Triumph TR2

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Long famed for their rugged reliability and idiosyncratic good looks, the 'sidescreen' TRs have attracted a fanatical following over the years.

Powered by a virtually indestructible 1,991cc 4-cylinder, wet-liner OHV pushrod engine, the gutsy TR2 was capable of a genuine 100mph. Not only that, in its 1954 road test, 'The Motorcar' praised Britain's lowest-priced ton-up car for returning 'astonishing fuel economy' of 34.5mpg over 1,904 miles.

The TR2 was replaced by the 'wide grille' TR3 in 1955, now with 100bhp on tap (5bhp up on the TR2) and front disc brakes.  

According to the factory production record, this car was made between 8.30am and 9.30am (how very precise) on Wednesday 14th September 1955 – just over 60 years ago. It was painted British Racing Green and bore the shell number 841372 and was delivered through the Standard Motor Company to a Mr Cope of Roydon in Essex.

Nothing is known of its subsequent history, except that the car passed through the hands of a number of owners listed in the buff logbook, latterly as a major restoration project. One of its former owners even repurchased the car, planning to relive past memories but never managing to get the work underway.

At some point it was stored in a poor barn with the rear of the car exposed to the elements. This has taken its toll at the back-end, although the car appears largely complete and comes with a replacement front panel which is in excellent condition.

Requiring a complete ground-up restoration, this adult Meccano set will no doubt provide endless hours of entertainment for its new owner over the coming winter months. Just be sure to park it with the nose facing the garage doors when you swing them open to show it to the better-half…. 

AMENDMENT: Revised estimate