1959 Triumph TR3S - Remains of Iconic Le Mans Racer #25
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Highlights
- Restoration project, reported body shell of 1959 Triumph TR3S Le Mans race car #25
- No.25, sole survivor of three cars (No.25, No.26, & No.27) that were raced by Triumph in the 1959 Le Mans
- Partially restored body and chassis
- In current family ownership since 1961
The Appeal
In 1959 Triumph raced three cars at Le Mans. They were known as Triumph Sports 20 TR3S Le Mans cars and this is believed to be the body and chassis of car No.25. Each car featured a lengthened chassis and fibreglass bodywork and featured the larger 'Sabrina' DOHC race engines.
However, with this body, the current owners are absolutely convinced this is the actual and real historic No.25 Le Mans TR3S, as purchased by their father, and restored together with him over many, many years.
However, with this body, the current owners are absolutely convinced this is the actual and real historic No.25 Le Mans TR3S, as purchased by their father, and restored together with him over many, many years.
This is an exciting and extremely rare opportunity to pick up where the current owners have left off, with the body and chassis of a machine that is most likely of significant historic value to any Triumph, Le Mans, or racing fan of any kind. Just within reach of complete restoration, the vehicle does not hold a historic logbook, or VIN plate, as the current owners state they were removed—without their authorization—from the car during the restoration process.
The History and Paperwork
- Very large history file with historic receipts, magazine articles, private correspondence, and many photographs of the vehicle comes along with the sale
- Copy of Motor Sport magazine with original advertisement for the body shell as purchased
- Racing modifications present on the car in convincing order
This body shell and chassis as it sits, is the reported and suspected remains of the No.25 Triumph Sports 20 TR3S Le Mans race car, raced in 1959 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. One of three cars racing for Triumph, numbers 25, 26, and 27, they sported lengthened chassis and fibreglass bodywork that was six inches longer than standard TR3, to accommodate the larger ‘Sabrina’ DOHC race engines. All three cars retired in the 1959 race, and many of their parts were carried over to the 1960 TRS cars that were built based on experience gained from these TR3S cars, which helps to explain why it was originally presented as a body shell only in 1961. With many Triumph followers believing No.27 was cut up by the factory, No.26 destroyed in a fire, many others believing all three cars were destroyed, and a plethora of tribute and replica cars seen in operation today, it is often difficult to ascertain the authenticity of these claims, especially considering the absence of any direct documentation.
It is not uncommon for ex-Works parts and cars to lack proper documentation for a variety of reasons, including the recycling of parts into updated cars, serial numbers being lost, documentation being destroyed by the passage of time itself, and even the odd parts finding their ways into the for-sale market through unofficial channels.
Originally purchased by the current owner’s father in 1961, this reported Ex-Le Mans racer shell was intended to replace the body of his crashed 1955 TR2. Upon inquiring for a new TR2 bodyshell from Triumph, the pricing was too high to afford, and after some investigation he was made aware of an advertisement in the November 1961 issue of Motor Sport magazine for this “full fibreglass body, ex-Le Mans, unused since;” at the time only £70, with receipt still present (see photos).
In the process of rustproofing the steel panels on his new body, he discovered that the engine bay compartment had been elongated by an extra six inches, with an additional elongated bowl-shaped cutout above it, introduced to provide clearance for larger SU carburettors for the so-called ‘Sabrina’ race engine. After contacting the Triumph factory, they provided drawings of how the chassis was modified, which showed the engine mountings also being moved forward in order to accommodate the larger engine and Moss gearbox. In 1962, a replacement TR3 chassis was purchased, and based on the Triumph drawings provided, it was rebuilt to the elongated specifications to fit the body shell. Additionally, he fashioned an MGB steering column to accommodate the longer column length needed to connect to the steering box. In this form, the car was put back on the road and driven for very few miles, in late 1962 or early 1963.
After this, the project continued to develop, and the owner again contacted Triumph to see if he could get a hold of an original steering box. In this instance, Triumph responded with a suggestion to instead widen the chassis and use TR4 running gear, as that is how they had built the wider TR4 chassis for production cars. So, that’s what was done, and the chassis was widened, and similarly the body was modified with gussets in the inner wings so that the tires would clear the body on the new wider chassis. Now, with TR4 running gear installed, fender extensions (as still present) were installed to accommodate the wider track.
