1960 Triumph TR3A |

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1960 Triumph TR3A

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£15,582

Mileage~1,546 on clock
TransmissionManual with Overdrive
Engine2.2-litre
LocationBridgnorth

SOLD

1960 Triumph TR3A

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Paul Wright

Professional Consigner

Designed as an affordable sports car capable of reaching ~100 MPH, the Triumph TR series quickly became a sensation loved by many.

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.

Roger has owned this lovely 1960 Triumph TR3A for the past ten years. He purchased the car freshly restored, ready to drive whenever he wanted. The restoration included some nice upgrades, such as a fully rebuilt 2.2-litre engine for improved power, and a TR4 gearbox with synchromesh on first gear and an overdrive function. These enhancements have made the car more reliable and enjoyable to drive while maintaining its classic charm.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Roger 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

I’ve had a number of restored classics over the years; this TR3A was restored by my friend, so I knew it had been executed to a very high standard.

Ten years ago, Roger’s friend came to the end of a two-year restoration of this 1960 TR3A, and it was then that Roger managed to strike a deal and buy the freshly restored 1950s British classic.

With the work carried out by his friend, Roger had no doubts the car was restored to the highest standard possible with no corners cut. Ten years later, and due to health reasons, Roger is regrettably selling the classic after covering just over ~1,400 miles in ten years.

Please feel free to ask Roger any questions in the comments below.

Roger

Vehicle Owner

Roger saved £2,700* when they
sold their Triumph with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Subtle differences separate the TR3 and the TR3A - notably the larger full-width grille on the TR3A, and the headlights are slightly recessed compared to the TR3.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with silver-painted wire wheels and chrome spinners, these look to be in good condition.

The tyres are two makes, with Marshal fitted at the front and Gamac at the rear, all of which have a good amount of tread.

Please see the image gallery to take a closer look at the wheels.

Bodywork

The TR3A bodywork is in very good condition. The previous keeper fitted new floor pans, front wings, and rear quarters ten years ago. As mentioned earlier, very little mileage has been covered, and the car has been in dry storage.

The panel gaps look to be equal, and the doors open and close nicely with just the slightest touch to close them, unlike some classics, which need a firm hand.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

According to the original registration booklet, the car was finished in black. This has taken a turn for the better, and a few coats of Signal Red have been applied, which still ten years on present very well. There are a couple of very minor marks, but these are few and far between.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The chrome work was re-chromed during the restoration and has a bright, tarnish-free finish. Upgraded P700 headlights have been fitted and are in excellent condition with no damage. The Lucas spotlights and rear lights are also damage-free.

The vinyl roof has been replaced, and this is in good order, with no splits or tears to the vinyl or the plastic windows. Both side screens are in good order; there are just a few light scratches on the sliding plastic windows.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The original seats have been retrimmed in black leather with white piping and offer superb comfort.

Seats and Carpets

Fitted with the original seats, these have been retrimmed in black leather and edged with white piping, and the condition is excellent. Both door cards are in good order with no damage.

You will also notice the additional roll bar fitted, and can be easily removed if the new owner wishes - the inertia seatbelts have been bolted to it for added safety. The carpets have been replaced and fit well with no real signs of wear. Inside the boot is a fitted carpet, which is clean and tidy.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Dashboard

The dashboard has been retrimmed in black with a centre panel in red, where the auxiliary instruments are, they are said to be working correctly. The odometer shows a reading of ~1,546 miles. This is said to have been reset at some point prior to the restoration, and when Roger purchased the car, it showed just 100 miles.

Please see the interior gallery for more hi-resolution images.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original steering wheel has been retained partially for an original look and it is also much easier to turn the car as opposed to fitting a smaller diameter one.

The original gear knob is in good condition, with the numbers 1-4 and R clearly visible.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The upgraded 2.2-litre rebuilt engine has covered just over ~1,400 miles.

Engine and Gearbox

The original engine has been rebuilt and, in the process, was upgraded to 2.2-litre, which is a common modification to be carried out.

There is an additional Kenlow fan fitted which keeps everything at the correct temperature.

The four-speed gearbox is from a later TR4A and has overdrive activated via a dash-mounted switch, but crucially, the later gearbox has synchromesh on all gears.

Suspension and Brakes

Out in the car, the ride is firm without being harsh, just as you would expect from a British classic.

The TR3A handles nicely with no knocks or bangs coming from either corner of the car.

Stopping the car is easily done with servo-assisted brakes; the TR3A comes to a halt quickly in a straight line.

The Drive

Driving the 50s classic around town is great fun, even at low speeds, thanks to the upgraded steering, which is now rack and pinion, making the steering extremely light - that, coupled with the 2.2-litre engine and TR4 gearbox, is a match made in heaven.

Electrics and Other

The switchgear in the car appears to be the original, which has a light amount of patina but is all said to be working correctly.

One addition is the indicator switch which is connected to a buzzer, reminding you to turn this off.

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History and Paperwork

A collection of photographs shows some of the stages of the restoration, from the bodywork to the engine rebuild.

Born in 1960, the Triumph TR3A went over to the Netherlands for twelve years before coming back to the UK in 1972. It was then registered and has been with just one previous keeper in that time.

