Triumph's first model was the TR2 produced 1953-1955, followed by the TR3 (1955-1962). I previously wrote about the TR2 in 2014. Today's post provides more analytical detail.
I never liked the styling of those cars, and was pleased when the redesigned (by Giovanni Michelotti) TR4 emerged in the early 1960s. Even so, TR2s and 3s were popular thanks to their peppy performance.
In the images below I try to show why I wasn't a TR2/3 fan.
This was the most popular imported British sports car when the TR2 was designed by Walter Belgrove. The roadster style featuring cut-down doors was sometimes seen on pre- World War 2 cars, but was mostly found on MG T-series sports cars from 1936 through 1955.
TR2s also had cut-down doors, and the cut was more drastic than on MGs. So drastic that TR2/3s seemed to be almost chopped in two. Compare the low-points of the beltlines on this car and the one above to their cowling heights. The ratio of this cut length to the cowling distance from the lower body edge on the MG is around one-third, whereas on the TR2 it's about one-half. The rear fender's leading curve pushes close to the cut. This and the trunk (boot) creates a massive element adjoining the deepest part of the cut, emphasizing the effect of the body being essentially separated front and rear parts. That is, seemingly "chopped in two."
Another styling problem is the frontal design, especially the radiator opening where the grille is a grid mounted far inboard. I suppose functionality purists might defend this, but I think it's ugly. Those bug-eye headlight assemblies don't enhance the car's appearance either, but were probably inescapable given the front fenderline curve and American headlight height regulations.
Now for a brief walkaround. The top edge of the cut-down door is slightly padded, providing an armrest for the driver. Disregarding that "functionality," a higher front fenderline or beltline would have improved the car's looks.
The TR3 front was mildly facelifted from the TR2. The conventionally-placed grille is an improvement aided by slight reshaping of its sheetmetal framing. This should have been used on TR2s. I suspect it wasn't because the TR2 was a marketing gamble and its front was cheaper to build.
I'm guessing the recessed TR2 grille was supposed to have some ram air effect but probably didn't. And the cut down door was probably a design decision based on its relation to the driver and passenger and the car was designed around that.
ReplyDeleteThe TR experience is unlike any other type of car including the convertible I once owned (which was also quite different from a normal car, even my Forester with a double sized sun roof.)
In a TR the road is seemingly inches from your elbow. But then, side curtains and the assemble it yourself roof....