Small, fun-to-drive British roadsters first gained popularity in the US courtesy of soldiers returning home from World War II. By the late 1960s, British sports cars were a common sight on US roads. The challenge facing manufacturers like Triumph was not brand recognition but literally keeping up with faster competition. One result of this need for speed was the Triumph TR250, the brand’s first roadster with six-cylinder power, like the one recently offered on eBay.
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1968 Triumph TR250 - engine compartment view from driver's door
A Rare and Groundbreaking Model
A one-year-only offering, the Triumph TR250 was a stopgap model based on the aging and soon-to-be discontinued TR4. But instead of the outgoing model’s anemic four-cylinder engine, the TR250 got the twin-carbureted 2.5-liter inline six slated for the TR6, which was due to be released the following year.
The result was nothing short of a complete transformation. An increase of more than 20 horsepower and a notable 19 pound-feet of torque resulted in quicker acceleration and better drivability. The Triumph TR250’s six also added a distinctive and melodious exhaust note that can still make a driver grin while going through the gears.
While the exterior was almost identical to the TR4—save for different badging and a stripe across the front fenders and hood—the TR250 received numerous upgrades under the skin. Chief among them was the independent rear suspension (IRS). This had only been available by stepping up to the more expensive TR4A IRS. It replaced the TR4’s antiquated rear springs and solid axle.
Other changes included a different steering wheel, redesigned seats, power front disc brakes in place of the manual discs, and the distinctive red-stripe tires that later became a TR6 trademark.
A True Original
The Triumph TR250 currently offered is a well-preserved and seemingly rust-free example with just one previous owner. The original purchaser was a member of the US Air Force who purchased it new while serving in the UK. The owner was so taken with the car that he kept it for decades, shipping it across the United States and Spain before storing it in 1991. It is also well-documented, with paperwork going back to when it was new.
Aside from having lost its distinctive front stripe somewhere along the way, this Triumph TR250 looks largely as it did when it left the factory. Finished in its original dark blue, the car shows well with only minor scratches. The underside and engine compartment are in similarly good condition.
The original interior also presents well and appears complete, from the factory walnut dash to the instruments and trim. Minor needs include missing carpet and split seams in the driver’s seat.
The only known issue is that years of storage have left this RE250 with a damaged wiring harness. The engine does not run. But a new harness will be included with the sale, making this affordable classic an even better buy.
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