1954 Triumph TR2 – Classified of the Week

As classic car enthusiasts, it’s easy to take the Triumph name for granted. In the case of British classics, it’s up there in conversation with the likes of Rover, Jaguar, Singer, Morris and more. But, were it not for one car, that might not have been the case. That one car was, of course, the ever popular Triumph TR2. A small but sleek and characterful two-seater roadster, the Triumph TR2 made motoring truly thrilling. And not just here. It put the company properly on the map after what was a dismal first effort in the form the TR2’s predecessor, the TR1/20TS. A car BRM’s Ken Richardson described as a “death trap“. Ouch. Happily though, the TR2 would be no such thing.

The TR2 was a much more resolved proposition, it was lower, longer and more powerful. It was also always designed to be a sports car, unlike the 20TS, so it was beautiful from the off. Powered by a 1,991cc inline-four with a four-speed manual transmission delivering power to the rear wheels, it could crack 100mph without breaking a sweat. Though in Jabbeke, Belgium, Ken Richardson would set record-breaking average speed of 124mph in a lightly modified version. You can read about it here.

So that’s a bit of history on the Triumph TR2 in general, but what about the glorious green machine you’re looking at here? Well, as classic Triumphs go, this is one to pounce on. The current owner has had this 1954 Triumph TR2 since 1967, even using it for his honeymoon in 1969. After this though, the car was put into storage for some thirty years before being given a full and no expense spared restoration in 1997 that would take until 1999. Since then, the car has seen regular but sparing use so as to keep it limber. As you might imagine, selling it has not been an easy decision to come to for the owner, but it’s time.

And whoever buys this car is going to be in for a treat. This is a stunner, a potential show winner in fact, but it’s one you can properly drive and enjoy. It’s covered a hair over 65,000 miles which when combined with the extensive restoration means it has many, many years of motoring left. The gloss green paint has a rich, deep shine, the chrome gleams, the wheel caps are all present, correct and in excellent order, and the cream interior looks almost new. The seats, the dash, the carpets – all fresh. It even comes with a full set of weather gear, meaning you really hove no excuse to avoid taking it up hill and over dale.

Priced at £22,000 (though the seller is open to offers), there is no denying how much of a bargain this 1954 Triumph TR2 is. The restoration would have cost far, far more than that. Then you have to consider all the spare parts that have been gathered over the years, that will be included in the sale. Bumpers, panels, chrome, gaskets, tools… the list goes on. There’s enough to ensure this car is always fighting fit, that’s for sure. So what are you waiting for? There can’t be many at this price point, in this condition, with such impressive history. Buy this. You will not regret it.