Description
TODAY'S offering from Martin Howey Classics is a rare bird these days. So welcome to my advert for a 1965 Mark 1 Triumph 2000 in Midnight Blue. She is fitted with the manual plus overdrive gearbox. Uniquely, this delightful old girl has had just two owners since leaving the factory in 1965. The first kept her for 14 years and the chap from whom I acquired her had owned her ever since. His ownership spanned a massive 46 years!
During this time, a great deal of the car's history was logged down. Mostly old school with plenty of cardboard off0cuts displaying the vital hand-written information of the time. This Triumph really does come with the most amazing history, enabling the next owner (number 3) to be able to piece together the vehicle's past in great detail.
The speedo reads just 65, 000 and here is just one interesting point from the history file, albeit an extremely important one. In 1986, and with just 32, 862 miles on the clock, the engine was lifted and a 2500cc Mark II engine was dropped in as an upgrade.
She is on the key and sounds terrific. Oil pressure is excellent, idling between 60 and 70 psi. This is a car that has clearly had a huge amount of love lavished on it. It has been a car to drive and enjoy rather than a garage stored showpiece. But, by the same token, it has had everything it has ever needed - and more - judging by the detailed history! A great driver too as you would imagine.
She is a solid old girl and very presentable although the paintwork shows some evidence of age with areas of imperfections. It was last painted in the mid-90s. Do not confuse this with rusty and rotten old cars. Panels are certainly good for a 65-year-old car. Interior wise, the Mark 1 has always fascinated me with its quirky dashboard and array of switches. This too is in delightful order as is the headlining. Even the interior light works! Being a Mark 1, the seats are genuine leather as opposed to vinyl. This shows excellent patina on the front seats where you can see the original black colouring of the natural leather wearing away. I like the look. Shabby Chic I believe is the modern day terminology. Anyway, you could have the leather black as pitch once more with nothing other than a "Woolies" leather colouring kit. It is not as if you need to alter the colour.
To quote one piece of history at random: 12/ 06/ 2019. Replaced steering rack and new gaiters fitted. Replaced rear nearside wheel bearing and housing. New bushes fitted to outer rear subframe mountings. Poly bushes were fitted. £180 for two. More info: Front brakes are from a Mark II. Engine oil and filter changed Feb 24, 2024 using Duckhams 20/ 50.
These examples are just a couple of so many which illustrate how much love and care has been lavished on this Triumph. She is maybe a touch "play-worn" on the paintwork (a phrase they use for model cars) but her overall condition and supreme drivability more than make up for this.
She is a joy to drive and, in fact, I would willingly use her as an every day car. Light and responsive to handle and with overdrive instant on both 3rd and 4th gears. Brakes are excellent.
By the way, photos of the dash area show the car idling at 70psi!
All in all, a bit of a one-off really and a car with so much to say for itself. Mark 1s are rarely offered for sale these days. Be quick.
I have been trading as Martin Howey Classics for 26 years and, as ever, I strive to offer arguably the best value for money classics in the UK. I can also assist with delivery and so please contact me for a quote. Thanks, Martin.
