TriumphTR2

Triumph TR2 Specs

The TR2 as the factory specified it in its brochure of December 1953 and its workshop manual, with the long-door, short-door and Belgian coupé side by side, and the period road tests one by one.

A red TR2 on wire wheels at a classic car show, seen low from the front three-quarter, with other old cars behind.
A red TR2 on wire wheels, seen low from the front, at the Goodwood Revival in September 2023.Calreyn88, CC BY 4.0

Standard-Triumph documented the TR2 closely. Its brochure of December 1953 printed a full specification, down to the lining area of the brakes, and the factory's workshop manual added the figures a mechanic needs. Between them they settle most of the disagreements found in later lists.

The tables below set the three versions side by side: the long-door and short-door roadsters, which shared their mechanical parts, and the Belgian coupé, whose figures come mainly from Autoretro's data panel of 2015. Each cell shows one figure, the preferred one. A small asterisk marks a figure that has others in print, and opens them all, each with its source, and the "i" by each table's heading lists that table's sources. The prose here explains the figures and adds what the tables have no row for.⁠1​2​3

Engine

The TR2's engine began as the wet-liner four of Standard's Vanguard saloon (sedan) and the Ferguson tractor. For the sports car its bores were made smaller, and it was given a new exhaust manifold, a new camshaft and a head carrying two carburettors. The factory rated its power at what the manual calls the road setting; Bill Boddy, writing in 1953, printed the same power at a slightly lower engine speed, which no factory paper read repeats.

The same twin-carburettor engine went into two other cars: the Morgan Plus Four from 1954, and the Swallow Doretti.⁠4​5​6​7​1​2​8​9​10​11

PartAs builtSource
CrankshaftThree main bearings, with integral balance weights; cross-drilled from engine TS881EBrochure; Revington TR
CamshaftFour bearings, driven by a duplex chainBrochure
Sparking plugsChampion L10SBrochure
Firing order1, 3, 4, 2Manual; Sports Cars Illustrated
By-pass oil filterPurolatorBrochure
MountingEngine and gearbox (transmission) on flexible mountingsBrochure
The grey four-cylinder engine of a farm tractor, wet with rain: cylinder head with spark-plug leads, a coil and a glass fuel bowl beside the radiator.
A stand-in, not a TR2 engine: the wet-liner four of a Ferguson TE20 tractor at Abergavenny in 2011, from the Standard engine family the TR2's was derived from.Andy Dingley, CC BY-SA 3.0

Contents

Transmission

The gearbox had four speeds, with synchromesh on the top three, and a short central lever, which Boddy liked. The factory's ratios:

GearGearbox ratioOverall ratio
First3.3812.5
Second2.007.4
Third1.3254.9
Top1.003.7
Reverse4.2815.8

The final drive was a hypoid bevel of 37 teeth to 10. On the roadsters the optional overdrive had a ratio of 0.82; the overdrive section of the long door page says whose unit it was and dates its spread from top gear alone to second, third and top.⁠1​2​12​5

Contents

Chassis, steering, brakes, wheels

Not every source names the steering as the factory did.

The steering gear is of the cam and lever type with a ratio of 12 to 1.

Standard-Triumph, TR2 workshop manual, "Steering: type and description"

With the smaller rear drums the brakes had 955 cm² (148 sq in) of lining, the brochure says. The handbrake worked on the rear wheels through a fly-off lever, and the manual's tyre pressures for normal use were 1.5 bar (22 psi) at the front and 1.7 bar (24 psi) at the rear. The steering wheel, a three-spoke spring type, was 431 mm (17 in) across.⁠2​1​4​3​5​8

An off-white TR2 on cream steel wheels with chrome hub caps and a maroon interior, its boot lid raised, at a crowded classic car show.
Steel disc wheels with chrome hub caps, the standard wheels, on a long-door TR2 at Cholmondeley, Cheshire, in September 2018.Steve Glover (SG2012), CC BY 2.0

Contents

Dimensions and weights

The brochure gives two weights, each with what it includes: dry, without extra equipment, and complete, with tools, fuel, oil and water. The workshop manual gives a complete weight and a shipping weight that differ from the brochure's by a few kilograms. Motor Trend weighed its test car in 1954, and TR-Register Deutschland gives an approximate unladen weight; neither says what was in the car. The table leads with the brochure's complete weight and shows the others behind its asterisk.

Five more dimensions, from the brochure and manual, and Motor Trend's weight distribution:⁠1​2​12​9​4

DimensionFigureSource
Front track1,143 mm (3 ft 9 in)Brochure and manual; the brochure's millimetres are misprinted as 1,134
Rear track1,156 mm (3 ft 9½ in)Brochure and manual
Turning circle9.75 m (32 ft)Brochure
Height to the top of the windscreen (windshield)1,168 mm (3 ft 10 in)Brochure
Width inside the car1,210 mm (about 47½ in)Brochure
Weight on the front and rear wheels52 and 48 per centMotor Trend's test car, 1954
A British Racing Green TR2 with tan seats and green steel wheels inside a pine display frame, seen from the side, a bicycle and an old van behind it.
A long-door TR2 in side view at the Coventry Transport Museum in 2020; the museum's label dates it 1954.Michael Gaylard, CC BY 2.0

Contents

Capacities

The other capacities, from the brochure and the manual:⁠1​2​13

ItemCapacityNote
Engine oil6.25 L (11 imperial pints)From dry; 5.7 L (10 pints) to drain and refill
Gearbox0.8 L (1½ pints)Without overdrive
Gearbox with overdrive1.99 L (3½ pints)From dry
Rear axle0.8 L (1½ pints)
Cooling system7.4 L (13 pints)8 L (14 pints) with a heater
Battery12 volts, 51 ampere-hoursUnder the bonnet (hood)
The tail of a red TR2 with its hood up: a chrome fuel filler on the rear deck, a boot lid with a handle, small round tail lamps and two chrome overriders.
The quick-release fuel filler on the rear deck of a TR2, above its boot (trunk) lid, at Llandudno in May 2014; the hood (soft top) is up.Steve Glover (SG2012), CC BY 2.0

Contents

Body and equipment (as built, 1953)

The body was steel, with the front and rear wings (fenders) and the front panel bolted on and detachable, and the Triplex windscreen could be taken off whole for aero screens to be fitted. The seats were trimmed in Vynide, with leather an extra. In front of the driver were a rev counter and a speedometer reading to 193 km/h (120 mph), each with a 127 mm (5 in) dial, beside separate gauges for fuel, water temperature, oil pressure and the ammeter.

