Triumph TR3A

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.

As its accompanying Heritage Certificate confirms, this particular TR3A was built on 16th January 1959, painted in Signal Red with red leather trim, a black hood and whitewall tyres. It was despatched on 29th January 1959 to Standard Triumph for Jerrard Motors, Pensacola, from Liverpool Docks aboard the vessel John Lykes.

In late 2011 it was discovered in the Boston USA area, having been in storage since the early 1980s and brought back to England in the early spring of 2012. The car has since had a body off restoration by local Triumph TR3 specialist, Knighton Classics of Knighton, Powys.

Virtually every part of the car has been restored or renewed as necessary and the quality of the finish reflects the detailed work carried out. After being stripped to bare metal the body was repainted in Signal Red and the interior retrimmed in black . A new hood has also been fitted. The engine was in good health and required very little work while the gearbox was reconditioned.

As good underneath as it is up top, it will be sold with a current MOT and tax and is ready for immediate use.