The Geneva Motor Show of March 1953 saw the launch of the all-new Triumph TR2 sportscar, developed from the one and only TR1 with the experimental chassis number X505. The new model was soon in great demand due to its performance, reliability, availability and low price. It competed well against the contemporary rivals of the period, and it soon became successful in competition winning accolades including the team prize in the Alpine Rally at their first outing and 27th overall in the Mille Miglia beating many Ferraris. For many sportscar manufacturers at the time, endurance racing not only served as a great marketing tool, but also a testbed for new and innovative parts and engineering technologies. In 1954, a TR2 was privately entered in the '24 Heures du Mans' by Mr Edgar Wadsworth and, sharing the driving with Mr John Brown, the pair finished a creditable 15th in the gruelling event completing a total of 214 laps of the Circuit de la Sarthe.

The following year Standard-Triumph Ltd decided to enter a 'Works' team of three cars to compete at the 24-hours, all finished in British Racing Green with wire wheels and carrying consecutive registrations 'PKV 374', 'PKV 375' and 'PKV 376'. We are incredibly proud to be offering one of these team cars, 'PKV 375' for sale. The team cars were not exactly standard customer cars at the time, as they were fitted with uprated experimental front disc brakes, long range fuel tanks and high-port cylinder heads, effectively making them prototypes, however, it wasn't long before these modifications became standard fitment on customer cars. 374 and 375 were fitted with Girling disc brakes at the front and 11-inch Alfin drums at the rear, they also featured a long-range fuel tank and high-port cylinder heads, effectively making it a prototype for future standard fitments.

This example, PKV 375 was one of those three works cars entered by Triumph for the 1955 Le Mans 24-Hours. The official entry list records PKV 375 (car no. 29) as driven by Ken Richardson and Bert Hadley, finishing 15th overall. After its single competition outing at Le Mans, the car was sold for road use and subsequently passed through several owners with the original buff logbook remaining in the history file. In the 1970's a founding member of the TR Register heard of an old TR2 sitting in a yard in Darlington, he was surprised to receive the original buff logbook confirming the Standard Motor Company as the first owner, upon consulting Triumph expert Graham Robson, he was advised of the car's historical significance.

Financial commitments delayed its restoration and the car remained stored at the family home for several decades. In 2016, a local enthusiast purchased PKV 375 from the long-term owner and commissioned a full restoration. During the restoration process the car was inspected by marque experts and all correspondence and documentation are included in the comprehensive history file. Following completion, the car was issued with FIA Historic Technical Papers (HTP), valid until 2028. Since restoration, PKV 375 has retained its original Works registration number and has been displayed at the Brooklands Museum site since 2016 and was presented at the Vernasca Silver Flag Hill Climb in 2025.

This historically significant Triumph would require some preparation to return to competitive race condition, but it retains full eligibility for major historic motorsport events. With its verified provenance, Le Mans history, and documented restoration, PKV 375 represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a genuine Works Triumph TR2 with outstanding credentials eligible for the Mille Miglia, Goodwood, and many other prestigious historic motorsport events. Consigned by Mathew Priddy

Lot details
Year: 1955
Make: Triumph
Model: TR2 ex-Works Le Mans 24-hours 'PKV 375'
Registration: PKV 375
Chassis No: TS55820
Odometer: tba

* Ex-works 1955 Le Mans 24-hours TR2 no.29 driven to 15th position
* Well-documented History including current in date FIA HTP papers
* Entry to the Le Mans classic, Goodwood revival, Mille Miglia & many more