There were no outside door handles: the doors opened from inside, and the sidescreens and hood were the only weather protection, as both Motor Sport and Motor Trend noted. The spare wheel lived in a locked compartment below the boot floor. Lucas P.700 sealed headlamps, flashing indicators and twin Windtone horns completed the electrical equipment.⁠1​2​5​12

A black Triumph TR2 with its hood up and a red interior, parked in a museum gallery between a silver saloon and a red sports car, behind a rope barrier.
The National Motor Museum's TR2 at Beaulieu, Hampshire, in June 2011, with its hood and sidescreens up.sv1ambo, CC BY 2.0

Contents

Performance, test by test

A TR2 has no single top speed or acceleration time. The maker's claims, the press tests and the record run were made on different cars, in different trim and with or without overdrive, so each test stands on its own and none is averaged. Each performance row in the table leads with one test's figure, and the asterisk beside it opens every other test's figure with its source.

The tests behind those figures are these. The manual gives the maker's claims for touring trim. Motor Sport printed a two-way maximum in March 1954 without identifying the test. Autosport's test of March 1954 is known only from an American dealer's advertisement that quoted it. The Motor's test of April 1954, as reported by Wikipedia, timed two cars, one with overdrive and one without. Motor Trend's test of May 1954 used an American car with overdrive and could not time its top speed because of the weather. Sports Cars Illustrated tested an American car without overdrive in 1955, timing its top speed with the hood and sidescreens up. The TR Register's data sheet prints a set of figures without naming its test. Boddy's test car, reported in February 1955, was not timed at all:

The makers had requested us,not to submit the car to a full roadtest ritual and consequently no performance figures were recorded.

W.B., "Impressions of the Triumph TR2", Motor Sport, February 1955

The tests also measured:

TestMeasureFigure
Motor Trend, May 195416 to 48 km/h (10 to 30 mph); 48 to 80 km/h (30 to 50 mph); 80 to 129 km/h (50 to 80 mph)4.7 s; 6.5 s; 17.6 s
Motor Trend, May 1954Stopping from 48, 72 and 97 km/h (30, 45 and 60 mph)13 m (43 ft); 30 m (99 ft); 51 m (167 ft)
Motor Trend, May 1954Fuel over 988 km (614 miles)8.2 litres per 100 km (28.8 miles per US gallon)
Sports Cars Illustrated, November 1955From rest to 30, 40 and 50 mph3.5 s; 5.7 s; 8.1 s
TR Register data sheetFrom rest to 30, 50 and 90 mph3.6 s; 8.2 s; 31.5 s
Autosport, March 1954, as an American dealer's advertisement quoted itFrom rest to 50 mph7.9 s
Motor Sport, February 1955Fuel, driving hard27 to 28 miles per imperial gallon
The Motor's road tests of 1954, as Motor Sport reviewed themPower needed at 97 km/h (60 mph), hood and sidescreens up17.9 hp

The TR2's fastest timed runs were not road tests: the Jabbeke speed test of May 1953 was made with a car in speed trim.⁠2​14​15​16​12​17​5​9​18

Contents

Paint colours

No factory list of the TR2's paint and trim colours was found in the sources read, and no period report read gives a factory paint name. TS1 and TS2 left the works in white with Geranium leather, and the three works cars of Le Mans in 1955 were British Racing Green; when the TR3 came, its American announcement listed two colours as additions. The colours section of the long door page gathers what the period reports say.⁠8​19​20

A dark green TR2 with two white-covered spot lamps, wire wheels and a maroon interior, on a dry lawn at a show, four-wheel-drive cars parked behind.
A dark green TR2 at the All British Day, North Parramatta, New South Wales, in August 2015.Jeremy, CC BY 2.0

Contents

Production

Sources for Production, by version

Price new
Long Door: Good sources agree.Basic price. Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Stop Press – A Fast Triumph", Motor Sport, Jun 1953, p. 50⁠21; TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source."around £1050 to £1100 in Britain". Dirk De Jager, "Through the Roof: The Hardtop Triumph TR2 That Held Promises of the Belgian Auto Industry", Classic Motorsports, Jul 2016⁠22
Built
Long Door: One good source.TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18
Short Door: One good source.TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Designers
Long Door: One good source.TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18
Short Door: One good source.TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18
Coachbuilders
Long Door: One good source.Robson's essay. Graham Robson (essay "15 Years of Evolution"), Triumph TR2 – TR3/3A, TR4/4A – TR5, TR250 1953–1968 Parts & Accessories Catalogue, Rimmer Bros, edn 2.1 (source code TR2512), Part 1⁠13
Short Door: One good source.Robson's essay. Graham Robson (essay "15 Years of Evolution"), Triumph TR2 – TR3/3A, TR4/4A – TR5, TR250 1953–1968 Parts & Accessories Catalogue, Rimmer Bros, edn 2.1 (source code TR2512), Part 1⁠13
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Built at
Long Door: Several figures in print.Graham Robson (essay "15 Years of Evolution"), Triumph TR2 – TR3/3A, TR4/4A – TR5, TR250 1953–1968 Parts & Accessories Catalogue, Rimmer Bros, edn 2.1 (source code TR2512), Part 1⁠13; Klaus Rosshuber, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps: Classic Cars – Ein Traum wird wahr", Auto Zeitung, 7 Sep 2023⁠23; Dirk De Jager, "Through the Roof: The Hardtop Triumph TR2 That Held Promises of the Belgian Auto Industry", Classic Motorsports, Jul 2016⁠22; Bernard Stibling (interviewer), "Triumph du mois: TR2 Francorchamps", Triumph Club de France, Nov 2014⁠24; TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18
Short Door: Several figures in print.Graham Robson (essay "15 Years of Evolution"), Triumph TR2 – TR3/3A, TR4/4A – TR5, TR250 1953–1968 Parts & Accessories Catalogue, Rimmer Bros, edn 2.1 (source code TR2512), Part 1⁠13; Klaus Rosshuber, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps: Classic Cars – Ein Traum wird wahr", Auto Zeitung, 7 Sep 2023⁠23; Dirk De Jager, "Through the Roof: The Hardtop Triumph TR2 That Held Promises of the Belgian Auto Industry", Classic Motorsports, Jul 2016⁠22; Bernard Stibling (interviewer), "Triumph du mois: TR2 Francorchamps", Triumph Club de France, Nov 2014⁠24
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Long DoorShort DoorCoupé Francorchamps
Price new£555Not in the sources read147,500 BEF
BuiltAugust 1953 to October 1954October 1954 to October 19551954 to 1955
DesignersHarry Webster (chief chassis engineer), John Turnbull (chassis), David Eley (engine), George Jones (transmission), Walter Belgrove (body)Harry Webster (chief chassis engineer), John Turnbull (chassis), David Eley (engine), George Jones (transmission), Walter Belgrove (body)Not in the sources read
Coachbuildersbodies by Mulliners in Birminghambodies by Mulliners in BirminghamImpéria (body)
Built atfinal assembly at Canley; bodies by Mulliners in Birmingham

