Arriving at The Forge: A Superb Triumph TR5 PI with Proven Touring Pedigree

Arrived at The Forge today is this superb, subtly upgraded home-market Triumph TR5 PI — a car that represents the ultimate specification for long-distance European touring, organised events and confident, regular use.

Built on 9th February 1968 and supplied new from Birmingham on 21st March 1968, the car was first registered as MOK 129F. Impressively, it retains its original ‘buff’ logbook, accompanied by a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, firmly establishing its provenance and authenticity.

For almost twenty years, the TR5 has been in the custodianship of its most recent owners, during which time it has covered close to 30,000 miles. Crucially, this is a car that has been used exactly as intended — driven and enjoyed. It has toured extensively across Europe, embarking on memorable journeys to Croatia, Prague, The Netherlands and Paris. Along the way, it has taken part in organised continental tours, even competing in sections of regulated rallying and earning class awards.

One particularly special moment in its story came during a visit to the Le Mans Classic, where the Triumph completed a scenic lap of the legendary circuit ahead of the race meeting — a fitting experience for such a charismatic and capable British sports car.

The car is accompanied by a comprehensive history file that reflects meticulous maintenance throughout its long-term ownership, ensuring it was always ready for its next adventure. Prior to this period, the TR5 was the subject of an exceptional body-off rebuild to an impressively high standard. Photographic records document the process in detail, showing the car as a rolling chassis, a stripped bare-metal bodyshell and a fully dismantled engine — clear evidence of the thoroughness and quality of the restoration.

During this rebuild, the car was carefully uprated to enhance reliability and usability. Improvements include an alloy sump, unleaded cylinder head, upgraded driveshafts, a high-flow Bosch fuel pump, updated starter motor, overdrive logic box and a strengthened chassis. The differential and gearbox were also fully rebuilt, ensuring the car performs as well as it presents.

The result is a truly glorious driving TR5 — powerful, responsive and perfectly suited to sustained continental mileage. It combines the benefits of a high-quality restoration with the proven reliability of a well-used and well-sorted touring car that has been refined over thousands of miles.

Today, many years on from its restoration, the car continues to present beautifully. The chassis and bodyshell remain structurally excellent, while the Signal Red paintwork retains a deep, lustrous finish with only light, honest patina. The chrome is bright and well cared for, the interior remains inviting and well preserved, and the engine bay is neatly detailed. Completing the look are the hood and wire wheels, giving the car a purposeful yet elegant stance.

This is a fantastic example — superbly rebuilt, thoughtfully upgraded and, most importantly, properly used. It offers reliable and highly enjoyable classic motoring, with the credentials and confidence to set off across Europe at a moment’s notice.