The Triumph TR25 created by leading automotive design house, Makkina is a celebration of the legendary British roadster, paying particular homage to the record-breaking ‘Jabbeke’ Triumph TR2, which broke the land speed record for production cars under two litres in May 1953.

Today, 70 years after its record and 100 years since the Triumph name first appeared on a production car, it returns sporting a new, modern design direction as the Triumph TR25 by Makkina. With a deep-rooted commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, the UK-based design house has created the TR25 to embody the record-breaking car’s attributes in a contemporary way with realistic proportions that remain true to the Triumph brand.

Making its name in speed record history, the Triumph TR2 competed famously in speed trials in Jabekke, Northern Belgium in 1953. The original ‘Jabbeke’ TR2 was memorable as it achieved a record-breaking speed of 124.889 mph, with test driver Ken Richardson at the wheel. The ‘Jabbeke’ TR2, otherwise known as MVC575, was a pre-production prototype car, featuring streamlined parts including an under shield, rear-wing spats, and a metal cockpit cover. The colour, a pale blue-green hue, has now become synonymous with that record breaking car.

From the outset, Makkina’s desire was to showcase the characteristics that made MVC575 such an important car. The front end with its two distinctive headlights – a design also synonymous with subsequent Triumph sports cars – the sleek, aerodynamically-optimised exterior surfaces, the single-seat configuration with optional flip-out jump seat for the passenger, plus the uncompromising driver-focused cabin.

Using an all-electric BMW i3S as a platform, Makkina has been able to give the TR25 a near 50-50 weight distribution, allowing it to corner as a true sports car should. Coupled with a low centre of gravity and compact proportions, the i3S serves as the perfect foundation for Makkina to develop the next chapter in British sports car history.

With a minimalistic interior, the TR25’s cockpit aims to place the driver in a setting where there are no unnecessary distractions. Minimal instruments and controls allow for the enjoyment of a pure driving experience, evoking an emotion that is key to Makkina’s ethos. The headlamps of the TR25 mirror those of the ‘Jabbeke’ TR2, with a signature ‘25’ in the centre as a nod to Makkina’s 25th anniversary. The single-seat layout enhances the true sports car experience, whilst detailed touches include an updated version of the Triumph Motor Company’s emblem.

Also celebrating a significant anniversary, the former Triumph Motor Company name remains synonymous with the iconic British sports car, 100 years since the company built its first vehicle. Triumph has produced some exceptional cars in its history, from the great TR sports cars to the Dolomite and Spitfire. Finally, the BMW Group, who own the rights to the Triumph name, gave Makkina its blessing to bring its TR25 to life.

Reawakening Triumph