Lot 429: Triumph TR5

The Triumph TR5 was built for a 13 month period between August 1967 and September 1968. Virtually identical to the Michelotti styled TR4, the TR5 hid the main differences under the body, and the most significant of these was the engine. The TR5 boasted a 2.5 litre straight 6 fuel injected engine developing around 150 bhp. At the time, fuel injection was uncommon in road cars, so much so that Triumph claimed in their sales brochure that it was the "First British production sports car with petrol injection. This engine could propel the TR5 from 0 to 50 mph in just 6.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 125 mph. Standard equipment included front disc brakes, independent rear suspension, rack and pinion steering and a four speed gearbox. The available optional extras included overdrive, wire wheels and a hard top with detachable roof panel - known as the 'Surrey Top'. The TR5 was produced in small numbers when compared with the later TR6, with just 2,947 units produced - of these, 1,161 were destined for the UK market. At the end of 2007, there were approximately only 500 TR5s registered in the UK with the DVLA. Manufactured in 1968 this now-rare car is fitted with the desirable overdrive and is described as being in excellent condition having undergone a full body-off restoration, part of a long and methodical maintenance history. A new red leather interior has been fitted boasting a beautiful burr Elm dashboard. To enhance driver enjoyment an original radio is fitted with a modern 200 amp stereo system and iPod connection. Finished in white and sitting on new chrome wire wheels this TR5 is supplied with an extensive service history, V5 document and various other paperwork. A well maintained example of this true British sports car.