Triumph TR250: Models, Specs and Buyer’s Guide

Triumph quickly evolved the TR line in the 1960s, replacing the TR4A with a 1967 refresh that introduced the TR5 for Europe, featuring mechanical fuel injection, and the TR250 for US audiences, which utilised twin Zenith-Stromberg carburettors to meet emissions regulations. 

The TR250 retained its distinctive Michelotti body, featuring a new grille and bonnet bulge, over a proven chassis equipped with a torquey 2.5-litre engine and optional overdrive for relaxed cruising. The restyled TR6 arrived in 1969, retaining many of the mechanical features listed below, now paired with new Karmann bodywork.

The brief TR250 era centred on its 2.5-litre six-cylinder engine, independent rear suspension and overdrive gearing. Front disc brakes were standard, though the owner’s choice of tyres and damping could make a notable difference to real-world performance.

Core Technical Themes (TR250 Context)

• Layout: front-engine RWD, body-on-frame construction; 2-seat roadster with an optional hardtop.

• Powertrain: 2.5-litre carburettor-fed OHV inline-six connected to a 4-speed manual gearbox with optional overdrive.

• Chassis: double-wishbone front; trailing-arm rear with coils.

• Brakes: front discs, rear drums.

Performance (Indicative Period Tests)

Compact proportions and low mass defined the TR driving feel throughout several generations, while the uprated rear suspension markedly improved ride and traction compared to earlier live-axle TRs.

Michelotti’s taut surfacing and upright glasshouse resulted in purposeful sports-car detailing, while the TR250’s grille, bonnet bulge and stripework distinguished it from its TR4A predecessor. The cabin is classic late-’60s Triumph, with a simple, legible and driver-centric approach.

Face and bonnet: a revised egg-crate grille and central power bulge were accentuated by a period bonnet stripe on the TR250.

Proportion and stance: a compact wheelbase gave a nimble appearance in tandem with chrome bumpers, simple tail lamps and wire or steel wheels measuring 15 inches.

Options and colours: period solid and metallic paints still look good, while the stripe and badges were specific to TR250 models. The choice of mirrors, wheels and hardtop allowed for further customisation.

Layout: twin seats face onto a wood-veneer dash with a large central speedo/tachometer and auxiliary gauges. The vinyl seats with piping are entirely of their time, with storage behind them.

Controls: 4-speed manual transmission with optional stalk-mounted overdrive switch. A wood-rimmed steering wheel was common, while simple heater/ventilation controls could be augmented by a removable hardtop for winter use.

The TR250 was released long before modern impact regulations were devised, so safety equipment is minimal by today’s standards. It did have front disc brakes and rack-and-pinion steering, while the late 1960s saw the widespread fitting of seatbelts, and later cars moved towards energy-absorbing columns.

They’re the same basic car, but the US-specification TR250 used twin carbs for higher emissions and lower quoted power, whereas the TR5 sold elsewhere in the world received fuel injection.

It’s highly desirable, since it drops revs at cruising speed and broadens the car’s touring ability. It also adds value.

Produced for roughly two model years for the US market alone, it is notably rarer than the later TR6, especially in the UK.

Pay attention to chassis corrosion, trailing-arm mounts, bulkhead/sills, brake hydraulics, wiring condition and evidence of correct carburettor tuning.

There is excellent support for the engine, chassis and trim, especially since many TR4A/TR5/TR6 components are seamlessly interchangeable into the TR250.