1968 Triumph TR250 – Exterior and Interior – Classic Expo Salzburg 2021
In 1968, the Triumph TR250 bridged two worlds: British six-cylinder performance and American emissions regulations. Built for just a single model year, it combined the chassis of the TR4A with the new 2.5-liter engine of the TR6. Today, the TR250 stands as one of the rarer Triumph TR variants.
Technical Details:
The 1968 Triumph TR250 was powered by a front-mounted inline six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2,498 cc. This overhead-valve unit was derived from the Triumph 2000 saloon engine and produced approximately 104 horsepower in US specification. Unlike the fuel-injected TR5 sold in Europe, the TR250 used twin Zenith-Stromberg carburetors in order to comply with American emissions requirements.
Power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox, with optional Laycock de Normanville overdrive available on selected gears. The TR250 shared its chassis with the TR4A, featuring a separate ladder-frame construction. Independent rear suspension (IRS), introduced on the TR4A, was retained, using semi-trailing arms and coil springs in place of the earlier live rear axle.
At the front, suspension consisted of unequal-length wishbones with coil springs and anti-roll bar. Braking was handled by front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. With a top speed of approximately 175 km/h (around 110 mph), the TR250 delivered smooth six-cylinder torque rather than aggressive acceleration, offering improved refinement compared to the earlier four-cylinder TR models.
- Manufacturer: Triumph Motor Company
- Model Name: Triumph TR250
- Year of Manufacturing: 1967–1968
Design
The Triumph TR250 shared its basic body structure with the TR4A but incorporated styling updates that previewed the upcoming TR6. The design originated with Giovanni Michelotti, whose clean, squared-off lines had modernized the TR series earlier in the decade.
Externally, the TR250 can be identified by its distinctive front grille featuring vertical slats and a central chrome strip. Wire wheels were commonly specified, reinforcing the car’s sporting appearance. The long hood and relatively compact cabin emphasized traditional British roadster proportions.
Inside, the TR250 offered a wood-veneer dashboard with clearly arranged round instruments. Compared to the earlier TR4, the six-cylinder engine required subtle structural modifications but preserved the overall cockpit layout. The car retained a folding soft top and optional hardtop, maintaining its open-air driving focus.
Historical Significance
The TR250 occupies a specific niche in Triumph’s history. In Europe, the 2.5-liter six-cylinder TR5 was introduced in 1967 with Lucas mechanical fuel injection, producing approximately 150 horsepower. However, US emissions regulations made fuel injection certification more complex and expensive. As a result, Triumph developed the carbureted TR250 specifically for the North American market.
Production lasted only from late 1967 through 1968, with approximately 8,484 units built. The TR250 was effectively replaced in 1969 by the TR6, which retained the same 2.5-liter engine in carbureted form for the US market but featured restyled bodywork by Karmann.
Because of its short production run and its position between the TR4A and TR6, the TR250 represents a transitional model. It combined the independent rear suspension chassis of the TR4A with the smooth six-cylinder engine that would define the TR6 era.
Quirks and Pop Culture
One of the most notable aspects of the TR250 is its close relationship to the TR5. Mechanically similar but significantly lower in output due to carburetion, the TR250 is often discussed alongside its European counterpart. Enthusiasts sometimes retrofit fuel injection systems, though originality remains highly valued.
The TR250 also benefited from the growing popularity of British roadsters in the United States during the late 1960s. Its combination of six-cylinder torque and relatively accessible pricing made it attractive to drivers seeking more refinement than the earlier four-cylinder TR models.
Within classic car circles, the TR250 is appreciated for its rarity and its balanced mechanical configuration—combining independent rear suspension with the smoothness of the Triumph inline six.
Display and preservation:
The vehicle was exhibited at the Classic Expo Salzburg in 2021. As one of Austria’s premier classic car events, the show has established itself as a central meeting point for collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts from across Central Europe. The 2021 edition took place at Messezentrum Salzburg and featured more than 250 exhibitors, along with a strong turnout of over 20,000 visitors. Attendees could explore a broad range of offerings—from historical vehicles and motorcycles to automobilia, spare parts, and literature.
Conclusion
The 1968 Triumph TR250 stands as a unique and short-lived chapter in the Triumph TR lineage. Powered by a 2.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine and built on the independent rear suspension chassis of the TR4A, it offered improved refinement while retaining traditional British roadster character. Produced for a single model year primarily for the US market, the TR250 bridges the gap between the TR5 and the TR6 and remains a distinctive, collectible member of the Triumph TR family.
