1972 Triumph 2500PI Estate Ferguson Formula 4X4

62 Bids Winner - peterhhh
7:31 PM, 02 Nov 2022Vehicle sold
Sold for

€19,750

Winner - peterhhh

Background

Standard-Triumph's first new model after its takeover by Leyland, the Michelotti-styled Triumph 2000 was launched in 1963.

Engine and gearbox were basically those of the Vanguard Six but the unitary construction body and its running gear were all new, the latter featuring independent rear suspension for the first time on a 'big' Triumph.

Saloon and estate versions were built, and then in 1968 came the 2.5PI model with Lucas mechanical fuel injection, 132bhp and a 120mph top speed. The restyled Mk2 range with revised front and rear end treatments arrived in 1969. Reliability problems led to the 2.5PI model being phased out in the mid-1970s to be replaced by the twin-carburettor 2500TC and 2500S.

Production of Triumph's six-cylinder range ended in 1977, since when they have continued to enjoy an enthusiastic following.

Only one Triumph 2500PI Estate Ferguson Formula 4X4 was ever built – and this is it.

  • MG53073LSCP
  • 60576
  • 2496
  • manual
  • Yellow
  • Black Vinyl
  • Left-hand drive

Vehicle location
Nieuw Vennep, Netherlands

Background

Standard-Triumph's first new model after its takeover by Leyland, the Michelotti-styled Triumph 2000 was launched in 1963.

Engine and gearbox were basically those of the Vanguard Six but the unitary construction body and its running gear were all new, the latter featuring independent rear suspension for the first time on a 'big' Triumph.

Saloon and estate versions were built, and then in 1968 came the 2.5PI model with Lucas mechanical fuel injection, 132bhp and a 120mph top speed. The restyled Mk2 range with revised front and rear end treatments arrived in 1969. Reliability problems led to the 2.5PI model being phased out in the mid-1970s to be replaced by the twin-carburettor 2500TC and 2500S.

Production of Triumph's six-cylinder range ended in 1977, since when they have continued to enjoy an enthusiastic following.

Only one Triumph 2500PI Estate Ferguson Formula 4X4 was ever built – and this is it.

Video

Overview

This car is offered from outside of the European Union. It has been imported under temporary admission customs bond and is therefore subject to Dutch import tax (9%) on top of the winning bid price. Cars less than 30 years old will pay 10% Dutch import tax plus 21% VAT on the hammer.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, as their proof of purchase.

This vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and the documented history available is limited to that displayed in our photography section.

We have not tried to drive the car, and cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality.

It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

As CARS Europe BV is the guarantor of all customs duties and taxes for vehicles within Dutch customs bond, the car cannot be released to the buyer or transporter immediately after the sale. For all enquiries relating to Customs, please contact CARS Europe BV.

Purchases will only be released once cleared funds are received. All vehicles must be collected after the payment of funds.

All storage charges must be paid in full prior to the vehicle’s collection or onward transportation. Storage charges payment must be arranged with the storage company. Collection is strictly by appointment only.

Please send a booking email to the storage centre to ensure vehicle(s) are ready at time of collection. Photographic ID will be required at time of collection. If a third party is collecting for you, then written authorisation is required in advance from you and photographic ID of the third party is required at the time of collection.

Collection either by buyer or third party is only possible for vehicles within customs bond if applicable import taxes paid are paid to import into country of bonded storage location.

As soon as The Market by Bonhams receives your payment, the accounts department will send a release note to the manager of the storage facility where your car(s) is stored.

CARS Europe BV will contact you just after the sale to confirm onward transport requirements. Direct contact at CARS for enquiries is as follows; Joanna Herlihy, +31 (0) 252 682 526, +44 7483 433912, [email protected].

STORAGE CHARGES - €30 + local VAT per motor car per day commencing from the sixth day following the auction end.

CUSTOMS CHARGES - €500 per motor car (plus applicable permanent import taxes from bond).


