Highlights
- Full bare-metal body restoration and comprehensive mechanical rebuild by renowned TR specialists Racetorations
- Current owner since 1968
- British Racing Green with full red leather interior
- In fantastic mechanical order, ready to enjoy
The Appeal
This is a rare opportunity to purchase a fully restored TR3A that has been in the care of the current owner for the last 55 years in a desirable colour scheme.
It has been restored to an extremely high standard with all body and mechanical work undertaken by renowned TR specialists Racetorations, who rebuild TRs from all over the world. It is now in fantastic fettle both aesthetically and mechanically, ready to be enjoyed by its new owner.
The History and Paperwork
- Built in 1962, it was exported to Canada as a LHD vehicle
- Purchased and re-imported by the current owner in 1968 and converted to RHD
- In daily use until 1975, when it was then homed in the owner’s garage and used sparingly
- Full mechanical and cosmetic restoration completed by world-renowned TR specialists Racetorations in 2009
- Restoration work was fully documented with 200+ photographs of the entire rebuild process
- Folder full of invoices for mechanical care and attention including the most recent service by specialist TR enterprises
- Restoration maintained the desirable original British Racing Green and red leather interior colour combination
- Used sparingly since 2008, kept in a dry garage and MOTs were maintained until 2018
- Now MOT exempt
After 55 years of ownership, many memories and a huge amount of care, love and attention, the owner is sadly letting “Sophie” go to pursue a long-held desire to own another brand of classic car.
The Interior
- Full red leather interior was reupholstered during restoration and contrasts the exterior colour beautifully
- The leather is in almost pristine condition with only minor abrasions behind the steering wheel and driver’s door entry
- Seats present almost as good as new with 4-point seatbelts installed
- All switchgear and dials are working correctly, though the speedometer sometimes oscillates
- Roll bar has been fitted but is easily removable should the new owner desire
- Optional rear seat fitted
- Carpets are in excellent condition
- Gear lever in great condition although the gear lever surround is ever so slightly loose
Described as a 9 out 10 for condition by the vendor, the interior is in excellent shape throughout, as demonstrated by the photographs.
The Exterior
- Repainted in British Racing Green which is known to be the car’s original colour
- Bodywork is overall in fantastic condition with only very light scratches in a small number of places
- Brightwork is all in excellent shape but for some extremely minor corrosion on some parts
- The seller reports that there are no visible signs of body panel or underbody corrosion that he is aware of
- The stunning 60-spoke wire wheels were brand new in 2008 and have minor evidence of surface discolouration
- Tyres all have good tread, with the spare tyre being unused
- Aftermarket front auxiliary headlamps really set the front of the car off
- Luggage rack fitted to the boot lid
- Roof is in almost as-new condition and the fit is genuinely taught
- Removable side screens are in fabulous shape
The exterior is in excellent condition overall, as is the underside. Chrome trim is in very good condition throughout and the high standard of the restoration really shines through the more you look at the car.
The Mechanics
- Full mechanical restoration in 2009 by world-renowned TR experts Racetorations of Gainsborough
- Runs and drives tremendously well with good engine performance
- Excellent handling thanks to a full front suspension rebuild in August 2021
- Restoration work included a full rebuild of the engine, gearbox and overdrive using brand-new components
- Most recent service was in March 2021 by TR Enterprises
- No untoward noises from the drivetrain are present
- Steering converted to a rack-and-pinion setup for better handling
- Kenlow fan installed to improve cooling
- New wiring loom plus modern starter motor and alternator
- All braking and suspension components were replaced during the restoration
- Most recent upgrade involved the replacement of the standard distributor with high-performance 123 electronic Ignition
- Overdrive switch now located on the gear lever
- The only known mechanical fault is a very minor oil leake from the engine oil breather when the car is stationary
Having been completely restored in 2008, the car has since been maintained properly with regular servicing and maintenance work as and when required. The engine sounds sweet under acceleration and the gearbox feels lovely. The recent suspension work and upgraded rack-and-pinion steering ensure that the car handles as good as, or better than, when the vehicle was sold new.
Summary
A comprehensively restored and beautiful TR3A in superb cosmetic and mechanical condition. A genuinely reluctant sale after a remarkable 55 years of ownership, the new owner of “Sophie” can rest assured they are purchasing an excellent example of a desirable classic car in a fantastic colour scheme.
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.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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