A review of The Triumph Sports Car, focusing on the development, important features and technical data of each model in the Triumph TR range, from the TR2 to TR8.
In this Article, I offer a nostalgic look at the Triumph TR sports car, one of an elite group of classic cars, which was manufactured during the period 1953 to 1981.
Prior to the introduction of the Triumph sports car, the Standard Motor Company acquired the Triumph Motor Company in 1944, and production at this subsidiary was moved to Standard's own factory near Coventry.
Furthermore, in the early 1950's, the decision was made to market saloon cars under the name of Standard, and to position the Triumph name into the sports car market.
As a result, in 1952, the Triumph TR2 was born and became the forerunner of a range of TR's produced continuously until 1981. The TR2 was designed specifically to counter the presence of MG in the US market.
In 1955, the next classic car in the range was the TR3 which offered, as additional extras, both an occasional rear seat and a steel hard top. It was noticeable by its distinctive front grill.
In 1957, the most obvious change to the TR3 was the addition of a full width radiator grill. Consequently, this model was unofficially renamed the TR3A. It also displayed exterior door and lockable boot handles.
In 1961, the classic car range was enhanced with the introduction of the TR4. This utilised both the drive train and chassis that had been used on previous TR's, but incorporated a re styled body by Michelotti.
Further differences between it and the TR3 included rack and pinion steering, a bigger engine, a gearbox with synchromesh on gears one to four, plus wider front and rear track.
In 1965, the TR4 was updated with independent rear suspension, to provide a smoother ride, as well as a new chassis. It was renamed the TR4A, and sported a distinctive "IRS" badge at the rear, and chrome indicators on the wings.
In 1967, the new sports car in the illustrious line of TR's was the TR5. It had the same body styling as the TR4 but, instead, was powered by a 2.5 litre PI engine, which was marketed as the first British production car with fuel injection. Wire wheels, overdrive, and a removable hard top with a cover (called a Surrey top) were offered as optional extras. It sported a distinctive "TR5" badge on the bonnet.
Over the same period of Aug 1967-Sept 1968, and alongside production of the TR5, was that of the TR250. Aimed at the North American market, there was very little difference between it and the TR5, apart from the two Stromberg carburettors used in place of the Lucas fuel injection.
In 1969, the top selling sports car in the TR range was launched - it was the TR6. Apart from the front and back, the body styling was similar to the TR5. As in the TR5 and TR250, the TR6 had two engine versions, one for the non US (150bhp) and another for US (125bhp) markets. From about 1972 onwards, non US models were detuned from 150 to 125bhp. An optional overdrive was available on all gears except first.
The penultimate TR was the TR7, launched in 1975. It displayed a distinctive "wedge" shape (regarded as futuristic). It used a similar design of 2 litre, 8 valve engine as in the Triumph Dolomite Sprint. There was a hard top and roadster version. Many fans of the Triumph TR regarded the TR7 as not being part of the classic TR range which they felt ended with the TR6.
Finally, the TR8 ended the charismatic series of classic cars. It was aimed at the US market and was, in essence, a TR7 with a 3.5 litre V8 Rover engine. Early models had twin carburettors, which were later replaced with fuel injection. Both coupe and convertible models were available.
This marked the end of the Triumph TR
Perhaps this stroll down memory lane might have answered, or at least shed light on, a possible question:
"Which TR Sports Car is Your Favourite?"
Having owned a TR4, TR4A, TR5 and TR6, my answer to the above question is very clear... it is the TR6.
However, should this question still remain unanswered, I will be reviewing, in some detail, in future articles within my website, the entire range of TR sports cars which were featured in the memorable era spanning 1952 to 1981.
I hope you join me in my nostalgic travels "down sports car memory lane".
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