With the proviso that we haven’t tried to start or drive this car and can therefore only comment on its cosmetic condition, we think this LHD manual Triumph 2500PI Estate Ferguson Formula 4X4 is in very good overall condition.

As the Ferguson Formula badging on it testifies, this is a truly unique car.

It was, we believe, bought at auction for the vendor’s collection in 2015.

It attracted a good deal of interest and the Swiss auction gained some press attention. The following is taken from an AR Online report at the time.

“The car was converted to run four-wheel drive by Harry Ferguson Research, an offshoot of the tractor company, which introduced its pioneering all-wheel drive system into the automotive world via motor racing. The most famous car converted by the company was its first production model, the Jensen FF, built between 1966 and ’71, with 320 produced.

However, after the FF, the Ferguson Formula was also applied to other cars, often in prototype form, including the Dodge Challenger, Ford Zephyr and, more recently, the Opel/Vauxhall Senator, which proved rather effective during the latter days of the Cold War in East Germany as tour cars for BRIXMIS (click to read more about that).

The Triumph 2500PI for sale was built as a one-off for a Swiss customer – a doctor, who wanted a Triumph that could get him anywhere in this mountainous country. Its four-wheel drive system features a viscous coupling for its centre differential, said to be the first road car to be so equipped. It was delivered in 1972 and featured in Autocar magazine, and the doctor kept it until 1983, when it was sold to its second owner, who used it as transport for his holiday home.

It was then re-sold in 2000, to its third owner, who had the car restored in 2003. Since then it’s covered a further 20,000km (12,500 miles), and the seller says it’s in very good condition. The car comes with its interesting history extensively documented (we’d love to see that), and is one of many Triumph prototypes or one-offs that have survived.”

Chassis No: MG53073LSCP.

The odometer reads 60,574 kms, just 74 kms more than it read in 2015.

In common with many vehicles from the vendor’s collection, the car comes with incomplete service records. It does, however, have a great deal of documented history and photographs detailing the car’s unique provenance and its restoration in 2003.

It also comes with an old, original Swiss registration document.

Exterior

The bodywork is free of any significant dents, bumps, folds or creases.

The panel gaps and shut lines are consistent and even.

The wheels are in top condition, as are most of the exterior trim, fixtures and fittings.

The chrome is in good order all-round.

So, too, are the lights, lenses and badging.

There is no more than an entirely standard amount of stone chips around the front valance and wheel arches.

There are some streaks and staining on the sill beneath the driver’s side rear door.

Interior

The interior of the car is in equally impressive overall condition, and supports our theory that the car hasn’t seen much use since its 2003 restoration.

The black vinyl upholstery is free from cracks, tears and holes as far as we can see and looks to be in excellent condition, both front and back.

The black carpets and mats, although in need of cleaning, are also very good.

The wooden dashboard surround and door cappings have endured the passage of time well, as has the large luggage area.

If we were being overly critical we’d say that the vinyl on the door cards is a little baggy in places.

We can’t vouch for the full functionality of instruments, dials, buttons, knobs, switches or levers because we haven’t driven the car.

Mechanical

Everything in the engine bay seems to be in its right and proper place.

The undersides of the car appear to have plenty of structural integrity.

History

This car comes with a big box full of papers and photographs of its comprehensive restoration.

It is not registered anywhere.

It must be registered in the country of your choice and you will need to contact the appropriate vehicle licensing agency for instructions on how to do this.

Summary

We think this wholly unique vehicle is a fascinating piece of automotive history and is in very good all-round condition – provided, of course, that the engine, mechanicals and electrics prove to be as good as the rest of it.

It is almost impossible to value.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located in a bonded warehouse in Amsterdam, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

About this auction

Seller

Private: undefined


Viewings Welcome

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and is strictly by appointment. To book one in the diary, please get in contact.

2e9073c1-f991-4a12-894c-103c644db456/92434983-00d6-4e1e-b9a7-fe098cde609e.jpg?optimizer=image&width=650&format=jpg image

Thinking of selling your Triumph

See all Triumph auctions