1968 Triumph TR5 PI Overdrive
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Highlights
- One of the very last TR5’s off the line
- Full mechanical and body restoration in 2012
- UK overdrive car
- Arrived from Guernsey in early 2022
- Exceptional condition throughout
- 1 of just 1161 UK cars built
The Appeal
Back in 1968, the base price of the TR5 in the UK was £1,260 including taxes.
Standard equipment included front disc brakes, independent rear suspension, rack and pinion steering and a four speed gearbox. Optional extras included wire wheels at £38 a set (tick), overdrive for a hefty £60 (tick), and a full-cabin tonneau cover for a more respectable £13 (tick).
Standard equipment included front disc brakes, independent rear suspension, rack and pinion steering and a four speed gearbox. Optional extras included wire wheels at £38 a set (tick), overdrive for a hefty £60 (tick), and a full-cabin tonneau cover for a more respectable £13 (tick).
Admittedly, this particular TR5 is likely to cost quite a lot more today than it did 54 years ago, but just consider the benefits…exposed as you are to Mother Nature’s elements, a heightened sense of motion, the rush of passing scenery, the fragrance of fresh open air and dappled shade flickering across your Ray-Bans as summer gives way to a colourful autumn.
Couple that full-on sensory assault with owning one of the most stunning TR5’s available today and you can perhaps understand the appeal of this surviving Triumph TR5 PI Overdrive.
History and Paperwork
- Underwent comprehensive restoration in 2012
- Ex-Guernsey, arrived in the UK in early 2022
- UK V5 certificate in current keeper’s name
Production of the TR5 ceased on Thursday, 19th September 1968 with 3,043 cars made in 13 months. This particular TR5 with Chassis #CP3007 was one of the very last to come off the Coventry production line earlier that week.
It received its first UK registration on 1st October, 1968. Little is known of its fortunes thereafter, but we do know that it made its way over to Guernsey at some point in its life where it underwent a full mechanical and body restoration during 2012.
Earlier this year, the car arrived back in the UK and was subsequently acquired by its current (and just sixth) keeper in May 2022. Regrettably, the owner has not had the time initially anticipated to enjoy the car to its fullest and has decided to offer it up for sale to a new keeper who hopefully will more time with the car.
Accompanying the car will be a comprehensive file of invoices for past maintenance work undertaken over the years – including back when it was restored.
There is also the V5 certificate in the current keeper’s name and the original owner’s handbook.
There is also the V5 certificate in the current keeper’s name and the original owner’s handbook.
The Interior
- Interior trim re-deployed where able at restoration
- Presents in very good condition
- Small interior blemishes, but none too concerning
To retain authenticity during the car’s restoration over ten years ago, the decision was taken to re-use as much interior trim as possible.
The original classic wood rimmed steering wheel and veneered dashboard survived, as did the furniture finishes, door cards, carpeting and convertible soft top roof which appears in as-new condition.
The original classic wood rimmed steering wheel and veneered dashboard survived, as did the furniture finishes, door cards, carpeting and convertible soft top roof which appears in as-new condition.
Minor issues to note of the interior are the leather gear-lever boot which appears to come adrift of its retaining clips and the driver’s sun visor requires re-affixing. Barring those, the interior really is a great place to while away some leisurely road time.
The vendor reports all the electrics to be in good working order, including the switchgear and instruments.
The tidy boot currently houses a full cabin tonneau cover which will of course accompany the sale. Under the boot floor is the spare wheel and related tools.
The tidy boot currently houses a full cabin tonneau cover which will of course accompany the sale. Under the boot floor is the spare wheel and related tools.
The Exterior
- Presented in its original colour of Signal Red (Code 32)
- Brightwork around the car is in very good condition
- Optional wire-spoked wheels conclude the pristine exterior
Stunningly presented in the original colour of Signal Red that it would have left the factory, this outstanding Triumph TR5 PI + Overdrive is an exemplary example of its increasingly rare kind.
The chromed wire-spoked wheels present in blemish-free condition all round and are fitted with a set of new Michelin XAS tyres specifically engineered for classic car use.
As may be expected on a car presented in such a high standard, the front headlight lenses are crystal clear and the plastic indicator and reflector lenses show no hint of sun-bleaching.
The same may be said for the rear light clusters. Without exception, the brightwork around the car is in very good condition but some areas exhibit early indications of pitting but are of little consequence at this time.
A glance along each flank shows bodywork that the owner describes as 'laser straight' following its comprehensive restoration and the front number plate and valance remain blemish-free.
The same may be said for the rear light clusters. Without exception, the brightwork around the car is in very good condition but some areas exhibit early indications of pitting but are of little consequence at this time.
A glance along each flank shows bodywork that the owner describes as 'laser straight' following its comprehensive restoration and the front number plate and valance remain blemish-free.
The Mechanics
- Mechanically sound throughout
- Runs and drives as the original engineers intended
- Triumph’s 2.5-litre fuel-injected inline six still pulls strongly
At the photo location, the 2.5-litre power plant started first and every time and settled into a steady idle.
The manual transmission connected smoothly and the clutch engaged with little drama, requiring just a light feathering of the revs to get underway.
The manual transmission connected smoothly and the clutch engaged with little drama, requiring just a light feathering of the revs to get underway.
The engine bay is very tidy and clean and, like the immediately visible parts of this Triumph TR5, the underside of the car present in good order with almost no natural oxidation that may reasonably be expected on a car of this age.
Not much mileage has passed since its acquisition by the current keeper. However, he can report the vehicle to be in exceptional mechanical condition with steering, brakes, engine, drivetrain and running gear performing as well as intended.
Summary
Built by the Triumph Motor Company in Coventry, the TR5 was visually similar to the Michelotti-designed TR4 roadster from which it was derived.
Only 3,043 TR5’s were produced from 29th August 1967 to 19th September 1968. Of these, just 1,161 cars were destined for the UK market.
Offered up for sale in the hope that the new keeper will enjoy the car more than the current keeper has had time to, this super smart TR5 (chassis #CP3007) continues to present in truly exceptional condition even ten years after its comprehensive, body-off restoration.
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.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1968
- Make Triumph
- Model TR5 PI Overdrive
- Colour Red
- Odometer 82,211 Miles
- Engine size 2498
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Surrey
- Country United Kingdom
31
bids
- JP•••• £46,000 17/08/22
- st•••• £45,250 17/08/22
- JP•••• £44,750 17/08/22
- st•••• £44,500 17/08/22
- JP•••• £44,000 17/08/22
- st•••• £43,500 17/08/22
- JP•••• £43,000 17/08/22
- st•••• £42,000 17/08/22
- ty•••• £41,500 17/08/22
- st•••• £41,000 16/08/22
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