Converted to desirable UK right-hand drive TR5 specification with fuel injection
29,000 miles since major engine rebuild and upgrade
Very well presented inside, out and underneath
The Appeal
In July 1967, Triumph took the popular TR4A and equipped it with a new six-cylinder, fuel-injected 2.5-litre engine to create the TR5. Triumph claimed that they had created the first British production car to feature fuel injection and only 2,947 were made before the bulkier TR6 came along shortly afterwards. Unfortunately, tighter emissions regulations meant that US exported TR5s weren't fuel injected. Called the TR250, these cars were detuned and fitted with Stromberg carburettors, depriving them of the performance endowed upon the UK TR5s.
Fortunately, this 1968 Triumph TR250 has since been converted to TR5 specification and is therefore every bit as impressive to drive as those coveted cars originally built for the UK market. It's in fantastic condition, now in right-hand drive for British roads and its accompanying collection of invoices details a very good service history.
If you're looking for the ultimate TR experience, the TR5 is commonly thought to be the greatest of all time, so this converted TR250 will be just as rewarding to own.
The History and Paperwork
MoT- and tax-exempt
Three owners since 1988
Owned for nine years by TR specialist
Substantial paperwork file
Invoices right back through car’s history
Current V5C
Lots of previous MoT certificates
The chassis number affixed to the car was seemingly changed to that of a TR5 when the car was converted to TR5 specification:
Original VIN: CD6279L
Current VIN: CP6279
Although declared manufactured in 1968, the car was originally sold to the US and was first registered in the UK in 1988. In 1990 well-known TR specialists Racestorations carried out a major engine rebuild at a cost of just under £5000, the equivalent of £14,000 today. The details of that are set out in extensive documentation from Racestorations which is all included in the file.
The engine was upgraded to UK specification and is now, says the vendor, ‘an exhilarating drive’. Since the engine rebuild the car has covered 29,000 miles, so is well run in but not at all tired. It was subsequently owned and maintained for many years by a TR specialist who carried out a considerable amount of work on the car, as is also set out in the documentation.
The vendor bought the car in 2020 and had intended to use it for sprint events. However, he soon realized that the car was rather too good to subject it to such use and he has instead just enjoyed driving it. However, he has other cars in his collection and has decided to sell the TR250 to free up funds for another intended purchase.
The vendor has fitted a pair of Mazda seats, as he finds these much more comfortable than the originals, but the originals are also supplied and are in extremely good condition. Everything else here looks to be original and presents extremely well.
The walnut dash is largely unmarked, with only some minor discolouration around the edge of the glove box.
The Exterior
Classic Michelotti design
Smart red paintwork
Doors, wings and bonnet recently resprayed
Recent underseal
Wire wheels
Soft top
Original ‘Surrey roof’ hardtop
TR5 badge on bonnet
TR5 PI and Triumph badge on boot
Still a handsome car after more than 55 years, the TR5’s elegant lines are part of its enduring appeal. This one looks good from all angles, and with both a soft top and a ‘Surrey roof’ hardtop (both in good order) it’s usable all year round with no need to worry about the weather.
The red paintwork is excellent, with only one very minor bubble on the rear panel below the rear window, while the doors, wings and bonnet have been recently resprayed.
The wire wheels are also extremely good, with no damage or corrosion, and the tyres all have plenty of good tread. The badges and brightwork are all good, with those on the boot lid showing some patina, while the headlamps, rear lamps and indicators are all unmarked.
The Mechanics
2.5-litre fuel injected straight-six now fitted
Four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive
Engine rebuilt by Racestorations
Upgraded clutch, recently rebuilt with new master and slave cylinders
29,000 miles covered since rebuild
Fuel injectors rebuilt by previous owner
Front suspension recently rebuilt
Starts and runs well
The vendor says that the car drives and handles beautifully, and having previously owned a TR3 and a TR6 considers that this is to be the best drive. It starts readily, and the engine idles beautifully.
Under the bonnet, the car’s long history of careful and attentive maintenance is immediately apparent, with everything clean and well-ordered. Underneath all appears in good order and has evidently been undersealed quite recently.
Summary
With its handsome lines, strong performance and superb handling, the TR5 is a genuine British classic and this well converted TR250 will be just as rewarding to own and drive in our view
With its history of fastidious maintenance (with the paperwork to prove it), and excellent bodywork, this example is all ready to be enjoyed on the open road.
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.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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