1959 | Triumph TR 3A

The first model in Standard Triumph’s long-running TR sports car range was the TR2, first shown to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1953. Evolution of the series was rapid, with the TR3 appearing in late 1955. This model was revamped a couple of times before production ended in 1962 by which time the TR4 had already been on sale to the public for a year.

The TR3 was very much a facelift of the earlier TR2, with the same separate chassis and body construction, but featuring a restyled front-end with a grille. It was initially powered by an improved version of the Standard 1991 cc, 4-cylinder engine which, with better carburation, now claimed an output of 95 bhp and a top speed of a little over 100 mph. Although never officially badged as such, the TR3A model was available from early 1958 and earned its unofficial suffix from the modifications made. Mechanically largely unchanged, it now had disc brakes on the front as standard, it had larger tyres fitted on 5.5” rims giving it much better braking ability. Visually the changes were quite apparent, with the fitment of a full width chrome radiator grille and (less obviously) exterior door handles. In 1959, a larger 2138 cc engine was made available as an option. Production ended in 1961 with over 58,000 manufactured.

Always a big seller in export markets, with over 95% sold overseas, the TR3A offered here was one such originally with left hand drive (as evidenced by the chassis number suffix). Declared as manufactured in 1959, we believe it was probably exported to the USA, as it was repatriated through the UK company California Connection in 1999. We know that the car was with its first UK owner from 2000 to mid-2005 as there is a lot of supporting paperwork for the extensive renovation, modification and upgrade work he carried out. The Triumph was back on the road and re-registered in the UK in July 2004 - with mileage reset to zero.

The car moved to a second UK owner in 2005 for a couple of years, before finding a new home with a Jersey resident keeper in 2008. Some further enhancements were completed over the next 10 years – such as the stainless steel wire wheels and bumpers – with the TR3A in regular use but only clocking up a modest additional 4,000 miles or so. In 2019 it passed into the hands of a new Jersey owner, who has continued with a regime of regular maintenance and good care – including some bodywork repairs and repainting work in 2022 – the Triumph now showing 8,990 miles. 

Following its return to the UK, this TR3A had a vast amount of modification and upgrade work carried out between 2000 and 2005:

o   converted to 2138 cc engine (from 1991 cc original)

o   manual overdrive gearbox

o   Fast Road tune – Piper cam; lightened flywheel; unleaded head

o   stainless steel exhaust and performance manifold

o   spin on oil filter; alternator conversion; Kenlowe fan; uprated starter motor

o   right hand drive rack & pinion steering conversion

o   uprated front shocks, springs & suspension bushes (Polybush)

o   uprated brake calipers; brake servo fitted; braided hoses & copper pipes

In more recent years, an aluminium radiator and electronic distributor have been fitted. As can be seen, the car has a clean and tidy engine bay.

This TR3A has had pretty much every worthwhile mechanical modification carried out, benefitting the on-road performance and driving experience, without turning it into a racetrack refugee. Excellent fun to drive!

The Triumph underwent extensive bodywork restoration and a repaint as part of its return to the road in the UK. Within the last few years it has received further work (around £5000) to address some minor wear and tear then showing.Its visual appeal is further enhanced by the addition of stainless steel wire wheels and stainless steel bumpers front and rear. A boot-mounted luggage rack adds practicality. It is supplied with sidescreens and a recent new hood in addition to the tonneau cover pictured.

Smartly re-trimmed in black leather, the seats show only light signs of use. The carpets are good; the dashboard complete and fully functioning; a period heater unit is fitted and a Moto Lita steering wheel.

A very well restored and uprated Triumph TR3A, creating a very practical and drivable fun roadster. Visually striking in fire-engine red and in very good overall condition, having been well cared for and carefully maintained since its repatriation from overseas.

Accompanied by a sizeable history file recording work and expenditure over the last 25 years, together with a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Statement of Origin.

The Triumph is currently Jersey registered and the current registration number is not included in the sale. We can assist with overseas shipping (worldwide) and importation processes if required.