Triumph TR2 - History

History

The TR2 was designed to challenge MG in the sports car export market to North America. It was also built because Sir John Black, the boss of the Standard Motor Company, made a bid for the Morgan Motor Company and failed. Triumph already made the Triumph Roadster, but it was out-dated and under-powered. Sir John Black wanted an affordable sports car, so he initiated a prototype to be built. The chassis was a shortened version of the Standard Eight's and the engine was the Standard Vanguard 2-litre, around which a two-seater body was created. Named the 20TS, it was revealed at the 1952 London Motor Show.

Black asked BRM development engineer and test driver Ken Richardson to assess the 20TS, and after he declared it to be a "death trap" a project was undertaken to improve on the design. A year later the TR2 was revealed. It had better looks; a simple ladder-type chassis; a longer body; and a bigger boot. It was loved by American buyers, and became the best earner for Triumph. In 1955 the TR3 came out with more power; a re-designed grille; and a GT package that included a factory hard-top.