Record TR2 returns to Belgium
A record-breaking Triumph has driven back to the venue where it smashed a speed record in 1953.
This Triumph TR2 ‘Jabbeke’ returned to the Belgian town last Saturday (20 May) to celebrate it being restored exactly 64 years after it broke a speed record.
Arguably one of the most significant Triumph sports cars of all time, the TR2 Jabbeke edition was built in 1952, and achieved a speed close to 125mph in May 1953 in Jabbeke. This broke the world speed record for 2.0-litre standard production cars, and cemented its status in automotive history.
After a long period spent in private ownership, it has been extensively rebuilt to record-breaking specification by Glen Hewett of Protek engineering in Wallingford, Oxfordshire.
Glen says: ‘ To be back in the town where this little British sports car made motoring history was amazing. It was a wonderful event to be involved in and has made the gruelling 14-month restoration all worthwhile.’
Wayne Scott, head of PR for the TR Register says: ‘ The car was joined by more than 30 TRs from the TR Register car club, representing all eras of the TR marque that the land speed record car gave rise to. There in front of large numbers of the general public and local dignitaries the car and Glen posed for photographs and interviews before heading out once again onto the roads around Jabbeke in scenes reminiscent of the press attention the car drew on 20th May 1953.’