Triumph of the mid-50s released the successor to the popular TR2 with predictably the TR3. Built on the same chassis as the TR2 but with a smidge more power and better brakes, the TR3 became an instant hit.

A true Roadster in the traditional style with a 1991cc in line 4 cylinder engine which was able to generate around 95 bhp and propel the little sporty creation to a top speed of just over 100mph and 0 to 60 a shade under 11 seconds. 

The TR3 was one of the bestselling sports cars for Triumph with only the TR6 and TR7 selling more. The car sat on double-wishbone front suspension with coil springs and telescopic dampers and the rear set up was a live axle with semi-elliptical springs and lever arm dampers. 

Drums front and rear make up the braking system on the earlier cars until late 1956 which brought the advent of disc brakes on the front along with some aesthetic changes. 

The present owner bought the car in 2019 and proceeded to work through it ensuring everything was working as it should. The car had a full professional restoration done in 2000-2001 by Brian Robbins of Catcott Garage in Somerset which meant that our owner only needed to do some recommissioning of brakes, suspension and steering. 

The paintwork had held up well over the last 20 years or so but it was found that all four wings had suffered from some paint reaction. These wings have subsequently been removed, chemically stripped and repainted. Both sides of the car have been resprayed with paint sourced from the same supplier who supplied Catcott Garage.

The car is now in excellent mechanical condition and presents itself as a drive home proposition for anyone not wanting to be involved in restoring a classic.

There’s a V5 for the car along with a very healthy amount of history in the form of receipts for components and remedial work and several past MOT certificates showing the minimal mileage added since restoration.

The paintwork has survived well since the restoration. However, the freshly painted wings do show a slight tonal difference to the rest of the body, this is possibly due to the age differences between the panels being painted and the effects of UV. 

There are very few instances of rust or damage anywhere but the paint has cracked a little around the quarter-turn fasteners on the bonnet. The doors shut very well and all the external brightwork is in good condition. 

Our owner has not replaced the tyres as they have plenty of tread remaining, but their age can’t be determined. The steel wheels are finished in the same body colour of Glacier Blue and are complete with original chromed hub caps. 

A set of side screens in very good order comes with the car as does a working folding roof and full cockpit tonneau cover.

The upholstery is in very good condition and is free from any obvious tears or burns as is the carpet. The switchgear is all intact and working and the only gauge that fails to function is for fuel. 

The gauge has been tested and it has been found to require a new tank sensor. The dashboard itself is also in good order and finished in the same shade as the seat material.

The engine is not original to the car and it is surmised that this was replaced at the time of the restoration. The engine fitted is a factory replacement engine (F.R.E). The carbs and manifold were removed and cleaned with the necessary pieces being painted where required. The owner has also upgraded the ignition by fitting an electronic distributor. 

The engine has also been fully serviced recently. Front brakes have had the benefit of having new cylinders fitted and the The steering was upgraded by the fitment of poly-bushes to make the car more user friendly, although the removed rubber bushes were in good condition. 

The high torque starter throws the engine over easily and it fires into life settling into a smooth and quiet tick-over. 

All original parts that were removed during the upgrade will be included in the sale. 

When you buy into the idea of owning a classic you can expect to need to get your hands dirty. Some things are going to be broken, seized up or just missing. Well not here, apart from having a dodgy fuel gauge, this car is a real ‘Turn Key’ opportunity. 

It’s not often that a car of this age comes along that can just be driven away and enjoyed. The new owner will benefit from a ground-up restoration along with a little bit of recent recommissioning. The mileage covered since the big renovation is minimal as you can see from the MOT certificates. 

As an early version of the TR3, you have drum brakes front and rear, steel wheels along with cleaner lines of no exterior handles to the doors. Only 4800 of these early machines were built and many went overseas so this little gem has an awful lot of good reasons why it should be considered. Make the most of the summer in a true British icon of open-top motoring. You’ll love it I’m sure.