away from right next to the rear silencer, it worked ok. The "S" model made about 100bhp; the PI turned out around 165!

[@knutarneaakra6013]

My uncles car. I got myself a rover sd1. He dident talk to me for ten years after. 35 years ago now he is still a bit grumpy

[@jagracershoestring609]

I had to reset the injection pump on one to get it to fly, lively fast tourer, better than any car made today for comfort.

[@timbrookes3699]

Much as I love Fuzz, his emotions got the best of him on this drive and he was rambling!! Great car though!!

[@dieselfan7406]

Traffic cops in west London preferred these in the 70s as the existing Rover V8s used to get tappet bounce!

[@rogerking7258]

Fuzz, just how many sex change operations did you have during the filming of this vid? Great review of a car that obviously impressed, although I'd find myself worrying about the crankshaft thrust washers dropping out if it were me.

[@cptndave1]

I hade the same car. I loved it only my Machanic saw it more. My mother had the s both cars lost there back wheel while driving due to the wish bone made of crappy cast ion. The electric system was also iffy. It was always a gamble if the lights were going to work or not ect.

[@eveglead1913]

My Dad owned two of these in the 70's they had a unique engine sound and should correctly and always be driven by real ,clean and clean shaven Gentlemen in suits and crisp white shirts and ties.Anything else is a hack.

[@kbrickell4732]

yes indicators on the correct side of the steering wheel so you can indicate and change gear at the same time

[@philipgallagher3234]

Arguably the best Triumph/BL product. A bit thirsty but the only competition to BMW who took over this market.

[@007JHS]

The rear end shimmy was always good when accellerating out of a corner as you changed up a gear it released the rear splines and the suspension would readjust itself.... My Triumph was a 2500S manual o/d.

[@dwp2250]

Spline lock up was an irritation on all the IRS cars from the TR4a through to the 6, the stag and the big saloons. The weak point on all those cars is the hub, stub axle assy they can fail with no warning. Sounds like what the owner has done there is fitted CV shafts. Transformed the ride compliance in my TR6.

[@sarahrobinson410]

Hi Fuzz, I had a 1974 2500 PI N registration in dark blue Sapphire I remember part of the registration GBO ???N I bought it in Rugby for the sum of £450 quid.. I rarely drove it But it was Automatic and honestly it felt sluggish but motored. was really silly it was parked in my Mums garage for 6-7 years before she died and then I bought the house and my car was up in the garage.. I loved Triumphs and owned herald 13/60 my 1st car along my car collection had a 1300 TC 4 door 1969 a Spitfire 1300 cc with a really great registration BRA 345L..Dolomite 18/50 x2 and two more Spitfires a 1972 2500 TC and then the Dolomite sprint and TR7. Only 3 other cars would be part of my group selection a Vitesse 2.0 Convertible and a GT6 plus the Stag.. The sad thing is I've never really appreciated such cars and being there cheap end prices ranging from £150 - £500 I Basically let them go.. I still have logbooks for a few.. But to watch CAR SOS It brings fond memories of nearly all the cars I did actually own.. If only my health had not been so I might have still strived to keep some of them.. The other side to this story you start to appreciate the cars you own today Its a crying shame I still let another gem go "No funny comments lol " I let a 2000 X Registered MGF se 1.8 VVC go scrap for free And only 1 of 500 in Wedgewood blue. I think the reason I let it go and you can say this about most older cars if the repair bill is £600 + its sometimes cheaper to replace it with a slightly better one.. Great video and great car show across most cars.. We all have favorite cars.. mines Fords Jaguars MG/Morris Minor and Triumph.. Coventry born and breed 1964 - to present day...

[@ABCDEF-yf4yu]

Could be GBO394N as that was a 2500 estate in blue, GBO395N was a yellow saloon, GBO418N white, GBO438N brown.

