Founded in 1970, the TR Register Car Club has grown from a small band of Triumph TR enthusiasts into one of the world’s most successful single-marque classic-car clubs. Created by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, the Register brings together owners and admirers of every Triumph TR model — from the TR2 to the TR8 — along with related marques such as the Italia, Swallow Doretti, Peerless, Warwick, Dove and Grinnall.

Today, the TR Register is a vibrant, global organisation with more than 50 UK local groups, representation in nearly 40 countries, and a mission that has remained constant for over five decades:
to preserve the TR marque, keep the cars on the road, and enhance the enjoyment of ownership for every enthusiast.

Based at a dedicated headquarters in Didcot, Oxfordshire, the club maintains extensive archives, technical documents and historical records. Run on a not-for-profit basis with no shareholders, the Register is overseen by a democratically elected volunteer board, supported by a small team of staff and a network of expert model registrars. Every penny of income is reinvested to benefit members and protect the heritage of Triumph TR sports cars.

 
Our history — How the TR Register was formed

The origins of the TR Register can be traced back to late 1969, when an enthusiastic TR3A owner, Terry Simpson, published an open letter in a motoring magazine inviting other TR drivers to make contact. The response revealed a strong, widespread desire for a dedicated club where owners could share information, technical help and social experiences.

This led to the first official gathering of TR owners on 11 January 1970, in Oxfordshire. What began as an informal meeting of like-minded drivers quickly evolved into a fully organised club. Later that year, the TR Register Car Club was formally founded — its ethos built on passion, camaraderie and shared expertise.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the club expanded rapidly, forming regional groups across the UK and establishing ties with international TR organisations. A structured volunteer leadership and a growing archive helped lay the foundations for one of the world’s strongest classic-car communities.

By the 1990s, the Register had a permanent headquarters and archive facility, and by the 2000s it was running national and international events, supporting motorsport, and offering digital resources. In January 2020, members returned to the original meeting venue to celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary — a testament to its enduring spirit and global reach.

Today, the same values that shaped the club’s founding still guide it: knowledge-sharing, preservation of the cars, and building a friendly, welcoming community for all TR owners.

 
Timeline of Key Dates

1969 — The Spark

A TR3A owner, Terry Simpson, publishes a letter in Motor Sport Magazine inviting other TR enthusiasts to connect, igniting the idea for a dedicated club.

11 January 1970 — First Meeting
The inaugural gathering of TR owners takes place at Hopcrofts Holt in Oxfordshire. The TR Register concept is born.

1970 — Club Founded
The TR Register Car Club is officially established to support TR owners and preserve the Triumph TR marque.

1970s — Early Development
Membership rises quickly; local groups form across the UK; registrars begin building the club’s technical and historical archives.

1980s — Going Global
International TR clubs start affiliating with the Register, expanding its reach well beyond the UK.

1990s — Headquarters Established
A dedicated office and archive centre is opened in Oxfordshire, allowing professional management of records and services.

2000s — Growth & Modernisation
The club expands its events programme, develops motorsport championships, and strengthens its digital presence.

2010s — Heritage & Stability
The archives grow further; international partnerships deepen; club governance develops to support a modern classic-car community.

12 January 2020 — 50th Anniversary
Members return to the original venue to celebrate half a century of TR passion, preservation and community.

2020s — Today
With robust membership, global representation and a thriving calendar of events, the TR Register continues to champion all things Triumph TR.

Membership Benefits — Why Join the TR Register?

Joining the TR Register transforms ownership of a Triumph TR into a richer, more supported and more enjoyable experience. Members gain access to a comprehensive suite of benefits designed specifically for classic TR ownership:

TR Action Magazine

Members receive TR Action, the club’s glossy bi-monthly magazine filled with high-quality articles, technical advice, motorsport updates, event coverage and member stories. A full digital archive spanning decades is also available in the members’ area.

Specialist TR Insurance

Through TR Register Insurance Services, members can access classic-car policies tailored to Triumph TR models, backed by brokers who understand the marque and offer competitive, enthusiast-friendly cover.

Technical Support & Historic Archives

Members enjoy unparalleled technical resources:

• Registrars specialising in each TR model
• Factory information, build details and historical records
• Technical articles, manuals and restoration guidance
• A trade directory plus recommended parts suppliers
• Member classifieds for buying and selling TRs and parts
• This expert support is invaluable for restoration, maintenance and long-term preservation.

Local Groups & Social Scene

Membership includes automatic access to your nearest local group, offering regular gatherings, scenic drives, pub meets, technical sessions, and social events. Whether you’re a new owner or a lifelong enthusiast, you’ll find friendship and support within a welcoming TR community.

Events, Tours & Motorsport

The club hosts and participates in a wide array of activities:

• National and international shows
• European tours and road trips
• Rallies, runs and social drives
• The TR Register Sprint & Hillclimb Championship
• Local group weekends and themed events 

There is something for every kind of enthusiast — from the casual driver to the motorsport competitor.

Not-for-Profit Organisation

The TR Register is run entirely for its members. With no shareholders and a democratically elected board, all income is reinvested into services, events and support. Volunteers, registrars and staff work together to sustain the club’s mission and protect the TR heritage.

Custodians of TS2 - the first right-hand drive TR!

The TR Register is hugely proud of its ownership of TS2, the second TR2 ever made and the first right-hand drive version of the model that began it all. The car was restored by the club in time for the 2001 NEC Classic Motor Show and has been used as a promotional vehicle by the club and its members ever since. Members wishing to loan out TS2 may do so by application to the TS2 trust. The member must demonstrate that their use of the vehicle will promote the TR Register or the TR marque in some way.

 
Why It Matters

From its grassroots beginnings in 1970 to its global presence today, the TR Register has always been more than a car club. It is a living community, a historical archive, a technical support network, and a social home for TR enthusiasts across generations.

Whether you’re maintaining, restoring or simply enjoying your Triumph TR, membership ensures you never drive alone.