AUTOSPORT, SEPTEMBER 14, 1962

14Apr10

Triumph TR4 Performance Report 1962

WEATHER-STAINED : The TR4 after about 1,OOO miles off rally-following, in torrential rains, was completely weather-proof.

During the years the TR series of Triumph sports cars has attained great popularity all over the world. When the TR2 was introduced in 1953 it offered 100 m.p.h. motoring at the lowest cost envisaged in Great Britain for a car of its type. In competitions it rapidly became the most successful rally car of its time, starting off with a resounding victory in the 1954 Rally of Great Britain. The development work put in on the TR2 by Ken Richardson and his men was reflected in the large numbers of machines which were produced, and also exported.

Together with the late Peter Reece, I took a TR2 into the 1954 Lyon-Charbonnieres Rally, long regarded as the especial preserve of Professional Continental rally drivers. With no opportunity to do the lengthy recces, reckoned to be essential for success in this very tough event, the little white car not only finished without loss of penalty points, but was sixth in general classification, runner-up in the International Sports category, and best foreign entry. A few weeks later the same car, this time with the late Stan Asbury as co-driver, completed the „Tulip“ unpenalized, and was close runner-up to a Ferrari in the sports class.

Soon Triumph TR2s were to be seen in every type of event, and the type was followed by the improved TR3. After a splendid debut at Le Mans by the privately entered Wadsworth/Dickson TR2 in 1954, twin-cam versions were entered by the factory and displayed fine reliability. So far, no two-o.h.c. machines have been offered for sale, but this year the Standard-Triumph concern, now controlled by Leylands, announced the TR4.

will be continued …

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Schlagwörter: autosport, ferrari, great britain, international, leylands, rally, sports, tr4