BF Exclusive: 1955 Triumph TR2 Project

1955 Triumph TR2 Project

This TR2 came as a part of a package deal we just picked up. We’re not going to reveal what the other car is just yet, but this one has to go to help fund its restoration. This project is pretty crusty, but it has a clean title and needs someone willing to restore it. These were affordable sports cars in the their day, yet they could exceed 100mph and even compete with the mighty Austin-Healey 100! Prices may not have skyrocketed just yet, but I have a feeling that they will be on their way up shortly.

Standard Vanguard Engine

The big inline-four is still in place, but it seems to be stuck. We haven’t done anything with it because we have our hands full right now with a garage full of projects. I’d love to have one of these small-mouth Triumphs in my collection, but unfortunately, this is a bigger project then we can handle right now. It needs a frame off restoration and will require lots of welding and metal work.

Spare Engine

Luckily, the sale does include a lot of spares. Besides all the extra sheet metal in the first photo, we also have a spare engine and transmission that go with the car. I’d like to say that this engine is good, but it appears to be seized too. These are wet liner engines though so one or both should be rebuildable. The liners can be removed and replaced instead of having to bore the cylinders out.

Floors Shot

The floors are shot and will need replaced. Amazingly, the transmission tunnel is in good shape and the frame looks solid. There’s lots of surface rust and what appears to be peeling undercoat, but I’m hopeful that frame could be cleaned up a little easier than the body. Sheet metal is still available for these, but a previous owner parted out another TR or two and everything they gathered will be included in the sale.

Trunk Full Of Junk

Talking about spares, the trunk is full of them. I’m not sure how much of this stuff is still salvageable, but I’m sure there’s some value here. There’s a couple of heads, some hubcaps, and a pair of brake discs. It’s safe to assume that some of these extra parts came from a TR3, but that’s okay because things didn’t change all that much.

Rusty Roadster

It can be hard to value a project like this, but based on a few past auctions for cars in similar condition, I feel that $1,900 would be a fair price for this one. Admittedly, it’s going to need a lot of time and money to put right again, but in the end someone will have the satisfaction of knowing that they have saved one of Britain’s most iconic roadsters. If you’re interested, you can contact me here via email. The car is located in Boise, Idaho and you can view a full photo gallery here.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. George

    Some assembly required.

    If I had a large place to put a multi-year project I’d jump on this if only because I’ve always wanted a classic British sports car.

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  2. DolphinPorsche

    These cars are ideal for someone that wants to learn how to refurbish a car, everything is available and requires no special tools other than a set of whitworth wrenches and sockets easily available. The longer it takes to redo, the more it’ll be worth if one ONLY considers it an investment they ARE fun, economical drivers!

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  3. ClassicCarFan

    …hardly any Whitworth fasteners on a TR2. there are some Whitworth threads on component parts from Lucas, like the starter switch for example, but the regular fasteners used by Standard/Triumph were just UNF and UNC

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  4. Capt Doug

    Good that it has a ‘pealing undercoat’ – much better than unappealing.

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    • Jesse Mortensen JesseAuthor

      Thanks for catching my typo!

      Like 0
  5. Dpeter1946

    The fun part is the fenders and most other body parts bolt on and come off with no metal cutting needed (beyond the rusty cage nuts that you’ll have to replace). But Macy’s sells kits of stainless fasteners and replacement cage nuts. The new floors are available on E-Bay or from Amazon. Fairly easy to work on with no rude surprises and lots of sources for parts.

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  6. Mark

    Can I ask where it is located.

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    • Jesse Mortensen JesseAuthor

      Boise, Idaho. Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks.

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      • Terry

        more of Bruces treasure?

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      • Jesse Mortensen JesseAuthor

        Nope. We found this one on craigslist. The previous owner did say that it once belonged to Bruce’s father, but that shouldn’t be a surprise as he owned just about every Triumph in the area at some point.

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      • Luca

        you know if anyone can ‘ help me to pack and ship to Europe ?

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  7. david

    Was this one or Pete’s cars??

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    • Bruce

      It was at one time. Jesse, give me a call soon. Thanks

      Bruce

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  8. Jesse Mortensen JesseAuthor

    Bruce has committed to buying the TR2! It works out great because it used to belong to his father and he already has a new frame and many of the parts needed to restore it! I’m glad it’s going to him and it will be here close so we can run updates on his progress!

    Like 0
  9. jesse castillo

    did you sell the car?

    Like 0
    • Jesse Mortensen JesseAuthor

      Yep, posted above that our friend Bruce bought it.

      Like 0

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