Built at, Long Door

Several figures in print.

  • final assembly at Canley; bodies by Mulliners in BirminghamGood sources agree: Graham Robson (essay "15 Years of Evolution"), Triumph TR2 – TR3/3A, TR4/4A – TR5, TR250 1953–1968 Parts & Accessories Catalogue, Rimmer Bros, edn 2.1 (source code TR2512), Part 1, Robson's essay⁠13
  • about 500 TR2 kits assembled at Nessonvaux, Belgium; commission numbers with an "N" suffixOne good source: Klaus Rosshuber, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps: Classic Cars – Ein Traum wird wahr", Auto Zeitung, 7 Sep 2023, the documentation is incomplete⁠23
  • about 500 kits assembled by Impéria at Nessonvaux "to avoid taxes"Good sources agree: Dirk De Jager, "Through the Roof: The Hardtop Triumph TR2 That Held Promises of the Belgian Auto Industry", Classic Motorsports, Jul 2016⁠22
  • about 500 TR2s assembled by Impéria at NessonvauxGood sources agree: Bernard Stibling (interviewer), "Triumph du mois: TR2 Francorchamps", Triumph Club de France, Nov 2014⁠24
  • TS1 and TS2 completed at Banner Lane, Jul 1953; later cars at CanleyOne good source: TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18
final assembly at Canley; bodies by Mulliners in Birmingham

Built at, Short Door

Several figures in print.

  • final assembly at Canley; bodies by Mulliners in BirminghamOne good source: Graham Robson (essay "15 Years of Evolution"), Triumph TR2 – TR3/3A, TR4/4A – TR5, TR250 1953–1968 Parts & Accessories Catalogue, Rimmer Bros, edn 2.1 (source code TR2512), Part 1, Robson's essay⁠13
  • about 500 TR2 kits assembled at Nessonvaux, Belgium; commission numbers with an "N" suffixOne good source: Klaus Rosshuber, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps: Classic Cars – Ein Traum wird wahr", Auto Zeitung, 7 Sep 2023, the documentation is incomplete⁠23
  • about 500 kits assembled by Impéria at Nessonvaux "to avoid taxes"Good sources agree: Dirk De Jager, "Through the Roof: The Hardtop Triumph TR2 That Held Promises of the Belgian Auto Industry", Classic Motorsports, Jul 2016⁠22
  • about 500 TR2s assembled by Impéria at NessonvauxGood sources agree: Bernard Stibling (interviewer), "Triumph du mois: TR2 Francorchamps", Triumph Club de France, Nov 2014⁠24
Nessonvaux, Belgium (Impéria)

Contents

Engine

Sources for Engine, by version

Engine maker
Long Door: One good source.The maker named by the brochure; Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd its subsidiary. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Short Door: One good source.The maker named by the brochure; Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd its subsidiary. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.The maker named by the TR2 brochure. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Capacity
Long Door: Good sources agree.121.5 cu in. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2
Short Door: Good sources agree.121.5 cu in. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.The TR2's. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Engine position
Long Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Short Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Block
Long Door: One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Short Door: One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Cylinder head
Long Door: One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Short Door: One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Valve gear
Long Door: One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Short Door: One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.The TR2's. Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Bore × stroke
Long Door: Good sources agree.3.268 x 3.622 in. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2
Short Door: Good sources agree.3.268 x 3.622 in. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Compression ratio
Long Door: Good sources agree.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2; Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51⁠12
Short Door: Good sources agree.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2; Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51⁠12
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Fuel system
Long Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Short Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Carburettors
Long Door: Several figures in print.TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Short Door: Several figures in print.TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Cooling
Long Door: One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Short Door: One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.The TR2's engine. Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Cylinder layout
Long Door: One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Short Door: One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Cylinders
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Aspiration
Long Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Short Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Fuel
Long Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Short Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.The TR2's. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Ignition
Long Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Short Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.The TR2's. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Cycle
Long Door: One good source.Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2
Short Door: One good source.Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Lubrication
Long Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Short Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.The TR2's. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Long DoorShort DoorCoupé Francorchamps
Engine makerThe Standard Motor Company LtdThe Standard Motor Company LtdThe Standard Motor Company Ltd
Capacity1991 cc1991 cc1991 cc
Engine positionFrontFrontFront
BlockCast ironCast ironCast iron
Cylinder headCast ironCast ironCast iron
Valve gearOHV, 2 valves per cylinderOHV, 2 valves per cylinderOHV, 2 valves per cylinder
Bore × stroke83 x 92 mm83 x 92 mm83 x 92 mm
Compression ratio8.5:18.5:18.5:1
Fuel systemTwin carburetorsTwin carburetorstwo SU H4 carburettors
Carburettorstwin SU, 1½ in

Carburettors, Long Door

Several figures in print.

  • twin SU, 1½ inGood sources agree: TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet), "Twin 1½" SU Carbs"⁠18
  • two SU H4Good sources agree: Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
twin SU, 1½ in

Carburettors, Short Door

Several figures in print.

