NOT ALL OVER FOR TRIUMPH PI
A former World Cup Rally Triumph 2.5 PI has been disinterred from the barn in West Sussex where it had been largely hidden from public view since 1978. One of four works entries in the Daily Mirror London-mexico World Cup Rally, XJB 302H set off from Wembley Stadium in London on 19 April 1970 for the gruelling 16,000-mile journey to Mexico City.
Driven by Paddy Hopkirk, the car finished the epic event in fourth place behind second-placed teammates Brian Culcheth and Johnstone Syer’s 2.5 PI. The Ford Escort 1850 of Hannu Mikkola and Gunnar Palm claimed victory, with the sister car of Rauno Aaltonen and Henry Liddon third.
Following its intercontinental exploits the car was sold at auction, entering privateer hands before being bought by enthusiast Dave Jenkins in 1978. The PI finally resurfaced following Jenkins’ passing last year, and its sale is now being managed by Tim Cousins on behalf of Jenkins’ widow.
“Dave bought the car for £1675 with the intention of restoring it,” says Cousins, “but he never really touched it. The PI is incredibly original, down to the lambswool covers that were bonded to the original vinyl seats. It has even got damage on the front that Paddy Hopkirk did during the event, and a big gouge down the passengerside front wing and door.”
Sadly the car at some point was parted from its engine and gearbox, though Cousins believes the original engine may still be out there somewhere. “It’s definitely not got the works unit, because the original had the core plugs bolted in place. It should also have ‘experimental rally’ stamped in the casting,” explains Cousins. “About 20 years ago it was moved from one shed to another and the current engine had seized, so it was stripped by Dave and put on his bench.”
As well as the period rally maps, the original build sheet and even FIA papers that were discovered in a specially crafted pocket in the headlining, the Triumph will be sold with a raft of parts: “I have a spare aluminium bonnet and doors, inner wings, front wings, bulkhead and front scuttle panel. I must have every panel – it was always his intention to rebuild the car.”
Over the years the big saloon has suffered significant degradation, to the point where the once visible front numberplate has now almost completely disappeared. Cousins is keen to find a home for the rally veteran where it will be properly preserved: “As its current custodian, I want to make sure that the car is restored as it is and doesn’t get reshelled.”