- Factory colours
- Overdrive gearbox
- Mille Miglia eligible
The first production road Triumph TR2 left the Triumph works at Canley in August 1953; thereafter production was very slow for several months. Just 250 cars were built prior to 1954 of which only 50 stayed within the UK.
At the start of 1954, production increased and TR2s began to dominate the home market. This was due to Triumph's determination that a reasonable proportion would stay in the UK, whereas MG, Morgan and Jaguar were mainly exporting.
The early TR2s were sought-after mainly because of their performance, low running costs, availability and low price. Such was the success of the TR2 that in 1954 one entered the famous Mille Miglia event where it came 28th out of 450 starters and in the Le Mans 24 Hours of that year another TR2 came 5th in class. Both results emphasised the strength and performance of the cars.
First registered on 22nd July 1955, this 'long door' example TR2 presents beautifully in its British Racing Green coachwork and tan interior. Unusually for a TR2, this car was specified from new with a miles-per-hour speedometer and overdrive gearbox.
The supplied BMI Heritage certificate confirms this and also shows the car to be a home market example. In the late 1990’s, the car was restored by respected TR specialists, TR Bitz, who restored the car from the ground up retaining all its steel panels at a cost of over £25,000, all of which is detailed in the accompanying receipts, along with a collection of photos following the project’s progress.
In a letter from TR Bitz from 1999, they state that the car was uprated to include a stainless steel exhaust system, unleaded converted cylinder head and balanced stage II engine, (currently running on Weber carburettors), wire wheels, (72 spoke), and a Motolita steering wheel amongst other details.
The car has also had the steering improved with the fitment of a steering rack in place of the heavy steering box and disc brakes fitted. ‘Long door' TR2s are lighter than their later siblings resulting in the cars being very spritely and this car is no exception, with the vendor reporting the car to run and drive incredibly well. The car comes with a full set of weather equipment, including the hood, tonneau cover and side screens.
Supplied with a UK V5C registration document, BMI Heritage Certificate, photographic record of its restoration and file of receipts and history of the car’s life as well as two sets of keys and a MoT test certificate valid until July 2023.
Sensibly modified for spirited driving, but also eligible for the Mille Miglia, this little TR offers great versatility and classic British motoring thrills.
Interested parties should be aware that this car is not a long door version as described in the catalogue.