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TR5/TR250 TR 250 To Buy or not to buy, that is the question

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Joeydeluxed

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I'm thinking about buying a TR 250 that's for sale in western Pennsylvania.
I haven't owned a vintage Triumph in many years and am wondering about the accessibility of parts. Are parts for the TR 250 readily available? Any reason I should or should not buy a TR 250 vs. a TR 3 or TR 4(A)?
Also, anyone in that area who I could pay to do an inspection if I do in fact make an offer on the car.
thanks in advance for your help,
Joe
 
Parts availability is good. The big three have most everything for the 250 as well as some on-line sellers. Many of the mechanical parts are identical to the early TR6 and the body shell is a TR4A so I think parts are a non issue. The condition of the car is what I would base my decision on.
If its in good shape then go for it. They are neat cars.
 
Oh Yea.

4784962770_783a1e857d.jpg
 
The usual disclaimers apply for a TR250 as apply to any classic car. If it is is acceptable shape for the price being asked, by all means buy it. As the owner of a TR4A, the TR250 is the TR that I would trade for.
 
Jersey Joe....As said before...getting the parts should not be your problem. Depending on the current condition of the car...
and the condition you want to car to be...that is probably the deciding point. Very few of us build a car for profit. My experience is the body work is the most expensive part of this party. If you are fighting rust issues...buyer be ware!
All that being said...The 250 is a very choice model. Only made 1 year drives the interest up. You will find lots of help on this forum! Good luck...and hope it works out best for you. And keep us posted! Gil NoCal
 
There are a few 250 specific bits that can be tough to find if missing but can be found with some looking. The rest of the parts are shared with the TR4a/6 and are generally available new including body sheetmetal and interior soft parts.

Off the top of my head -

Grille - Looks like 4a grille but has no cutout at bottom for crank start
Front Valance - Looks like 4a but has hole inlet for radiator cooling
Windshield wiper motor - Can't remember the difference (round/square)
Wheels (non-wire) - 4a width but with posts to accept Rostyle hubcaps (Rostyle hubcaps shared with 69 TR6)
Seats - Best description I've seen is they are like 69 TR6 seats without the headrest.
Backup lights - 250 has em, 4a don't.
Steering wheel - not 250 only but shared with 69 TR6 only

I'm sure I'm forgetting more but I think those are the obvious bits.
 
Didn't the fenders have the light in the sides. Thought that was mandated in 68
 
JOEYDELUXED
I'm in northeastern Ohio and do travel a lot in my job. If you want to PM me and let me know what city it's in PA I could tell you if it's possible for me to look at it. Also I did a frame up restoration on my TR250 from 2000 to 06 so I'm sure I can be of help.
 
cheseroo said:
There are a few 250 specific bits that can be tough to find if missing but can be found with some looking. The rest of the parts are shared with the TR4a/6 and are generally available new including body sheetmetal and interior soft parts.

Off the top of my head -

Grille - Looks like 4a grille but has no cutout at bottom for crank start
Front Valance - Looks like 4a but has hole inlet for radiator cooling
Windshield wiper motor - Can't remember the difference (round/square)
Wheels (non-wire) - 4a width but with posts to accept Rostyle hubcaps (Rostyle hubcaps shared with 69 TR6)
Seats - Best description I've seen is they are like 69 TR6 seats without the headrest.
Backup lights - 250 has em, 4a don't.
Steering wheel - not 250 only but shared with 69 TR6 only

I'm sure I'm forgetting more but I think those are the obvious bits.
Click to expand...
Actually the steering wheel is unique to the TR250, 69 TR6 is unique to itself also. Front valence is available new from TRF. Grills are not available and used ones in good shape bring a premium. Wiper motor is a square frame 2 speed that was also available on the 4A. Wire wheels on the 250 are also different from the 4a and 6. Seats are unique and again bring a premium, if you can find someone willing to part with them. The last set I ran across were in really nice condition and he wanted $2500 for them.
 
If it has all badges in good shape that is a plus, there is a trunk badge (2 actually, one says Triumph and one says TR250, two TR250 badges on the sides of the rear fenders and one on the hood. You can get repros, but the price adds up if they are missing.

The front chrome sidelight housings tend to blister and good ones are hard to find and usually bring big bucks, new ones if you can find them cost several hundred.

I spent the most time on the bodywork on mine, but the most money on the interior, the door pads, panels, seat covers, dash, crash pads under the dash, carpets, my car needed all that, and it really adds up.

But they are great cars and great fun, if it is reasonably solid and complete I would say go for it.
 
FYI, The front sidelights and housings are reproduced and available in the UK from Revington TR. These are excellent and have lucas markings on the lenses. I believe they would cost in the neighborood of $200/side. They are highly recommended by our TR Register UK friends.

Mike
 
Again, just want to thank everyone who responded. I've got some great tips and direction
on how/what to look for when buying a TR 250.

thanks,
Joe D'Amico
 
glemon said:
The front chrome sidelight housings tend to blister and good ones are hard to find and usually bring big bucks, new ones if you can find them cost several hundred.
Click to expand...

When I redid my TR4A, I had the front sidelight markers and rear taillight housings rechromed by a company in Tennessee. Thought I would mention it as an alternative.

Scott
 
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