Triumph TR5 PI Fuel-Injected
The Triumph TR5 PI holds a unique place in automotive history as the first British production sports car with fuel injection. Produced for only one year and in fewer than 3,000 units, it offered significantly more power than the TR4A it replaced while wearing an essentially identical body. The PI designation identified the Lucas mechanical fuel injection system that gave the car its distinctive character.
The 2.5-litre inline-six engine with Lucas mechanical fuel injection produced 150 horsepower at 5500 rpm, a substantial improvement over the TR4A's 104 hp from four cylinders. The fuel injection provided smooth, progressive power delivery and excellent throttle response. American-market cars received twin Stromberg carburetors instead, creating the TR250 variant with 111 hp — making the UK-spec TR5 PI significantly more desirable.
Performance was impressive for the era. The TR5 could reach 60 mph in 8.8 seconds and achieve a top speed of 122 mph, making it one of the fastest affordable sports cars available in 1967. The torquey six-cylinder engine provided strong mid-range acceleration that made the car an excellent overtaking machine.
The body was essentially unchanged from the TR4A, with Michelotti's clean design enhanced by the addition of wider wheel arches to accommodate the new wheels and a more pronounced front air dam. The visual differences were subtle but effective, giving the TR5 a slightly more muscular appearance.
The independent rear suspension from the TR4A IRS was carried over, providing the improved handling and ride quality that the more powerful engine demanded. The chassis was well-suited to the additional power, and the TR5 was a genuinely enjoyable car to drive quickly through winding roads.
The TR5's brief production life — just twelve months from October 1967 to September 1968 — combined with its status as the first fuel-injected British sports car, has made it highly collectible. Only 2,947 TR5 PIs were produced (compared to approximately 8,500 carbureted TR250s for the US market), making it one of the rarest TRs.
Today, the TR5 PI is the most sought-after of the Michelotti-styled TRs. Its combination of rare fuel injection, strong performance, and limited production has ensured steadily rising values. The car represents the bridge between the gentler TR4 and the more powerful TR6, offering the best of both worlds in a package of genuine historical significance.
Verify TR5 PI specification through chassis number — the fuel-injected car is significantly more valuable than the carbureted TR250. The Lucas mechanical fuel injection system requires specialist maintenance; find a metering unit specialist before purchasing. Rust is the primary structural concern; check chassis, sills, rear spring towers, and inner wings. The 2.5 engine is robust but check for overheating history. Overdrive is essential for touring use. Low production numbers mean some body-specific parts are scarce.
Produced from October 1967 to September 1968 at Standard-Triumph's Coventry factory. Only 2,947 fuel-injected TR5 PIs were built for UK and European markets. The American market received the carbureted TR250 (8,484 units). The TR5 was succeeded by the Karmann-styled TR6.