[@gregtaylor6146]

Was one of GB's 'recommendations' to fit an oversize pair of windscreen wipers???😉

[@adyg5402]

When did the flair of car design vanish.All we have today is identical boxes.

[@koont666]

I had a mint 1976 2.5 S British racing green black stag aloys beast of a car.

[@niceviewoverthere4463]

How much? I have one (2500S anyway) in my garage on axle stands as I'm fitting a stainless exhaust. The only bits of rust are (the exhaust obviously) and along the seam under the rear number plate. Never been welded. They are lovely things indeed and used to be though of as fast enough to be highway police vehicles.

[@manorparkclassics5420]

It’s in our 27th April auction with an estimate of £8-10,000. Thanks!

[@jeffsuperstar2958]

My second car great car and fast in its day

[@alanbrothers3294]

Pity about the crank shaft thrust spacer when worn causes the six cylinders to float and in my case took out the torque converter. Had to have engine replaced P

[@kjh789az]

Apologies for double-posting, but mate, can't you show us the car? See YT I Drive a Classic. Look at it inside and out, then drive it. Come on! Thanks.

[@peterlangan1181]

I had a 2.5PI Automatic, it was a lovely drive but thirsty, it’s one saving grace it was the same thirst at full whack as at cruise so it didn’t matter. The manual with overdrive would have been a better bet. I think the Lucas injection was not great either. Bosch would have been better. A lovely car though!

[@alexmacleod3483]

Got one when I was 18 from a neighbour for nothing,he found it hard too engage gears,a thrust washer worn or something,still managed to drive it for a couple months till throttle jammed open,scared the proverbial out of me so I swapped it for a MK1 escort, wish I still had both,cars were built too last then

[@afitzsimons]

My uncle used to run an ex police 2500 pi.

[@martintaper7997]

The car was called the "2.5PI" not "2500PI" and even though the grille badge states "2500 Injection". The carburettor models were called "2500" (or 2000). I don't know why, just to keep us on our toes.

[@PaulBriden]

True

[@Bramble19602847]

The 2500 (with twin carbs) was called the 2500 TC, this being the slightly facelifted model from the major facelift in or around 1970. I had a 1974 automatic, and before that a 1972 2000 - also automatic. Both lovely cars - really smooth and a lovely engine note. Out of the two I preferred the 2000 because I think the build quality was better. Both in brown - very 1970's.

[@martintaper7997]

@@Bramble19602847 "All" had twin carburettors since the car was introduced except for the PI with fuel injection and a special Australian edition called the Director which was a triple carburettor setup on the 2000 engine in the Mk1 edition. The TC was the basic level specification, the S and PI the higher levels. My first car was a Mk2 2000TC and I have 10 Mk2 Triumphs "now". You learned a few things today.

[@Bramble19602847]

The point I was making - which you seem to have missed - is that the Triumph 2500 (your definition) was badged as the Triumph 2500TC. Doesn't really matter except that you missed the TC out. Kind of you to mention the differences in spec level of the different models; I suspect though that most people with an interest in the marque knew that anyway. That all models had twin carbs too. Haven't the foggiest about the 'Director', nor am I interested. With all due respect, I have learned a few things today but not from you...

[@martintaper7997]

@@Bramble19602847 The only point I was making, which you entirely missed, has nothing to do with the "TC" nomenclature and that is why TC was not mentioned by me. The issue at hand was why "2.5" and "2500" were used in the car naming separately, "2.5 PI" not "2500PI" and 2500S, not the "2.5S". You did learn something from me today, that paying attention to a comment and understanding it will ensure you don't offer irrelevant replies by the glass jaw champion.

[@chrismadge7292]

Very nice! The wipers are too long though ;)

[@djrichylaurence8991]

My uncle had one. It was quick!

[@SpacedOdyssey]

The 2.5 PI was the Dogs B0LL0X. Heathrow back to Brum VIA The M1 @ 125 on the clock in overdrive in a P REG 1975