List of 7 Best Triumph Sports Car Models

Triumph has produced some of the most iconic sports cars over the years. 

From the 1800 and 2000 Roadsters of the 1940s to the iconic Triumph TR in 1953, which was a super hit and made the franchise a lot of profit and market share.

In this article we’ll go over 7 of the most iconic and amazing Triumph sports cars that have made a lot of name and market share for the company and are worth a look:

Best Triumph Sports Car

Although Triumph no longer produces cars, the brand left behind an impressive legacy of stylish, fun-to-drive vehicles that enthusiasts still admire today.

From classic roadsters to sporty coupes, Triumph cars combined performance, design, and a distinctly British charm. Here’s a list of some of the best Triumph cars ever made:

1. Triumph Stag

It is a 2+2 sports tourer planned by an Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti and sold by Triumph Motor Company between 1970 and 1978.

The Stag was envisioned as a premium sports automobile as a direct competitor of Mercedes-Benz SL class cars.

They were all four-seater convertibles, but for structural rigidity, and to fulfill American rollover rules at the time, a B-pillar “roll bar” hoop joined to the windshield frame.

Detachable body-colored hardtops, rear window de-icing wires, full headliners, and lever-operated side windows were very popular options in the early Stags and were eventually given as a standard fitment.

2. Triumph GT6 

The Triumph GT6 is a 6-cylinder barrel-back version of the Spitfire, designed by Giovanni Michelotti, an Italian designer, to take on the MG Midget and Austin Healey.

They were produced in the 1965 Le Mans 24 Hours for seven years from 1966 to 1973, and over 40,000 UK-class cars were sold.

In addition to the excellent parts supply, their best point is that, unlike MG and Austin Healeys with unreliable SU electric fuel pumps, the GT6 uses a long-lasting mechanical fuel pump that operates from the camshaft to guarantee long-term reliability on the road. 

And if you own one, you don’t have to wear a brass hammer to hit the fuel pump and restart it when it doesn’t work like an MG, and also Healey owners need to do it from time to time, making driving the GT6 an absolute explosion.

3. Triumph Spitfire 

It was a two-seater convertible with a rear-wheel drive and a front engine.

The Spitfire was built as a shortened version of the Triumph Herald chassis and features its Standard SC engine.

It was designed by Giovanni Michelotti and nicknamed ‘Bomb,’ was based primarily on the Triumph Herald. 

It weighed 711kg with a compact body and deployable roof.

Weather protection was also given with a manual convertible feature which was much improved on subsequent versions, and a custom hard-top was also offered as a factory option.

It wasn’t fast at the start, with a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine, but it allowed car aficionados all across the world an inexpensive opportunity to get into sports driving.

4. Triumph TR2

It was manufactured in the United Kingdom by the Standard Motor Company between 1953 and 1955. It was only offered as a roadster.

The Triumph Roadster from Standard was out of date and underpowered.

The CEO of the company, Sir John Black attempted but couldn’t succeed to buy the Morgan Motor Company. 

He still desired an economical sports vehicle, so a two-seater prototype was created.

The Triumph 20TS prototype that resulted was unveiled at the London Motor Show in 1952.

A test driver, a BRM development engineer, and Ken Richardson were requested by Black to evaluate the 20TS. 

A project was launched to modify the design after their declaration as a “death trap”.

And just after a year, TR2 was shown. It had a more appealing appearance, a longer body, a larger boot, and a basic ladder-type chassis.

5. Triumph TR5   

It was a sports car manufactured between August 1967 to September 1968.

At the time, fuel injection was an unusual phenomenon in road cars. Triumph claimed in its promotional brochure to be “the UK’s first mass-produced fuel-injection sports car.”

Price pressures and stricter emissions rules in the United States led to not very powerful carburetted variant sales in the North American market.

In the United Kingdom, the starting price for a 1968 TR5 was £1,260, including taxes. 

A four-speed transmission, pinion steering, rack, independent rear suspension, and front disc brakes were all standard. 

While wire wheels, overdrive, and a tonneau cover were available as options.

6. Triumph TR6   

The TR6 debuted in January 1969 and was manufactured until July 1976.

The doors, body tub, running gear, engine, and structure were all inspired by the Michelotti-designed TR5.

Karmann of Germany restyled the front and back of the automobile, however one source suggests the new squared-off Kamm tail design was taken from an unrelated Michelotti prototype. 

But all TR6s were powered by Triumph’s 2.5-liter straight-6 engine, with the same mechanical gasoline injection system as the TR5 for the UK and international markets.

7. Triumph TR7 

This sports vehicle was produced in the United Kingdom by the Rover-Triumph Division of the British Leyland Motor Corporation (BLMC) from 1974 to 1981.

