Triumph TR3A Roadster

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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.

First registered in Wiltshire in July 1960, this TR3A was originally black with red trim until acquired by Bristol specialist John Dangerfield in 1971 who repainted it green and sold it to a Newport-based owner from whom the vendor acquired it in 1984.

Since then it has been mainly kept in storage as part of a small private collection, awaiting attention to the bodywork and paint to bring it up to an appropriate standard. The disc wheel, non-overdrive specification makes it particularly suitable for historic rallying.

It has recently been treated to a partial recommissioning which included an oil and filter change, replacement fuel pump and clean-out of the fuel system, resealed brake and clutch master cylinder and new clutch slave cylinder. Although the car is now running well, the vendor advises that the brakes will require further attention before the car is put back into use. As well as a rare hard top, a hood, frame and tonneau cover are also included.

Only being sold because the vendor has now acquired a very similar vehicle in a rarer original colour and trim combination, this is an easy rolling restoration project that should amply reward the refurbishment now required.