Pierre Marchand

My Triumph TR5 was built in Malines, Belgium and shipped to Marseille, France in July 1968 . It’s first owner kept it for a few years before selling it to Mr Jean-Pierre Charazac at the end of 1973.

For work purpose Mr Charazac moved to Montreal, Canada in 1975 and left the TR5 behind in his father’s barn/farm checking on the car sporadically while visiting his dad in the south of France.

What was initially a trip of a year or two away from home became a journey of more than 30 years. He finally decided on bringing the TR5 over to Montreal in December 1999, which probably explains the unmolested and original condition of the car.

Unfortunately, around the same time he was diagnosed with cancer. Prior to his passing he decided on selling the car to a local car collector, Mr. Soltendieck. Mileage on the car was a mere 35,957 miles (57,868kms) at that time.  

Less than 3 years later I was lucky enough to meet Mr Soltendieck through a common mechanic we were dealing with. He was then chasing a Jaguar xk140 and decided on parting with the TR5.

I’ve owned the car since November 2006. The odometer now reads 47,412 miles (76,303 kms). Being a huge fan of Triumph sports cars, I can easily say that the TR5 is one of most enjoyable car of the TR series you can drive.

Quite simply a wonderful, fun and rare automobile.

If you have a sharp eye you will notice on the 1973 picture above, the «French stripe» on the bonnet. When I purchased the car the previous owner decided on removing them. They were not painted but simply applied on the bonnet with some sort of light sticking glue. I’m thinking of putting them back on since they are part of the history of the car!  Also on the same picture you’ll notice the original Rostyle wheels were already replaced by the TR4 hubcaps which the car stills wears today. I’ve found a nice set of Rostyle wheels which will be put back on in the spring.

French website of interest:  https://www.tr5passion.com/