1968 Triumph TR5 – Auction Car of the Week
January 8, 2023
The Triumph TR5 is arguably (and it’s a strong argument) the jewel in the TR series crown. Retaining the gorgeous design work of Giovanni Michelotti from the previous TR4 and TR4A the body was largely unchanged but this time around Triumph dropped a 150bhp 2.5-litre straight-six into the mix, replacing the steadfast four-pots of previous models and catapulting the car into an entirely different postcode as far as performance was concerned. Top speed was now 120mph and 60mph came in under 9 seconds. Yes please.
Launched in 1967 the TR5 was never intended as a full-on accession of the range, with Triumph treating it as more of an interim model, unwilling to design an entirely new car at the time – something that would occur later on with the release of the re-styled TR6. And that’s part of what makes the TR5 so special – its exclusivity. Having only been in production for a little over a year less than 3,000 of them were built, with a large number of those having succumbed to rust or having been exported outside of the UK, all of which means that the TR5 is an incredibly rare sportscar. The Americans got a carburetted and therefore less powerful version due to emissions regulations and some TR4s have had their engine’s transplanted and passed off as 5s but as the old saying goes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
But it wasn’t just those Italian good looks that makes the TR5 such a sought-after classic though. It’s an absolute blast to drive too thanks to that increased power, relatively low curb weight and fully independent rear suspension. Simple mechanicals and a decent boot make it a practical choice as well and there is great club and specialist support, putting the cherry firmly on top of this particularly tasty cake.
The car we have available via our auctions platform is a rather well-presented 1968 model, retro-fitted with the desirable factory overdrive which makes it a much more usable proposition. Having undergone a full exterior bare metal restoration in 2021 the body and Royal Blue paintwork is truly stunning with only some minor pitting to the chrome worthy of mention. Prior to this the car was treated to a full body-off restoration in 1995 which saw many interior and mechanical components replaced and restored but that’s not to say this is a garaged show-pony. Despite being kept garaged and under cover the car does get used, as evidenced by its 100K mileage figure, which is vitally important for any classic to keep the wheels greased and the juices flowing, so to speak. So long as the thing has been properly serviced and maintained, something that this particular car can attest to.
It’s not just the exterior of the car that is in fine fettle. The interior is just as tidy and commensurate with the overall condition of this wonderful ’60s sportster. Resplendent in its original black and wood trimmed cabin the inside of the TR5 is fantastically well-kept and everything here is factory and fully functional. An inviting space and a wonderful compliment to the muscular Royal Blue Michelotti-penned body.
Mechanically speaking this particular TR5 is bang on. Benefiting from a full service and additional documented maintenance in 2021 it performs as good as it looks with the strong 2.5-litre six-cylinder driving the rear wheels via a well-maintained four speed gearbox with that aforementioned and incredibly useful overdrive.
This is a well-maintained, fully restored example of one of Triumph’s finest and most desirable models. It’s also an incredibly fun classic car that can be used and enjoyed without fear of reprisal. Of course, there are no guarantees that nothing will go wrong or that you won’t have any issues going forward but with a well-documented history and fantastic support for these cars it provides not only entry into an exclusive club but also that all-important peace of mind to know that things can be fixed and parts can be sourced without any drama. All that’s left for you to do then is head over to the listing to further fuel your already growing desire by poring over the plethora of pictures and then hit that bid button. Best of luck.
