1957 Triumph TR3A

Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Chassis No: TS23618L
Mot Expiry: Sept 2012

Two owners from new

Triumph's successful 'sidescreen TR' pedigree was inspired by two rebuffs to the company's managing director, Sir John Black. One was that he had recently been knocked back when trying to take over Morgan, and the other was that he was becoming increasingly jealous of MG sales successes in North American. At minimum investment cost - with a simple ladder-type chassis, and an easy-to-produce body shell, he set out to change this. The '20TS' prototype of 1952 was not a success, but the TR2 of 1953 set up a dynasty which was to last for a complete decade. The original specification included a 90bhp/1991cc 'wet-liner' engine, a four-speed gearbox for which overdrive was available while, before long, wire spoke wheels and a detachable hard top had also become optional. The TR2 evolved into the TR3 for 1956, with more power, front wheel disc brakes followed a year later, and from the autumn of 1957 the TR3A featured a front-end re-style, and a 100bhp version of the engine. The TR3A established an enviable competition pedigree and sold faster than any other derivative.

This particular left-hand drive example - commission number TS23618L - was built between 11:30am and 3:30pm on November 5th 1957. Supplied new by Carleon Motors of San Leandro, California to Mr Benjamin T. Alarcon of Oakland, California on March 5th 1958, the two-seater pleasingly retains its original engine, bill of sale, manufacturer's warranty, handbook and spare keys. Only ever registered to two people the Triumph was acquired by its second keeper, Mr Jim Mott, some fifteen years ago. A desirable black plate California car, the TR3A boasts overdrive, outside boot locks, front disc brakes, twin Weber carburettors, chrome wire wheels, factory-fitted occasional rear seats and period fog lights. Displayed at various Southern Californian car shows, it was still highly presentable when purchased by the vendor (a well respected restorer) for his wife. Recently repainted in Metallic Ice Blue to show standard, the Triumph has further benefited from sundry fettling and a total re-trim in Mid Blue Connolly hide (including the door cards etc) with Dark Blue bound Wilton carpets. Beautifully detailed, this striking TR3A is offered for sale with a fresh MOT certificate but has yet to be UK registered so as to preserve its status as a two-owner car. However, all import duties have been paid and the vendor is happy to assist a UK purchaser with the registration process.