  • twin SU, 1½ inGood sources agree: TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet), "Twin 1½" SU Carbs"⁠18
  • two SU H4Good sources agree: Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
two SU H4
CoolingWater-cooledWater-cooledWater-cooled
Cylinder layoutInlineInlineInline
CylindersNot in the sources readNot in the sources read4
AspirationNaturally AspiratedNaturally AspiratedNaturally Aspirated
FuelPetrolPetrolPetrol
Ignitioncoil, centrifugal and vacuum controlled automatic advancecoil, centrifugal and vacuum controlled automatic advancecoil, centrifugal and vacuum controlled automatic advance
CycleFour-strokeFour-strokeFour-stroke
LubricationWet SumpWet SumpWet Sump

Contents

Performance

Sources for Performance, by version

Power
Long Door: Good sources agree.At 4,800 rpm. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2; TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18; Bill Boddy, "The Sports Cars of Britain", Motor Sport, Jul 1953, p. 19⁠6
Short Door: Good sources agree.At 4,800 rpm. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2; TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18; Bill Boddy, "The Sports Cars of Britain", Motor Sport, Jul 1953, p. 19⁠6
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.The TR2's; at 4,800 rpm. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Torque
Long Door: Good sources agree.At 3,000 rpm. TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18; Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51⁠12; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2
Short Door: Good sources agree.At 3,000 rpm. TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18; Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51⁠12; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2
Coupé Francorchamps: Several figures in print.TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18; Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Top speed
Long Door: Several figures in print.Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "The Magic Century!", Motor Sport, Mar 1954, p. 19⁠14; Al Brannon, "Trying the Triumph", Sports Cars Illustrated, Nov 1955, pp. 19–21⁠9; Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Impressions of the Triumph TR2", Motor Sport, Feb 1955, p. 30⁠5; TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2; Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR2", 2026⁠16; Motor Trend, Triumph advertisements (group): Standard-Triumph Motor Company Inc. (Apr 1954); Cal Sales Inc. (Aug and Sep 1954), Apr, Aug and Sep 1954⁠15
Short Door: Several figures in print.Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "The Magic Century!", Motor Sport, Mar 1954, p. 19⁠14; Al Brannon, "Trying the Triumph", Sports Cars Illustrated, Nov 1955, pp. 19–21⁠9; Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Impressions of the Triumph TR2", Motor Sport, Feb 1955, p. 30⁠5; TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2; Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR2", 2026⁠16; Motor Trend, Triumph advertisements (group): Standard-Triumph Motor Company Inc. (Apr 1954); Cal Sales Inc. (Aug and Sep 1954), Apr, Aug and Sep 1954⁠15
0–60 mph
Long Door: Several figures in print.Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51⁠12; Al Brannon, "Trying the Triumph", Sports Cars Illustrated, Nov 1955, pp. 19–21⁠9; TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18; Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR2", 2026⁠16; Motor Trend, Triumph advertisements (group): Standard-Triumph Motor Company Inc. (Apr 1954); Cal Sales Inc. (Aug and Sep 1954), Apr, Aug and Sep 1954⁠15
Short Door: Several figures in print.Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51⁠12; Al Brannon, "Trying the Triumph", Sports Cars Illustrated, Nov 1955, pp. 19–21⁠9; TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18; Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR2", 2026⁠16; Motor Trend, Triumph advertisements (group): Standard-Triumph Motor Company Inc. (Apr 1954); Cal Sales Inc. (Aug and Sep 1954), Apr, Aug and Sep 1954⁠15
Standing start
Long Door: Several figures in print.Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51⁠12; TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18
Short Door: Several figures in print.Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51⁠12; TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18
Long DoorShort DoorCoupé Francorchamps
Power90 bhp90 bhp90 bhp
Torque117 lb ft117 lb ft117 lb ft

Torque, Coupé Francorchamps

Several figures in print.

  • 117 lb ftOne good source: TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet), the TR2's; at 3,000 rpm⁠18
  • 16.1 mkgOne good source: Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19, at 3,000 rpm⁠3
Top speed103.5 mph

Top speed, Long Door

Several figures in print.

  • 103.5 mphOne good source: Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "The Magic Century!", Motor Sport, Mar 1954, p. 19, two-way maximum⁠14
  • 95 mphOne good source: Al Brannon, "Trying the Triumph", Sports Cars Illustrated, Nov 1955, pp. 19–21, hood and sidescreens up, no overdrive⁠9
  • 97 mphOne good source: Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Impressions of the Triumph TR2", Motor Sport, Feb 1955, p. 30, calculated; indicated 112 in overdrive at 3,900 rpm⁠5
  • 103 mphOne good source: TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet), "Maximum Speed"⁠18
  • 110 mphOne good source: Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement, maker's claim, top gear, touring trim⁠2
  • 107.3 mphNot yet confirmed: Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR2", 2026, The Motor, 7 Apr 1954, with overdrive, as reported by Wikipedia⁠16
  • 104 mphNot yet confirmed: Motor Trend, Triumph advertisements (group): Standard-Triumph Motor Company Inc. (Apr 1954); Cal Sales Inc. (Aug and Sep 1954), Apr, Aug and Sep 1954, Autosport (Bolster, 5 Mar 1954), as quoted in a dealer's advertisement⁠15
103.5 mph

Top speed, Short Door

Several figures in print.

  • 103.5 mphOne good source: Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "The Magic Century!", Motor Sport, Mar 1954, p. 19, two-way maximum⁠14
  • 95 mphOne good source: Al Brannon, "Trying the Triumph", Sports Cars Illustrated, Nov 1955, pp. 19–21, hood and sidescreens up, no overdrive⁠9
  • 97 mphOne good source: Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Impressions of the Triumph TR2", Motor Sport, Feb 1955, p. 30, calculated; indicated 112 in overdrive at 3,900 rpm⁠5
  • 103 mphOne good source: TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet), "Maximum Speed"⁠18
  • 110 mphOne good source: Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement, maker's claim, top gear, touring trim⁠2
  • 107.3 mphNot yet confirmed: Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR2", 2026, The Motor, 7 Apr 1954, with overdrive, as reported by Wikipedia⁠16
  • 104 mphNot yet confirmed: Motor Trend, Triumph advertisements (group): Standard-Triumph Motor Company Inc. (Apr 1954); Cal Sales Inc. (Aug and Sep 1954), Apr, Aug and Sep 1954, Autosport (Bolster, 5 Mar 1954), as quoted in a dealer's advertisement⁠15
Not in the sources read
0–60 mph13.7 s

0–60 mph, Long Door

Several figures in print.

