From the archive: New Triumph sports car hits 125mph

Britain has just celebrated the Queen’s 70th jubilee, a extraordinary milestone that acquired us wanting to know: how unique was motoring everyday living when Her Majesty was crowned?

Very well, we however experienced a healthful group of automobile makers, additionally sports vehicles have been crucial at residence and for export – a business the business only experienced to crack to protected a submit-war future.

No question, then, that Triumph sought to acquire publicity for its new TR2 roadster with a major-pace run on Belgium’s Jabbeke freeway, as produced famous by the Jaguar XK120.

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It was to be piloted by Formula 1 engineer Ken Richardson, who experienced been critical to its generation soon after telling Triumph boss Sir John Black that his 20TS prototype was “the most bloody terrible vehicle I’ve ever driven”.

His initial go was timed at 105mph, which was ok for a 2.-litre 4-pot engine but below expectations. To Triumph’s reduction, he relayed that 1 of the plug leads had arrive off.

Back at whole capability, the TR2 strike 125mph – “no imply accomplishment but remarkable when it’s realised that the auto fees all-around £550” (or £10,780 currently) – and then 111mph after the metal deal with was swapped for the regular material hood (erected).

The TR2 grew to become Triumph’s top rated earner, loved specially in the US. And as for MVC 575, “the most significant Triumph at any time built”, it was not too long ago restored and can be viewed at the British Motor Museum.

Are German autos welcome?

The outcomes of the war were being still incredibly obvious in Britain 7 a long time soon after Nazi Germany experienced surrendered, so we experienced “mixed feelings” about an export offer remaining signed with West Germany. Its most fascinating vehicles have been the BMW 501, Mercedes-Benz 300S, Borgward Hansa (as it had an car ’box), Porsche 356 and Volkswagen Sort 1 – the initial imported examples of which were being vandalised at Harwich docks.