1968 Triumph TR5

When Michelotti"s sharp-suited new TR4 was unveiled at the London motor show in 1961, the car looked thoroughly modern, especially when compared with the old-fashioned TR3A that it replaced. However, the reality was that, under the skin, the car was still very much a TR3A as little more than the outer skin was actually new. Despite this, the TR4, and the TR4A that succeeded it were among the fastest affordable sports cars on offer throughout the 1960s. Cheap to buy and run, the cars" road manners, however, left a little room for improvement over the TR3A, despite the TR4 having gained rack and pinion steering, wider front and rear tracks to make it more surefooted, and an all-synchro gearbox. However, as stylish transport, they were pretty much unbeatable. All it cried out for, to compete with the new wave of saloon GTs was more power. Lots. The stock 2-litre GT6 engine was tried and, although smooth, was actually no quicker than the old tractor-derived four pot. The answer was simple though – enlarge the straight six by a massive 500cc to give a lusty 2.5-litre and make it breathe easier. With a better cylinder head and wilder camshaft, the engine worked well, although it was a bit lumpy at low revs until fuel injection was fitted to better monitor the fuel. All this lead, in October 1967, to the launch of the TR5. Outwardly the car was barely discernible from the TR4A, but the new engine, complete with Lucas fuel injection, turned the TR into a genuine performance car, with a handy 150bhp on tap. Because of strict emissions regulations in North America, the export version was hampered with twin carburetors instead of fuel injection, and cars destined for this market were badged TR250 instead of TR5. In truth, the TR5 was little more than a test bed for the new engine (which quickly found its way into the 2000 saloon). Realistically the car was effectively a stop-gap and only had to last around two years until Karmann had finished its work on the replacement, the TR6. However, with the benefit of hindsight, the TR5 is arguably the best of the lot, enjoying the great unsullied looks of the TR4 but with the raunchiness of the TR6.

Offered here is a genuine, UK delivered, Triumph TR5 finished in the lovely combination of Wedgewood Blue and black trim and was supplied new to Triumph dealers Sparshatts Ltd. of Southampton in May 1968. At some stage, the engine (or maybe just the block) has been replaced otherwise it remains in good original condition. The car has been well restored in the past and benefits from a re-trimmed interior, which looks fabulous with a wood-rimmed steering wheel and the dashboard veneer panel being changed for Burr Walnut or possibly Coromandel. However, it retains its original 'Vynide' factory hood which appears in good condition. The fuel injection has been overhauled. The spares package contains the original dash wooden panel in a lighter coloured wood and the induction airbox. Sitting on wires, this rare TR5 has a current MOT valid until August 2017.

There"s something about Triumph roadsters that means they"ll never go out of fashion, and the TR5 is the one to have judging by the recent demand for this quintessentially British sports car.