5th Jun, 2018 15:00

Woodcote Park

 
  Lot 35
 

1959 Triumph TR3S Tribute


Lot details
Registration No: XHP 939
Chassis No: X628
Mot Expiry: Exempt

- An accurate reconstruction of 'XHP 939' - the 1959 experimental Works Le Mans entrant

- Built by Protek Engineering, Oxon

- Fitted with a race tuned TR3 engine breathing through twin choke DU6 SU carburettors

- The car has competed successfully at the Silverstone Classic, HSCC Gold Cup and was the fastest timed TR to ever compete at Le Mans

Overshadowed by Pierre Levegh's horrendous crash, the 1955 Le Mans 24-hours nevertheless saw Ninian Sanderson / Bob Dickson and Ken Richardson / Bert Hadley drive two Works-entered Triumph TR2 cars to 14th and 15th places overall (5th and 6th in the up to 2-litre class). Returning to the Circuit de la Sarthe four years later, Standard-Triumph's Competition Department fielded three bespoke Triumph TR3S machines that boasted longer chassis, fibreglass bodywork, disc brakes all round and the in-house developed 'Sabrina' twin-cam engines, (so called because their bulbous covers evoked comparison with a contemporary starlet). Sadly, the trio retired - two due to cooling fan failures and the third because of a faulty oil pump - but not before they had left an indelible impression on marque enthusiasts. Once back at the factory, the TR3S racers were shorn of their bodywork and had their chassis reused for the subsequent TRS project which would go onto distinguish itself by winning the coveted team prize in the 1961 race.

Deeming the TR3S to be the best looking of the first-generation TR sportscars and inspired by both Graham Robson's book 'Triumph Sports Cars' and the TR3S Evocation that marque specialist Glen Hewitt of Protek, Wallingford had built for himself, the vendor commissioned Mr Hewitt to create another TR3S tribute car. Having obtained the original Works blueprints for the TR3S project and some ex-Works competition spares, not to mention the registration number and chassis plate of one of the factory Le Mans racers (registration number 'XHP 939'), the seller was determined that his car be as authentic as possible. The donor chassis thus had its side rails not just lengthened (by 5" 7/8") but also deepened (by 3/4"). Further rigidity comes from the installation of a roll cage front and rear with associated bracing struts. The TR3S's elongated fibreglass bodywork was painstakingly recreated even down to the ducts ahead of the rear wings, reshaped spare wheel 'letter box' and racing windscreen. In the absence of a Sabrina engine, the car has been fitted with a blueprinted TR four-cylinder engine fed by the very rare twin-choke DU6 SU carburettors that develops circa 170bhp at the rear wheels. Help in getting the detailing right was provided by Claude Dubois who was one of the Works drivers at the 1959 Le Mans 24-hours.

Since its completion, the reincarnated 'XHP 939' has competed successfully at Le Mans Legends, the HSCC Gold Cup, the Le Mans Classic and the Silverstone Classic. It is also eligible for the Goodwood Fordwater Trophy and Spa Classic. In addition it holds the distinction of being the fastest-timed TR ever to race at the Le Mans Classic and in doing so it beat some much more expensive and exotic machinery (the Triumph came from the very back of the grid to finish in 19th place and was clocked at an impressive 137mph). With some top-level historic racing cars changing hands for millions of pounds, this TR3S Tribute represents excellent value for money and provides a unique entry into the world of historic motorsport.

The Triumph's impressive specification includes: 4-cylinder 2158cc engine with alloy cylinder head, steel crankshaft, forged pistons, competition con-rods and flywheel first built by Racetorations and subsequently maintained by Matthew Lambkin-Smith. Heavy-duty Stag type 4 speed gear box with overdrive on 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears. Limited slip differential. Oil cooler and catch tank. Alloy radiator and header tank. Twin circuit disc brakes all round with adjustable bias control. Foam filled alloy fuel tank. Fully plumbed-in fire extinguisher system with internal and external 'kill' switches for both fire and electrics. New 5-point race harness. 15-inch 72-spoke wire wheels shod with Dunlop L section 5.50 tyres. Front and rear suspension completely refurbished with new bearings in July 2017 for the Silverstone Classic.
 

All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.

You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:

               

Auction: Woodcote Park, 5th Jun, 2018

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