Triumph TR2 Long Door – 1954

Eligible for the Mille Miglia – Fully Restored

Make: Triumph Motor Company
Model: Triumph TR2 Long Door
Year: 1954
Chassis: TS2439L
Engine: TS64041E
Displacement: 1991 cc
Odometer: 7,771 miles
Interior: Beige vinyl
Exterior: Red
Soft top: Beige

Historic Certifications

• Certificate of Historical Significance issued by the Automotoclub Storico Italiano
• British Heritage Certificate issued by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust

General Description

Offered in excellent condition, this rare 1954 Triumph TR2 “Long Door” represents one of the most desirable and historically significant versions of the first generation of Triumph TR sports cars produced by the Triumph Motor Company.

The TR2 model was officially presented to the public at the Geneva Motor Show 1953, marking the beginning of the famous Triumph TR sports roadster family. It was designed to compete with European sports cars of the era, offering lively performance, robust mechanical engineering and a competitive price.

The “Long Door” version, produced in the earliest TR2 examples between 1953 and 1954, is today particularly sought after by collectors. The name derives from the distinctive door configuration extending lower along the body compared with later models, reaching the lower edge of the bodywork. This construction solution was abandoned after only a few thousand units had been produced, making the “Long Door” examples rarer and more distinctive.

The total production of the TR2 amounted to approximately 8,636 units, but only a relatively small portion belongs to the early Long Door series, characterized by specific bodywork and construction details. For this reason, these cars are now considered a highly desirable variant in the international classic car collecting scene.

Restoration and Recent History

This car was fully restored in 2012, with particular attention paid to preserving the original specifications of the model.

Following the restoration, the vehicle was submitted to the commission in order to obtain the Certificate of Historical Significance issued by the Automotoclub Storico Italiano, an official recognition certifying the authenticity and historical importance of the vehicle.

In 2014 the car was registered in Italy, and over the years it has been regularly subjected to the mandatory biennial inspections (TÜV – MOT), which clearly document the progression of mileage.

The odometer currently shows 7,771 miles driven since the restoration.

The car is also accompanied by the British Heritage Certificate issued by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, an official document certifying the original production data of the vehicle, such as chassis number, engine number, configuration and factory specifications.

Technical Characteristics of the Model

The Triumph TR2 was designed as a lightweight and high-performance sports roadster equipped with simple yet extremely effective mechanical engineering.

Engine

• Inline four-cylinder
• Displacement: 1991 cc
• Fuel system: twin SU carburettors
• Power output: approximately 90 hp
• Valve configuration: overhead valves

Performance (period reference data)

• Top speed: approximately 170 km/h
• 0–100 km/h acceleration: approximately 12 seconds

Thanks to its relatively low weight and robust mechanics, the TR2 quickly became one of the most appreciated British sports cars of the 1950s, achieving notable results in endurance competitions and regularity rallies.

Mille Miglia Eligibility

As a model produced during the historical period of the original race (1927–1957), this car is eligible to participate in the historic re-enactment of the Mille Miglia, one of the most prestigious classic motoring events in the world.

Equipment and Accessories

This example is presented in an elegant configuration consistent with the specifications of the period:

• Wire wheels
• Wind deflectors on the windscreen
• Tonneau cover
• Beige vinyl interior
• Beige soft top
• Red bodywork

The red exterior combined with the beige interior enhances the classic lines of this British roadster, highlighting its elegant yet sporty character.