1959 Triumph TR3A

Description

Just two owners in the last 40+ years; less than 13,000 miles on rebuilt engine; well-maintained and in regular use; reluctant sale because the dogs don't like it!

As the Heritage Certificate confirms, this TR3A was built in October 1959 and was originally Powder Blue with a black interior. It was first registered in London in December 1959, a green continuation logbook showing that by 1973 it was owned by a gentleman in Surrey.

According to notes on file, in 1982 it was acquired by the previous owner, a gentleman in Bromley who was to keep if for the next 41 years. When he acquired the car it had already been in storage for 9 years and he too stored it for another 15 years before commencing a thorough restoration. This included new wings, inner wings, sills, floor pan and quarter panels followed by a repaint in black. The engine was apparently fine and needed only a good service.

The car was then used around Kent, mostly on trips with the TR Register, although there was one trip to Le Mans and back in c.2000 with three adults on board – what a crush that must have been!

Shortly after this the engine was rebuilt with new pistons, valves etc. It also got a high-torque starter motor, new dynamo and Pertronix electronic ignition. The MOT history suggests that it has probably only covered around 12,500 miles since the engine was rebuilt.

Our vendor acquired the car from Camberley Marine & Sportscars Ltd in February last year (for significantly more than the guide price suggested here, as shown in the purchase invoice on file). A serial car collector and restorer, he has gone right through the TR to get it in tip-top shape mechanically, as detailed in many invoices on file.

This included a head skim and a new cylinder head gasket; new front brake calipers; new clutch master and slave cylinders; electronic temperature gauge; digital speedo; power socket for dash cam and sat nav; steering alignment checked; electric screen washer pump; headlamp flasher switch; new battery; battery isolator switch; one new wire wheel from MWS; full chassis lubrication; full service plus a host of other items.

Although it no longer needs one, he got the car MOT’d as a safety measure, and it flew through in February 2023 with just one minor advisory for a damaged ball joint dust cover.  He has used the car regularly and reports that it runs and drives well and was driven some 30 miles to the sale. He advises that the cylinder head will need to be retorqued fairly soon following the fitment of the new gasket.

Starting promptly and running nicely as we have moved it around on site, with good 50psi oil pressure, it comes with a full set of weather gear (hood; sidescreens; tonneau cover) all in good condition, and retains its original (transferable) London-issue number plate, XYU 448. Although not fitted in the photos, the air filters are present and stored in the boot.

Only reluctantly for sale because our vendor’s beloved dogs hate going in the car and much prefer his cosy Austin 7 Saloon (fussy pooches!), this well-sorted TR3A is on offer here at an attractive guide price and is ready for a new owner to enjoy.

It even comes with an entry ticket to the Inter-Club International Weekend at Malvern Showground on Sun 30th June (worth £40) so if the lucky winner wants to show off their new toy and mingle with fellow TR enthusiasts, they know where to go...

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email [email protected]