The seller of this splendid 1958 TR3 was on the lookout for one in the UK for many years, having always fancied one.
After viewing several not so good examples, his job sent him in the direction of South Africa, where he soon realised that the cars there suffered much less corrosion. Sourcing the TR3 in South Africa came about via some contacts in the TR3 owners club who knew of this one for sale from a classic car collector.
With the car inspected and deemed a solid example, it was the paint and interior which had suffered from the sun, and so once back in the UK, the car was entirely stripped down for the restoration to begin.
The whole project took approximately two years to complete. By buying this TR3, you will be getting a good solid body that has been repainted and refitted in the UK, along with a completely new interior and wet weather gear, should you get caught in a shower.
Inside, the TR3 has been treated to something slightly different from the original trim used in the car. The seats have been retrimmed in light beige leather with matching red piping to compliment the exterior.
These are in excellent condition, having not really been used since the restoration was completed. The door panels have been finished in the same material along with the dashboard. The instruments are a mix of Smiths and Jaeger and are all working as they should, with the odometer reading 57,964 miles.
The switchgear in something of this age is relatively minimal, but what is there shows no signs of wear to the lettering and working as they should. Classic 50s looks are finished with a wood rim Moto-Lita steering wheel, which is in excellent condition.
The carpets have been replaced with a fitted set of red ones to match the exterior and are in good order as you would expect. Black carpet has been used in the boot area, which has been edged in vinyl for a nice finish.
Already a good car coming from South Africa, the Triumph TR3 required what would be described as a cosmetic makeover as the paintwork was bleached and faded.
This work was entrusted to a small family business that the seller knew, who had previous experience in working on classic Triumphs and TR3s in particular. First, the vehicle was stripped back to bare metal, and any areas addressed which needed.
The seller is pleased to say there weren't many areas needing attention. It was then given a fresh coat of the deep glossy red, bringing the TR3 back to life.
Since the paintwork has been finished, the car hasn't been used, and so it is in excellent condition with no chips or damage to point out. The seller has left the car with the front bumper removed (this is included) in favour of the additional spotlights, making any nighttime driving much easier.
The headlights are in good condition with a bright chrome surround and the original TR3 badge located on the bonnet. The grille is also the original, which is in good order.
To the sides, the doos align nicely and open and close as they should, the trims running over the wings and rear wheel arches have been reapplied with precision, and the aluminium stone protectors are in place as per the original design.
The new Mohair roof fits excellent and which being quite tight to fit. Once fitted, it is like a well-fitted glove, and also included is a set of side windows. The car looks different again when the roof is removed.
The roof frame is then covered with the tonneau cover allowing you to appreciate the sweeping lines of the TR3.
The rear end is again finished well, with the boot lid aligning as it should. The light lenses look to be the originals, with no cracks to be seen. There are some small signs of the chrome coming off the overriders, and these were not replaced during the restoration.
The 1991cc overhead valve engine has been refurbished by the seller's engine specialist along with the twin SU carburettors. This is now running as it should and would be expected to be close to the original 95bhp.
Pull the choke and push the start button, and the TR3 fires quickly into life, gently clearing its SU carburettors as it warms up to come to an even idle. The car is reported to pull well through the gears, and the change is smooth and precise. The TR3 has also benefited from having a Revotec electric fan fitted to keep the engine cool and a complete new wiring loom, eliminating any electrical gremlins.
The steering has been upgraded with the sought after Protek rack and pinion steering system making the car much more pleasurable to drive around town. The car has disc brakes as standard, which have been refurbished, ensuring these are all working correctly. yCGPnrdiq27l9SWqrjuLEc4n2Swt2gQNPwPDUmJL.jpeg722.33 KB
SUMMARY
An excellent opportunity to step into a restored 1959 Triumph TR3, originally from South Africa, which generally, as a good rule of thumb, have less corrosion than one that’s been in the UK all its life.
The interior has all been replaced, along with new wet weather Mohair equipment for the exterior.
The matching numbers engine has also been rebuilt, replacing many parts and adding a Revotc electric fan and Protek rack and pinion steering, making this classic feel that little bit more modern to drive.
Notice to bidders
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.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