  • 13.7 sOne good source: Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51, car fitted with overdrive; the car's speedometer read 63⁠12
  • 11.8 sOne good source: Al Brannon, "Trying the Triumph", Sports Cars Illustrated, Nov 1955, pp. 19–21, no overdrive; 10.5 s over the red line⁠9
  • 11.9 sOne good source: TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18; Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR2", 2026, in the performance table's "Time" column, which carries no reference⁠16
  • 12 sNot yet confirmed: Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR2", 2026, The Motor, 7 Apr 1954, overdrive version, as reported by Wikipedia⁠16
  • 11.6 sNot yet confirmed: Motor Trend, Triumph advertisements (group): Standard-Triumph Motor Company Inc. (Apr 1954); Cal Sales Inc. (Aug and Sep 1954), Apr, Aug and Sep 1954, Autosport (Bolster, 5 Mar 1954), as quoted in a dealer's advertisement⁠15
13.7 s

0–60 mph, Short Door

Several figures in print.

  • 13.7 sOne good source: Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51, car fitted with overdrive; the car's speedometer read 63⁠12
  • 11.8 sOne good source: Al Brannon, "Trying the Triumph", Sports Cars Illustrated, Nov 1955, pp. 19–21, no overdrive; 10.5 s over the red line⁠9
  • 11.9 sOne good source: TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18; Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR2", 2026, in the performance table's "Time" column, which carries no reference⁠16
  • 12 sNot yet confirmed: Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR2", 2026, The Motor, 7 Apr 1954, overdrive version, as reported by Wikipedia⁠16
  • 11.6 sNot yet confirmed: Motor Trend, Triumph advertisements (group): Standard-Triumph Motor Company Inc. (Apr 1954); Cal Sales Inc. (Aug and Sep 1954), Apr, Aug and Sep 1954, Autosport (Bolster, 5 Mar 1954), as quoted in a dealer's advertisement⁠15
Not in the sources read
Standing start19.6 s

Standing start, Long Door

Several figures in print.

  • 19.6 sOne good source: Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51, standing quarter mile, at 70 mph⁠12
  • 18.7 sOne good source: TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet), standing quarter mile⁠18
19.6 s

Standing start, Short Door

Several figures in print.

  • 19.6 sOne good source: Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51, standing quarter mile, at 70 mph⁠12
  • 18.7 sOne good source: TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet), standing quarter mile⁠18
Not in the sources read

Contents

Running gear

Sources for Running gear, by version

Steering
Long Door: Several figures in print.Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2; Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Short Door: Several figures in print.Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2; Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Coupé Francorchamps: Several figures in print.Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2; Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Gearbox
Long Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Short Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Gears
Long Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Short Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Overdrive
Long Door: Several figures in print.Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51⁠12; Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Impressions of the Triumph TR2", Motor Sport, Feb 1955, p. 30⁠5
Short Door: Good sources disagree.Revington TR, "Technical Specification Change Points" (TR2)⁠8; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2
Coupé Francorchamps: Several figures in print.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3; Dirk De Jager, "Through the Roof: The Hardtop Triumph TR2 That Held Promises of the Belgian Auto Industry", Classic Motorsports, Jul 2016⁠22; Bernard Stibling (interviewer), "Triumph du mois: TR2 Francorchamps", Triumph Club de France, Nov 2014⁠24; Klaus Rosshuber, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps: Classic Cars – Ein Traum wird wahr", Auto Zeitung, 7 Sep 2023⁠23
Layout
Long Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Short Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Front brakes
Long Door: Several figures in print.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Short Door: Several figures in print.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Coupé Francorchamps: Several figures in print.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2; Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Rear brakes
Long Door: Good sources agree.Leading and trailing shoes. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2
Short Door: Several figures in print.Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2; Revington TR, "Technical Specification Change Points" (TR2)⁠8
Coupé Francorchamps: Several figures in print.Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2; Revington TR, "Technical Specification Change Points" (TR2)⁠8
Front suspension
Long Door: One good source.TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18
Short Door: One good source.TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Rear suspension
Long Door: One good source.TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18
Short Door: One good source.TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Tyres
Long Door: Good sources agree.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2
Short Door: Good sources agree.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2
Wheels
Long Door: Several figures in print.Revington TR, "Technical Specification Change Points" (TR2)⁠8; Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18
Short Door: Several figures in print.Revington TR, "Technical Specification Change Points" (TR2)⁠8; Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Final drive
Long Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Short Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.The TR2's. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Clutch
Long Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Short Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Starter
Long Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Short Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.The TR2's. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Long DoorShort DoorCoupé Francorchamps
Steeringcam and lever, ratio 12 to 1

Steering, Long Door

Several figures in print.

  • cam and lever, ratio 12 to 1Good sources agree: Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement, "The steering gear is of the cam and lever type with a ratio of 12 to 1"⁠2
  • cam and leverGood sources agree: Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953), "High gear, cam and lever type unit"⁠1; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
cam and lever, ratio 12 to 1

Steering, Short Door

Several figures in print.

  • cam and lever, ratio 12 to 1Good sources agree: Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement, "The steering gear is of the cam and lever type with a ratio of 12 to 1"⁠2
  • cam and leverGood sources agree: Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953), "High gear, cam and lever type unit"⁠1; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
cam and lever, ratio 12 to 1

Steering, Coupé Francorchamps

Several figures in print.

  • cam and lever, ratio 12 to 1Good sources agree: Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement, the TR2's steering gear⁠2
  • cam and leverGood sources agree: Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953), the TR2's steering gear⁠1
GearboxManualManualManual
Gears444
OverdriveLaycock de Normanville, top gear only, push-button on the dashboard

Overdrive, Long Door

Several figures in print.

  • Laycock de Normanville, top gear only, push-button on the dashboardOne good source: Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51, optional⁠12
  • overdrive top, 3.03 overall; pulls from 1,500 rpmOne good source: Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Impressions of the Triumph TR2", Motor Sport, Feb 1955, p. 30, test car with overdrive⁠5
top gear only to TS6156; second, third and top from TS6157 (May 1955)

Overdrive, Short Door

Good sources disagree.

  • top gear only to TS6156; second, third and top from TS6157 (May 1955)Disputed: Revington TR, "Technical Specification Change Points" (TR2), optional⁠8
  • redesigned overdrive unit from TS5980; supplementary instructions for overdrive on second and thirdDisputed: Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2
Impéria mechanical overdrive, optional, working on all four gears (eight speeds)

Overdrive, Coupé Francorchamps

Several figures in print.

