1958 Triumph TR3A

Highlights

Recent bare metal restoration with sparing use since
Attractive car in popular and appealing colour scheme
Desirable upgrades to improve drivability
Sold with a fresh MOT
Dry climate car imported to UK in 2018
£5,000 investment since 2018

The Appeal

The immediate post-war years were boom time for Triumph. Once the firm had alighted on a winning formula for its two seater sports cars, it wisely didn’t mess with it.

The lightly revised TR3 of 1957 - unofficially known as the TR3A - updated the aesthetics but stuck with the distinctive style, reliable mechanicals and engaging driving experience.

This 1958 TR3A spent most of its life in the dry South African climate before being discovered by its first UK owner, returned to these shores in 2018 and subject to a bare metal restoration. It has been cherished since, including £5,000 of mechanical refreshments. In excellent condition yet very usable, this is a great opportunity to benefit from all that investment.

The History and Paperwork

We are told that the car was originally sold new into South Africa
The first owner sourced the car after a very long search for the right example
The car was solid thanks to the dry climate but the paintwork required refurbishment
He imported it to the UK in 2018 and commissioned a bare metal restoration by model specialists
DVLA records show the car first registered in the UK on 1st November 2018
The restoration was undertaken over two years
The first owner did not use the car following the restoration work, ensuring its condition remained very good
Previously sold through Car and Classic on 3rd May 2022 to the current owner
He tells us that he has serviced it twice since buying it
He has never used it in the wet
£4,925 spent in 2018 on replacement gearbox, new radiator and clutch repairs
£600 spent in 2022 on water pump and coolant hoses
Front bumper has been removed but is provided with the car
Car passed MOT on 28th Aug with no advisories

Restoration work 2018-2020 included:

Bare metal restoration and respray by TR3 specialists
New interior and wet weather gear
Rebuilt matching numbers engine
Replacement gearbox
New chrome wire wheels
New beige Mohair hood and side screens

The Condition

Well presented car with good panel fit, particularly across the doors
Clearly restored to a high standard with good quality paintwork
Limited subsequent use has kept the car largely as it must have been on completion
Front bumper has been removed to improve aesthetics but is supplied with car
In its place are additional driving lights to improve night vision
Trims on wings and arches have been carefully applied, indicating quality of the work
Aluminium stone guards correctly in place
New Mohair roof fits well, we are told is a tight but correct fit
Supplied with tonneau cover
Good boot, bonnet and door alignment reflects care during restoration
Brake lights recently replaced
Wire wheels date from 2020 and in well kept condition
Good chromework which has been rechromed except the rear over-riders
These show some light tarnish
Tyres fitted in 2020 with few miles covered since
Well presented interior in cream piped red professionally retrimmed to good standard
The interior is not to exact factory specification but works well
Gear gaiter and indicator switch recently replaced
Retrimmed dashboard in matching cream finish
Door cards retrimmed to match the seat and well presented
Combination of Smiths and Jaeger dials
Wood-rimmed three spoke Moto Lita steering wheel
Red carpets retain their colour and show no visible wear
Boot trimmed in black for durability and is well kept

The Mechanics

Pleasing blend of mechanical originality, refurbishment and upgrades
Rebuilt 1,991cc OHV 95bhp engine is original to car
Reconditioned replacement 4spd gearbox with overdrive fitted in 2018
Twin SU carburettors
Protek rack and pinion steering fitted for improved drivability
Disc brakes all round and recently refurbished
Revotex electric fan fitted
Many new parts fitted since 2018 including radiator, clutch and oil filter
Serviced twice since 2022 by the seller
New wiring loom
We are told the car starts first time and runs smoothly
It also pulls well through the gears with smooth changes through the reconditioned box

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]

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