Description
Triumph TR2 Roadster 1954
- Excellently and professionally restored “body-off” to extremely original condition
- Valuation report 2025: Condition 1 (top condition)
- Eligible for participation in the Mille Miglia
- Original overdrive
- Mass key and anti-theft device
- Aluminium radiator
- “Long-Door” version (First and rarest model from the legendary TR series)
HISTORY/ DOCUMENTATION
A car is not often described as perfect, but this Triumph is truly in excellent condition. How could it be otherwise, as this TR2 has recently been professionally “body-off” restored by a skilled restoration company, with an eye for detail and originality. Thanks to this originality, the car is ideal for participating in the famous Mille Miglia rally. The exceptional condition of the car is also evident from the valuation report from July 2025, in which the car is described as excellent (condition 1). The so-called “Long-Door” (first series) began its life on 27 August 1954, when it left the factory in Great Britain and (like most examples) was shipped to the sunny climate of the United States. It was delivered here in 1955, which is why this year is listed as the year of manufacture in the books. The car was eventually imported to the Netherlands in 1992, where it was finally restored. The car comes with a folder containing, among other things, invoices for parts, a certificate of authenticity (1993), import documents, valuation reports (2025 and 1996), RDW documents and photos from before the restoration. Instruction/ workshop manuals are also included with the car. Freshly driven after restoration, this outstanding Triumph is now ready to move on to a new enthusiast.
EXTERIOR
What a sight: the classic look of the TR2 is beautifully accentuated by the “Prime Rose Yellow” colour and contrasts nicely with the burgundy interior. This is an early production “Long-Door” model, recognisable by its long side doors without sills at the bottom. The authentic small grille is also known as the “bomb crater” grille. This is the original model of the Triumph TR series. Naturally, the car is in top condition visually. For safety reasons, a tow hook has been added to the bonnet. The headlights are of the P700 type. The soft top is new and therefore in excellent condition. The wheels are also in very good condition, featuring the distinctive Triumph logo. Many chrome parts on the bodywork, such as on the bonnet and side screens, were originally painted in the colour of the car in the first series of the TR2. Because this was an extra step at the time, it cost more, so these chrome parts were no longer painted in the colour on later models. The car's panel lines are neat.
INTERIOR
The interior, side screens and soft top were newly supplied by a specialist company and are therefore in excellent condition. The seats and rear bench are upholstered in leather and the rest of the interior and boot are upholstered in velour. Everything is in beautiful, as good as new condition. The same applies to the boot, which can accommodate the soft top, tonneau cover and original tools. The tonneau cover and soft top are from Mercedes Classic line and are of high quality. Modern seat belts have been fitted for safety.
TECHNICAL
The car still has its original engine, which has been overhauled. The car has also been professionally restored, with attention to originality. The drum brakes have been retained, as has the Lockheed rear axle. This rear axle is fitted with Revington axle shafts, as the original Triumph axle shafts often break. The original steering system and bonnet locking system have also been retained. A mass switch has been fitted, hidden behind the dashboard. In addition, the Triumph is equipped with anti-theft and anti-self-ignition devices, an aluminium radiator (painted black), original A-type overdrive, a narrow modern V-belt, electric ignition and the authentic “high-torque” starter motor. The original DC dynamo has been converted to an AC dynamo.
GENERAL
The Triumph TR2 was the successor to the outdated Roadster and was intended to compete with MG's popular, lightweight sports cars. This was particularly true in the United States, where a large proportion of these sports cars were sold. With 8, 636 units built, the number seems small, but it was still a successful model for its time. It was a harbinger of the great success of the subsequent TR models, of which more than 200, 000 were sold. In 1952, a single prototype of the 20TS (also known as the TR1) was built, which formed the basis for the TR2. The TR2 went into production in 1953 and was succeeded by the TR3 in 1955. In terms of performance, the TR2 was ahead of its competitors: thanks to its low weight of 900 kg and a relatively powerful 1, 994 cc 4-cylinder engine with 2 carburettors and 94 hp, it was faster than, for example, the MG TF, and even the later MGA was less powerful and faster than the TR2. The TR2 sprints to 100 km/ h in 12 seconds. The car therefore came close to the performance of an Austin-Healey, but was considerably more affordable. Approximately 4, 000 of the first TR2s produced were the so-called “Long-Door” versions. Due to the absence of the sill, this version is lighter than later models, which is reflected in its manoeuvrability and sporty handling.
