My 1977 Triumph 2500TC

Patrick Harrison bought his 1977 Triumph 2500 TC (for twin carburettors) for just $1500 and now uses it as his daily driver.

Patrick was originally looking for a late seventies Valiant. "I drove a few of them but they seemed heavy and I was not impressed." he says. Then, as always seems to happen with classic cars, he saw an advertisement for the Triumph and discovered it was just in the next suburb.

"It was a three owner car and was originally delivered in South Australia. It was in average condition for its age. The basics were ok , the engine had no issues  and the red exterior paint work was good , however the owner had done a number of  minor repairs and liked to use blutack as a bonding material ", Patrick reflects.

During the next three months, Patrick and his father gave it a complete going over, which also saw the suspension and interior replaced. "I bought a complete interior for only $100 and added the venetian blinds to the rear window "Patrick says proudly." I could not have done it without my father's help " he adds.

The Triumph Club of Victoria provided plenty of advice and encouragement during the restoration, particularly in sourcing parts and information. "I'm their youngest member," says Patrick.

Initially released in the UK in late 1963 in two litre form, the Triumph 2000 was a prestige six cylinder car  aimed right at the mid-level manager market. Boasting independent rear suspension, power front disc brakes, a wood panelled dashboard, high quality seat trim and styling by Italian Giovanni Michelotti the Triumph was an immediate success. Later upgrades included the 75kW 2.5 litre six and refreshed front and rear styling.

Patrick's car has a four speed manual transmission and the rare power steering option. "It drives just like a 21st century car" says Patrick. "I've never had any mechanical problems with it".

Back in the day, Australian assembly of Triumphs was undertaken by Australian Motor Industries (AMI) in Melbourne. AMI also produced Toyotas, Mercedes Benz and the American Ramblers. Patrick's car is likely to be one of the last 2500TCs to have gone down the line, as production ceased in 1978.

With its look-at-me red livery the car draws attention. "I've had numerous amounts of people stop and talk to me. Some have even offer me cash on the spot for the car", Patrick told Carsguide. He's not selling but he is considering his next classic. "I've been thinking about getting a Stag," he says.

David Burrell is the editor of www.retroautos.com.au