Prototypes / British Leyland, Triumph

1975 Triumph SD2

1975 Triumph SD2 prototype – This is the only surviving prototype of the SD2, a design which was at one time scheduled to replace the Triumph Dolomite. Although it bears some resemblance to the Rover SD1, both cars being the work of David Bache’s studio team, it has a style uniquely its own.

Proposed engines were the Triumph 1500cc, the BL O-series single overhead camshaft in 1700cc or 2000cc form and, at the top of the range, a fuel-injected version of the Dolomite Sprint two-litre engine with the four-valve head. Despite the badge on the front grille, this SD2 prototype carries the Sprint unit.

British Leyland’s financial state in the late 1970s was poor and a government report had recommended drastic rationalisation. As the project advanced, it became evident that the considerable investment that would have been necessary to put the SD2 into production was out of the question. Instead, Triumph’s history took a different turn, and the Dolomite was replaced by a BL-Honda collaboration that emerged in 1981 as the Triumph Acclaim.

The Triumph SD2 was a proposed mid-1970s compact executive car developed by British Leyland under the Triumph brand, intended as a replacement for the Triumph Dolomite.

Overview:

  • Project Name: Triumph SD2 (Specialist Division 2)
  • Planned Segment: Compact executive saloon (rival to BMW 3 Series)
  • Platform: Shared some elements with the SD1 and Dolomite
  • Engine Options (proposed):
    • 1.5L and 1.7L OHC four-cylinder engines (based on Dolomite units)
    • Potential for a 2.0L version
  • Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
  • Design: Clean, angular styling similar to the Rover SD1, but smaller
  • Transmission: Manual and automatic variants were envisioned

Key Points:

  • The SD2 project reached the prototype stage, with several cars built.
  • It was cancelled in the late 1970s due to British Leyland’s financial crisis and internal politics.
  • Had it reached production, the SD2 might have revitalized Triumph’s position in the executive car market.

Legacy:

  • The Triumph SD2 never made it to market.
  • Its cancellation marked the beginning of the end for Triumph as a car brand; production of Triumph cars ceased by 1984.
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