1968 TRIUMPH TR5

The Triumph TR5 occupies a special place in the marque’s history, combining the elegant lines of the Michelotti-designed TR4 with Triumph’s newly introduced 2.5-litre fuel-injected straight-six. It was marketed as the “first British production sports car with petrol injection”, however, because production lasted for barely 13 to 14 months, only 2,947 examples were built making the TR5 the rarest mainstream model and the ‘Holy Grail’ for many collectors.

Offered here is a particularly well-presented example, finished in Signal Red with a black interior, which was the subject of a comprehensive body-off, chassis-up restoration, completed in 1998 specifically with the Millennium Classic Monte Carlo Rally in mind.

Since that restoration, the car has covered just 9,632 miles and remains in good condition. It was evidently restored with use in mind rather than simply as a concours exercise, and its specification reflects an owner who wanted to enhance the TR5’s performance, reliability and usability while retaining its essential character. Today, the car is owned by a private enthusiast who has continued to invest in its presentation and mechanical specification. A good history file accompanies the car, providing useful supporting documentation for its history, restoration and subsequent ownership and includes some photographs of the car on the Rally.

At the heart of the car is a rebuilt Stage II-tuned engine, incorporating an uprated Neil Revington throttle system and breathing through a stainless-steel six-branch exhaust manifold and sports exhaust. The fuel-injection system has been further developed with a new metering unit, professionally set up by TR specialists, TR Bitz, (September 2026), while the fuel system benefits from an upgraded pressure valve and Bosch fuel pump conversion. Electronic ignition, a high-torque starter motor, electric cooling fan, oil cooler, and an alloy radiator further enhance reliability and everyday usability.

The chassis and suspension have received similar attention. Uprated shock absorbers, poly-bushed suspension and a telescopic rear damper conversion improve the car’s handling, while the braking system was upgraded with alloy drums, Goodridge hoses and uprated front brakes. The car boasts the desirable Revington Logitech overdrive system, making it particularly well suited to longer-distance touring and continental trips.

Since being acquired by its current owner, further expenditure has been lavished on the TR5. New wire wheels, mohair hood and a new steering wheel have been fitted, while the engine bay has been carefully detailed. Inside, the car features new leather seats, with the original seats retained (and included), together with a walnut dashboard and matching door cappings. The dashboard has also benefited from a clock conversion, while a new sound system adds a little modern convenience without detracting from the car’s period character.

The specification is extensive, but importantly it remains sympathetic to the appeal of the TR5. The upgrades have been selected to improve performance, cooling, braking, handling and reliability without fundamentally altering the character of the car. The result is a TR5 that is very much built to be driven and enjoyed.

With its desirable fuel-injected straight-six, overdrive, classic open-top styling, extensive mechanical preparation and good history file, this TR5 offers an appealing combination of character, usability and provenance. Offered from the ownership of a private enthusiast who has continued to invest in the car, it represents an exciting opportunity for anyone seeking a very good TR5 that can be enjoyed as intended, whether on spirited weekend drives, longer touring adventures or simply as an engaging addition to a collection of British Classics.

NB the Cherished Registration Number illustrated in some of our images (193 SKS) does not form part of the sale.

Transmission: Manual + O/D