Description:

Triumph TR SS Superleggera
1955
Superleggera construction
masterfully restored one-of-a-kind
This unique piece embodies the essence of classic coachbuilding and automotive craftsmanship: the Triumph TR SS. It is a prime example of a masterful restoration, combining British chassis history with Italian engineering.
The Triumph TR SS was built on a modified Triumph chassis and features a completely handcrafted Superleggera aluminum body.
This construction method was developed in the 1930s by the Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. The goal was to create bodies that were extremely lightweight but also provided the necessary rigidity for high-performance sports cars. The basic principle is a complex, lightweight framework, constructed like a cage or a lattice of thin steel or aluminum tubes. This three-dimensional skeleton was mounted directly onto the car's chassis. Then, the thin, hand-shaped aluminum sheets were attached from the outside, forming the final shape of the body.
The development of the Superleggera construction method was a revolutionary step at a time when most cars still had heavy, traditional bodies. At that time, engines were not as powerful as they are today. Every kilogram saved had a direct, noticeable impact on driving performance. The Superleggera principle allowed manufacturers to get the maximum speed and agility out of the available engines.
While car manufacturers in the 1930s and 40s began to switch to standardized mass production, Superleggera stood for the exact opposite: customized craftsmanship. Each vehicle was a work of art, crafted by highly skilled artisans. The body framework was bent and welded by hand, and the aluminum sheets were hand-formed. Without the Superleggera construction method, many of the most elegant and fastest sports cars of that time, such as the Aston Martin DB series or the Alfa Romeo 8C, would likely not have been possible in their form and performance. They became icons not only because of their engines but also because of their breathtakingly lightweight bodies.
This one-of-a-kind vehicle was acquired as a restoration project over 20 years ago and was completely rebuilt in an elaborate process. The careful work has paid off: after the long restoration, the vehicle has already successfully participated in regularity events and proven its capability on racetracks like the Salzburgring and at Goodwood.
An Italian heart beats beneath the aluminum skin. The complete drivetrain, consisting of the engine, transmission, and rear axle, comes from Alfa Romeo. The 2-liter engine, which was also overhauled during the restoration, produces just under 130 hp. During this process, cylinder liners, pistons, the cylinder head, and the carburetors were renewed and precisely tuned on a dynamometer. The engine with the code "005," designed by the legendary engineer Giuseppe Busso, is the centerpiece of an entire family of four-cylinder inline engines from Alfa Romeo. It was used in the historic Alfa Romeo 105 series (Giulia, Spider, GTV Coupé) and is considered one of the brand's most important and durable engines.
Its special feature was its advanced technology. The twin-cam design with two overhead camshafts was groundbreaking in the 1950s and 60s and allowed for more precise valve timing and higher revs, which gave the engine its sporty DNA. Additionally, the cylinder block was made of lightweight aluminum, which saved weight and improved heat dissipation.
The engine was very versatile and was produced in various displacements from 1.3 liters to 2.0 liters. It powered a variety of famous models, from the sporty Giulia sedan to the elegant Spider and the coveted Sprint GT Coupés. In addition to its technical superiority, the "005" engine was also known for its characteristic, high-revving, and sporty sound. This engine family is a symbol of Alfa Romeo's engineering and sporting passion and has had a lasting impact on the brand's reputati

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September 20, 2025 2:00 PM CEST
Stuttgart, Germany

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
0 € 19 € 5 €
20 € 179 € 10 €
180 € 299 € 20 €
300 € 359 € 30 €
360 € 399 € 40 €
400 € 899 € 50 €
900 € 999 € 100 €
1.000 € 1.999 € 100 €
2.000 € 2.999 € 200 €
3.000 € 3.599 € 300 €
3.600 € 3.999 € 400 €
4.000 € 9.999 € 500 €
10.000 € 19.999 € 1.000 €
20.000 € 29.999 € 2.000 €
30.000 € 35.999 € 3.000 €
36.000 € 39.999 € 4.000 €
40.000 € 99.999 € 5.000 €
100.000 € 199.999 € 10.000 €
200.000 € + 20.000 €