The Triumph 20TS was a prototype sports car shown by Standard-Triumph in October 1952 at the London Motor Show.
To get an opinion of the car's performance and handling at speed, Standard-Triumph chairman Sir John Black invited BRM development engineer and test driver Ken Richardson to drive it.
[5] Richardson had a low opinion of the 20TS's performance and handling, describing it as a "death-trap" with poor handling and a top speed of 80 mph (129 km/h),[6] short of Black's target of 90 mph (145 km/h): Frankly, I think it's the most bloody awful car I've ever driven.Upon hearing Richardson's assessment, Black asked him to help redesign the car.
[1][6] The body was designed to be built economically, with no panels requiring double-action presswork.
[1] The 20TS was the origin of the Triumph TR sports car line,[4] and was referred to unofficially as the TR1 after the introduction of the TR2.