1959 Triumph TR3A

Highlights 

• Quintessential mid-century British sports car

• Fully restored example

• In excellent condition throughout

• New chassis and interior

• Hard and soft tops included

• Low owner car in long-term ownership

• Fresh MOT

Overview

From the TR2 in the early '50s to the later TR6 of the 1970s (before giving way to the subsequent and decidedly more pointy 7 and 8), Triumph TRs have remained a stalwart of the classic scene for decades. And rightly so. Beautifully styled and with excellent engines they epitomise what it is to be a British open top sports car: characterful and capable in equal measure, and the TR3A, like this rather lovely example, is no different.

Replacing the aforementioned TR2 in 1955 the TR3 was an evolution of the same basic open two-seater design. More refined this time around, with additional power thanks to larger twin carbs, that would later be joined by a modified cylinder head, and larger manifold that pushed peak power to 100bhp. The TR3A arrived two years later and featured improved disc brakes alongside numerous exterior tweaks and proved incredibly popular with both regular punters and those looking for a motorsport option and TR3s continue to be used successfully in anger today.

Sadly the ravages of time have claimed many a TR3A and decent examples are becoming harder and harder to find so we're delighted to be able to offer this particularly stunning 1959 example. In continuous long-term ownership since 1974 this fully, professionally restored Triumph TR3A presents in wonderful condition throughout and benefits from many new parts.

Resplendent in a classic colourway of British Racing Green over burgundy interior the car looks every bit the distinguished British sportster. Coming to market with a fresh, clean MOT as well as both hard and soft tops it's reportedly all in perfect working order and ready for the summer show season. 

History and documentation

• 1959 model year

• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name

• First registered 23 Apr 1959

• In current ownership since 1974 as reported by the vendor

• Zero former registered keepers 

• Original documentation

• MOT until May 2027

• Road tax exempt

• HPI clear

• 20,582 indicated miles

Interior

• Refreshed with all new parts as reported by the vendor

• In excellent condition throughout

• No signs of any damage

• Carpets appear to be clean and dry with no evidence of any water ingress

• Wood rimmed steering wheel and wooden gear knob

• No reports of any electrical issues or problems with the switchgear

• All Jaeger gauges are clear

• Dashboard remains intact and has not weathered

• Door jams and sills look tidy

• Boot space is clean and there is no evidence of any corrosion to the metalwork

• Engine bay presents beautifully with only some slight pitting to the valve cover to note

Exterior

• In excellent condition following a full restoration

• The bodywork has been resprayed and there is no evidence of any corrosion with all panel gaps looking good

• The green paintwork looks to be free from any serious issues but there does appear to be a light scratch to the passenger door as well as some swirl marks in places

• All brightwork is in fine condition and free from any pitting

• The removable side windows and soft top look to be in decent shape and free from damage

• Tonneau cover presents well

• The vendor reports that the hard top is missing its rear window

• Classic style silver on black number plates

• Rear stone guards present and correct

• 15” wire wheels with knock-offs are all in superb shape with no signs of any corrosion or kerb damage

• Toyo 330 tyres all round

• Underneath looks to be clean, solid and free from any major corrosion with the vendor informing us that the chassis is new

Mechanical

• 100bhp, 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine 

• Four-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 10.8s

• 105mph top speed

• No mechanical issues to report

• The vendor informs us that everything is in working order and the car comes with a spare manual gearbox, rear axle and shot-blasted and primed bonnet

Summary

There are few better experiences than hooning around some country lanes in the summer in an open top British sports car and as far as suitable steeds go you could do a lot worse than this rather splendid Triumph TR3A. Fresh from a full restoration and apparently wanting for nothing it's reportedly running well and would make an excellent weekend toy or summer classic to enjoy when the sun comes out.  

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Fleet, Hampshire.