Registration No: MFH 883
Chassis No: TS3456
MOT: May 2024

• UK supplied RHD long door example
• Current ownership since 2007 and still wearing the original registration of 'MFH 883',
• Subject to an extensive chassis up restoration from 1989 to 1998
• Despatch new to Triumph dealer, Westgate Motor Co. Ltd, of Gloucester

PLEASE NOTE: Although we have driven this lot for photography we believe the starter motor is now locked in position.

Triumph's TR Series began with the unveiling of a prototype at the 1952 London Motorshow. It was built around the chassis of the pre-war Flying Nine, the suspension from the Mayflower, and the engine out of the Vanguard. Its two-seater body was mounted on a substantial ladder-type chassis. The suspension was independent by coil springs at the front and a live axle and leaf springs at the rear. The newcomer's 1991cc four-cylinder Vanguard engine sported twin SUs and was tuned to produce 90bhp. Motor magazine's road test of a TR2 in 1954 achieved 11.9 seconds for the 0-60mph sprint and an ultimate speed of over 107mph.

Still wearing the original registration of 'MFH 883', the vendor purchased this TR in June 2007, from a well-known TR2 collector in the south of England, a Mr Bill Newman, from Orpington, Kent. Mr Newman had only owned it for some 10 months, having purchased it from its restorer, a Mr Roger Alderton of Launton in Oxfordshire. The latter had spent some nine years, between 1990 and 1999, getting 'MFH' back to as near to its original condition as possible. Thus, as many of the existing panels as possible were used in the rebuild, including the full length 'long doors', only fitted by Triumph on the first 4000 production cars, with a total of 8,628 manufactured.

Mr Alderton's aim had been to ensure that it was refurbished exactly to its factory specification, as shown on the Heritage Certificate, prior to its despatch to Triumph dealer, Westgate Motor Co. Ltd, in the centre of Gloucester. This meant that no extras were added, such as overdrive, heater, wire wheels, etc, all of which could be specified separately if requested.

The sophisticated cable operated, bonnet release mechanism was also sourced, renovated and fitted, and the Pearl White paint was researched and mixed exactly to ICI Belco’s 1950s formula, as used at the Triumph factory. The only perceived deviation from originality are the amber rear flashing indicators which the vendor has fitted on easily detachable brackets, as a concession to modern day traffic conditions. The car has also benefitted from a 'new interior'. Offered with photographs and a dated log of the restoration between 1989 to 1999, the car also has the all-weather equipment, a large collection of old MOTs and invoices back to the 1990s. Additionally, the original green logbook and current V5C are present.

For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760