1947 Triumph TR5 Trophy 500cc pre-production, experimental, development bike. The Triumph production run-of the TR5 commenced in 1948, and this 1947 TR5 was owned by Harry Woolridge, the former Triumph Meriden Works Service Manager, and was sold to a good friend of his in 1983. There is a letter present signed by Harry Woolridge confirming the originality of this TR5. The TR5 was purchased in 2012 from the Harry Woolridge’s good friend, and is now offered for sale. The engine is unique, and was used on the experimental test bed to determine crankshaft deflection, hence the aperture in the crankcase to fit a measuring device. The aperture remains but has been fitted with a plug to close the hole. The engine is fitted with the original AAPP generator cylinder barrels, and also a cylinder head with a third plug hole, which is now used a a decompressor. These special heads were made for Triumph’s Belgium agent for use in hydrofoil racing boats, which used the generator engine laid on it’s side. It also carries cams which are engraved ‘Master’. The frame appears to be an early standard TR5, which carries early tele forks, as used on the experimental trials and GP machines, with no provision for lighting. Lighting was fitted by Harry Woolridge’s good friend when he purchased the TR5 from Harry, in order that the machine would be roadworthy. The mudguards are the original prototype steel narrow section, with the rear mudguard made up of two sections of a front mudguard, in order to get the correct length. Both front wheels are original, with the front re-spoked, and fitted with trials universal tyres. The headlight and brackets are BSA, and the rear numberplate is genuine Triumph with Lucas lens. The Triumph was registered by Harry Woolridge’s good friend in 1983.
The above has been verified by Harry Woolridge.
There are also notes relating to some other parts fitted to the TR5, and links to Jimmy Alves, the Triumph works trials rider. I believe this to be true, having met and spoken to Harry Woolridge’s good friend, but this cannot be justified, as it wasn’t confirmed in the above provenance signed by Harry Woolridge.
The Triumph hasn’t been used since being registered. However, the engine has been turned over occasionally and has good compression, but the electrics will need going through.
The TR5 was purchased from Harry Woolridge’s good friend in 2012, and is now offered for sale. This is a fantastic opportunity to own a very rare Triumph TR5. This is one for the serious Triumph collector.
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