Impressive Michelotti styling with “Surrey” hard top
Reportedly the first British production sports car with petrol injection
The Appeal
Perfectly in line with Triumph’s DNA, the TR5 is a compact, nifty little roadster that set plenty of precedents. Widely marketed as the first British sports car with a petrol injection system, the nifty little straight-six engine made for a nippy little speedster - indeed, often seen as the most desirable of the TR models, and the fastest of them, too. They never reached massive numbers - indeed, only 2,947 were ever built, and it was only in production for a year.
This example comes to us after a thorough restoration and now boasts a luxurious interior, nifty Italian lines and that signal red colour scheme, all of which should make this a jewel in the crowd of any car collection. Sadly, the current owner doesn’t feel the car is getting the use it deserves, and has chosen to part with it. On the upside, it’s given you a serious opportunity to take on a bonafide British classic.
The History and Paperwork
Originally purchased ‘as a wreck’ for complete restoration in 2013
Built-in culmination with a separate restored shell and chassis
A total of two years spent on refurbishment
Successfully returned to the road in 2015
Only 4,572 miles done since restoration
MOT exempt, but has been MOT tested continuously
Valid MOT until September 2023
Double duck canvas for the surrey top
Car includes a substantial stock of paperwork including:
Previous MOT certificates dating back to 2015
British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Factory Record
Enormous stock of invoices dating back to at least 2004
V5 document
The Interior
Impressive vinyl & black leather interior with burr walnut veneers
All dials, controls and switches reported to work as expected
Entirely retrimmed as part of the car’s restoration
As part of the restoration, almost everything in this car’s compact little cabin is brand new. Those are fresh walnut veneers, new vinyl seats and door cards, all of which have been done to follow factory spec. What little legroom the TR5 offers is absolutely made up by the car’s nicely specified colours and materials.
The black leather seats boast a soft, curvy shape with a lack of rips and tears, carrying only a little patina and some very light surface marks. This extends to the nicely presented door cards and the curved rear of the cabin’s back bench.
The veneered dashboard is beautifully presented, with only light fogging to the original Smiths dials, nicely presented tactile knobs and switches, and a wood-rimmed Mota Lita steering wheel. The leather-wrapped switchgear looks sharp and nicely presented - save for some marks to the surround - and the carpets look to be in good order.
Round the rear of the car, the boot shelf is in good order, with all of the metal looking solid, and concealing a spare wheel.
Ultimately, it’s an interior that’s clearly benefited from being prized. A good wipe-down should be enough to bring this car up to even the most discerning driver’s tastes.
The Exterior
Beautifully appointed Signal Red colour scheme with bright chrome
Compact Italian lines with gentle curves and a boxy cabin
Complete with ‘Surrey’ hard top
Seller has the original enamel bonnet badge to go with it
Full set of Minilite wheels
With its Signal Red colour scheme, generous lashings of bright chrome and that distinctly boxy cabin, this roadster is beautifully designed with a marked continental flavour. The restorer has clearly cossetted the car beautifully, and it shows with every body panel.
The outer appearance of the car largely speaks for itself. We can’t see any blistering or corrosion, the panels are all straight and smooth and it’s all brightly presented. You might spot the odd tiny mark on the sills and arches, and some distinctive soap fogging around the car’s branding and badges - but they do very little to detract from the vehicle’s overall appearance.
A small mark can be spotted on the left-hand-side-rear of the bonnet, which the vendor attributes to an item falling inside the garage, and a scratch can be discerned on the Surrey-top’s roof, which has been touched up but is still visible on close inspection.
The chromework is bright with only the slightest touch of patina, contrasting beautifully against the car’s distinctive red livery. The headlight lenses are clear and fracture free, while the rear roof rack makes for both an aesthetic character-setter and a practical addition for the roaming road user.
The car is sitting on a full set of Minilite wheels, which are shod in a full set of Yokohama tyres.
Underneath, there’s a real treat waiting for the fan of classic British mechanics. Everything under here is beautifully presented, save for a little bit of dried grass - presumably from the vehicle’s car show appearances. The suspension, exhaust, engine bay and sills all present very cleanly, with only minor signs of wear.
The Mechanics
Impressive 2.5L six-cylinder engine with petrol injection
Four-speed manual transmission with overdrive
Fully overhauled including:
Numerous parts blasted and painted
Rebuilt suspension with poly bushes
New bosch fuel pump
Injectors and metering unit refurbished
Stainless steel exhaust
High torque starter
Lumination ignition
New brake servo and master cylinder
Replacement engine (original had a cracked block)
Engine stripped, rebored, crank ground etc.
Gearbox and overdrive stripped and rebuilt
New components used wherever necessary
No reports of leaks, mechanical faults or issues when driving
Car is reportedly starting, accelerating, braking and shifting as expected
A look under the bonnet of this unique little roadster gives a clear gaze at the Triumph I6 engine, complete with fuel injection. It all looks to be in fine fettle, with some slight signs of wear here and there in line with the vintage of certain components. The vendor having carried out the work himself means that he’s able to give a fully itemised list of what’s been performed.
It’s rare that a TR5 comes to us in such fine order, with so much having been carried out to ensure there are decades ahead of this beautifully restored car.
Summary
That distinct shape, the highly impressive period specs and the neat, highly presented interior all ensure that this red gem of a roadster should be a perfect addition to any enthusiast’s garage.
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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