1954 Triumph TR2

Lot details
Registration No: LZ 5560
Chassis No: TS1982
Mot Expiry: June 2008

In the context of industrial Britain's post-war export-or-die drive, the personal rivalry between Jaguar's William Lyons and Standard-Triumph's Sir John Black only served to increase pressure on the latter's new sportscar project. Unveiled at Earls Court in 1952, favourable public reaction saw Triumph charge Ken Richardson with the task of translating its Type 20TS show car (often referred to as TR1) into production reality. Embarking on an intensive research and development programme, he designed a bespoke chassis built around an eighty-eight inch wheelbase. Equipped with independent coil sprung front suspension, a live rear axle and all round drum brakes, it was powered by a revised version of the company's 1991cc, ohv Vanguard engine. Developing an unstressed 90bhp this torquey unit was mated to a four-speed plus overdrive gearbox. Differing from the Type 20TS in offering a boot and internal spare wheel location, the prototype TR2s proved unexpectedly fast as witnessed by the 125mph (race trim) and 105mph (road trim) maximums posted by Richardson on a closed section of Belgian Jabbeke highway in Spring 1953. Deemed ready, the first production TR2 emerged in July that year.

Finished in red with black leather upholstery (piped in red), this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Acquired by the last owner's husband in January 1992, having had just two previous keepers since November 1980, 'LZ 5560' was promptly subjected to an extensive seven-year restoration by Hutchinson Motors. Kept in a garage, it has apparently covered a small mileage since work was completed in May 1999. Believed but not warranted by the seller to have covered some 50,000 miles from new, it is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until June 2008.