Triumph TR3

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

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 its 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. 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. Capable of sprinting to 60mph in just 10.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 109mph, it was finally replaced by the more Italianate TR4 in 1961.

As the accompanying Heritage Certificate confirms, this particular TR3 was built in March 1957 and supplied to its first owner via Frank Jones & Sons Garages of Llanelly, Carmarthenshire, early the following month. A home market RHD car, it was finished in British Racing Green with a black hood and disc wheels and still retains its original engine and gearbox, making it a ‘matching numbers’ machine.

The first owner kept the car until his death in 1989 at which point ownership transferred to a Mr MJ Hill who was to keep it for 10 years before selling it to a dealer, Mr NB Smith, in 1999. He partially restored the car before selling it to another dealer, Mr RI Johnson, who completed the restoration before selling it to the current owner in February 2001, a large number of bills on file detailing the works carried out.

During the restoration the car had a documented speedometer change at which point it was showing some 45,000 miles which was said to be genuine at the time. It is now showing some 22,700 miles so it has reputedly only covered around 68,000 miles from new, apparently being kept in storage and unused for many years earlier in its life.

During the current 15-year ownership the car has been in regular fine weather use and has been steadily improved throughout that time in order to maximise reliability and driving enjoyment. This has included the fitment of an overdrive unit to the gearbox; more precise rack-and-pinion steering; uprated rear springs; TR4 front disc brakes; unleaded cylinder head; rebuilt H6 carburettors; alternator electrics with additional fuses and relays; rebuilt distributor; high-torque starter motor; uprated radiator with electric cooling fan; 4-into-2-into-1 exhaust system with stainless steel silencer and copper tail pipe; contactless ignition; spin-on oil filter conversion; interior heater; Halogen headlamps; amber flashing indicators front and rear; new sills; professional rust-proofing treatment etc.

Needless to say the car is now said to drive beautifully with excellent oil pressure and temperature at all times, including a trouble-free trip to the sun baked South of France a few years ago. Recently fitted with a new black soft top and side screens, it also has a red tonneau cover. The driver’s seat squab has been replaced by one with denser foam and a sheepskin cover (although the original squab is included) and the back seat has been modified to accommodate the owner’s labrador who loves to ride in the car!

Supplied with a very large file of invoices and an MOT until October 2016, this thoroughly sorted, charmingly patinated, matching numbers TR3 has effectively had just three owners to date and is ready for a fortunate new owner to enjoy right away.