Triumph TR2

Triumph launched the first model in its TR range in 1953, the TR2. The TR2 was well received by the motoring press and it quickly established a strong place in the British sports car market, remaining in production until 1955 when it was replaced by the TR3, by which time 8,628 examples had been sold.

Handsome and purposeful, the TR2 came as an attractive open roadster with cutaway doors and a front wing line that flowed gracefully up and over the rear wheels. Equipped with independent coil sprung front suspension, a live rear axle and all round drum brakes, it was powered by a notably torquey twin-carb version of the 2-litre Vanguard ohv engine which produced 90bhp and could propel the little car to 60mph in 11.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 107mph via the four speed gearbox.

Triumph's hopes that the car would be successful in competition were soon realised, the first of many notable results being a win on the 1954 RAC Rally. A TR2 prototype, driven by Ken Richardson, and with special under-tray and rear wheel spats, also achieved an average 124mph during high speed runs at Jabekke in Belgium.

Despatched from the factory on the 8th October 1954, this car was delivered to Nortons and so is a correct RHD UK supplied car. It was purchased by the vendor from a friend who had unearthed it from a garage in Llangadog as long ago as 1988. A complete basket case when acquired, he embarked on a chassis up rebuild which was completed some time ago, the car having remained largely unused since 2008 – hence the reason for sale.

He decided that he wanted a car with a bit more performance than the standard TR2 so during the rebuild included a few subtle but worthwhile upgrades. The most obvious are the modern seats, although the original seat frames and runners are included in the sale. During the engine rebuild (which included new rings, mains and big ends), he also fitted a fast road cam, new followers, an oil filter conversion, an unleaded head with new guides, TT springs and larger valves. He mated the engine to the transmission through a TR6 clutch with a lightened 23lb flywheel. The whole ensemble was fully balanced, being built up with a four-into-one exhaust manifold, a stainless exhaust and twin HS6 SU carburettors on a TR4 inlet manifold. A new radiator and water pump were also fitted during the build-up process.

The gearbox has been fitted with a ‘J’ type overdrive which operates on 2nd, 3rd and 4th and was built up with new bearings and seals, whilst the speedometer has been recalibrated to take account of the increased rolling radius of the larger tyres on their Minilite-style alloy wheels.

To make it more pleasant to drive, he fitted a mini steering rack instead of the old type steering box and has polybushed the suspension. Finally, TR4A front disc brakes have been fitted to make it stop as well as it goes.

Otherwise to standard TR2 specification, the work has been carried out to a high standard, with commendably good panel fit and paint finish. The restoration has been thorough and to a high standard of detail. Whilst there is no hood cover, the frame is in place and it comes complete with tonneau. A new set of side screens are still in their box.

The new owner of this well restored example may well wish to put it back to standard which would be a relatively straightforward job, or just enjoy it as is - a well prepared example, with plenty of going and stopping power.