Description

1959 Triumph TR3A

In the current family ownership for 51 years; fully retored between 1976 and 1988 and only lightly used since; recent major recommissioning; overdrive gearbox; nice transferable number plate

Famed for their rugged reliability and idiosyncratic good looks, the 'sidescreen' TRs have attracted a fanatical following over the years.

Powered by a virtually indestructible 1,991cc 4-cylinder, wet-liner OHV pushrod engine, the gutsy TR2 was capable of a genuine 100mph. Not only that, in it's 1954 road test, The Motorcar praised Britain's lowest-priced ton-up car for returning 'astonishing fuel economy' of 34.5mpg over 1,904 miles.

The TR2 was replaced by the TR3 in 1955, now with 100bhp on tap (5bhp up on the TR2) and front disc brakes. The final evolution of the line, the TR3A was introduced in September 1957. A slightly updated version of the TR3, it differed mainly in having a wider front grill, exterior door handles, a lockable boot handle and a full tool kit as standard.

Great fun to drive, its tough boxed-section chassis featured independent coil and wishbone front suspension, a leaf sprung 'live' rear axle and disc / drum brakes. Now with some 104bhp and 117lbft of torque, it could sprint to 60mph in 10 seconds on its way to a top speed of 109mph. It was replaced by the more Italianate TR4 in 1961.

First registered in Scotland in October 1959, this TR3A has been owned by the vendor’s father since 1971. A former RAF engineer, he treated the car to a body-off restoration between 1976 and 1988 enlisting professional help as required and all fully documented in notes and invoices on file.

The engine was fully rebuilt along with all other mechanical aspects: brakes/steering/suspension etc. All the instruments were refurbished and a new wiring loom fitted. The chassis was scraped to bare metal, repaired as necessary, rust-proofed and repainted. The body was restored with various new panels (floors; sills; front wings; door skins etc) and professionally repainted in red. The brightwork was also renewed. The gearbox has overdrive on 2nd, 3rd and 4th operated by a switch on the dash.

The car was then used regularly until 1998, old MOTs showing that it covered some 10,000 miles during this 10-year period. It was then put into storage where it was to remain for 17 years. In February 2015 it was professionally recommissioned by Road & Race Developments of Oxon with new front brake discs, new hydraulic parts, various new pipes and hoses and a thorough service. The underside was also cleaned and undersealed, the bill for this lot coming to £938.  

Over the next few years it did around 700 miles before being put back into storage once again in 2018. In December 2021/January 2022 it was thoroughly recommissioned, serviced and tuned by rally car specialists RPS of Witney at a cost of £3,449. They clearly did an excellent job because the car has been starting promptly and running beautifully as we have moved it around on site with good 60psi oil pressure.

As you can see in the photos, the car looks very presentable although the body does have a few minor blemishes and dings here and there, the most obvious being a dent on the o/s/f wing. A full set of weather gear is included (hood; hood cover; tonneau; sidescreens), all in very good condition. A large quantity of new and used spares (including a gearbox and a new front panel section) are also available by separate negotiation if desired, although these will need to be collected from Oxon.

In rude good health where it counts, this much-loved TR3A is ready for a new owner to enjoy right away and could easily be turned into a real cracker with a few hours in the bodyshop to sort out the minor blemishes. It also comes with its original OMS 180 number plate which is transferable and doubtless has a value of its own.  

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com