Lot 81: Triumph TR5

Built for just 13 months, 1967-'68, the TR5 is the most sought-after of the Michelotti / Karmann-styled Triumph sports roadsters, combining the most elegant early looks with all-independent suspension and the best engine. Optional extras included overdrive, wire wheels and the Surrey Top, with detachable roof panel. Visually identical to the Michelotti-styled TR4, the TR5 hid its main differences under the body, and the most significant of these was the engine, the first British production sports car unit to feature petrol injection. The 2498cc straight-six used Lucas' new indirect injection system to develop 150bhp. Motor magazine recorded 6.3 seconds from 0-60mph and a top speed of 117mph when it tested a TR5 in May 1968. This engine was carried forward to the TR6, with the TR4/5 centre section cleverly 'topped and tailed' by Karmann to create an all-new looking model, the TR6. But it's the TR5 that aficionados seek out as the most attractive and collectible of the series. Only 1,161 were built for the British market, against almost 8,500 carburettor-fuelled TR250s for America. This particular example, a right-hand-drive UK market overdrive car, was the subject of a major 'body off' restoration in 1995, after which it was independently valued at �18,000. The work included a complete strip down, blasting and repair of the chassis, all mechanical parts reconditioned, a telescopic rear damper conversion plus all new trim and chrome. Since then it has covered only another 6000 miles and remains in "good" condition with regard to its engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork, says the vendor.