Triumph TR3 A ~ £22,995

Standard Equipment

Old English White with Red Leather and Red Carpets. Tonneau Cover, Full Wet Weather Gear with Side Screens

Additional Equipment

Over Drive 4 Speed Gearbox, Oil Cooler, Occasional Rear Seats, Sunroof Panel, Seat Belts.

Model History

In 1952 the Type 20TS (often referred to as the TR1) is introduced at Earl’s Court Motor Show. Built on a pre-war Standard chassis and sporting a dual-carb version of the Standard Vanguard engine, this show car looked much like the TR2s and TR3s that later followed, although rear body styling was quite different, with a more rounded, traditional look featuring exposed spare tire. Ken Richardson was soon hired by Standard-Triumph to oversee development of the car into what became the TR2. The car eventually gained its own purpose-built chassis frame, which incorporated front suspension originally developed for the Mayflower. The Vanguard engine (2088cc) was further developed into a reliable 90hp, under 2-liter (1991cc) engine. The rear of the body was redone to provide a boot and an enclosed space for the spare.

Triumph made a natural progression from the TR2 with the introduction of the TR3. The front styling change to the egg box grill was a simple but obvious change, many more important but less obvious upgrades occurred during the TR3 life span. The engine first benefited from the high port head, then the change to 1 3/4″ SU carburettors resulting in a power uplift to 100BHP. The axle was changed to the stronger 6-bolt type (often referred to as the Girling type, due to the braking system change that was introduced coincidentally). The drum brakes vanished in favour of discs at the front, the whole system now being supplied by Girling.

Whilst all ‘classic shape’ TR’s except the TR2 were all known by Triumph as ‘TR3’, We have come to know the wide mouth TR3 as the TR3A and the later left hand drive North American market TR3 as a TR3B. The TR3A was the best seller of the side screen cars. The larger 2138cc engine was optional from 1959. Production tailed off in 1961 resulting in production ceasing in that year.

Exterior

This car has been the subject of a massive restoration at C&N Classics. The process that it underwent is available for you to see on our projects page. This car had a good solid chassis and the majority of the major exterior panels seemed to be almost all metal, but the body has suffered with many cheap (or home done) repairs over the years. Once the car was inspected back at HQ we realised that we would need to cut out and repair the sills and inner arches as well as repair various dents and scratches to bring the car up to standard before it could be painted. With all this metal work taken care of  we decided on a full colour change to Old English White which we felt complemented the interior of the car better than the British Racing Green that the car was painted. The bright work was all polished or re-chromed before it was put back on the car.

Wheels Tyres and Brakes

The car is fitted with a set of painted wire wheels with 155/R15 radial tyres which are all in good condition. The brakes were all over-hauled during the restoration with new discs and pads upfront. With all this done the car drives and stops very well with good brake feel.

Engine and Transmission

The engines and gearbox have all been checked over during our preparation. The engine fires up easily with a little choke and quickly settles down to an even idle as it warms through. Whilst the engine was out of the car we took the liberty of changing the cylinder head gasket, the majority of all the hoses and clips and the usual electrical items such as HT leads/Distributor Cap/Rotor Arm/Points etc. The engine block was repainted red to match the interior before it was all reassembled in the car with new fluids and filters since then the car has covered a little over 1,000 miles very reliably. All the gears engage well and the overdrive kicks in quickly when the switch is flicked.

Interior and Equipment

The seats, door cards and carpet are all in great condition and really look the part. Despite the small dimensions of the TR3 there is plenty of room in the cabin for most people, but that may be because you dont really have any doors to speak of! Certainly it all feels a little more intimate when the wet weather gear is on. We have the original tonneau cover and hood which are both in good condition, although the “glass” sections have yellowed with age. It is always difficult to know what to do with these items – some people like the originality, but it would be just as easy to replace this if the next owner wanted a new hood.

Road Test

Triumph have built some truly wonderful sports cars and although the late 4′s, 5′s and 6′s added more power and more refinement there is no doubt that they lost a little of that seat of the pants feel that you get from a car designed before the war. They are just a fantastic car to have in your garage awaiting a sunny day and a bit of free time. This little car has brought a smile to all our faces and there has been a bit of a battle over the keys when the sun has been out over the weekend. Call us for an appointment because the chances are we will be out driving it!

History File

There is a good little history file with the TR3 A which includes such period gems as the original green log book and service guide. There have been a total of 8 owners over its 47 year history and she has a clear HPI certificate. There are MOT’s and significant bills going back to 1999. She has a detailed description of the restoration along with a CD of photographs and has MOT through to June 2012.

Whilst every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the information above, some errors in compiling the information may have occurred and we cannot accept liability for loss or damage arising from misleading information (other than for death or personal injury caused by our negligence or breach of duty). You are therefore strongly advised not to rely on the information provided in respect of vehicles, and to examine the vehicles and to check the accuracy of the information supplied before deciding to purchase a vehicle described below. Your statutory rights as a consumer are not affected by this statement.