The instantly recognisable styling of Triumph’s classic sports cars has a loyal following. With their combination of lightweight bodywork and powerful engines, they embody all the best of the ‘60s sports car world. 

This example of a TR3A, finished in Old English White with a red leather interior, looks very smart and is ready to be used and enjoyed by its next owner. 

It was reportedly subject to a full body and mechanical restoration in the 1990s and has been used sparingly since but has had significant money spent over the years to keep it fresh. 

A few sensible upgrades such as seatbelts, electric fuel pump, electronic ignition and USB charging socket make this car useable in the modern world, without detracting from its charm.

The interior of this Triumph exhibits the pleasing aura of a well-executed restoration, which has since had time to mellow through gentle use. It now has the appearance of a comfortable place to spend a journey, long or short.

There are, of course, a few scuffs and marks which have been picked up during the 25 years since the car’s restoration, but nothing we wouldn’t expect on a car of this age. The car has also, very recently, been the subject of significant cosmetic paintwork upgrades.

Seatbelts have been fitted for safety, along with discreetly located USB charging socket and isolator. The steering wheel is a period-correct Les Leston item, which finishes off the interior very smartly. 

A polished alloy gear knob sits alongside the fly-off handbrake and the gauges on the dashboard are all said to be working correctly. 

To the rear, the boot is uncarpeted, so the paint has been chipped by loose tools and spares which have been carried, but the present owner has now fitted some loose carpet to protect it and keep things quieter. The spare wheel sits in its own compartment, externally accessed, below the boot floor. 

Benefitting from a bare metal respray during its restoration in the ‘90s, and a recent paintwork overhaul, this TR3A is in very presentable condition. The vendor reports minor cosmetic bodywork issues have been regularly attended to during his ownership as well as the recent cosmetic bodywork upgrades , which have helped to keep this car in a very presentable state. The vendor tells us the car has been kept in a dry garage for the entire 26 years of his ownership.

It benefits from being fitted with slightly wider than standard wire wheels, to keep its unmistakable classic styling, while allowing the fitment of wider tyres for more grip. These tyres are said to retain good tread. 

Following a recent extensive cosmetic paintwork refurb, the only remaining external blemishes are a dent in one of the rails of the rear-mounted luggage rack, a small dent in the bodywork, the size of a 5 pence piece, as well as the usual minor scratches and scuffs you would expect to see in the boot, the hood frame and the side panel brackets 

The mohair hood looks clean and tight, with only a little fading. The side screens are also present and in good condition, and have never been used by the present owner. However due to a freak garage accident, the Perspex inserts on both need replacing. The carpets are undamaged and clean. A fitted indoor car cover is also included in the sale. 

Underneath, the car appears to be in good condition, with no reported corrosion or other issues. It is evident that this is an older restoration, but it seems to be holding up well. 

The 1,991cc straight-four engine gives ample performance in a chassis as light as this, which makes for a brilliantly fun little sports car. Having reportedly been rebuilt in 1996 and used sparingly since, it will hopefully give many more years of enjoyable motoring.

These TR3As were well equipped for the standards of the day, with disc brakes as standard and overdrive on 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears, making them excellent all-round performers. 

This Triumph is said to run and drive exactly as it should, starting, running and stopping very nicely. There are no reported leaks or smoke and the vendor has had an electric fuel pump fitted, as well as electronic ignition, which provides more reliable performance. The water pump and pulley were replaced this year. 

The TR3A remains a perennial favourite among the classic British sports car lineup, with a dedicated following and excellent parts availability. 

The particular example appears to be in very good condition, with its older restoration, recent refurb and sparing use since. There is plenty of paperwork for the provenance but the buyer for this car will want to get behind the Les Leston steering wheel, press that starter, absorb the satisfying exhaust rumble, pull back on the flyaway handbrake, engage 1st and thunder off down the road. 

BEFORE YOU BUY 

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