1960 Triumph TR3A
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Highlights
- Recipient of a bare-metal restoration 2010-2011
- Engine rebuilt in 2016 with numerous upgrades
- Huge collection of invoices
- Believed to have had only four owners from new
The Appeal
There are some who would say that there is no finer way to enjoy motoring than from behind the wheel of a classic British sports-car, and they may well be right. Since the British sports-car rose to prominence in the 1930s, it has offered enthusiasts a chance to enjoy real motoring thrills, with their brisk acceleration and responsive handling, for very reasonable money. It reached its zenith in the ’50s and ’60s, and the Triumph TR3 is typical of the breed.
Launched in 1955 with a low and rakish Michelotti-designed body, Standard’s two-litre straight-four engine mated with twin SU-H6 carburettors was sufficient to push it past 100mph and give it a 0-60mph time of 10.6 seconds, giving it the edge over rivals like the MGA and Morgan Plus 4. TR3s competed prolifically on the race and rally circuits, with notable class victories including six Coupes des Alpes. A minor facelift in 1957 saw the car unofficially renamed the TR3A, and in that guise in remained in production until 1962 by which time almost 75,000 units had been sold.
This example could be one of the nicest to own and drive, having received a comprehensive restoration just over 10 years ago when it was fitted with a number of modern mechanical upgrades. Club support and spares availability are excellent and it promises to be a lot of fun, so go ahead and treat yourself to a TR3 this summer.
The History and Paperwork
- Built in 1961 and originally finished in Powder Blue with a Midnight Blue interior and Black hood
- Despatched on 21st November 1961 to Byatts of Fenton Ltd, Stoke-on-Trent, and first registered on 4th April 1962
- Recipient of a bare-metal restoration 2010-2011, and used sparingly since
- Paperwork includes the current V5, assorted MoTs issued up to 2016, a BMIHT certificate, an extensive collection of invoices pertaining to the restoration, and some restoration photographs of the car’s stripped body-shell
- Also included is a booklet, Practical hints for the maintenance of the Triumph T.R.3
The Interior
- Attractively reupholstered in the original Midnight Blue
- Wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel
- Discreetly hidden modern radio with Bluetooth connectivity
Unlike many earlier sports-cars, which could be a struggle for grown adults to squeeze into, Triumph’s TR2 and TR3 were designed with plenty of legroom and long doors allowing for comparatively easy entrance and exit, which made them lovely cars to live with and use on a regular basis.
Sliding onto the seat is done in one smooth movement, and one sits in considerable comfort on the well-cushioned squabs. Although the car’s restoration now occurred over 10 years ago, light use since then has ensured that the interior has hardly aged in that time, hence the excellent condition of the seats. The carpets, too, have been kept very clean, protected by rubber mats which look both new and also period-correct. As for the boot, it’s so good that we could well believe that it’s never been used.
As with everything else, the fascia looks as if it might have been restored only yesterday. The switches and instruments all present extremely well, and a lovely Moto-Lita wood-rimmed steering wheel completes the picture. Bidders may also like to note that a modern radio with Bluetooth connectivity has been installed and hidden out the way so as not to ruin the æsthetic.
The Exterior
- Repainted in Wedgewood Blue, a close match for the original Powder Blue
- New hood fitted in dark blue
- In excellent all-round condition
When this Triumph was restored in 2010, all the cosmetic work was done to a very high standard. The car’s original appearance has been thoughtfully retained with a coat of Wedgewood Blue paint, which was actually a TR4 colour but is so close a match to the TR3’s Powder Blue that any subtle difference is virtually imperceptible.
Although the hood was originally black, it has been replaced with a dark blue hood which provides a better match for the upholstery. The side screens have also been recovered in dark blue. The windscreen may be the newest item on the car, having been replaced in 2019.
There is not a panel on the car which does not look fantastic. Cosmetic damage is very nearly non-existent, but we did spot a few very small, isolated paint chips which you’re unlikely to notice unless you go over the car with a toothcomb. The brightwork is exceptional; evidently, it has received some rechroming work in the past with the result that it presents in more or less as-new condition. The rear wing’s aluminium stone guards have a very appealing light patina.
The wire wheels are some of the cleanest and best-presented we have ever seen, with only some minute traces of cosmetic wear. Although the wheels are powder-coated, so vibrant are they that at first glance they could easily be mistaken for chrome. They’re wrapped in Vredestein radial tyres which look, to all intents and purposes, like brand-new.
The Mechanics
- Engine fully rebuilt by J & E Engineering Services in 2016 for £1475 before VAT
- Fitted with new components worth almost £2000
- Multiple upgrades including unleaded conversion, rack-and-pinion steering, disc brakes, alternator, electronic ignition and Kenlowe fan
This TR3A fires up obediently and proceeds to run well, then, when it gets out onto the road, launches with a rapidity which belies its years. Make no mistake, the TR3A is a quick car, and this one is probably one of the best, thanks to its recent engine rebuild with multiple upgrades.
The rebuild by J & Engineering Services in 2016 cost a total of £3128 before tax, factoring in the various new parts which were fitted, including the ring gear, water pump and sump pan. At some stage, extensive upgrades were carried out which included converting the cylinder head for unleaded fuel and the compression chamber relief to TR4A specification, and fitment of an alternator, electronic ignition and Kenlowe electric fan. With all that, we should think the Triumph will be as reliable as any modern car.
Other modifications include conversions to rack-and-pinion steering and disc brakes, and we can confirm that it handles and stops very nicely.
Although the Triumph has no current MoT, it passed its last test in 2016 with no advisory points, so we can see no cause for concern. It has obviously been meticulously well cared-for and used only very lightly – if further evidence is required, just look at how clean the engine bay is – so we anticipate that it is still excellent in every conceivable respect.
The Summary
With the popularity of TR3s in period, there are plenty of survivors and you’ll always be able to choose from several for sale at any one time, but this probably represents the best of them, especially if you intend to use it regularly or all year round. Having been restored with pains being taken to ensure that it looks almost exactly as it did when it left the factory in 1961, it’s extremely pretty and correct, with all the work being done to the highest standard.
Under the skin, though, it gets even better, thanks to the multitude of upgrades which enhance the driving experience and transform it into something that is genuinely practical. With things like an alternator and electronic ignition, it should always start virtually on the button. For spring, summer and autumn, and even crisp winter days, it doesn’t get better than this.
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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1960
- Make Triumph
- Model TR3A Convertible
- Colour Wedgewood Blue
- Odometer 6,484 Miles
- Engine size 1991
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Location London
- Country United Kingdom
19
bids
- Ma•••• £24,750 31/05/22
- ro•••• £24,500 31/05/22
- ro•••• £24,250 31/05/22
- ri•••• £24,000 31/05/22
- ri•••• £23,750 31/05/22
- ro•••• £23,500 31/05/22
- Ma•••• £22,750 31/05/22
- ro•••• £22,500 31/05/22
- Ma•••• £22,000 31/05/22
- ri•••• £20,250 31/05/22
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