Typically we don’t feature restorations at Barn Finds, but occasionally one comes along that is a significant enough car it’s worth including anyway. This 1953 Triumph TR2 was used to set the stage for all succeeding TRs and is for sale here on eBay UK. The asking price is a steep 300,000 Pounds ($392,101) but you are looking at what may be the most significant Triumph ever built. The car is located in Wallingford, UK.
The man standing to the side of MVC575 is Ken Richardson, also known as “the father of the TR.” Prior to being employed at Standard-Triumph he was instrumental in developing the famed V16 BRM grand prix car and was hired to turn the first TR prototype into a worthy car. He accomplished many things for Triumph in racing in addition to driving this stock-engined TR2 prototype to a speed of 124.889 mph for the flying kilometer in Jabekke, Belgium.
This car has received an incredibly thorough restoration that is documented best on this page with many, many links including a charming period video of the speed tests (the first pass only reached 104.86 mph but one of the four spark plug wires was off!) and another video of the car’s return to Jabbeke in 2003.
It’s hard today to comprehend the effect this one vehicle had on the future of Standard-Triumph, but remember this feat happened when most sports cars were hard-pressed to exceed 80 mph, let alone one that was considerably less expensive than most similar vehicles on the market.
Just imagine the courage it took to climb into this seat and set what at the time was a world speed record for cars of it’s class.
Yes, the blue was the way this one was built! This car is probably the most significant Triumph ever built — I’d love to see it in person! Anyone out there with really big pockets?
Worth every penny, too. A great milestone car.
Wow. I’m dumbstruck by the rarity and the condition. Certainly a VERY important page of Brit sports car history
The big question is; where are they going to find another car that is color coordinated with the colors in the carpet?
I suppose if you put that much money in, you keep it in the dining room.
Amazing!
Interior shots are the front foyer of the Royal Automobile Club in London which always has on display historically noteworthy automobiles.
How do you get in it?? Look at that tonneau!! Oh, and I once owned the 12th TR3 built. Paid $300 for it too!!
You have to be young and agile to be able to get in the cockpit. I barely remember the days when I could slither into openings like that.
Nice car with significant historical importance.
I would imagine your crew would install the metal tonneau AFTER you entered the car normally — through the door!
That said, this lifelong fan of the marque is thrilled to see this car finally restored, and done so well. If only Ken (Richardson) could have seen it again; hopefully his children have seen it!
In that Jabbeke documentary Ken is shown just hiking his leg up over the tonneau. He stepped in onto the seat and then slid down into it.
Now that is a hell of a barn! A beautifull car in beautifull surroundings
That’s certainly the best barn I’ve seen.
surprised it’s LHD