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1959 Triumph TR3a

Sold Price

£21,730

  • Mileage~89,300
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine2.0L
  • LocationPeterbrough

SOLD

1959 Triumph TR3a

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Introduction

Glyn Parry
Professional Consigner

Conceived as an affordable sports car with a brief to reach 100MPH, the Triumph TR series was an instant hit.

Beloved by global buyers, particularly in the States, the Triumph TR3A has always been sought after as a simple unadulterated driving experience. The combination of a small car with a relatively big engine, sitting inches above the floor offers a unique experience. While that may be its main appeal, factor in the reliable simplicity of its engineering, ready parts availability and out of the box charm, it's not hard to see why these cars continue to attract adulation.

Mick's 1959 Triumph TR3A, is the revamped take on the original TR3. The ‘A’ designation (a retrospective tag) alludes to America, which was its key export market. The TR3A is bursting with a 100bhp engine, a full-width grille, exterior door handles, lockable boot, a full tool kit and improved braking. This particular example has the distinction of being an RHD UK spec car with the benefit of a rebuild and retrim.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Glyn Parry after meeting Mick the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

Over 23K has been spent on getting this TR3A up to scratch.

Mick likes to buy and restore classic cars. He tends to enjoy them for a couple of years, taking them to shows before moving on to a new project. He enjoys the building and driving experience of his cars and as most classic car owners will testify, normally sells at a loss. He has spent about £23,000 building this one but needs to free up space for his other 2 classic cars, a Frog-eye sprite and Mini Moke.

Mick
Vehicle Owner

Mick saved £3,780* when they
sold their Triumph with us.

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Exterior

Beautifully presented with Sebring White paint and red interior finish, this is the perfect car for a blast on the country lanes.

Wheels and Tyres

The steel wheels are standard fitment but have been refurbished. The trims are older but in great condition. The Pirelli Cinturato tyres have plenty of life in them.

Bodywork

The car has been subject to a restoration of a high standard, with attention paid to body panel fit and alignment, potentially improving on the original build as like many cars of this era original factory panels can suffer from poor fit. Some of the hidden welding areas of the car are perfectly solid but lack the visual aesthetics of the exterior finish. The detailing, trim and finishing of the chrome work are excellent, most of the items have been replaced with new parts.

Paint

The brilliant white finish is excellent on the body, with good coverage across the whole car. There is no evidence of chips, marks or rusting from the outside, although the paint has cracked a little in the door shuts (see video)

Glass and Trim

One advantage of not having much glass on the car is that you'll just need to worry about the windscreen, which happens to be in good order with no major scratches or chips.

Interior

The attractive red interior has been re-trimmed to a high standard.

Seats and Carpets

As expected for a car that has seen extensive rebuild work, the interior is in very good condition, with professionally re-upholstered seats. The carpets fit perfectly.

Dashboard

The dashboard dials are all fully functional and the presentation of the beautiful chrome rimmed instruments adding to the snug but the very enticing cabin.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is in great condition, with the gear knob being the only item showing the age of the car.

Mechanics

Lightly modified in keeping with the original feel of the car, the engine has to be heard!

Engine and Gearbox

These engines are very versatile to upgrade and modify, and this one has not only benefitted from a rebuild (new liners, pistons, and crank reground) but has seen several upgrades, including an improved camshaft as well as a carburettor rebuild. The car started well from a cold start with no issues at all, the consigner noted a slight lumpy tick over but that is due to the upgraded camshaft. Gears shift well.

Suspension and Brakes

The car has seen a total overhaul of mechanical parts, including the brakes and suspension and as a result, the simple but effective standard items are more than adequate to perform.

The Drive

The raw experience of driving a small but perfectly formed British sports car is one of the draws of the continuing success and demand for all of the Triumph TR cars, with the TR3A being one of the most collectable models. This well-restored example should provide the new buyer with everything they're looking for in a classic sports car.

Electrics and Other

All electrical items function well as expected for a car that has received a new wiring loom. New lights are among the many items that have been bought for the car. The car has door-tops and a new hood and tonneau cover included.

History and Paperwork

The car comes with a huge stack of restoration photographs and invoices.

The car has limited history prior to Mick's ownership but is thought to be a genuine UK car (heritage certificate included). Delivered to its first owner in June 1959 by Botwoods Ltd of Ipswich. It comes with a large rebuild file with photographs and invoices. There is also a BMC Heritage Certificate and comes with its original registration number. The car also comes with a recent MOT.

