1955 TRIUMPH TR2 Registration Number: 498 UYN Chassis Numbe...

Estimate

£12,000 - £14,000

1955 TRIUMPH TR2

Registration Number: 498 UYN
Chassis Number: TS/6692-O 
Recorded Mileage: c.75,000 miles

Launched in prototype form at the 1952 London Motorshow, as with many early post-war efforts the new Triumph TR series used older technology as a basis. In this case the chassis of the pre-war Flying Nine, the suspension from the Mayflower, and the engine from the Vanguard. The new two-seater body was mounted on a substantial ladder-type chassis, fitted with independent coil springs to the front, and a live axle and leaf springs at the rear. Only built for two years, the Triumph TR2 performance was brisk from its 2 litre, 90bhp engine. The front independent suspension worked beautifully with the live rear axle to give sporting handling and a more-than-acceptable ride. When driven properly a standard TR2 hit over 107mph by The Motor magazine in 1954. When fitted with modest aerodynamic aids, a modified TR2 was timed at almost 125mph. No wonder it was deemed competitive enough to enter the Mille Miglia, the Grand Prix of Macau, RAC and Monte Carlo rallies, even Le Mans in 1955.

An original RHD example, this well traveled TR2 was built in June 1955, finished in Signal Red with a tan interior. The TR2 was fitted with discs wheels and overdrive, then swiftly exported to Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). The Triumph later found its way to South Africa, where it stayed for some 60 years, before returning to the UK. There is a theory (as yet unsubstantiated) that like other British sports cars exported to Africa in the 1950s, the TR2 may have entered competition in period, due to its louvred bonnet, spare fanbelt clipped around the timing chain cover, and larger radiator capacity. 

At point in the car’s past it was repainted in orange, appropriate in a way as its next destination was the Netherlands in 2005 with one owner for 10 years, who happily drove the TR2 around Europe on various vacations. The Triumph finally arrived back to the UK in 2015, and into the hands of a British enthusiast, the most recent private owner of the car.

After many decades in Africa, the body and chassis are in very well preserved condition, showing a charming patina, meanwhile the TR2 has been subject to various mechanical improvements in recent years. A rare survivor, '498 UYN' featured in ‘Triumph World’ magazine in 2017, a copy of which is in the history file. The file also contains the original instruction book, many older invoices from the last some 20 years, older photographs of the car, service book, a copy of a BMIHT Heritage Certificate, and current V5C document. 

This TR2 has a lovely worn-in feel to it, is a really hoot to drive, mechanically sorted and ready for summer!