STAGE No.1: THE SERIES PRODUCTION NUMBERS
THE GENERAL LAUNCH NUMBER
CP 1: First TR5 (prototype)
CP 2: First series production car assembled on 29/08/1967
CP 586: First car assembled on 01/01/1968
CP 3101: Last TR5 assembled on 19/09/1968
N.B: 2 947 TR5s were built even though the numbers go up to 3101.
We do not know where the gaps are in the numerical sequence.
Certain letters are added to the numbers for more complete information:
CP XXX: without letters, right-hand drive car without overdrive.
CP XXX L: The letter L means that the car is left-hand drive.
CP XXX O: The letter O means that the car has overdrive.
CP XXX LO: A left-hand drive TR5 with overdrive.
N.B: The majority of TR5s were assembled in Canley (UK) but left-hand drive cars destined for the Common Market were dispatched in CKD kit form (completely knocked down) and assembled in Malines in Belgium.
These cars are identified as: 1CP XXX LP.
This concerns the majority of French TR5s.
This number is engraved on a plate riveted to the left-hand side of the bulkhead.
This also has the paint code, the prefix A is added (if the car has acrylic paint), and that of the interior colour. The material used is indicated by a prefix letter added to the interior colour code. : Skai (Ambla) without prefix, H for leather and C for cloth.
N.B.: On CKD cars (French) the plate seems to have been riveted to the bulkhead to the left of the battery (see below), and does not have the colour codes for the bodywork and the interior. We do not know why the plate changed places on these cars.
SERIES PRODUCTION NUMBER OF THE ENGINE
It is as follows: CP XXX E
This number is on the left hand side of the block.
SERIES PRODUCTION NUMBER OF THE INDEPENDENT REAR AXLE
It is as follows: CP XXX
This number is on the lower part of the rear axle casing.
GEARBOX SERIES PRODUCTION NUMBER
It is as follows: CD XXX; This number is on the hump on the left-hand side of the gearbox casing.
BODYWORK SERIES PRODUCTION NUMBER
It is as follows: XXX CP. This number is on a plate riveted to the right-hand side of the bulkhead.
CHASSIS NUMBER
It is engraved on the front near the front drive train mounting points (see photo).
It is not certain that all the TR5s were numbered.
STAGE No.2 THE OVERALL ASPECT
Read the column “TR4 vs TR5” which will give you all the details that distinguish a TR4 from a TR5. You can check that your car has all the specific attributes of a TR5 (exterior and interior).
STAGE No.3 VALIDATION BY THE BMIHT
The BRITISH MOTOR INDUSTRY HERITAGE TRUST keeps a record of the British Motor Car Industry. You can ask for a certificate of authenticity mentioning the series numbers that you have. After research in the Triumph archives, the certificate will be sent to you, and you can discover the origins of your TR5 (colour and original options, agreement of numbers etc.). BMIHT website, click here.
ATTENTION: For cars assembled in Belgium (1CP XXX LP) the BMIHT does not have any information, so there is no use making a request if your car is concerned.
To sum up: three simple stages not to make a mistake!
You can also contact clubs and other professionals of the make. Don’t forget to check your “car registration.”
ATTENTION: The TR5 is a rare car and thus is much sought after. Some unscrupulous individuals transform TR250s into TR5 P1s!
Watch out and enjoy your drive!
