A true family TR2 affair here, with ownership spanning 3 generations and 66 years! If you take into consideration its overall wonderful condition, period and sensible upgrades, history and single family ownership since 1956, then this certainly presents a wonderful opportunity to purchase an absolute gem of a TR2 that's perfect for touring or simply enjoying whenever time permits.

Julien's Perspective
SOME THOUGHTS ON THIS MODEL

Obviously having been in the same family for three generations there is plenty of history to support this TR2’s ownership. The original buff log book clearly states that it was originally sold by “Carr’s Cars” in Corsley, Wiltshire, in November 1954 to its first keeper, Mr Lace. It was then directly acquired from him by the first of the current family members (grandfather) in 1956. In 1971 his son inherited and then it passed on down the line to ultimately the grandson in 2021.

This TR2 was and always has been used extensively by each of the family and there are lovely photographs of the car competing at a Goodwood Sprint and the around Britain Run during the 70's along with many entries in the TR Newsletter, plus numerous Concours wins as well. Although ultimately it stopped being shown at these events, as the family were strong proponents that a car should be used, the dash plaques confirm its wins!

In that vein, a number of (mostly period) modifications over the years have been engineered into the car to make it more usable and safer to drive. These modifications are period sympathetic and make a huge difference to both its drive-ability and performance.

In summary, the main modifications are:

· Original engine block increased to 2138cc capacity with later type cylinder liners;

· Over-sized 86 mm wet liners/pistons;

· Balanced crank;

· Stage II fast road’ gas flowed ‘high port’ head (TR3A) with reshaped standard valves and uprated valve springs;

· H6 1¾” SU carburettors (as opposed to the HS41½” as original) with flowed TR3A inlet manifold;

· Uprated ‘fast road’ cam;

· Stainless steel exhaust system, including ‘tubular’ manifold;

· Alternator/narrow belt conversion;

· Aluminium exhaust heat shield and exhaust manifold lagging

· AP Lockheed brake servo;

· Laycock overdrive;

· Electric cooling fan;

· Electronic ignition (inside distributor so easy to revert to points if preferred);

· Aluminium rocker cover;

· Front disc brakes from TR3A;

· 70 spoke wire wheels with 195x65x15 rear and 185x65x15 front tyres;

· Front suspension: Silicon-Chrome 310 lbs broad-springs;

· Battery isolator switch;

· Mota-lita steering wheel;

· Retracting seat belts;

· Roll-over bar;

· Spotlights;

· Cobra classic seats with head restraints(original seats are available & are in very good condition); and

· Reversing lights.

The car certainly drives as well as it looks, which I can vouch for, having driven it up from near Chichester. In fact, I was enjoying the experience so much I actually took a 30 mile detour as the 'smile factor' is huge, with induction noise and exhaust note only adding to the overall pleasure. The performance as you would expect is vastly improved by the modifications, as is the handling and importantly the stopping too!

You sit low in the exceptionally comfortable Cobra buckets and if necessary you can erect the hood which anchors easily, or just use the tonneau. The flat windscreen can be detached and 2 aero screens installed but for me, being 6ft and 17st, it's a perfect cabin with plenty of seat adjustment and elbow room. The boot affords you good luggage space and there's the additional boot mounted rack in case your partner doesn't travel light!

If you take into consideration its overall wonderful condition, period and sensible upgrades, history and single family ownership since 1956, then this certainly presents a wonderful opportunity to purchase an absolute gem of a TR2, being perfect for touring or simply enjoying whenever time permits.