Triumph churned out over 70,000 four-cylinder TR4 and TR4A cars from 1961 through 1967, but the market was demanding an uprated power plant. The TR4 made only about 104 bhp, and its competitors were already using six-cylinder motors. While the swifter TR6 was on the drawing boards, Triumph did not have funding to simultaneously redevelop the TR4, but it did have a 2.5 liter six-cylinder motor in hand. The solution was to install the new motor into the TR4 body, creating the TR250 until the TR6 could hit the market. The TR250 came to America equipped with dual Zenith Stromberg carburetors (a similar car was sold in the UK with fuel injection, called the TR5). Produced for only fifteen months, the TR250 is a rare car. For British car fans, here on craigslist is a 1968 Triumph TR250 project, for sale at $3,500. The car is located in Anderson Township, Ohio.
The seller notes that the car has had one owner and was stored in a yard with a tarp over it for over twenty years. A tarp covering a car is guaranteed to produce rust via condensation. This example is rusty in all the usual places – sills, pillars, doors, floors – but as a bonus, it’s rusty in the lower trunk and bonnet edges, along the tops of the fenders, and around the side trim. This is a steel-wheeled car, which I prefer to wires for their ease of upkeep and sturdiness on the road. The factory red line tires are present, but probably need to be replaced. The TR250-specific reflective stripe across the front fenders and bonnet is still visible.
The engine bay is as tatty as you’d expect but mostly intact. The seller does not mention whether the motor turns. In fighting trim, this motor would produce about 111 bhp. It is paired with a four-speed manual, and the mileage is stated as 40,000.
The mostly intact interior needs refurbishing. The photos are too hazy to see if the dash is complete; I think the warning lights above the steering wheel may be missing. Speaking of the steering wheel, this is the original one, not a replacement. There’s no extra stalk that would indicate overdrive – too bad. The top bows are present but the top probably rotted away long ago. Like many British cars, the TR250 may have been subject to amateur wiring patches, judging by the dangling wires in the cockpit. So where are we with this one, parts car or restoration candidate?
While this Triumph TR250 may be rare in terms of production numbers, I am not sure the cost of metal replacement and all that entails would be a worthwhile investment. I think it’s safe to presume that the visible rust is just the tip of the iceberg as they say.
Well, you just said it and I agree.
Old school buddy has one and doubt he will ever get to it…..hope to get it some day.
A high school friend bought a BRG/black interior/top TR250 just after graduation, IIRC the dates. He had the wire wheels, though. It was a cool car and one that would be fun to own as a driver.
3500 is highway robbery.I doubt if the rust bucket can be restored.
It can be restored because most of the rust is bolt on panels that have been reproduced with great accuracy. I would worry about the frame more than the body. If the frame is badly rusted then this is just a parts car, Sadly. The only real problem in parts is the basic body tub and rear deck. I do not know if those are available at any price beyond finding a junk part.
I had a TR-4IRS that was great fun, not as much power but it rode well, was warm in the winter, super easy to work on but I also had the overdrive which made a big difference on the highway. I have two complex cars I am restoring right now or I would be taking a very serious look at this one.
Hmmm, I just sold a 250 in far worse condition – no floors, no trunk floor, no guages, seats, rotting frame, frozen engine. Was an original O/D car though.
Got $2500 for it. Going over to Europe to be restored.
So, for the money, this one looks alright!
I have read in more than one place that there are only 600 TR-250s left in the world. For example, in the Irish Republic there is only ONE TR-250 registered, and not a single TR-5. I think their rarity and parts availability make just about any TR-250/TR-5 a good candidate for restoration. One has the “luxury” of being able to use badly worn TR-4/TR-4A and TR-6s as parts cars. A nicely restored TR-250–especially upgraded with a few mods such as cam and triple carbs–is much more valuable than any TR-6. One can also get beautiful burl walnut dashboard upgrades and leather seats, to put together a more powerful and up-market classic. If I didn’t already have a nice classic that I enjoy tremendously–an E Type roadster–I would be interested in this TR-250, as I had one many years ago and it was reliable and fun.
Could not agree more. I have restored over 40 cars and this would be a worthwhile project.
I bought a 68 TR250 in 1975 for $1100.00. It was red and had a roll bar . It was my first English car as well as my last English car. I loved the the style of this Triumph and my mechanic loved it even more. My memories of it going down the road hooked up to a tow truck will never be forgotten . I sold it a year later and bought a 1965 T-Bird for $200.00 ! Wish I had them now !
The 250s can be restored, but at a cost. Check out Macey’s Garage in Ohio, they are a specialty Triumph shop I interviewed for a similar restoration. Perfection is what you get, but it takes 1-2 years and several discussions with your Banker. Worth it? Hmmm, to some, yes. Good luck.