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| Lot number | 73 |
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| Hammer value | £16,500 |
| Description | Triumph TR3A |
| Registration | TBA |
| Year | 1959 |
| Colour | British Racing Green |
| Engine size | 1,991 cc |
| Chassis No. | TS53497L |
Long 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 1991cc 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), front disc brakes and the option of an overdrive unit on the top three gears, electrically operated and controlled by a switch on the dash. 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 boxy and Italianate TR4 in 1961.
Dating from 1959, this particular TR3A was exported new to North America but retrurned here a couple of years ago. A desirable overdrive gearbox model, it has since been treated to a body-off restoration and converted to right-hand drive. Virtually every part of the car has been restored or replaced as necessary and it is now as good underneath as it is up top. The engine was rebuilt in America and needed nothing more than a service.
After being stripped to bare metal the body was repainted in British Racing Green while the interior was retrimmed in red leather. A new hood has also been fitted. The car comes with an MOT until November 2012 and while all customs duties have been paid it has not yet been UK registered although it is hoped that this will be achieved by the time of the sale.