TheTriumph 20TSwas a prototypesports carshown byStandard-Triumphin October 1952 at theLondon Motor Show.Extensive development of the 20TS led to the introduction of theTriumph TR2in March 1953 at theGeneva Motor Show,after which the 20TS was unofficially referred to as theTriumph TR1.Only one example of this car was ever made byTriumph.
| Triumph 20TS | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Triumph Motor Company (1945) |
| Also called | Triumph Renownsports version[1] Triumph TR1 |
| Production | 1952; one prototype |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style | Open two-seater |
| Layout | FR |
| Related | Triumph TR2 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1991 cc[2]Standard wet liner inline-four engine[1]with twoSUcarburettors; 75 hp (56 kW) at 4500 rpm[2] |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,311 mm (91 in)[2] |
| Length | 3,581 mm (141 in)[2] |
| Width | 1,410 mm (55.5 in)[2] |
| Kerb weight | 775 kg (1,708 lb)[2] |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Triumph Roadster, Triumph TR-X |
| Successor | Triumph TR2 |
History
editThe 20TS was shown to the public in October 1952 at theLondon Motor ShowatEarls Court.[3][4]Reactions to the 20TS were mixed. Criticisms included a tight interior and lack ofbootspace.
To get an opinion of the car's performance and handling at speed, Standard-Triumph chairman SirJohn BlackinvitedBRMdevelopment engineer and test driver Ken Richardson to drive it.[5]Richardson had a low opinion of the 20TS's performance and handling, describing it as a "death-trap" with poor handling and a top speed of 80 mph (129 km/h),[6]short of Black's target of 90 mph (145 km/h):
Frankly, I think it's the most bloody awful car I've ever driven.
Upon hearing Richardson's assessment, Black asked him to help redesign the car.[5]Richardson tuned and modified the engine and worked with Triumph engineers to increase the brake size, modify the front suspension, and experiment with rear springs and shocks. A stronger frame with improved torsional rigidity was designed. Meanwhile, the stylists widened and lengthened the car for more interior room and boot space, mounting the spare wheel inside the boot. The result was the Triumph TR2, introduced in March 1953 at the Geneva Motor Show.[5]
Features
editThe 20TS was built using existing components: its engine came from theStandard Vanguard,its suspension from theTriumph Mayflower,and its chassis from theStandard 8 hp,itself based on the pre-war Standard Flying Nine.[1][6]
The body was designed to be built economically, with no panels requiring double-action presswork. Economy of design was considered vital, as the company did not expect high sales figures and had targeted a price of £500 before sales tax. The rear of the car was short and curved and had thespare tyrebolted to it.[1]
Legacy
editThe 20TS was the origin of theTriumph TRsports car line,[4]and was referred to unofficially as the TR1 after the introduction of the TR2.[1]
It is unknown whether the 20TS exists today. According to Bill Piggott, the car might have been scrapped to provide parts for a TR2 prototype.[7]
Citations
edit- ^abcdeLangworth 1973,p. 133.
- ^abcdefCulshaw & Horrobin 2013,p. 318.
- ^Trummel 2012,pp. 54–55.
- ^abElliott 2007,p. 101.
- ^abcdLangworth 1973,p. 134.
- ^abRobson 1972,p.[page needed]
- ^Piggott 2009,p. 18.
References
edit- Culshaw, David; Horrobin, Peter (2013) [1974]. "Triumph".The Complete Catalogue of British Cars 1895 - 1975(e-book ed.). Poundbury, Dorchester, UK: Veloce Publishing. pp. 315–322.ISBN978-1-845845-83-4.
- Elliott, James (March 2007). Elliott, James (ed.). "The Magic Numbers".Classic & Sports Car.25(12). Haymarket Publishing: 100–109.ISSN0263-3183.
- Langworth, Richard M.(1973). "Trundling Along With Triumph – The story thus far...".Automobile Quarterly.11(2 (Second Quarter)). Automobile Quarterly Inc.: 116–145.LCCN62004005.
- Piggott, Bill (2009). "Prologue:TRs Past and Present".Collector's Originality Guide Triumph TR2 TR3 TR4 TR5 TR6 TR7 TR8.Minneapolis, MN US: MBI Publishing. pp. 14–45.ISBN978-0-7603-3576-5.LCCN2008047897.Retrieved26 November2014.
- Robson, Graham (1972).The Story of Triumph Sports Cars.Motor Racing Publications.ISBN0-900549-23-8.
- Trummel, Reid (July 2012). "1960 Triumph TR3A Convertible".Sports Car Market.24(7): 54–55.