  • Impéria mechanical overdrive, optional, working on all four gears (eight speeds)Good sources agree: Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
  • overdrive "works on all four forward gears"Good sources agree: Dirk De Jager, "Through the Roof: The Hardtop Triumph TR2 That Held Promises of the Belgian Auto Industry", Classic Motorsports, Jul 2016⁠22
  • Impéria's own mechanical overdriveGood sources agree: Bernard Stibling (interviewer), "Triumph du mois: TR2 Francorchamps", Triumph Club de France, Nov 2014, the club's subject car, TS 4393 LN⁠24
  • Laycock, electro-hydraulicOne good source: Klaus Rosshuber, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps: Classic Cars – Ein Traum wird wahr", Auto Zeitung, 7 Sep 2023, the magazine's restored car⁠23
LayoutRWDRWDRWD
Front brakes10 x 2¼ in drums

Front brakes, Long Door

Several figures in print.

  • 10 x 2¼ in drumsGood sources agree: Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953), Lockheed hydraulic, two leading shoes⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2
  • 10 in drumsGood sources agree: Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
10 x 2¼ in drums

Front brakes, Short Door

Several figures in print.

  • 10 x 2¼ in drumsGood sources agree: Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953), Lockheed hydraulic, two leading shoes⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2
  • 10 in drumsGood sources agree: Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
10 x 2¼ in drums

Front brakes, Coupé Francorchamps

Several figures in print.

  • 10 x 2¼ in drumsGood sources agree: Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953), the TR2's brakes⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement, the TR2's brakes⁠2
  • drums front and rearGood sources agree: Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Rear brakes9 x 1¾ in drums9 x 1¾ in drums up to TS5481; 10 x 2¼ in after TS5481

Rear brakes, Short Door

Several figures in print.

  • 9 x 1¾ in drums up to TS5481; 10 x 2¼ in after TS5481Good sources agree: Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement, "Rear Brakes 9" x 1¾" up to Commission No. TS.5481. Rear Brakes 10" x 2¼" after TS.5481"⁠2
  • 10 in rear brakes from TS5481 (Mar 1955)Good sources agree: Revington TR, "Technical Specification Change Points" (TR2)⁠8
9 x 1¾ in drums up to TS5481; 10 x 2¼ in after TS5481

Rear brakes, Coupé Francorchamps

Several figures in print.

  • 9 x 1¾ in drums up to TS5481; 10 x 2¼ in after TS5481Good sources agree: Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement, the TR2's brakes⁠2
  • 10 in rear brakes from TS5481 (Mar 1955)Good sources agree: Revington TR, "Technical Specification Change Points" (TR2)⁠8
Front suspensionIndependent by unequal length double wishbones, coil springs and telescopic dampersIndependent by unequal length double wishbones, coil springs and telescopic dampersindependent, double wishbones, coil springs, telescopic hydraulic dampers
Rear suspensionLive axle, half elliptic springs and lever arm dampersLive axle, half elliptic springs and lever arm damperslive axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs, hydraulic lever-arm dampers
Tyres5.50-155.50-15Not in the sources read
Wheels4J to TS1868; 4½J from TS1869 (May 1954)

Wheels, Long Door

Several figures in print.

  • 4J to TS1868; 4½J from TS1869 (May 1954)One good source: Revington TR, "Technical Specification Change Points" (TR2), "Stronger road wheels fitted. 4-1/2J instead of 4J"⁠8
  • steel disc wheels with chrome nave plates; knock-on wire wheels an optional extraGood sources agree: Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
  • pressed steel disc, 5.50 x 15 tyresGood sources agree: TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18
4½J

Wheels, Short Door

Several figures in print.

  • 4½JOne good source: Revington TR, "Technical Specification Change Points" (TR2), "Stronger road wheels fitted. 4-1/2J instead of 4J", from TS1869 (May 1954)⁠8
  • steel disc wheels with chrome nave plates; knock-on wire wheels an optional extraGood sources agree: Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
  • pressed steel disc, 5.50 x 15 tyresGood sources agree: TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet)⁠18
steel wheels with imitation spokes, wire wheels optional; tyres 5.50-15
Final driveHardy-Spicer all-metal propeller shaft, needle roller bearingsHardy-Spicer all-metal propeller shaft, needle roller bearingsHardy-Spicer all-metal propeller shaft, needle roller bearings
ClutchBorg & Beck 9 in single dry plate, hydraulically operatedBorg & Beck 9 in single dry plate, hydraulically operateddry, Borg and Beck, hydraulic
StarterElectricElectricElectric

Contents

Body and chassis

Sources for Body and chassis, by version

Body
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Body material
Long Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Short Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Panels
Long Door: One good source.Revington TR, "Technical Specification Change Points" (TR2)⁠8
Short Door: One good source.Revington TR, "Technical Specification Change Points" (TR2)⁠8
Doors
Long Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Short Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Seats
Long Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Short Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Chassis material
Long Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Short Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.The TR2's. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Chassis
Long Door: One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Short Door: One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Long DoorShort DoorCoupé Francorchamps
BodyNot in the sources readNot in the sources readCoupe
Body materialTwo seater open sports steel bodyTwo seater open sports steel bodysteel, with a welded roof
Panelsaluminium bonnet, boot lid and spare-wheel door to about TS550 (Feb 1954), steel afterSteelNot in the sources read
Doors222
Seats22Not in the sources read
Chassis materialrigid structure, channel steel pressings braced by a cruciform memberrigid structure, channel steel pressings braced by a cruciform memberrigid structure, channel steel pressings braced by a cruciform member
Chassisbox frame, cross-bracedbox frame, cross-bracedside members with a central X