Some time later, the decision was made to restore the TR3S back to its original specification, which was to be a project completed with help from his two sons.
Based on various key elements, and while there is no definite and absolute evidence provided or present, the car is said to be the real deal. Firstly, the extended 6 inches and Carburettor bulge is visibly quite clear, but in addition to that, we see the original blue patch in the rear which was used to colour code different classes for clear indication of relative speeds in order for the approaching car to judge safety in passing. We also have a photograph of the car in the father’s yard, with #25 still apparent on the boot lid, and number plate XHP 939, which was the number given to the TR3S No.25. Additionally, we can see the enlarged boot spare tire storage compartment, which was reported to be modified by the factory to accommodate the larger wheels and tires used at Le Mans. Also, we see the differential cooling ducts which fed cold air from air inlets located behind the side doors (currently removed and sectioned to accommodate enough space for the already-replaced floor pans), and remains of the tank mounts that Triumph fitted to carry a larger fuel tank (which were reportedly modified in the ‘60s by the owner to make room for a 2+2 seat).
The current owners, the two sons of the original purchaser of the body shell, are now reluctant-but-ready to part ways with the project, as they want to see it completed, but do not have the time or indeed the strength to finish the project after the passing of their father 5 years ago.
The Condition
- Bare body and chassis with no running gear
- No suspension or drive components
- Owner states that the body shows only mild surface corrosion
- We understand that significant recondition and fabrication of replacement panels has taken place
- Work undertaken to rectify later modifications and return the car to original Le Mans specification
As it currently sits, as a bare body and chassis with no running gear or other suspension or drive components present, it is the result of a father and sons’ multi-decade team effort to restore the shell back to original Le Mans TR3S specification, and in hopes to eventually fit it with the period correct ‘Sabrina’ twin cam engine.
With no areas of anything other than very mild surface corrosion from sitting inside their workshop, the current condition is the result of major reconditioning and/or fabrication of replacement panels to renew the 64+ year-old steel body support and chassis, and rework the vehicle from previous modifications back to its original Le Mans spec.
While there is plenty left to do in order to complete this project and bring it back to life, it is a fair amount of the way in the right direction, and only needs a caring and enthusiastic new owner to take over.
The car is sold 'as-is', with all documentation mentioned above and more.
The owner states that it is a fair and authentic TR3S shell and is the remaining majority of original elements of the car. As such he says that it fully represents the spirit of the car itself.
The sale also carries with it the priceless historical value of reportedly being one of the few vehicles which have participated in one of the greatest and most respected and prestigious races, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and one of even fewer remaining classic survivors of this category. historical racers such as this are exceedingly rare, and indeed only become rarer as time goes on and vehicles are destroyed or forgotten.
The car is sold 'as-is', with all documentation mentioned above and more.
The owner states that it is a fair and authentic TR3S shell and is the remaining majority of original elements of the car. As such he says that it fully represents the spirit of the car itself.
The sale also carries with it the priceless historical value of reportedly being one of the few vehicles which have participated in one of the greatest and most respected and prestigious races, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and one of even fewer remaining classic survivors of this category. historical racers such as this are exceedingly rare, and indeed only become rarer as time goes on and vehicles are destroyed or forgotten.
Summary
With Triumph being such a beloved and classic British make, we can only hope the legacy of this racer can be passed on to a new owner with intent to bring it back to its ancestral home, Le Mans, and race once more.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1959
- Make Triumph
- Model TR3S (Le Mans racing car - remains of)
- Colour British Racing Green
- Odometer
- Engine size
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Birmingham
- Location West Midlands
- Country United Kingdom
33
bids
- ma•••• £42,000 12/07/23
- ma•••• £36,000 03/07/23
- jo•••• £34,500 03/07/23
- th•••• £34,000 03/07/23
- jo•••• £33,500 03/07/23
- ma•••• £33,000 03/07/23
- th•••• £32,000 03/07/23
- ma•••• £31,000 03/07/23
- ma•••• £28,000 03/07/23
- th•••• £27,000 03/07/23
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