Lot details
Registration No: JPN 135
Chassis No: TS5377
Mot Expiry: March 2013

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. Trials showed it to handle poorly, however, and the design was not progressed - the improved TR2 being launched the following year instead. Its two-seater body was mounted on a substantial ladder-type chassis. 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. The unit was coupled to a four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive on top as an option. Braking was effected by Lockheed drums all round. 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. The publication apparently commented that the Triumph was 'the lowest-priced British car able to exceed the magic 100mph barrier'. The test vehicle concerned was priced at £900 including taxes, and included £56 for the optional overdrive. The model was a success for Triumph, who achieved their aim of making a two-seater Roadster of appeal to the American market. A total of 8,628 TR2s were built, just 2,823 of which were for the home market.

The right-hand drive Triumph TR2 being sold is a 1955 car finished in Red and trimmed in Black. It has evidently benefited from restoration work in recent times and the V5/V5C suggest 'JPN 135' may have had just three keepers. The vendor currently describes the TR2 as "a very good car throughout" and is offering it complete with an MOT valid until March next year. The Triumph's odometer currently displays an unwarranted 45,000 miles.