1968 Triumph TR5

Extensively restored from the ground-up, this is a simply astounding example of the TR5, and is presented in ready-to-enjoy condition.

So good, is it, that even our photographer didn’t want to hand the keys back, and he is usually far more swayed towards air-cooled German sports cars of the era!

As part of the restoration works, the body was stripped from the chassis, with all problem areas addressed on both the shell and the frame, before it was taken back to bare metal, stripped and rebuilt to factory specification, using factory, OE and refurbished parts wherever possible.

In fact, the vendor states the only replacement (aftermarket, as opposed to OE/Refurbished/NoS) item was the fuel tank.

At the same time, the engine was stripped and rebuilt along with the transmission, which received a new clutch during the restoration works. Similarly, the braking system has been entirely overhauled, with the focus being on originality throughout.

The engine has been upgraded with the fitment of an electric fan, though in our eyes this is one modification that is certainly worth making as it allows the car to remain cool throughout the summer, especially in the typical traffic jams that are now all-too-common on the best driving roads.

Our vendor - only the second registered keeper of the vehicle - has covered around 500 miles in the vehicle, reporting that it has been absolutely ‘faultless’ throughout.

Resplendent in white over a black interior, this is a timeless specification for the TR5, and one which looks absolutely wonderful on this particular car.

Naturally, for a vehicle that has covered only a handful of miles since being restored, the bodywork and paint remain in excellent condition throughout, and stand up well to scrutiny, being largely free of the usual stone chips and wear-and-tear you’d expect from a vehicle of this age and mileage.

If we were being super picky, there is some ‘dulling’ visible to the radiator grille and chrome trims around the vehicle, and the driver’s door could do with some adjustment, but that really is about the limit of the issues we’ve found on the bodywork; Even the arches are still virtually pristine under the vehicle!

Up above, the soft top remains in excellent condition with no cracking or damage to the rear window, though there are a few scuffs noted in the material itself, though these have not gone ‘through’ and the top remains water-tight to the best of our knowledge.

Both the front and rear bumpers retain a mirror-like finish throughout, and are free of any impact damage or indentations.

We did note that the nearside window wiper arm does not attach to the spindle correctly, and had a tendency to work itself loose with the wipers switched on.

All four wheels remain in excellent shape, and are wrapped in matching Fulda tyres.

The good news continues on the inside, which presents in fantastic condition throughout and defies its age and mileage with apparent ease.

The seats, for example, show virtually no signs of discernible wear or usage, whilst even the high-traffic areas such as the steering wheel, shifter and door cards are in excellent shape. The carpets throughout are fantastic, with only some light wear visible on the driver’s mat, as you’d expect.

Ahead of the driver, the walnut veneer dashboard is in near-pristine condition with no damage, lacquer peel or heavy wear, whilst the various push-buttons and toggles around the cabin do display some usage patina and fading to the graphics.

Up above, the inside of the folding soft top is in fantastic shape throughout, with the only particular signs of wear being pitting and patina visible on the catches above the front seats. The mechanism works as it should, though there is no hood cover/bag present with the vehicle.

As far as we could tell, all systems are working as they should be, with no issues rearing their heads during our test drive.

Under the bonnet, the 2.5-litre inline-six engine, fed by Lucas mechanical fuel injection, remains in rude health, and behaved without issues during our test drive once warmed up.

From cold, however, it is clear some fettling is required, as enriching the mixture manually appears to do nothing, and the car refused to idle until warm. This required the use of a ‘manual choke’ (in this case, the photographers right foot) to gently raise the idle speed manually until some temperature began to show on the gauge, at which point the car would idle independently and behaved flawlessly.

Out on the road, the engine, transmission and drivetrain felt impressively tight, fresh and well-screwed-together, with no strange noises, behaviours or concerns noted during our test drive.

Unusually, the battery died upon returning to our HQ, despite showing no previous issues. Attaching a jump pack to the car allowed it to start with ease, so perhaps a replacement battery is required.

Looking around the engine bay, the block and ancillaries present well, with no signs of any major leaks or issues that we could see.

Underneath, the chassis is nigh-on pristine, having covered only a handful of miles since the culmination of restoration works.

On account of its age, this TR5 is exempt from mandatory MoT examinations, and does not currently have a valid MoT certificate.

Included with the vehicle is the V5 registered keepers document showing only one former keeper, one set of keys, and an extensive photographic record of the restoration works taking place, though no formal paperwork/documentation is present.

Restored to an exacting standard with a focus on originality, yet with a few choice upgrades that improve the drivability of the vehicle, this is a simply astounding example of the elusive TR5, which can be enjoyed throughout the summer and for the foreseeable future with no signs of any maintenance requirements, other than regular servicing and use.

Offered for sale with an estimate of £40,000 to £45,000 this is an opportunity to obtain a restored, pristine and ready-to-use sports car in time for summer - one not to be missed!

Viewing is always encouraged. This particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays between 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.