• Well maintained throughout its life
 • Comes with a dating certificate from the TR Register  
 • Recently brought to the UK from South Africa

 • Recently serviced, runs and drives beautifully 

Produced during the golden age for British roadsters, the Triumph TR3 is one lovely looking car, with swooping lines and pronounced haunches. The TR3 was an evolution of the earlier TR2 but with more power, better braking, and even better styling. 

As part of the export drive after the war, many of these cars were shipped out around the world. This example is one of those export cars. One of the previous owners was clearly a prolific member of the Triumph Car Club as the dash is adorned with many gathering plaques.

The car was repatriated to the UK a couple of years ago and has been looked after extremely well by the current owner. But it is now time for you to enjoy the thrills of classic top-down motoring.

 • Initially shipped from Coventry to South Africa to be built in the Durban factory

 • Under the bonnet, it wears both a Triumph UK and Triumph SA plaque to further prove its story

 • Once owned by the chairman of the Triumph Car Club in South Africa

 • At some point in the early ‘00s it was resprayed in this rather fetching dark grey

 • The current owner purchased the car in South Africa and brought it to the UK

 • Upon arrival they undertook a little recommissioning work to get it up to their standard

 • There are a few invoices for small miscellaneous parts like washers, rubber clips, and screws

 • The most recent invoice, dated 4/4/2022 was for a new starter motor, set of points, condenser, and servicing parts

 • This car also comes with a dating certificate from the TR Register that proves it was built in 1958
 • It should be noted, this is a TR3, not a TR3a which you would expect for a variant built in this year

 • Beautiful wooden steering wheel

 • The dash is adorned with club stamps 

 • All the seats are in very good condition

Classic car interiors evoke an instant nostalgic feeling, the interior of this TR3 is no different. With its analogue dials and big wooden steering wheel, it really does convey the ambience of the time.

With the window panels removed or the fabric roof retracted you can see that it is presented in very good condition. With all of the characteristic elements looking resplendent in the sunlight. 

The seats fitted to this car are the classic looking small bucket seats. The material that these are finished in looks great, with no obvious signs of rips, tears, or even staining. Once you lower yourself into the car these small buckets hold you well, and with the top retracted you get a proper wind in your hair feeling and the smells  indicative of a classic roadster. The carpets are in fair condition with signs of wear and tear. 

One of the best-looking features within the interior is the bank of toggles, dials, and warning lights. Proudly stamped made in England these dials provide you with vital driving information whilst also looking amazing.

In front of the passenger seat, you would normally just find a bare glove box door, however, there is a little bit more on display in this TR3. Adorned with multiple TCC (Triumph Car Club) badges and plaques it looks great and goes some way in proving that the previous owners of this car have used it properly.

Overall, the interior is in very good condition. As you might expect with a car of this age there are a few minor areas that may not look like brand new, but these are part of the car's character and history.

 • Resprayed in dark grey

 • Complete set of wire wheels

Harking back to a golden age for British sports cars, this TR3 is presented with lovely dark grey paint, and it also wears the appropriate wire wheels. There are only a few little areas of note on this otherwise beautifully presented TR3.

With this being a South African car, it has a few lovable character traits over its UK sisters. As the car was shipped to South Africa and assembled there, there are a few areas where the panels don’t quite align perfectly. But, although the panel gaps may not meet an exacting eye, the doors, boot and bonnet all still close easily and it does not spoil the look of the car. 

The paintwork overall does need some attention with the vendor noting some cracks on the bonnet. 

Fitted for more of a rally look, the two spotlights up front add to the car's curb appeal. Although not connected to the lighting system they do look great. The right-hand light does, however, have a crack in the lens. The wire wheels are presented in lovely condition and once again add to the car's period looks.

The roof fitted to this car is in excellent condition with no signs of wear or tear whatsoever. It folds back in a matter of seconds behind the rear bench. Should you get caught out in the rain the car also has removable windows in the boot which are easily fitted.

 • The engine bay is extremely clean

 • Lovely to drive

 • Starts very quickly or ‘on the button’

The TR3 set out to be better than its older brother, the TR2, with more power and better braking capabilities. Throughout its life this TR3 has been looked after properly when it comes to the mechanical aspects, meaning that it now runs well nearly 60 years after its initial construction. 

The current owner has undertaken a small amount of mechanical work, such as the new starter motor and service, but apart from this it has never required any major work. Starting on the button it is a joy to drive. 

Although this car does not legally require an MOT thanks to its age, the current owner has always endeavoured to get one whilst it’s been in the UK. It currently has an MOT until January 2023, and passed this test with no advisories! 

This is one of those propositions that rarely come about. A brilliantly presented classic Triumph with a wonderful story, and in great running condition. It's the kind of vehicle that will always bring a smile to your face. 

As the summer approaches, this would be a great car to explore the country's B-roads in. With enough space in the boot for a picnic hamper and blanket, you can enjoy the pure thrills of classic motoring whilst also looking very stylish.