The sad fate of 'Sabrina' (update: The Real Thing !)

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 The Twin Cam Triumph that thought it was an Alfa. In 1961, Triumph - who’d enjoyed international success with the tractor-engined TR2s and 3s in racing and rallying, decided to get serious. The TRS they took to Le Mans that year was far less distinctive in appearance than its predecessors. Styled by Michelotti, it hinted at the TR4, with a touch of Spitfire. But under the bonnet was a brand new twin cam engine. Three cars were entered in Les Vingt Quatre Heures. Since all three finished - and won the Team Prize - this seemed quite clearly an engine with a future.
Sadly, it wasn’t. A combination of limited resources, corporate politics - and possibly, a contemptuous view of the customers - determined that the TRs sold to the public would soldier on with the good old pushrod motor…the one that originated in the Standard Vanguard and Ferguson 20 tractor. Despite its humble underpinnings, I liked this engine. In a light car, it felt chunky, torquey. Despite
its all-iron construction, its wet-liner design made it fairly light and able to grow easily from 1991cc to 2187cc. The TRS was never heard of again. However, its ‘Sabrina’ engine - named after the Sabrina -like cam-drive cover - was by no means Triumph’s first sensational twin cam.
(excerpt of Justin Allinson's new book: Alfa Mail ; open letters from a petrolhead)  
 

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