Triumphs for Dummies

[The Mad Hatter]

According to Classic Cars magazine, the following summarized the history of the classic, two-seater TR sports car line:

1. TR2 1953-55
   
   Triumph finally joined the post-war sports car bonanza with the TR2. It was based on a hastily-built 1952 prototype with a modified pre-war saloon chassis, an uprated Standard Vanguard engine and a basic but convincing open two-seater body designed in-house. Dodgy handling was ‘sorted’ by talented engineer/driver Ken Richardson, recruited from BRM.​
2. TR3 1955-62
   
   Regular class victories in major rallies had set the seal on the value of the TR sports car and the TRE was a mildly revised version. Front discs in 1956 were a first among production cars. Facelifted more thoroughly in 1957, with a water grille, it was known later unofficially as the TR3A. The TR3B was a US-specification version.​
3. TR4 1961-67
   
   Superbly styled by Giovanni Michelotti, responsible for Triumph styling since 1957, the TR4 was immediately greeted as a design classics. Rack and pinion steering, a wider track and a slightly larger engine were significant improvements. Controversially given independent rear suspension in 1965, it became the TR4A. Some USA TR4As retained a live axle.​
4. TR5 1667-68
   
   Still the same Michelotti style the chassis basically unaltered but with a six-cylinder engine instead of the old ‘four.’ The TR5 was Britain’s first production car with petrol injection. It was quick, a real high-performance bargain. Known as the TR250 in the USA, where it was slower, being on carburetors to meet emissions regulations.​
5. TR6 1968-76
   
   Essentially the same as the TR5 but heavier - this was a quick, cheap but successful restyle by Karmann, making the front and back appear modern in the Seventies. Again, less powerful US models had carburetors but sold very well there for several years.​
6. TR7 1975-81
   
   Although the TR name was retained this was an entirely different line of development from British Leyland It had a four-cylinder engine and was a fixed-head coupe’ until 1980 when a convertible was added to the range. The TR8, with Rover V8 engine, was prepared for launch in 1980-81 but dropped at the last minute.​