Highlights
- Recently chassis-up restoration completed to a high level in 2021
- Mechanically sound and well-running vehicle
- Creature comforts added for modern driveability and ease-of-use
The Appeal
Introduced in 1955 and with a 7-year production run ending in 1962, the TR3 was a highly-successful and popular roadster produced by the Standard-Triumph Motor Company, headquartered in Coventry. With nearly 75,000 TR3s produced during this period, it was and still is considered to be one of Triumphs most successful and well-loved automobiles. With great success in both production sales as well as its racing endeavours spanning hill climbs, rallies, and even Le Mans racing, its popularity has contributed heavily to the endearing and high-spirited nature of the nameplate.
In 1957, Triumph made a series of small revisions to the TR3, with this version of the car unofficially referred to as the TR3A. Revisions included a notably wider front grille, the inclusion of door handles on the outside of the car, and a lockable boot handle. The TR3A represents the majority of TR3s seen on the road today, with a reported 58,236 vehicles being produced in this configuration. However, far fewer remain on the road today, with estimates coming in below 10,000 vehicles remaining in drivable condition.
This particular TR3A has benefitted from a complete chassis-up restoration, finished in 2021. When we say chassis-up, in this case a brand-new old-stock factory chassis was procured and installed with new floor pans, new boot floor, new back scuttle, as well as both new and repair panels fitted. The car was rebuilt with touring in mind and some slight period-style modifications and updates have been introduced to make the car more comfortable for those long journeys. Since the restoration, the vehicle has completed the North Coast 500 (NC500) route a 500-mile tour around the north of Scotland, with zero issue. It’s reported that not a single drop of oil or water had leaked, which is a huge testament to the build quality and attention to detail during the restoration process.
The History and Paperwork
- Full restoration completed to a very high standard with records and invoices present in robust history file
- Period style updates introduced for touring
- MOT and VED exempt in UK, but current MOT completed with no advisories just over 300 miles ago
- Major service carried out 23rd January 2023
Originally dispatched to the USA, this originally LHD TR3 was imported as a partially dismantled vehicle and used as a base for complete and total restoration. Upon being received in the UK, this classic Triumph has been restored and rebuilt with intention to prepare the car to be completely reliable and easy to drive for both local and long-distance touring. With a full and complete restoration from the ground up with a new old stock chassis, the previous owner has spent thousands of pounds to bring it to a like-new, fully renewed condition. With a very strong stack of receipts and invoices for the renewal, the next owner can rest assured the vehicle has been completely gone through and made reliable and ready. Works completed during restoration include the below:
Exterior and Body:
- All new floors, including boot, new sills, new rear panel, new side panels, new wiring loom, and new petrol tank
- While the chassis was upside down it was all epoxy primed and sealed
- New spoke wheels fitted March 2022.
- Brooklands Aero windscreens currently fitted, providing a very period-style look
- Period mirror attached to the aero screens
- Completely rewired P700 halogen lights fitted
- Boot rack installed for additional luggage space
Interior:
- Interior trim is all new with new "modern classic" seats
- Derrington period-style steering wheel installed
- Electronic digital satellite speedometer has been fitted due to the original speedo not working.
- Map light and two USB ports also introduced to charge any necessary accessories
- New tonneau cover made (please note: photos do show some rain on the tonneau cover, however it does present in essentially perfect condition)
- Seat belts installed
- Modern heater installed
- The hood frame is in place and refurbished, but no hood fabric present as the vehicle is currently configured with aero screens
Engine and running gear:
- All the brake lines were replaced in polished copper
- New modern alternator
- Negative earth converted
- Dolomite 4 synchro gearbox with overdrive in 2nd, 3rd and 4th
The engine has been completely rebuilt, and comes with the addition of the below:
- Electric Thermostat fan switch
- Thin belt / pulley kit upgrade
- 87mm pistons
- Head modified to accept unleaded fuel
- High Torque Starter motor
- Oil filter spin-on conversion
- Clutch cross shaft modified & strengthened
- Stainless steel exhaust
- Rack & pinion steering
- TR4 3-degree front suspension with polyurethane bushings
The aero screens are detachable. If the standard look is preferred, the original windscreen can be put back on in minutes using Zeus fasteners and the stainless wipers reattached. All electronics and gauges functioning as they should (except for speedo and odometer). These items do come with the sale; see photos. We must also note that the original windscreen does have a crack in lower driver’s side, but the current owner states it does not affect the driver’s vision. Side screens also come with the sale, although they will need a refurbishment to reach the same level as the rest of the car, and are not currently being used by the present owner.