Key Details
  • ModelTR3A
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date1959
  • CC1,991
  • Mileage89,312
  • ColourSebring White
  • Interior ColourRed
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #TS/51427
  • Engine #TS17907E
  • RestoredYes
  • Engine RebuildYes
  • MOTOctober 2021
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Tyre BrandPirelli Cinturato
  • Security SysNo
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Key FeatureRestored to original spec







Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions
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26 Comments
runningdogs
runningdogs
4 years ago

Has the car been converted to unleaded petrol

Kulraj Salh
Admin
  runningdogs
4 years ago

No

runningdogs
runningdogs
  Kulraj Salh
4 years ago

OK thanks

Michael Delaney
Michael Delaney
4 years ago

£16,250

Kulraj Salh
Admin
  Michael Delaney
4 years ago

Hi, Bids need to be placed in the bidding panel. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

BasilPennicott
BasilPennicott
4 years ago

Has it been converted to unleaded
Petrol

Kulraj Salh
Admin
  BasilPennicott
4 years ago

Hi Basil, just replaying Mick’s earlier answer, it has not been converted. When Mick had the engine rebuilt, the garage said not to do the conversion. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

runningdogs
runningdogs
4 years ago

Is there any side screens

Kulraj Salh
Admin
  runningdogs
4 years ago

Yes, side screens are included with the sale. Thanks, Kulraj – Trade Classics

runningdogs
runningdogs
  Kulraj Salh
4 years ago

Thanks

Colin
Colin
4 years ago

Hi, Another couple of questions if I may. Could you tell me when you did the restoration? How much use has it had since the rebuild? It says in the notes “noted a slightly lumpy tick over”, what is this, is it ‘pinking’? Also what is the condition of the paint, it looks good from the photographs, are there any bubble or rippling?

Glyn Parry (Photographer)
Glyn Parry (Photographer)
  Colin
4 years ago

Hi Colin,

The idle is due to the camshaft fitted. It has a Newman PH1 road cam which makes the engine much more lively and nicer to drive on the road. The idle is still good, however it hasn’t got that sedate low idle you get with the standard cam (see ‘on the road’ video).

Mick started the rebuild at the end of 2018 and through 2019. It has had minimal use since due to COVID and all the shows/ events were cancelled.

The paint on the body is on great condition, and throughout the photoshoot I didn’t note any ripples, chips, bubbles, blisters etc.

BasilPennicott
BasilPennicott
4 years ago

As it been converted to unleaded petrol

BasilPennicott
BasilPennicott
4 years ago

As it been converted to unleaded fuel

Mick
Mick
4 years ago

Hi,when I had the engine rebuilt,I was told not to bother,they had more knowledge on the subject than me,so I just went with what they said.

Colin
Colin
4 years ago

Hi, Has the engine been converted to run on lead free without fuel additives? thanks

BasilPennicott
BasilPennicott
4 years ago

Is it an overdrive model

Terry elvins
Terry elvins
4 years ago

Hi can you please give me a call about the car 07791127360 terry

Kulraj Salh
Admin
  Terry elvins
4 years ago

Hi Terry, Kulraj from Trade Classics here.

Mick told me you were looking for pictures of the rebuild, we were a bit slow uploading them, but have done now to the history section; https://www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/triumph/1959-triumph-tr3a-2/#gallery5-61

Best,

Kulraj – Trade Classics

shaun Tymon-field
shaun Tymon-field
4 years ago

hi , is it possible to view the car ? We are not too far from you and looking for a decent restored classic to drive and enjoy cheers shaun

Kulraj Salh
Admin
  shaun Tymon-field
4 years ago

Hi Shaun,

Kulraj from Trade Classics here. We help organise viewings, feel free to drop us an email to hello@tradeclassics.com.

Best,

Kulraj – Trade Classics

Nickwhite53@yahoo.co.uk
Nickwhite53@yahoo.co.uk
4 years ago

Does it have side screens ?

Peter
Peter
4 years ago

Dear Mick,
Do you have the old buff logbook with the paperwork, does it still retain the original reg , is the colour scheme correct and same as when produced and what does the unseen welding look like ? it sounds a bit suspicious in the description.
Regards,
Peter.

Kulraj Salh
Admin
  Peter
4 years ago

Hi Peter,

Kulraj from Trade Classics here. Not sure what you mean with regards the welding. Have you reviewed all of the video footage, like the underside; https://youtu.be/0noS_dgBPfs?t=237

With regards the colour scheme, you’ll see it matched the heritage certificate.

Best,

Kulraj – Trade Classics

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