Triumph TR3A Roadster

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WE REGRET TO SAY THAT THIS CAR HAS NOW BEEN WITHDRAWN 

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 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.

An original UK car that was first registered in Birmingham in January 1959, this TR3A was purchased by the current keeper way back in 1979 as a 'rolling restoration’. An engineer by profession, he embarked on a comprehensive restoration over the next few years to show standard.

Used only on 'high days and holidays' and for various show appearances, the total mileage amassed since the restoration would appear to be no more than about 7,000 as charted by 15 old MOTs on file. Understandably, over such a long period of ownership there have been prolonged periods of inactivity, during which the TR has been carefully stored.

Following such a period in 2013 as a result of a house project, the TR was fully recommissioned and MOT tested. Despite best intentions, very little mileage has been added since then, prompting a reluctant sale after some 36 years of continuous ownership. The recent addition of chrome wire wheels and new tyres has served to refine and sharpen up the handling. A good hood and sidescreens are also included in the sale along with an owner's handbook and various photos.

Said to drive very well with a responsive engine and a good overdrive gearbox, this lovely, straight, original RHD UK example ticks all the right boxes and is also Mille Miglia eleigible should the new owner feel so inclined.