In 1958 Triumph made the decision to return to Le Mans, the aim being to compete only one season later.

The Competition department set out to create an entirely new car that externally resembled  the production TR3.

They were, however, fundamentally different cars; a 6inch longer wheel base, fibreglass panels, all-round disc brakes with the most significant change being under the bonnet.

1959 saw the introduction of the new twin cam engine, nicknamed the ‘Sabrina’.
 The Sabrina engine was of an entirely new design, taking advantage of lightweight alloy castings throughout and twin choke SU Carburettors.

Although it developed an impressive 150bhp it was designed so that it could perhaps become a mass produced engine.

Strength and reliability were engineered in from the word go.
Despite the preparation, during the 1959 race all three cars didn’t finish.

Two failed due to faulty fan blades damaging the radiators whilst an oil pump failure caused the final car to retire early.

Howev...