The Triumph TR250 Sports Car

Triumph TR250

from Classic to Modern

The Triumph TR250 sports car. Originally, Triumph had planned to replace the TR4A with the TR6 in mid 1967. However, according to legend, the TR6's designers, Karmann, provided Triumph with the tooling specifications, incorrectly, in metric units.

This error set back the launch of the TR6. Consequently, as a stop gap measure lasting a year, a design for the TR250 was quickly put in place to satisfy the US market.

In 1967, the TR250 sports car was introduced at the same time as the launch of the TR5.

Externally, apart from the grille, there was virtually no difference between the two, nor with the TR4A, the car they were replacing.

However, a notable styling feature was a transverse speed stripe across the bonnet of the TR250, which also displayed a distinctive "TR250" badge.

There was a similar badge on the rear wings, and one saying "Triumph TR250" on the boot.

The TR5 was designed for the UK and European markets, and none were exported to the US.

On the other hand, the TR250 was aimed specifically at the US market, and was only available as a LHD version.

The Lucas fuel injection system on the TR5 did not meet the strict US emission control regulations. Since any modifications to this system could turn out to be unduly expensive, it was decided to look for an alternative.

The solution was to use the same 2.5 litre, straight 6-cylinder engine as the TR5, but instead of fuel injection, to incorporate two Stromberg carburettors developing 104 bhp, ironically the same as that produced from the TR4A.

This engine was a direct descendent from that used in the Triumph 2000 saloon car, which developed 90 bhp, but bored out to 2.5 litres and fitted with a modified camshaft.

The result was a power increase of 60 bhp for the TR5, and 14 bhp for the TR250.

Technical data TR250 TR5

Production: 1967-1968 1967-1968
Output: 8,484 2,947
Engine: cc 2498 2498
Cylinder, bhp 6, 104 6, 150
Speed mph 109 117

Performance TR250 TR5

0-30 mph 4.0 secs 3.5 secs
0-50 mph 8.6 secs 6.0 secs
0- 60 mph 10.6 secs 8.8 secs
0-90 mph 27.5 secs 21.4 secs
Standing Quarter mile 17.8 secs 16.38 secs
Overall Fuel Consumption 27.5 mpg 19.6 mph

1968 Triumph TR250 Seen here leading an all-Triumph pack during a Sprint Race as part of the 2015 Jefferson 500. Smart

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However, the substitution of carburettors in place of fuel injection had an adverse effect on performance, with power output, top speed, and 0-60 times all suffering.

Alternatively, compared with the TR4A, the torque increased from 128 to 152 lb-ft, which made even the carburetted version a very smooth engine.

Further, with its 0-60 in around 10 secs, it was in the same league as the Austin Healey 3000.

On the downside, even with independent suspension, the nose would rise up on acceleration and dive on breaking, and the ride was somewhat bouncy.

Just like the TR5:

It was available as a hard top version, with a detachable Surrey Top
It had independent suspension all round
It had power assisted disc brakes at the front with drums at the rear
It had a four speed gearbox, with overdrive and wire wheels as optional extras

The TR250 was an immediate success in the US, and far outsold the TR5.

SPORTS CARS FOR SALE

A 1967-68 Triumph TR250, in good condition, could fetch around £16,000/$25,000, whilst an example that was an ideal restoration project would be worth around £5,000/$8,000.