I can boot into recovery via grub and the low graphics mode option works but I don't really know what to do from there to fix it so I can use a proper graphics mode. It is usuable now though some colours are missing.
According to wikipedia the Tecra A2 has 16-64 MB DDR RAM Intel graphic adapter. If that is worth anything. In Windows these are driver details listed in the video properties: Intel 82852/82855 GM/GME Graphics Controller.
Best Answer
These problem are usually seen in i8xx chips. Sadly ubuntu has not any proper solution for this. But they have published potential fixes. Just hope one of them work for you.
Also check out this post on ubuntugeek.