The sun was breaking through the early morning haze as the roller shutter doors were lifted and
TS2 emerged from her bay at TR Register headquarters in Didcot to embark upon an epic UK voyage.

There to greet her was Tom Purves, the new Honorary President of the TR Register, who had the honour of driving her for the first leg of the journey, to be handed over to the Chiltern Group at Bicester Heritage.

Meanwhile, outside the building of Motorsport UK, the governing body for motor racing in the UK, a crowd of TRs
was gathering to welcome TS2. Those cars ranged from the TR2 of Ian Smith, to the works TR4 (4VC) of Ian Cornish right through to several TR7s and even a Stag. The full era of TRs was represented, and the cars lined up along the roads at Bicester Heritage to welcome TS2 in.

After some time to mingle, admire TS2’s stunning decals and to be interviewed by Classic Car Weekly’s Nick Larkin, a photo shoot was arranged with TS2 and members’ TRs representing each era of progression of the TR model before retiring inside for a look around Motorsport UK.

Once inside, Wayne Scott welcomed guests and members alike and interviewed Keith Read who donated TS2 to the TR Register in the late 1990s.

Keith said, “On hearing it was for sale, I felt TS2 had to be saved. A lot of work was done but the TR ended up being stored in my garage for many years, my wife eventually said I had to do something with her and I’m delighted that the TR Register took it on.”

Those gathered were then introduced to Tom Purves who explained just how much the TR model means to him:

“TS2 drives really well, and I’ve really enjoyed the journey.” Tom said on arrival
at Bicester Heritage. “I’ve always loved TRs since my dad had a Triumph concession in Rossleigh and drove me in one at 100 mph. I was six at the time!”

Then after commemorating the anniversary of the first TR (20TS, the short-tailed prototype unveiled in 1952) Des Gilmore, who was stationed at RAF Bicester when it was an operating Royal Air Force facility, gave those present a fascinating insight into what life was like when Bicester Heritage was in active service.

TS2 would remain with Chiltern Group for the rest of the weekend and the following day attended a photoshoot amongst some transport heritage of a different nature, at the Oxford Bus Museum.

The handover to Ridgeway Group took place from Chiltern Group, with Robert Longstaff receiving the car from Ian Smith. Then TS2 headed to the Classic Motor Hub, Abington near Cirencester, where TS2 was displayed in fine company with several other classic cars they have within the showrooms there. The images clearly showing that Ridgeway had fantastic fun driving and experiencing TS2, many for the first time.

Phil Horsley took delivery of TS2 for Kennet Valley and the historic TR2 headed off for her next glitzy appearance, this time on a rotating turntable within the motoring and supercar themed café in Newbury town centre, known as Podium Place.

It was great for both the venue and the TR Register to see coverage not only on social media reaching many thousands of people, but also extensively in the local press, as Michael Field acted as press liaison man for the day with brilliant effect.

No sooner had Newbury recovered from the hype and excitement caused by TS2 on a rotating display in Podium Place,
than Kennet Valley had whisked her away to Brooklands near Weybridge to attend the Easter spectacular event that saw thousands flock to the historic banked circuit museum over the Easter Weekend. There, TS2 was displayed alongside 27 other members’ cars from both Kennet Valley and London group and even met the Le Mans TRS of Steve Roberts who attended with 927 HP. It’s safe to say that her decals and logos attracted huge attention as passers- by were able, immediately, to understand the significance of both TS2’s history and what an incredible journey the car was embarking upon this summer.

Next, to Wessex Group and collection by Richard Nevines. Another show beckoned on Easter Monday as TS2 attended the Andover Rotary Classic Car and Bike Show. Next, some notable pilots, including our own Vice-President Chris Cunnington enjoyed TS2 before it headed to the salubrious surroundings of the Harbour Hotel, Ocean Village in Southampton. Here the public got the opportunity to get up close to the car and hear all about its story. At Ocean Village, TS2 was joined by a few other Wessex members, including a French- registered TR2 in a stunning shade of Pink!

Neil Reynolds, the new Group Leader for Wessex, handed over TS2 to Kent Group
at Cobham Services on the M25 for her journey to the South East of England and one of the biggest events on the TS2 relay calendar, Drive It Day.

Sunday 24th April saw the joint meeting of South-eastern groups for Drive It Day at Chatham Dockyard, where members of Kent mixed with those of London Group, Thames Valley, Windsor Forest and others for the

celebration of the National Awareness Day for historic vehicles. The stunning nautical surroundings provided the perfect backdrop for sharing TS2 and her story with passers- by and the spellbound public, who were lucky enough to witness the TR Register take-over of this popular landmark.

Alan Kent set off from a sunny Drive It Day, back towards his home turf for Thames Valley Group. TS2 attended the usual local group meet, Surrey Oaks before heading off, back to Brooklands – this time for a very special photoshoot.

Pictured on both the iconic banking, the Brooklands sign and another example of transport engineering excellence, Concorde, the images from the Thames Valley Group with TS2 at Brooklands will immortalise the car, and this tour, for years to come.

Brooklands was opened in 1907 and at the time, was the world’s first purpose-built ‘banked’ motor racing circuit. It was also one of Britain’s first airfields, leading to the site becoming the largest aircraft manufacturing centre in the UK by 1918, producing military aircraft such as the Wellington Bomber and airliners like the Viscount and VC-10.

The circuit hosted its last race in August 1939 and today the only short, remaining section forms part of the Brooklands Museum. The rest of the circuit has been long lost underneath new housing estates and the adjacent Mercedes facility. The remains do give an impression of just how impressive the banking would have been, with it reaching 9 metres high in places. It’s hard to imagine now, but in its heyday, Brooklands attracted over ten thousand spectators to its inaugural event.

For TS2, the next stop after the stunning photography was with London Group and Alan Kent handed over to Mark Bulford for its time enjoying the capital city with

London Group members before Cliff Turnbull of Windsor Forest took her out to the Windsor Forest area for the next leg of the Round Britain Relay.

The diversity of venues and activities that TS2 is being involved in already on this tour has been impressive. This was further re-enforced by Windsor Forest Group who took TS2 to their local shopping centre, The Meadows! There, she was on display alongside a TR4 and TR6 and will have met an entirely different audience to promote the use of classic cars and TRs, educating the local area about the enthusiasm that exists on their patch for this British breed of historic sports car.

After a photo at Windsor Castle in this Jubille year and an exhibiting visit to Scuderia Prestige, Cliff Turnbull met with Tony Wilkinson of Dorset group for the next leg. The handover being overseen by Mike Ellis, the TR Register’s TR2–3B Registrar.

Dorset would be just as active and busy with TS2 involving a trip to Stewarts’ Garden Centre in Wimborne for members to get to experience the car up close in familiar surroundings. Then on to be pictured alongside another aspect of transport history this time of a military nature with a visit to Bovington Tank Museum where TS2 was given pride of place in front of the entrance to the centre.

In the next issue we will follow TS2 as she continues her journey to the South- West and next to Devon Group where Alan Burgess has a special programme lined up for her. The route will take TS2 along the historic Jurassic Coast and onwards to Cornwall Group, who will welcome the first right-hand drive Triumph TR2 to their patch as well.

You can follow TS2’s progress on the TR Register’s social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and via the news pages at www.tr-register.co.uk/ts2 You can also view the real-time tracker showing TS2’s rough location on each leg of the relay run.

See where TS2 is now with our live tracking map

Download the press release with links to images and further information

Download images only

Download the flyer

Read the first instalment of TS2s visit to the South and South-Eastern region. (excerpt from TR Action Magazine)