• Full exterior and mechanical restoration in 2012-14.
• Presents in truly remarkable condition for its 53 years.
Background
The left-hand drive Triumph TR250 was built by British car-maker Triumph Motor Company in Coventry between August 1967 and September 1968 – the same timeline as its right-hand drive stablemate, the Triumph TR5 – and was destined for the USA and Canadian markets. Price pressures and tighter emission regulations over there resulted in twin Zenith-Stromberg carburettors being fitted instead of the TR5's Lucas fuel injection system. Otherwise they are essentially identical.
The TR250's engine delivered 111bhp, which was 39bhp less than the TR5. Off the line, the 0-60mph dash took 10.6 seconds. The TR250 was also available with the ‘Surrey Top’ roof system.
At the time, the Triumph TR250 sold in North America for approximately $3,395. Wire wheels were a $118 option, along with overdrive at $175 and air conditioning $395.
Almost 8,500 TR250’s were built, many destined for the North American continent. Today, more than 1,300 TR250s are still active around the world and many are now found outside the United States and Canada, primarily in Europe.
According to the Certified Copy of a Factory Record, issued by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, the car was built on 4th June, 1968 and dispatched to the United States of America nine days later. Factory fitted options included a heater, a set of tubeless Michelin radials and a laminated windscreen. It is said to have remained in the same ownership during its 33 years across the pond.
In 2012, the car was imported to the UK and during the following 24 months underwent a full, rubber-up restoration and was re-registered on 1st October, 2014, after which it was sold on.
The present owner acquired the car in March, 2017. During 2018, the original odometer stopped working and was replaced by a refurbished original Smiths unit. The stated mileage is acknowledged to be approximate and comprises the 66,203 as recorded on the 2016 MOT document, plus the 1,035 displayed on the car’s odometer.
During 2020, the twin Zenith-Stromberg carburettors were rebuilt, a new brake servo and master cylinder was fitted as was a new battery. The current owner verifies that there has been no damage or repairs made to the car’s bodywork since restoration and that he has driven the car for around 1,000 miles since taking ownership.
The reason for sale is given as being lack of space and the hope that the new keeper will love and enjoy the car as intended.
With the car will come with its V5 Certificate, various previous MOTs, importation documents, the aforementioned Certified Copy of a Factory Record and a Triumph TR5 & TR6 Haynes Owner’s Workshop Manual for all models from 1967 to 1975.
Unfortunately, there is no documentation from its UK restoration available with the car. However, the original importer/restorer may have possession of any relevant paperwork in this regard, should the new keeper try to make contact.
During the car’s restoration, the original interior appears to have been retained as much as possible and presents very well considering its 53 years.
The veneered dashboard is original, as are the instruments and air vents, all of which are in working condition. The door cards and fittings are in very good order as are the carpets and other soft furnishings. A new folding roof was manufactured and fitted at the time of the car’s restoration and is in excellent working order.
The bodywork is in exceptional condition throughout and even the wheel arches shine and were worthy of their own set of photographs. The boot houses a full-sized spare wheel and is tidy and well presented, as is the spotless engine bay. Both undersides of the boot lid and bonnet are in pristine condition.
All of the car’s brightwork is in very good condition and the exterior electrics work as intended.
Front, rear and side sills of the car are blemish-free, as are the door under-sills. The condition of the car highlights the attention to details and quality of finish given at its UK restoration eight years ago.
The TR250 starts on the button, every time and idles smoothly with a throaty burble from the 2.5-litre in-line six.
The state of the mechanics is backed up by a spotless engine and engine bay. The under-workings of the car are clean and tidy and the suspension and running gear look to be in very good order indeed.
Who doesn’t love a convertible? True roofless aficionados know there are many reasons for having one on your driveway but, bragging rights aside, most are sensory. Exposed as you are to nature’s elements, there is a the heightened sense of motion, the rush of passing scenery, the fragrance of fresh, open air as dappled shade flickers over your Ray-Bans. Bliss!
In the all-too-brief time the writer spent in and around the car, it was easy to comprehend the passion that continues unabated for true Brit-grit motoring. There is little reason to doubt that FND 548F – presented here in what is not too far removed from showroom condition – will serve its new owner well for many years to come.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1968 Triumph TR250 LHD
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