1968 Triumph TR5

Details

The TR series Triumphs stand as iconic British sports cars that are well known and loved by enthusiasts all over the world. It started back in 1952 when the Triumph 20TS, a prototype sports car which later became known as the TR1, was shown at the London Motor Show. Reactions were mixed, however, Triumph thought they were on to a good thing and the prototype evolved into the TR2 that was subsequently shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 1953. Triumph built over 8,500 of these 1991cc 4 cylinder sports cars from 1953 – 1955 and the rest they say was history. The model evolved into the TR3 (produced from 1955 – 1962), the TR4 (built from 1961 – 1965), the TR4A (built from 1965 – 1967), the TR5 (built from 1967 – 1968) and ultimately the TR6 (1969 – 1976). Subsequent TR models were interesting cars but it’s fair to say the evolution of the TR2 finished at the TR6.

Perhaps the most interesting and certainly the rarest of all of the TR production cars is the TR5 with only 2947 cars built. The most significant change from the TR4 was the introduction of a 6 cylinder 2.5 litre fuel injected engine that boasted an impressive 150 bhp that could propel the car from 0 – 50 mph (80 km/hr) in just over six seconds and a top speed of just under 120 mph (200 km/hr).

Today the TR5 remains the most sought after and collectible of the TR series cars.

We are delighted to offer a fabulous and very unique 1968 Triumph TR5.

It is understood that this car was Australian delivered, however, little is known of its early history. The current owner acquired the car back in August 2003 off a Mr George Skewes who lived in Brisbane. At the time the car was partly disassembled. Skewes owned the car for some 15 years, acquiring it in the mid 1980’s from a Mr Kerry Charlton a Qantas engineer based in Longreach in central western Queensland. When Skewes acquired the car from Charlton it was a car that was well used and was best described as a ‘rough driver’.

Once the current owner acquired the car he embarked on a complete nut and bolt restoration and he has compiled an extremely comprehensive history file for the car whilst in his ownership. The car was painstakingly restored over a four year period and since then it has been meticulously maintained regardless of cost. All of the work has been undertaken by marque experts.

Today the car still presents and drives superbly. Finished in old English white the paintwork is fresh and bright and it is complimented by the chrome, trim and glass which are also excellent. Similarly the interior which is finished in contrasting burgundy is like new. The seats, door trims, dash, carpets, soft top and tonneau covers are all excellent. Importantly everything works as it should (including the heater!) and the car drives as well, if not better, than it looks. The gear change is slick and very smooth and the engine starts on the button and pulls very strongly through the rev range. The car is very tight on the road with no rattle or squeaks and it is an absolute delight to drive.

The car could quite easily be a concours contender save for a number of subtle improvements to enhance its usability. These improvements include an uprated engine for improved performance, aluminum radiator with electric cooling fans, a Revington electronic overdrive, a modern air conditioning system discretely fitted under the dash and a number of subtle TR5 enhancements to make the car better!

Interestingly the restoration is fully documented over four parts in Australian Classic Car magazine from July to October 2006 which is a fantastic accompaniment to the car and its rich history.

It would be difficult to find a better example anywhere in the world.