In Triumph parlance, the letters "PI" stand for "Petrol Injection," and the genuine TR5 PI was the first production Triumph fitted with Lucas mechanical fuel injection, developing a very respectable 150 bhp from its 2.5-litre straight-six. Produced for a single model year, it ranks amongst the rarest of the TR range.
 
This particular car requires some important clarification. While it carries French registration papers (Carte Grise) identifying it as a TR5 PI, closer inspection reveals it is in fact built around a TR250 chassis, confirmed by the original manufacturer's plate, fitted with a North American-specification TR6 engine, itself equipped with fuel injection, as confirmed by the engine numbers. This is therefore a non-matching-numbers car.
 
The Histovec report indicates the vehicle's registration history dates back to 1968, based on the original TR250 assembly plate, but suggests the rebuild combining these components most likely took place around 1993. At that time, the car appears to have undergone rebuild and was presented to the DREAL for inspection and registration as a "new vehicle," receiving its current French registration and TR5 PI designation.
 
We believe this is the most plausible explanation for how a TR250 and TR6 engine came to be combined into a single, French-registered vehicle described as a TR5 PI.
 
Beyond its unusual history, this is a well-sorted and usable example. Imported to France roughly thirty years ago and registered as a classic vehicle, its known French history since that point is supported by numerous invoices, though no documentation exists relating to its earlier American life prior to the 1993 rebuild. The vendor purchased the car in late 2023 and has kept routine maintenance current. Thoughtful improvements have been made to the fuel system, and the paintwork was refreshed approximately fifteen years ago. The vendor describes the mechanics and injection system as being of a high standard, noting that the car drives well, with easy gear changes and effective straight-line braking. Stored in a closed, dry garage and driven regularly on club outings, this is a well-presented and usable classic, offered with full transparency regarding its unusual build history.
 

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