Contents

Dimensions and weight

Sources for Dimensions and weight, by version

Length
Long Door: Good sources agree.12 ft 7 in. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51⁠12; Al Brannon, "Trying the Triumph", Sports Cars Illustrated, Nov 1955, pp. 19–21⁠9; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Short Door: Good sources agree.12 ft 7 in. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51⁠12; Al Brannon, "Trying the Triumph", Sports Cars Illustrated, Nov 1955, pp. 19–21⁠9; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Width
Long Door: Good sources agree.4 ft 7½ in, over bumpers. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Al Brannon, "Trying the Triumph", Sports Cars Illustrated, Nov 1955, pp. 19–21⁠9; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Short Door: Good sources agree.4 ft 7½ in, over bumpers. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Al Brannon, "Trying the Triumph", Sports Cars Illustrated, Nov 1955, pp. 19–21⁠9; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Height
Long Door: Good sources disagree.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4; Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Al Brannon, "Trying the Triumph", Sports Cars Illustrated, Nov 1955, pp. 19–21⁠9; Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51⁠12
Short Door: Good sources disagree.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4; Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Al Brannon, "Trying the Triumph", Sports Cars Illustrated, Nov 1955, pp. 19–21⁠9; Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51⁠12
Kerb weight
Long Door: Several figures in print.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2; Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51⁠12; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Short Door: Several figures in print.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2; Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51⁠12; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Coupé Francorchamps: Not yet confirmed.Unladen; data panel. Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Wheelbase
Long Door: Good sources agree.7 ft 4 in. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2
Short Door: Good sources agree.7 ft 4 in. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2
Coupé Francorchamps: One good source.Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19⁠3
Ground clearance
Long Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Short Door: One good source.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1
Fuel tank
Long Door: Good sources agree.12½ imperial gallons; "Fuel Tank—12½ Imp. galls. (57 litres)". Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2; Graham Robson (essay "15 Years of Evolution"), Triumph TR2 – TR3/3A, TR4/4A – TR5, TR250 1953–1968 Parts & Accessories Catalogue, Rimmer Bros, edn 2.1 (source code TR2512), Part 1⁠13
Short Door: Good sources agree.12½ imperial gallons; "Fuel Tank—12½ Imp. galls. (57 litres)". Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2; Graham Robson (essay "15 Years of Evolution"), Triumph TR2 – TR3/3A, TR4/4A – TR5, TR250 1953–1968 Parts & Accessories Catalogue, Rimmer Bros, edn 2.1 (source code TR2512), Part 1⁠13
Dry weight
Long Door: Several figures in print.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2
Short Door: Several figures in print.Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953)⁠1; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠2
Long DoorShort DoorCoupé Francorchamps
Length3840 mm3840 mmNot in the sources read
Width1410 mm1410 mmNot in the sources read
Height1270 mm

Height, Long Door

Good sources disagree.

  • 1270 mmGood sources agree: Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953), 4 ft 2 in, hood erect, unladen⁠1; Al Brannon, "Trying the Triumph", Sports Cars Illustrated, Nov 1955, pp. 19–21, top up⁠9
  • 128 cmDisputed: Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
  • 52 inDisputed: Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51, "Overall height"⁠12
1270 mm

Height, Short Door

Good sources disagree.

  • 1270 mmGood sources agree: Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953), 4 ft 2 in, hood erect, unladen⁠1; Al Brannon, "Trying the Triumph", Sports Cars Illustrated, Nov 1955, pp. 19–21, top up⁠9
  • 128 cmDisputed: Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
  • 52 inDisputed: Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51, "Overall height"⁠12
Not in the sources read
Kerb weight952 kg

Kerb weight, Long Door

Several figures in print.

  • 952 kgGood sources agree: Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953), 18¾ cwt, complete with tools, fuel, oil and water⁠1
  • 955 kgGood sources agree: Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement, 18 cwt 3 qr 7 lb, "Complete Car with Tools, Fuel and Water"⁠2
  • 2100 lbOne good source: Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51, "Test car weight"⁠12
  • ca. 980 kgNot yet confirmed: Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF), unladen⁠4
952 kg

Kerb weight, Short Door

Several figures in print.

  • 952 kgGood sources agree: Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953), 18¾ cwt, complete with tools, fuel, oil and water⁠1
  • 955 kgGood sources agree: Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement, 18 cwt 3 qr 7 lb, "Complete Car with Tools, Fuel and Water"⁠2
  • 2100 lbOne good source: Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51, "Test car weight"⁠12
  • ca. 980 kgNot yet confirmed: Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF), unladen⁠4
947 kg
Wheelbase2235 mm2235 mm2235 mm
Ground clearance6 in6 inNot in the sources read
Fuel tank57 L57 LNot in the sources read
Dry weight901 kg

Dry weight, Long Door

Several figures in print.

  • 901 kgOne good source: Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953), 17¾ cwt, dry, excluding extra equipment⁠1
  • 902 kgOne good source: Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement, 17 cwt 2 qr 21 lb, shipping weight⁠2
901 kg

Dry weight, Short Door

Several figures in print.

  • 901 kgOne good source: Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953), 17¾ cwt, dry, excluding extra equipment⁠1
  • 902 kgOne good source: Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement, 17 cwt 2 qr 21 lb, shipping weight⁠2
Not in the sources read

Contents

Sources

Every source the site cites is on the sources page.

