1959 Triumph TR3A

Registration No: Unregistered
Chassis No: TS66937L
MOT: Exempt

• Finished in a striking Primrose Yellow, with a Black interior
• Restored ex-USA car, converted to RHD by TR Bitz
• The subject of a bare metal respray within the last five years
• Uprated with rack and pinion steering

Lacking a sportscar capable of competing with those of rivals MG and Jaguar, Standard-Triumph engaged in a hurried design and development programme that bore fruit in March 1953 with the display at the Geneva Motor Show of the prototype TR2. A couple of months later the newcomer emphatically established its performance credentials when an overdrive-equipped prototype in touring trim ran at 114.9mph on the Jabbeke motorway in Belgium. Simply constructed, practical to own and offering 100mph-plus performance at a bargain price, the TR2 was an enormous success both at home and abroad, so it was only to be expected that its successor, the TR3, would represent evolution rather than revolution. Introduced in October 1955, the TR3 was indeed little different from the preceding TR2. Changes to the Standard Vanguard derived 2-litre engine boosted power from 90 to 95bhp, but the most obvious difference was the adoption of an ‘egg box’ radiator grille. The engine developed 100bhp courtesy of a new cylinder head by mid-1956; then in August, Girling front disc brakes and the stronger Phase III Vanguard rear axle were standardised. Cosmetically revised, but mechanically indistinguishable, the TR3A was phased-in during 1957. New front end styling featured a full-width grille incorporating sidelights/indicators, and for the first time there were locking door and boot handles plus an improved interior.

Finished in a striking Primrose Yellow with Black leather upholstery, this particular American-market TR3A was repatriated back to the UK in c.2017 and entrusted to TR Bitz of Cheshire to be recommissioned. John Sykes and his team converted the car to RHD and remarked that “the body is excellent with no rust, as with the chassis”. Treated to a bare metal respray by a friend of the owner (based in Market Drayton); the roadster has apparently benefited from a wealth of new parts and is described as having a “strong engine with good oil pressure” and being “mechanically strong with everything working as it should”. Previously MOT tested in 2017, the car has remained in dry storage and been unused ever since. Not currently UK registered, a NOVA application has been completed and we will assist the purchaser in completing the process.

For more information, please contact:
Adam Sykes
adam.sykes@handh.co.uk
07429 600332