Triumph TR3A

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

The final evolution of the TR2/TR3 line, the TR3A was introduced in September 1957. A slightly updated version of the TR3, it differed only 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. Fitted with a 1991cc four-cylinder ohv engine developing some 104bhp and 117lbft of torque, this robust unit endowed the TR3A with a 109mph top speed and spirited acceleration. The car was replaced by the TR4 in 1962.

A dating Certificate on file shows that this car was built on 29th November 1960, with a Commission number of TS 81654 and body number 1102088. An original RHD home-market car, it was painted Signal Red and came with no heater (although thankfully one is now fitted) and was trimmed in Black Vynide which it retains to this day. It was also sold with a hood and sidescreens.

The vendor, acquired it in March 1969 when still a student. In the time after graduation, but before embarking on his chosen career, he started a complete body-off restoration. Six months later, when necessity demanded a set of wheels, the car was returned to the road, the project continuing as a rolling restoration until 1972. It was then taken back off the road again to ensure the restoration was done properly. Work continued at a more leisurely pace, the car finally hitting the road back in 1985 with its odometer set to zero.

He confirms that the restoration included any bodywork repairs that were necessary, a full respray, rechroming, new rear suspension, overhauled brakes, brake lines, steering and a rebuilt engine and gearbox. The hard-wearing interior was in good condition, although new carpets were added at the time.

Much to his chagrin, a change of circumstances resulted in the sale of the completed car, although happily its new owner was to become a lifelong friend. Despite owning it for the next 26 years, just 7,000 miles were covered during this period, the car receiving routine maintenance, a few improvements here and there and a respray in 2000. Four years ago he decided that the time had come to part with it, offering it back to the vendor who obviously couldn’t resist owning it once more.

Unfortunately, shortly after completion, the engine developed a fault and was replaced with a factory reconditioned unit from another vehicle. Intended as a temporary measure, it has of course remained in the car, the previous owner sadly discarding the old unit during his ownership.

The old logbook and every MOT issued from March 1968 remain on file, the 55 year old TR driving very nicely indeed when we were treated to an extended test-run. In super usable condition and with its original upholstery intact, this handsome example is just getting into its stride.