It was first manufactured at Speke, Liverpool, before transferring to Canley in 1978, and ultimately to the Rover Solihull facility in 1980.

The automobile was first introduced in January 1975 in the United States, and it had its home market debut in the United Kingdom in May 1976.

Because of the overwhelming demand for cars in the United States, the UK debut was delayed at least twice.

This wedge-shaped coupe was driven by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder lump producing just 105bhp, and due to looming safety requirements from America, the newest TR couldn’t even be ordered with a ragtop.

In 1979, a TR7 Convertible was introduced, and the car grew into a respectable Sportster that always drove better than many people expected.

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Why Did Triumph Stop Making Cars?

Triumph’s decline was a mix of corporate reshuffling, economic challenges, and product issues.

After the Leyland Motor Corporation acquired Triumph in 1960, internal competition with other British brands like Rover and MG often led to production inefficiencies and management conflicts.

The 1970s brought additional hurdles: the oil crisis hit car sales hard, and rising labor costs and strikes disrupted manufacturing.

While models like the TR7 and TR8 were ambitious attempts to modernize the lineup, quality and reliability issues tarnished the brand’s reputation.

Financial difficulties mounted, forcing the British government to step in with a bailout in 1975.

Despite these efforts, Triumph struggled to compete with both domestic rivals and rising Japanese imports.

Ultimately, production ceased in 1981, and the brand officially retired from car manufacturing in 1984.

While Triumph cars remain cherished classics today, a combination of corporate mismanagement, economic pressures, and shifting market trends ended its era as a car manufacturer.

Who Currently Owns the Triumph Car Brand?

The Triumph car brand is currently owned by BMW. BMW acquired the rights to the Triumph marque when it purchased the Rover Group in 1994.

However, after selling the Rover Group in 2000, BMW retained ownership of the Triumph and Riley marques.

The Standard marque was transferred to British Motor Heritage Limited, which continues to use the Triumph name for servicing and parts related to existing Triumph cars.

While BMW has occasionally explored the idea of reviving the Triumph brand for new vehicles, such as considering it for a roadster based on the Z4 in the early 2000s and a Mini Roadster in 2005, these plans have not come to fruition.

In 2011, BMW applied for a European trademark to use the Triumph laurel wreath badge on vehicles and merchandise, further fueling speculation about a potential revival.

However, as of now, the Triumph car brand remains dormant.

In 2023, automotive design house Makkina unveiled the Triumph TR25 concept car, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Triumph Cars.

Based on the BMW i3S, the TR25 pays homage to the 1953 Triumph TR2 MVC575 ‘Jabbeke’ and showcases design elements reminiscent of classic Triumph models.

While the TR25 is a concept, it indicates that BMW still holds the Triumph brand in high regard and may consider its revival in the future.

In summary, BMW owns the Triumph car brand, and while there have been discussions and concept designs hinting at a revival, no new Triumph-branded cars have been produced since the brand’s retirement in 1984.

Which Triumph Models are Best for First-time Restorers?

For first-time restorers, models like the Triumph Spitfire, TR3, or TR4 are often the easiest to work on.

These cars are relatively simple mechanically, with straightforward engine layouts and widely available parts.

Their lightweight construction and modular components make repairs and replacements manageable even for beginners.

Additionally, these models have large enthusiast communities, providing guidance, restoration manuals, and used parts.

Avoid rare or late-model cars like the TR8 or Stag for your first project, as they can present complex mechanical systems or harder-to-find parts, which may overwhelm a novice restorer.

Are Classic Triumph Car Parts Still Available for Restoration?

Yes, Triumph car parts are still widely available, thanks to a combination of specialist suppliers, enthusiast clubs, and classic car restoration networks.

Companies like Moss Motors and British Parts provide both OEM-style and aftermarket components for models ranging from the TR2 to the TR8.

Additionally, many Triumph owners and clubs trade used parts, helping restorers source rare or discontinued items.

While some components, especially those for early or limited-production models, can be expensive or hard to find, most mechanical, body, and trim pieces are still obtainable with patience, making restoration feasible for dedicated enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

Triumph sports cars are prized for their classic British styling, lightweight chassis, and engaging driving dynamics.

Models like the TR6, Spitfire, and TR3 combine nostalgia, mechanical simplicity, and historical significance, appealing to collectors seeking a vintage driving experience.

Limited production numbers, especially for early models, increase rarity and desirability. Originality and condition play a big role in value, with well-maintained or professionally restored examples commanding higher prices.

Additionally, the active Triumph enthusiast community and the availability of parts make these cars both collectible and usable, striking a balance between investment and enjoyment for vintage sports car aficionados.