Impressive period condition with only small modifications
Subject to a hefty restoration from 1997 to 1999
Highly impressive paperwork file
One of fewer than 500 known to be left on the road in the UK
MOTd and Serviced today for the new owner! 10/05/23
The Appeal
Introduced in 1953, the Triumph TR2 was a crown jewel for the Standard Motor Company. A smooth-styled, long-bodied, friendly-looking sports car with low sweeping doors and - crucially for an emerging petrolhead culture - was declared by The Motor magazine as the cheapest British car that could exceed 100mph. It was a hit in the UK, and a smash hit in the US - with most of them shipping Stateside.
With its glamorous aesthetic, it’s perhaps no wonder that this particular example was used for the vendor's honeymoon in 1969 and was cherished ever since. Having spent some thirty years cossetted in storage, in 1997 a huge restoration was commenced.
Since then, it’s been driven annually to keep it limbered up, but is cloying for a more regular drive. As a result, the vendor has made the very difficult decision to sell.
Highly attractive cream interior with period features
Upgraded with electronic ignition for ease of use
Sympathetically installed modern Kenwood radio/cassette player
Stepping into this TR2 is a charming experience. The low-sweeping doors and cream leather upholstery all act as a testament to a simpler time of what was surely a thrilling experience on the road. Thankfully, much of that evocative nature is kept in fine stead.
The leather seats are beautifully wrapped in plush-looking leather, which appears to have garnered only a slight patina. This continues beautifully to the simple but practical door cards, which boast a nicely mounted, lightly patinated chromework.
The dashboard is beautiful, with big bowl-dialed Jaeger instruments still sitting in their place in good working order, while the tactile switches and knobs are all present and correct. A modern Kenwood radio/cassette has been installed under the glove compartment, which is the only hint of changing times the car has been through.
The carpets present nicely, and the generous boot space looks good and solid, with no major faults we can find.
Highly impressive curvy bodywork with distinctive ‘face’ profile
Deep green paintwork with chrome trims
Upgraded headlights
Interior-coordinated cream soft-top
From the distinctive ‘eyes and mouth’ profile to the car’s front, to the sweeping arches and pronounced boot, the TR2 is arguably one of the most distinctive Triumph cars, with an attractive period appearance that remains incredibly endearing.
With its deep green colour scheme, this example is beautifully presented, with a colour-coordinated soft top really completing the look. The original bodywork is straight and nicely presented, with smooth-looking paintwork and only a light patina to the chrome.
We can spot some very slight damage to the offside rear corner, right on the edge of the bodywork, but it does nothing to distract from the car’s fabulous condition, nor do the minor chips or exhaust staining to the rear’s lower extremities.
The headlight glasses and screens all look superb, and the cream soft-top is in excellent order with no rips or tears we can spot. All of the Triumph branding is resplendent, and a classic AA badge sits proudly on the centre of the car’s distinctive grille.
The car is sitting on period-accurate colour-matched wheels - which are real lookers, thanks to Triumph’s distinctive globe branding - and are shod in a good set of very clean, nicely-treaded Firestone tyres.
Underneath, the car proudly declares its lifestyle of luxury - we can spot very minor signs of wear, and it looks to be in superb fettle. The floors were all replaced with period-accurate stock during the restoration, and it really shows.
The Triumph 1991cc I4 is still quite a distinctive little engine, and provides plenty of speed for this distinctly nimble roadster. Popping open the bonnet displays a nice, clean engine bay that’s clearly benefited from the same level of care as the rest of the car.
We’ve been informed of no issues with the TR's mechanics, and from what we can see there are no visible signs of extensive corrosion, leaks or other issues. The vendor reports that it’s still driving beautifully.
It’s always a pleasure to see a car that’s been truly cherished at Car & Classic, and this beautiful example of a legendary British Roadster is a perfect ambassador. With sensible, unintrusive upgrades and a highly impressive history, there’s little more to ask from this superb car.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
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1954 Triumph TR2
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