Description
Styled by the prolific car designer Giovanni Michelotti, at first glance most will immediately think you're the proud owner of a Triumph TR4, but despite its near identical exterior appearance opening the bonnet will tell everyone that this is a very special car..... The Triumph TR5 PI. Released in the August 1967 the TR5, with its wonderful classic lines, was claimed to be the '“first British production sports car with petrol injection”..... hence the moniker PI. The 2. 5 litre straight six engine, fitted with Lucas Injection was only ever meant to be an interim model, ahead of the 'all new' TR6 and as such, having been built for only 13 months, the TR5 is not only regarded by most as the best full-width TR model but also the most coveted with only 2, 974 examples built and reputedly less than 600 examples remaining.
Built in January 1968 and dispatched to R. E. Wright & Company Ltd, Birkenhead, we're delighted to offer this beautifully presented Triumph TR5 PI. A genuine UK RHD 'home market' example, not the lessor US 'carburttored' TR250, this TR5 PI is finished in Signal Red, with Black interior with manual Overdrive and comes with her accompanying BMI Heritage Certificate and rarer Surrey top as presented.
An inspection of the comprehensive history file confirms that in 1994 the TR5 was purchased by a Mr Blyth, who continued to own the car for in excess of 20 years and that in 1997 he entusted his classic to Prestige Developments and Injection, Wrexham for a comprehensive, 1000hr + restoration, with the body-off restoration / works including, but not limited to:
- Complete body / chassis strip down to bare metal. Check all panels for damage / rust and carry out remedial repairs / replacement panels as required. Fully preparation of body tub, inner / outer all panels etc and painted in Signal Red, Chassis in black enamel and once fitted checked fully for chassis alignment. Rustproof / clear waxoyl to box sections and chassis.
- Suspension - All rubber bushes renewed, springs renewed, ball joints and trunnions renewed. All assembled to the chassis with new zinc plated nuts, bolts and washers. New shock absorbers fitted along with a new steering rack.
Brakes - New discs to front, original calipers reconditioned with new seals and pistons. Original rear drums fitted, new slave cylinders. All brake pipes renewed using cooper tube. Original Master Cylinder reconditioned with new pistons and seals.
- Wheels - New 15" K & N Minilite style alloys fitted.
- Engine, Transmission, Injection, Exhaust - Engine supplied as recondition unit including cylinder head. Fuel injection system replaced with reconditioned units, Stainless 6 branch manifold and system fitted. Gearbox stripped and inspected and found in good condition, reconditioned Overdrive fitted.
- Radiator - Re-core and air intake stripped and powder-coated.
- All new window rubbers, door seals etc.
- All new / replacement chrome.
- Interior - Original seats used, new carpets, new door / side and rear trim panels and new dash top
- Replacement of exterior lights, housing, gaskets etc as needed.
- Surrey top fully refurbished, new rubbers, lining, new soft-top cover.
- All new badges and decals.
- New 'Triumph' embossed rubber over-mats.
Invoicing for this period alone exceeds some £26k (the labour charge these days would exceed £50k!), with more recent history / invoicing too. Walking around the car now, the quality of the restoration still impresses; panel gaps, paint finish, chrome work, interior, engine bay detail and even the underbody / arches (where most would be covered in thick black tar, this TR5 still shows her floor pans body coloured and chassis waxoyled), all excellent given the 27 years and circa 11k miles driven ..... she's clearly been cherished and loved accordingly, with just minor wear and the odd very minor mark as our critical eye will observe, she certainly would look great in any collection or attending show, displays etc.
Opening the door and stepping into the TR5, the occupants are instantly taken back to classic motoring from the late 60's, the beautiful teak dash, switch-gear clearly labeled and full instrumentation give the driver an indication of the cars sporting intent. Starting the engine and the senses are heightened further, the 2. 5 litre PI engine bursts into life with its distinctive straight six rumble, heightened by her free flow stainless exhaust system and on selecting gear and going up through the gearbox, this 60's sportscar pulls strongly to a comfortable cruising speed with driver / passenger also able to enjoy the benefit of the smooth overdrive. There's no question about it, the TR5 really is a special classic, highly coveted (just 2974 built!) and offers a wonderful driving and aural experience.
Having purchased the TR5 earlier this year from one of the UK's leading TR specialist our local customer, a discerning gent who loves his open top sports cars, has found the '5' a little heavy and wishes to return to enjoying a modern Morgan, a Plus 6 with its 'old car' looks but more modern mechanics, and so having reached out to us, they've asked for our help in finding their car a new home, which we're doing on their behalf.
A beautiful example with wonderful history this TR5 just oozes charm and quality and looks resplendent finished in Signal Red. With freshly restored examples now commanding well in excess of £70k , we feel this 1968 Triumph TR5 PI represents exceptional value, a stunning example, supported with a comprehensive history file, photographic detail of her restoration, just 11k miles driven since '97 and featuring the highly desirable Surrey Top, TR5's don't come much nicer!
