Highlights
- Right-hand drive conversion
- Only 5700 miles from new
- Recent comprehensive restoration using original engine
- Impressive history file
The Appeal
Whilst the TR4 introduced an all-new and very pretty body design by the heroically prolific yet chronically under-celebrated Giovanni Michelotti, Leyland’s first Triumph roadster was nevertheless still running the old TR3’s powertrain and running gear.
That changed with the introduction of the TR5, which received a 2.5-litre straight-six engine to replace the four-cylinder unit from the older cars, as well as standard independent rear suspension for better ride and cornering capabilities.
That changed with the introduction of the TR5, which received a 2.5-litre straight-six engine to replace the four-cylinder unit from the older cars, as well as standard independent rear suspension for better ride and cornering capabilities.
The TR5, however, is substantially rarer than the visually identical TR4 – with just 11,431 built overall (compared to 40,253 TR4-series cars).
Of those, 8484 were of the TR250 variation, created for North American markets with a twin-carburetted version of the engine instead of the UK/European TR5’s new Lucas electronic injection system.
As a result, the TR250 served as a more direct update for the TR4, with the same performance as before but all the prestige and smooth refinement of a straight-six and an independent rear end.
Then and now, the TR250 also boasts a much more attainable price of admission into the life-affirming world of sonorous open-air motoring, compared to the fuel-injected TR5.
Of those, 8484 were of the TR250 variation, created for North American markets with a twin-carburetted version of the engine instead of the UK/European TR5’s new Lucas electronic injection system.
As a result, the TR250 served as a more direct update for the TR4, with the same performance as before but all the prestige and smooth refinement of a straight-six and an independent rear end.
Then and now, the TR250 also boasts a much more attainable price of admission into the life-affirming world of sonorous open-air motoring, compared to the fuel-injected TR5.
The History and Paperwork
- Imported from the USA in 1991 (1990 Bill of Sale from Santa Fe, NM included)
- Independent verification of authenticity from 1990 included
- Full £10,000 restoration carried out in 2015; paint colour change in 2016
- Vast history file documenting restoration and specialist maintenance back to the ‘90s
- Wiring and lubrication diagrams included among other service information on file
- V5 present, MOT until May 2023, original handbook included
- Aftermarket tools with wooden wheel nut lever included in boot
The Interior
- Retrimmed interior with new wood dashboard and carpets (including boot)
- Seatbelts retrofitted
- Right-hand-drive conversion
The cabin has recently been restored with attention paid to every detail.
The new wood dash and door tops are therefore pristine, as are the fresh black carpets, while the plush dark-blue seats with white piping compliment the Powder Blue exterior superbly and show only one mark on the driver’s side.
The new wood dash and door tops are therefore pristine, as are the fresh black carpets, while the plush dark-blue seats with white piping compliment the Powder Blue exterior superbly and show only one mark on the driver’s side.
Whilst all TR250s were built in left-hand-drive for export to the USA and Canada, this imported example has been converted to right-hand-drive during its restoration, to better suit driving on British roads.
The seller confirms that all the electronics in the car work without issue.
The seller confirms that all the electronics in the car work without issue.
The Exterior
- Powder Blue paint and metallic silver nose stripe applied in 2016
- Spotless brightwork, wire wheels
- Roof and vinyl cover retrimmed this year
The combination of a recent restoration and the exceptionally low mileage yields an exterior that’s in stunning shape, its sky-blue hue and like-new chrome brightwork inspiring spontaneous praise from all who saw it during the photoshoot.
The convertible roof is freshly fitted and comes with a black vinyl tonneau cover to protect it from the elements when the summer sun is out.
The seller does note that, on closer inspection, the paintwork shows a few micro blisters on boot lid, a small chip to driver’s door shut and just a small patch of bubbling on passenger door.
The convertible roof is freshly fitted and comes with a black vinyl tonneau cover to protect it from the elements when the summer sun is out.
The seller does note that, on closer inspection, the paintwork shows a few micro blisters on boot lid, a small chip to driver’s door shut and just a small patch of bubbling on passenger door.
The Mechanics
- Engine bay in excellent condition
- High performance camshaft fitted
- Overhauled brakes all around with new front callipers (all adjusted since MOT advisory)
- Full-size spare wire wheel included
- Spare alternator, clutch and various fittings also included
As well as looking the part, the twin-carburetted straight-six engine makes a fantastic noise even at parking speeds and is sure to be a wonderful companion on a tree-lined B-road as you row the wood-topped gear lever and take in the fresh air.
Armed with hotter cams, it will also offer more performance than it ever did in 1968, just for good measure.
As befits a machine of such an impressively low mileage, this is a pampered car that is only brought out of the garage if the sun looks set to stay out.
All you need to do is give it some time to warm up and then it’ll be ready to run smoothly all day long.
Armed with hotter cams, it will also offer more performance than it ever did in 1968, just for good measure.
As befits a machine of such an impressively low mileage, this is a pampered car that is only brought out of the garage if the sun looks set to stay out.
All you need to do is give it some time to warm up and then it’ll be ready to run smoothly all day long.
Summary
This restored matching-numbers US import is a fabulous way to take in the best of a British summer at attainable speeds, with an exterior and interior condition worthy of display at a car show, let alone pride of place on your driveway.
With such fresh mechanicals and such attention paid to the details during restoration and maintenance, a pleasure drive in this TR250 will feel like a real triumph.
Notice to bidders
With such fresh mechanicals and such attention paid to the details during restoration and maintenance, a pleasure drive in this TR250 will feel like a real triumph.
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.
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.
