1959 TRIUMPH TR3A

This Triumph TR3A is a charming classic British sports car, offered from long-term ownership, and presented in superb cosmetic and mechanical condition. It is powered by the Standard 2.0-litre four-cylinder OHV engine, fed by twin SU carburettors, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission with overdrive. The car has been used and enjoyed as intended, having covered 124,479 miles from new.

An original right-hand-drive car built in January 1959, this TR3A was initially delivered overseas to the port of Aden, then a British Crown colony. It spent 18 months there with its first owner, before returning to the UK and being re-registered on 27 June 1960. There are just two previous registered keepers prior to the current owner. A ground-up professional restoration was undertaken in 1990, which included a nut-and-bolt refurbishment of the chassis, suspension, brakes, bodywork and paint, as well as a full engine rebuild.

The seller acquired the car in 1999, having always wanted to buy one. Over the last 21 years, he has covered some 28,500 miles behind the wheel, using it for short drives in the country on sunny days, but also for much longer road trips to France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The TR3A has always proved to be a reliable and thoroughly enjoyable companion. It is a well-known car in the East Riding Group of the TR Register, and regularly attends local, national and international events.

This Triumph’s body remains in great condition following the older restoration. The shut lines are sound, and during the seller’s ownership the wings and bonnet have been resprayed in the popular Signal Red colour. Today, the paintwork presents superbly, with a bright and smooth finish all around the car, and only a few very small blemishes visible in the photo gallery below.

There is some minor pitting to the metal guards ahead of the rear wheels, but the brightwork is generally in excellent condition, including the chromed wire wheels. The car comes with full weather equipment, including side screens with plastic sliding windows, a PVC hood that fits snugly over its frame, and a tonneau cover.

In the cabin, the seats, rear quarter panels and bulkhead panel are all smartly trimmed in black vinyl with white piping. The upholstery is all in great shape, with no rips or holes in the material. There are a few scuffs on the door panels, and visible wear to the glove box lid, but the interior trim presents very well indeed. Ahead of the driver is a three-spoke Mota Lita wood-rimmed steering wheel, as well as a full complement of instrument dials that all work as they should. At the back of the car, the boot panels are in good order, and there is a spare wheel and jack.

Modifications to the standard specification include rack-and-pinion steering, a brake servo, electronic ignition, inertia seat belts, a two-speed heater and a Kenlowe fan. The petrol tank and radiator have both been upgraded to high-grade aluminium items. It has overdrive on second, third and fourth gears, and there is also a stainless steel exhaust system.

Opening the bonnet reveals an engine bay that is remarkably clean and tidy, which is testament to the care and attention given to it by experienced Triumph specialists. It has been regularly maintained while in the seller’s ownership, with the most recent work being a full service carried out in 2018 by Malcolm Quill Motor Engineers in North Yorkshire.

Prior to this, it was also seen in 2017 by Malcom Quill, and in March 2012 there was a grease oil renewal service, as well as the installation of an upgraded heater by Revington TR that incorporates the Clayton 4kW unit.

While the car is exempt from MOT testing and road tax, the seller has nevertheless put the car through an inspection for the peace of mind of the next owner. The most recent MOT was therefore carried out on 20 March 2020 at 124,466 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories whatsoever. The wheels are shod in Toyo 330 tyres in size 165/80 R15 all round, which were replaced as a set in May 2013, and still have a good level of tread remaining.

This Triumph TR3A is a beautiful example of a delightful sports car from the golden era of motoring. These TRs are rightly regarded as robust and reliable machines, and this particular example benefits from cherished long-term ownership. The car is great fun to drive, and comes with an extensive history folder and photographic record of work. It is presented in absolutely wonderful condition today, and is sure to put a huge smile on the face of its next owner whenever they take it out for a drive.

Car Overview

  • 124,479 miles
  • manual
  • RHD
  • Signal Red
  • Black
  • 2.0L
  • VINTS434590


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  • Lot #00427
  • private Sale
  • Beverley, East Yorkshire, United Kingdom

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1959 TRIUMPH TR3A1959 TRIUMPH TR3A1959 TRIUMPH TR3A1959 TRIUMPH TR3A1959 TRIUMPH TR3A1959 TRIUMPH TR3A1959 TRIUMPH TR3A1959 TRIUMPH TR3A
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