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Barn find TR2 as original as the day it was built

A "barn find" Triumph TR2 has been described by classic car specialist David Eales as one of the most original 50-year-old examples of the marque he has ever seen.

Eales, Managing Director of Oselli, unearthed the red 1953 car literally in a barn in a village near the company's Witney, Oxfordshire, base.

"I had heard of the car's existence and managed to track it down," said Eales. "The present owner bought it in the 1970s and laid it up ten years ago, since when it hasn't been touched.

"Amazingly it fired up when we got it into our workshops, and although a restoration project is perfectly driveable."

Eales said that virtually the whole of the three-owner car appeared to be original, although he was unable to verify the mileometer reading of 6,931. "Everything appears to be there, right down to the key to open the boot and bonnet.

"It really is quite nostalgic to sit behind that large, thin steering wheel and look at those classic instruments. Considering its age and where it has spent the past decade it is in remarkable condition."

Eales said that the car was for sale at £7,000 as it stood. "We have decided to leave it exactly as it is, even resisting the temptation to give it a polish, so that the new owner has a choice on what to do with it."

Details are available from Oselli on 01993 849610 (www.classiccarsales.biz).