By Tim Harris · October 28, 2025

Sometimes a car is more than steel, rubber, and gasoline—it’s memory, heritage, and love. That’s what we felt when we saw the 1954 Triumph TR2 Le Mans Tribute cross the Bring a Trailer auction block. We knew it had to come home with us.

This isn’t just any TR2. It’s a small-mouth, long-door car—already rare in its own right—painstakingly restored over twelve years into a stunning Le Mans homage. British Racing Green paint, Brooklands windscreens, leather-strapped bonnet, distressed tan leather seats, Heuer timers on the dash—it’s as much art as automobile.

And beyond the details, the seller, Mike Grace, was an absolute gentleman. His passion poured into the build, and it shows.

But why would we, Tim and Julie Harris, fall for an ancient British roadster? The answer goes back decades.

Tim’s father, Noland Harris, had a deep love for Triumphs. In the 1960s, he drove his TR3 from Connecticut to California and back, chasing the horizon one mile at a time. Later, father and son restored two or three Triumphs together, sharing not just wrenches and grease, but stories, laughter, and time. Those cars became family.

One of them—a 1963 TR3B—was more than transportation. It was a chariot of memories. Tim and Julie drove that Triumph to their high school proms and homecomings, its growl marking milestones in their lives. For us, Triumphs aren’t relics. They’re chapters of our story.

So when this extraordinary TR2 appeared, it wasn’t a purchase—it was a reunion. A chance to honor Tim’s dad, to relive those nights under the stars in an open-top roadster, and to carry forward a legacy written in petrol and passion.

Yes, the TR2 is beautiful. Yes, it’s rare. But more than that, it’s a bridge. Between father and son. Between past and present. Between memory and motion.

To us, this car isn’t just a Triumph. It’s our triumph.

🔗 See the full Bring a Trailer listing here.

— Tim Harris

By Paul Kramer · October 28, 2025

It’s a tale of two car eras: the youthful zeal of the ‘90s and the nostalgic charm of the classics. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering why ‘90s cars are suddenly in the spotlight.

Granted, the ‘90s gave us some truly iconic rides—think the Ferrari F40, Porsche 964, and Acura NSX, to name just a few. But is this just a case of nostalgic heartstrings being pulled, or is there something more to it?

Turns out, it’s both. The ‘90s marked a sweet spot in automotive evolution—modern enough for reliability and performance, but still analog enough to feel raw and alive. These were the last cars you could truly drive without a computer second-guessing you. No traction nanny, no auto rev-matching, and definitely no screen trying to sell you a subscription for heated seats. Just a steering wheel, three pedals, and your wits.

Oldtimers—your ‘60s and ‘70s legends—will always have their place. They’re rolling art, often dripping in chrome and character. But they can also be temperamental, leaky, and occasionally allergic to ethanol. Youngtimers, on the other hand, are hitting that Goldilocks zone: old enough to have soul, new enough to start every time.

And let’s not forget—today’s buyers grew up with these cars on their bedroom posters or pixelated screens in Gran Turismo. Now those kids are adults with garages (and maybe a little disposable income), making the ‘90s the new golden decade of desirability.

So, whether it’s a BMW E36 M3, a Supra Turbo, or a 993 Carrera, the message is clear: if you’ve been thinking about snagging a ‘90s machine, do it before everyone else wakes up.

— Paul Kramer

🏁 The Full Throttle Talk Team

PS: Every generation has its heroes. Ours just happen to have pop-up headlights and cassette decks.

🎙️ Tune in to this week’s episode of the Full Throttle Talk podcast, where we dive into the rise of ‘90s cars, why they’re appreciating fast, and which ones are still sleepers.