1959 Triumph TR3A Racing Car

Lot details
Registration No: 150 KPE
Chassis No: TS44221L
Mot Expiry: Feb 2007

Final evolution of the Triumph TR2/TR3 sportscar line (save for the American market TR3B), the TR3A was introduced in September 1957. Great fun to drive, its tough boxed section chassis featured independent coil and wishbone front suspension, a leaf sprung 'live' rear axle and disc / drum brakes. Fitted with a 1991cc four-cylinder OHV unit developing some 104bhp and 117lbft of torque, it was reputedly capable of 104mph. A great sales success on both sides of the Atlantic, the model provided a rather more visceral alternative to its MG and Jaguar competition.

Finished in British Racing Green with black vinyl upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "fair" (interior trim, paintwork), "good" (bodywork, wheels / tyres) or "excellent" (2138cc engine, four-speed manual gearbox, chassis, electrical equipment) condition. Repatriated from California in 1990, '150 KPE' was chosen to form the basis of a specialist racing car on the grounds that it was (a) rust-free and (b) showed no signs of major accident damage. Extensively campaigned throughout the UK and Europe over the last sixteen years, the Triumph's track antics have even seen it journey across the Pond once more to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of American TR racing at the Mid Ohio raceway. While, other notable excursions have included participating in every Le Mans Classic to date (placing eighth on the 2002 event) and lapping the Nurburgring's fearsome Nordschleife circuit in a highly creditable 8 minutes and 56 seconds.

Boasting such racing niceties as a triangulated roll over bar, ignition cut-out switch and towing eyes, '150 KPE' is said to have been "fully refurbished including all new mechanicals, suspension and brake items". The subject of extensive testing and development work, it is further stated to be "genuinely on the button". Riding on steel wheels and sporting a desirable hardtop, this well-proven TR3A is only being offered for sale due to the demands of another two racing car stablemates. Representing an inexpensive entry to historic motorsport, it is accompanied by an extensive documents folder that contains FIA papers and "over £22,000 worth of bills for bodywork alone".