1954 Triumph TR2 ‘Long Door’
Highlights
- Previously owned by an engineer who fastidiously documented all work completed
- Desirable UK market car in right-hand drive
- Used sparingly during present ownership
- Older restoration holding up very well
The Appeal
British sports cars were all the rage by the early 1950s, especially across the Atlantic. Triumph therefore needed its own if it were to compete in the burgeoning marketplace, so company boss Sir John Black sought a quick, easy solution - buying Morgan.
“The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry” and indeed Black failed to buy the Malvern firm, landing Triumph woefully behind in the race to build a world-beating roadster. They were just going to have to build their own, so Triumph hastily shortened the chassis of the Standard Eight, added a Standard Vanguard 2.0-litre engine and gave the car to BRM’s test driver Ken Richardson who immediately declared it a “death trap” before suggesting several vital improvements which would go on to form the basis of the soon-to-be exceedingly successful TR2.
“The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry” and indeed Black failed to buy the Malvern firm, landing Triumph woefully behind in the race to build a world-beating roadster. They were just going to have to build their own, so Triumph hastily shortened the chassis of the Standard Eight, added a Standard Vanguard 2.0-litre engine and gave the car to BRM’s test driver Ken Richardson who immediately declared it a “death trap” before suggesting several vital improvements which would go on to form the basis of the soon-to-be exceedingly successful TR2.
Here we have a delightful 1954 ‘Long Door’ example which sports a nicely aged older restoration. The car was so successful overseas that comparatively few were built for the home market. UK-supplied right-hand drive TR2s are therefore quite rare, making this an excellent opportunity.
This TR2’s previous keeper was an engineer who documented all the work done to the car. This can be read within the extensive history file and among the innumerable jobs was a bottom-end engine rebuild. The vendor has used the car very sparingly - reportedly on no more than three occasions during which it has performed very well. Lacking the time to use the car as much as it deserves, it is now offered for sale.
The History and Paperwork
- Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
- UK-supplied in right-hand drive
- Six registered keepers
- 3,091 miles indicated
- Extensive and carefully curated history file
- Numerous invoices and notes detailing the work completed
- In present ownership since October 2023
- We’re informed that it has been used very sparingly since the vendor acquired it
The Condition
- The older restoration has weathered in nicely and continues to hold up well
- Classically finished in white, with contrasting red hood, tonneau, interior and body seals
- Besides some slight localised paint bubbling, the finish and bodywork appear very smart
- Equipped with painted wire wheels, all of which present well
- The brightwork and badging looks in good shape
- The folding hood appears in smart order and the vendor demonstrates how it folds away neatly
- Complete with removable side screens and a tonneau cover
- The underside presents exceedingly well
- No notable wear to the upholstery, carpets or controls
- The dials and switchgear all look period-correct and in smart shape
The Mechanics
- 1,991 cc l4
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- Cleanly presented engine bay
- Previous mechanical work included a bottom-end rebuild
- We’re assured that the engine starts easily, runs well and is in healthy condition
- The Triumph is said to have performed as expected during present ownership
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
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