1968 Triumph TR5 PI O/D
Highlights
- Registered in France as a TR5 PI, but built using a TR250 chassis (US-market import) fitted with a North American-spec TR6 engine with fuel injection
- Rebuild and DREAL registration believed to have taken place in 1993, based on the Histovec report
- Numerous mechanical improvements including a partitioned aluminium fuel tank and upgraded fuel system
- Known French history since 1993, supported by numerous invoices
The Appeal
In Triumph parlance, the letters "PI" stand for "Petrol Injection," and the genuine TR5 PI was the first production Triumph fitted with Lucas mechanical fuel injection, developing a very respectable 150 bhp from its 2.5-litre straight-six. Produced for a single model year, it ranks amongst the rarest of the TR range.
This particular car requires some important clarification. Whilst it carries French registration papers (Carte Grise) identifying it as a TR5 PI, closer inspection reveals it is in fact built around a TR250 chassis, confirmed by the original manufacturer's plate, fitted with a North American-specification TR6 engine, itself equipped with fuel injection, as confirmed by the engine numbers. This is therefore a non-matching-numbers car.
The Histovec report indicates the vehicle's registration history dates back to 1968, based on the original TR250 assembly plate, but suggests the rebuild combining these components most likely took place around 1993. At that time, the car appears to have undergone rebuild and was presented to the DREAL for inspection and registration as a "new vehicle," receiving its current French registration and TR5 PI designation.
We believe this is the most plausible explanation for how a TR250 and TR6 engine came to be combined into a single, French-registered vehicle described as a TR5 PI.
Beyond its unusual history, this is a well-sorted and usable example. Imported to France roughly thirty years ago and registered as a classic vehicle, its known French history since that point is supported by numerous invoices, though no documentation exists relating to its earlier American life prior to the 1993 rebuild. The vendor purchased the car in late 2023 and has kept routine maintenance current. Thoughtful improvements have been made to the fuel system, and the paintwork was refreshed approximately fifteen years ago. The vendor describes the mechanics and injection system as being of a high standard, noting that the car drives well, with easy gear changes and effective straight-line braking. Stored in a closed, dry garage and driven regularly on club outings, this is a well-presented and usable classic, offered with full transparency regarding its unusual build history.
Key Information
In Triumph parlance, the letters "PI" stand for "Petrol Injection," and the genuine TR5 PI was the first production Triumph fitted with Lucas mechanical fuel injection, developing a very respectable 150 bhp from its 2.5-litre straight-six. Produced for a single model year, it ranks amongst the rarest of the TR range.
This particular car requires some important clarification. Whilst it carries French registration papers (Carte Grise) identifying it as a TR5 PI, closer inspection reveals it is in fact built around a TR250 chassis, confirmed by the original manufacturer's plate, fitted with a North American-specification TR6 engine, itself equipped with fuel injection, as confirmed by the engine numbers. This is therefore a non-matching-numbers car.
The Histovec report indicates the vehicle's registration history dates back to 1968, based on the original TR250 assembly plate, but suggests the rebuild combining these components most likely took place around 1993. At that time, the car appears to have undergone rebuild and was presented to the DREAL for inspection and registration as a "new vehicle," receiving its current French registration and TR5 PI designation.
We believe this is the most plausible explanation for how a TR250 and TR6 engine came to be combined into a single, French-registered vehicle described as a TR5 PI.
Beyond its unusual history, this is a well-sorted and usable example. Imported to France roughly thirty years ago and registered as a classic vehicle, its known French history since that point is supported by numerous invoices, though no documentation exists relating to its earlier American life prior to the 1993 rebuild. The vendor purchased the car in late 2023 and has kept routine maintenance current. Thoughtful improvements have been made to the fuel system, and the paintwork was refreshed approximately fifteen years ago. The vendor describes the mechanics and injection system as being of a high standard, noting that the car drives well, with easy gear changes and effective straight-line braking. Stored in a closed, dry garage and driven regularly on club outings, this is a well-presented and usable classic, offered with full transparency regarding its unusual build history.
Key Information
- Mileage: 6,500 km (indicated)
- Country of registration: France
- MOT status: Valid until January 2029
- Technical specifications: 2.5-litre straight-six petrol engine (North American TR6-spec) with Lucas mechanical injection, four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive on 3rd and 4th gears
- Chassis: TR250 (US import), confirmed by original manufacturer's plate
- Engine: TR6, North American specification, confirmed by engine numbers, fitted with fuel injection
- Numbers: Non-matching — chassis and engine are not original to one another
- Documentation: Histovec report; numerous invoices documenting French history since c.1993; no documentation relating to the vehicle's earlier American life prior to rebuild
The Details
- Routine maintenance current; engine, gearbox and differential overhauled
- Injection pump overhauled and set
- New partitioned aluminium fuel tank installed
- Bosch fuel pump installed under the wing with cooler, along with an additional cooler on the fuel return line
- Aluminium expansion tank installed and filled
- New Vredestein tyres installed
- Leather seats with headrests and new carpets with rubber over-mats
- New dashboard installed; original dashboard also included
- Speedometer previously faulty, but repaired and calibrated
- Inertia-reel seatbelts installed
- Front spoked wheels to be repainted before sale due to minor recent paint loss
- Paintwork refreshed approximately fifteen years ago; presents well with a few minor stone chips
- Bodywork in good overall condition with a few minor signs of wear
- All instruments and equipment reported as functional
- Adjustable rear dampers installed
- Bespoke hood cover and tonneau cover included
- Stored in a closed, dry garage and driven regularly on club outings
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