  • Primarymade at the time, by the maker or by people who were there
  • Referenceserious later work: clubs, specialists, magazines, books
  • Uncheckedencyclopaedias and enthusiast sites: cited beside a good source, named in the sentence, or marked Unchecked
  1. Triumph Motor Company (1945) Ltd, Triumph T.R.2 Sports Car (sales brochure), Rep. 12.53 (Dec 1953), Specification, pp. 4–6; p. 4, Specification: Engine; p. 4, Specification: Engine (Transmission); pp. 5–6, Specification: Chassis; pp. 5–6, Specification: Dimensions and Weights; Specification: Capacities; "Body Specification"; "Optional Extras"; Dec 1953 brochure, imprint and specification; Dec 1953 brochure, Specification: Engine; Dec 1953 brochure, Specification: Engine and Transmission; Dec 1953 brochure, Specification: Chassis (pp. 5–6, page images); Dec 1953 brochure, Specification: Engine (Transmission); Dec 1953 brochure, "Body Specification"; Dec 1953 brochure, Specification: Dimensions; Dec 1953 brochure, p. 5: Weights (page image); Dec 1953 brochure, "Other Information"; Dec 1953 brochure, Specification: Capacities (page image). Primary
  2. Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement, general data; general data; engine; general data, gear ratios and final drive; steering, "Type and description"; general data, brakes and tyres; general data, dimensions and weights; general data, capacities; fuel tank, TR2 and TR3; general data, electrical equipment; general data, maximum speeds; General data; Steering, "Type and description" (page image); Overdrive, change points and supplementary instructions; General data, brakes; General data, capacities. Primary
  3. Xavier Audiau, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps, 1955: 22, v'là la Triumph !", Autoretro, no. 397, May 2015, pp. 12–19, data panel, "Caractéristiques techniques"; data panel, "Direction"; no. 397, May 2015, text; no. 397, May 2015, data panel ("Caractéristiques techniques"); no. 397, May 2015, data panel and caption; no. 397, May 2015, data panel; no. 397, May 2015, text ("À propos de portières"). beaulieumotorbe.ares.as35334.website/beaulieumotor/news/fichier/fichier_news_3_10012022161327.PDF Reference
  4. Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF), p. 3, Motor: the tractor and the Vanguard; p. 4, Fahrwerk; p. 4, Maße und Gewichte; p. 3, Motor; p. 4, Bremsen; p. 4. tr-register.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Kaufberatung_Geschichte_TR2_TR3.pdf Reference
  5. Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Impressions of the Triumph TR2", Motor Sport, Feb 1955, p. 30, p. 30, the engine's origin; p. 30, the gearbox; p. 30, steering and handbrake; p. 30, instruments, doors and spare wheel; p. 30; Feb 1955 p. 30. motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/february-1955/30/impressions-of-the-triumph-tr2 Primary
  6. Bill Boddy, "The Sports Cars of Britain", Motor Sport, Jul 1953, p. 19, p. 19, the power; Jul 1953 p. 19. motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/july-1953/19/the-sports-cars Primary
  7. Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Survey Of The New Sports-Cars", Motor Sport, Dec 1952, p. 19, p. 19, the prototype's engine. motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/december-1952/19/survey-of-the-new-sports-cars Primary
  8. Revington TR, "Technical Specification Change Points" (TR2), March 1954, TS881E; March 1955, TS5481; 22 July 1953, TS1 and TS2; change points, May 1955; change points, Mar 1955; change points, May 1954; change points, Feb 1954; change points, TS550. revingtontr.com/the-tr-series/tr2/technical-specification-change-points Reference
  9. Al Brannon, "Trying the Triumph", Sports Cars Illustrated, Nov 1955, pp. 19–21, specifications, firing order; specifications; pp. 19–21; Nov 1955 pp. 19–21, text; Nov 1955 pp. 19–21, specifications. Primary
  10. Motor Sport, "Rumblings", Feb 1954, p. 17, p. 17, the Morgan and the Doretti. motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/february-1954/17/rumblings-february-1954 Primary
  11. Bill Boddy, "'Motor Sport' Tests – The 2-Litre Swallow Doretti", Motor Sport, Nov 1954, p. 40, p. 40. motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/november-1954/40/motor-sport-tests-the-2-litre-swallow-doreatti-sm Primary
  12. Walt Woron, "Driving around with Walt Woron: Triumph TR-2", with "The Story in Figures", Motor Trend, May 1954, pp. 39–41, 51, "The Story in Figures", gear ratios; "The Story in Figures", test car weight and distribution; pp. 39–41, the doors; "The Story in Figures"; May 1954, "The Story in Figures"; May 1954, text ("works only on top gear"). Primary
  13. Graham Robson (essay "15 Years of Evolution"), Triumph TR2 – TR3/3A, TR4/4A – TR5, TR250 1953–1968 Parts & Accessories Catalogue, Rimmer Bros, edn 2.1 (source code TR2512), Part 1, p. 8, "Service Information"; p. 5, Robson's essay "15 Years of Evolution". rimmerbros.com/images/PDFs/TR2-5_Part1.pdf Reference
  14. Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "The Magic Century!", Motor Sport, Mar 1954, p. 19, p. 19; Mar 1954 p. 19. motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/march-1954/19/the-magic-century-2 Primary
  15. Motor Trend, Triumph advertisements (group): Standard-Triumph Motor Company Inc. (Apr 1954); Cal Sales Inc. (Aug and Sep 1954), Apr, Aug and Sep 1954, Cal Sales advertisement, August 1954, quoting Autosport; Cal Sales advertisement, Aug 1954. Primary
  16. Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR2", 2026, road test figures, citing The Motor, 7 April 1954; road test figures, citing The Motor; performance table (only its overdrive column cites The Motor); performance table, overdrive column (cites The Motor). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_TR2 Unchecked
  17. Motor Sport, "Book Reviews", May 1955, p. 46, p. 46, The Motor's road-test annual. motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/may-1955/46/book-reviews-may-1955-may-1955 Primary
  18. TR Register, "Triumph TR2 Buyers Guide" (the TR2 data sheet), TR2 page, performance figures; TR2 page, text; TR2 page, text and facts table; TR2 page, facts table; TR2 page, facts table ("Suspension Details"); TR2 page, facts table ("Wheels"). tr-register.co.uk/resources/buyers-guide/triumph-tr2 Reference
  19. Silverstone Auctions (now Iconic Auctioneers), "1955 Triumph TR2 – PKV 374" (lot 138), NEC Classic Motor Show Sale, 10 Nov 2019, lot 138, the works cars' colour. iconicauctioneers.auctioneersvault.com/catalogues/nec-classic-motor-show-2019/138 Reference
  20. Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, December 1955, Dec 1955 (vol. I no. 9), the TR3's two additional colours. vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/TSOADec1955.pdf Primary
  21. Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Stop Press – A Fast Triumph", Motor Sport, Jun 1953, p. 50, Jun 1953 p. 50. motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/june-1953/50/stop-press-a-fast-triumph Primary
  22. Dirk De Jager, "Through the Roof: The Hardtop Triumph TR2 That Held Promises of the Belgian Auto Industry", Classic Motorsports, Jul 2016, text (Wayback copy of 13 Jun 2025). classicmotorsports.com/articles/through-roof-hardtop-triumph-tr2-held-promises-bel Reference
  23. Klaus Rosshuber, "Triumph TR2 Francorchamps: Classic Cars – Ein Traum wird wahr", Auto Zeitung, 7 Sep 2023, text. autozeitung.de/fahrbericht-triumph-tr2-franchorchamps-69954.html Reference
  24. Bernard Stibling (interviewer), "Triumph du mois: TR2 Francorchamps", Triumph Club de France, Nov 2014, Nov 2014 interview (Wayback copy of 21 Sep 2021). triumph-club-de-france.fr/actualites/triumph-du-mois/1740-2014-11-triumph-tr2-francorchamps Reference

Contents