Also, one thing to note about the vehicle’s mileage; speedometer/odometer was sent off for re-calibration/ repair but was unsuccessful. The vehicle was photographed with a spare placeholder in place which does not work. Electronic digital satellite speedometer fitted. While the current odometer shows 72,250 miles, the owner states the vehicle’s correct mileage is 11,824 miles.
The vehicle has very recently received an annual service, carried out January 23rd, 2023, to a high standard. In addition to this, on April 20th, 2023, the vehicle had the below services performed in preparation for sale:
- Exhaust system realigned and bracket welded
- N/S shock absorber and O/S/R shock absorber and new link arm fitted
- New weather seal gasket to vent hatch and bonnet aligned
- Paint work and wax as required
- Gear gator replaced
- Drive train checked
- Suspension bushes lubricated
The Interior
- Updated period style seats improve comfort without compromising classic looks
- Overall condition is near perfect
- All electronics and gauges functioning as they should (exception of speedo)
The black with white accent colour interior perfectly suits the British Racing Green paint job and chrome work. The interior is in overall new condition with no apparent signs of use or wear. It’s very clear that the vehicle has been dry stored and was cared for during its restoration and afterwards, as the soft bits are in great condition and show no signs of sun-fading or neglect.
The interior and dashboard are simple and very functional, clearly to-the-point and with usability and practicality in mind. Everything is placed within easy reach, all of the dials are easy to read, and it all feels solid and robust. The wood-accent Derrington steering wheel matches gracefully with the upholstery, and car colour. The owner states the electronics are all in working order. The dashboard storage compartment is a false front to enable greater legroom for the passenger.
A few creature comforts have been added to emphasise the ease-of-use when on those long-distance tours. The vehicle has been fitted with a GPS speedometer, two USB charging ports, and a map light. In addition to that, we have a heater that can provide adequate warmth, even considering the topless nature of the vehicle. These added comforts combined with the newly fit modernised seats provide the cabin with a significant increase in live ability and enjoyment over the standard original trim.
The boot is clean and tidy, with all elements looking as-new. The boot rubbers, carpet, and fittings are all present, and in great condition. There is a spare tyre in the spare tyre stowage, accessed from the rear of the car underneath the boot. It’s a new spare tyre on a spoked wheel.
The Exterior
- Excellent condition paintwork and brightwork
- Classic British Racing green paintwork – perfectly suits the sporting legacy of the vehicle
- Brooklands Aero windscreens provide incredible period styling
The outside of the TR3 is just as good as the inside. The stunning green paint and sparkling chrome-work in addition to the bumper less front end and aero windshields really and truly reinforce the nature of a true roadster; it’s built to cruise in style.
Paint and bodywork is all in excellent order. The chrome brightwork is shining like new everywhere you look. The trim lines are straight and like-new condition.
The vehicle’s aero windscreen glass is in excellent condition. Headlights, taillights, and auxiliary lights are all in above average condition and show no signs of fading or hazing.
The wheels are in great visual condition, having been fitted in March of 2022, with no signs of curb rash or any damage. While there are some small signs of use seen on the four centre knock-offs for the wheels, this is more of a patina than wear. All four tyres are matching and there is plenty of tread remaining.
The Mechanics
- 1,991cc Straight-four overhead cam engine recently rebuilt and in perfect working order
- Dolomite 4 synchro gearbox with overdrive in 2nd, 3rd and 4th
- Owner states it runs perfectly and shifts smoothly
The engine bay shows very little signs of use. It has been cared for since the complete restoration, and as such is said to be in an absolutely ready and reliable state. There is no indication for us to believe otherwise, as it presents as nearly flawless.
With the rebuilt engine and overdrive on the Dolomite gearbox the owner notes it will easily cruise the outside lane without any issues, and is surprisingly economical on the motorway and in general.
The owner states the suspension, steering, braking, and pickup are all as good and likely better than to be expected. The suspension and entire underside of the car looks almost new, with little signs of use since the restoration. The car runs straight and does exactly what it’s told. There are no unexpected quirks to quarrel with and the ride reinforces its sport cruiser roots.
Summary
This TR3A is ready to be driven. What could be better than feeling the exhilaration and sense of freedom that only a chromed-up convertible classic can provide. In addition to its period-correct updated styling, it is clearly mechanically improved and updated with modern amenities and indeed improved comfort for those long-spirited tours, as well as short cruises to the local classic meetups. Being completely ready to roll, this is a great chance to pick up a fully restored and well-maintained, mechanically sound example of an all-time favourite British roadster, in a fitting colourway that gives a reverential nod to its sports car and racing roots.
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.
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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