v These series of articles will relay the story of the SHP520 from the time of purchase hrough to itīs restoration. These articles will be en-riched by reports of the rallies that the SHP 520 will participate in 1999.

v Part 1
I was told of the SHP 520 over a routine conversation by a good friend in London.  For a long time I was on the look out for something special regarding Triumphs. A prompt phone call to the number provided lead to a vigorous exchange of information which got me highly interested. The price was agreed and basically I bought the car – without seeing it. The car my was described in being in a terrible condition.

v SHP 520 PAST

The SHP 520 is one of the only TWO Mille Miglia entries ever.Built on the 9th of February 1956, with TS10073 as chassis and TS10437E as ist engine. The car as purchased was still fitted with it original works engine. The original TS10073 commission plate is still available and the body is numbered SP1297. Started as a production, drum-braked TR3 in Beige Colour with a sunset red hard top and vermilion interior. Records show that the car was registered on the 16th of February 1956.

  

SHP520 became a factory development car and was used for the disc brake fitment and for the "GT" conversion development. This conversion included special door handles similar to the TR3,  but without locks and re-enforced side-screens, which were screwed to the doors. The current owner has not been able to obtain those special door handles and the re-enforcement for the side screens. The car is currently fitted with overdrive gearbox, which has been reconditioned to its specs.

 

v Part 2

May / June 1956 The car was fitted with the wire wheels and pre-production disc brakes. The Car was then transferred to Ken Richardsonīs Competition Department where along its competition participation remained as Ken Richardsonīs personnel transport and continued to be a development or, and used for publicity shots. For Example Michalins "x" tyres advertising.

RALLY HISTORY
Year Event Driver Result
1956 Alpine Rally Anny Bousquet unknown
1957 Mille Miglia Nancy Mitchell non-finisher
1957 Liege-Rome-Liege Leidgers/Dubois unknown
     
1958/1959 the car was rebodied to TR3A and painted red, prior to being sold.

1959 SHP-520 purchased by Mr. T.G.F "Guy" Wilson of Carlisle U.K. Guy was an amateur racing rallly Driver. He had the registration number changed to GUY603, which he used on all his cars. During his ownership the car was once more badly damaged and was again returned to the factory for a further rebuilt.

April 1960 The registration of the SHP520 was changed GUY603 to 86BAO

1960 - 1996 History and faith is unknown. It is believed that was used until 1970 when it was laid up.

1996 The car was purchased by TR-CLASSIC with the intention to restore it to its original condition.

1999 The car had now covered over 1000 Miles and has started settling down, further fine tuning has been to further the performance and reliability . The changes are:

1) Ram pipes have been fitted

2) Oil cooler 13 row has been added to help oil cooling is race conditions.

3) Spark plugs have been changed to Champion L82YC

4) Carburetor jetting have been changed (type )

As the car is equipped with a 300 degree camshaft the above changes have improved the overall acceleration characteristics of the car in helping to provide for a smoother acceleration .Safety and navigational additions have been applied to make the car comply with the current FIA safety regulations.

1) Four point safety belts have been fitted.

2) Navigational foot rest

3) Two Map lights

4) Tripmaster

5) Master power Cut off switch.

I am sure that one will agree that originality was sacrificed to comply with the current safety regulations.

I would like to take this opportunity to thanks Klaus for the work done in the fine tuning of the engine and the carburetors.

TR Classic 27/09/99