There isn’t a great amount of paperwork with the car other than some previous MOT certificates, the original registration booklet, and the V5C. There is a nice collection of photographs taken during the restoration in 2010-2012.

With just over ~1,400 miles covered since the engine rebuild around ten years ago with the upgraded gearbox and the rack and pinion steering, this 1960 TR3A is ready to go and perfect for anyone who wants to just jump in and enjoy a British classic.

We've done all our usual seller checks, including photo ID, V5, and also actioned an HPI check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above. However, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail. This has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa, and take your time to review everything on this listing to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
06.07.2017	MOT	1,233
01.07.2016	MOT	1,097
07.07.2015	MOT	818
14.04.2014	MOT	153
23.04.2013	MOT	34

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Key Details

ModelTR3A
TransmissionManual
Build Year1960
UK Reg. Date20-11-1972
CC2.2-litre
Mileage~1,546 On the clock
ColourSignal Red
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #TS74550L
Engine #TS74059E
RestoredYes, 2010-2012
Engine RebuildYes
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former UK Keepers1 Previous UK keeper
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~10 years
Key FeatureLovley Restoration
Vehicle RegistrationRDG 538
Auction ID1927

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All Images

All Videos

Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions

Seller : SRoger Sale Date 20.06.2024

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

26 Comments

II70836

6 months ago

On page 184 and 185 of the exterior it looks like there are some scratches to the paint which are also shown on 11:00 to 11:03 of mechanical/on the road video. Can you confirm if scratches or reflections from pebble hardstanding.
Also on page 166 of the exterior it looks very dark under chrome. Can you advise what this is. (start of rust?)
Lastly on the road video 10:34 to 10:41 it looks like the chassis box section has ripples in it, do you know anything about this as from the video l cannot see similar on other side of cars box section?

SRoger

Seller

II70836

6 months ago

I cannot find scratches, the paintwork was mopped last year.
Neither can I see any signs of rust.
Nor ripples .
Roger

MNYorks

6 months ago

I notice that the Speed on the speedometer is bouncing around a great deal on the test drive – do you know the cause , is this a new issue?

I notice aero screen mounts for the driver side as replacement for windscreen, do you have the aero screen?

The aero screen and map light hint at a possible competition (tests/navigation/rally etc) history – Have you or someone used it in competition that you know of?

Are there any spares or other accessories ?

SRoger

Seller

MNYorks

6 months ago

Yes speedo waves around. Tachometer does not.
No aero screen.
Never used competitively
There’s a spare fanbelt and new wiper blade rubber.

MNYorks

6 months ago

It appears to have had some Hydraulic fluid leakages which have affected the paint in that area (photo 33), is this historical or ongoing?

Would you be able to confirm that the inertia belts are bolted to the Roll Hoop or are they welded plates?

Back to the tyres topic; How old are the tyres? All more than 10 years perhaps?

Thanks in advance.

SRoger

Seller

MNYorks

6 months ago

Historical.
10 years.

MNYorks

SRoger

6 months ago

Thanks Roger

SRoger

Seller

MNYorks

6 months ago

Bolted I think.
I never noticed hydraulic liquid
spill, sorry.

MNYorks

SRoger

6 months ago

Thanks Roger

MNYorks

6 months ago

Would you be able to confirm the brand of the steering rack conversion please?

SRoger

Seller

MNYorks

6 months ago

Restorer believes it was a Moss bolt on kit.
Try looking at the restoration photos.

MNYorks

SRoger

6 months ago

Thanks

MNYorks

6 months ago

Regarding the hood frame, is it that the roll bar prevents correct stowage inside the back seat top? The pictures show the frame outside on top of the petrol cap.

SRoger

Seller

MNYorks

6 months ago

Sorry about this, the frame fits ok
when down. I just hadn’t pushed down enough.

MNYorks

SRoger

6 months ago

Thanks Roger

MNYorks

6 months ago

Please could you explain the mix of tyres? I assume it didn’t wear out a set of rears since rebuild?

Also regarding the paint job, who was the respray completed by? professional ?

Thanks again

SRoger

Seller

MNYorks

6 months ago

I can’t explain the mix of tyres.
Sorry.
Painter is the restorer. A polymath.

MNYorks

SRoger

6 months ago

Thanks!

MNYorks

6 months ago

Is there any cover for the hood frame? I believe “Hood Storage Cover”?
Is it on electronic ignition or points and 12V coil or ballast?
Which registration is included? RDG or BMW?
Please confirm location if I decided to view?
Many thanks

SRoger

Seller

MNYorks

6 months ago

Sorry, no storage cover.
Points and 12v coil.
RDG (valuation c£2k)
near Bridgnorth
Roger

MNYorks

SRoger

6 months ago

Thanks!

II70836

6 months ago

Has the car been converted to run on unleaded? Also what is the spare wheel (wire or steel) and does it have wire wheel hammer,any spares/manuals, etc

SRoger

Seller

II70836

6 months ago

Yes, converted to unleaded petrol. But I run it on 100 octane.
Spare wire wheel with hammer.
And workshop manual. And Jack.

Rhino

6 months ago

Hello
Does the TR3 have a hood sidescreens and tonneau cover. Thanks

SRoger

Seller

Rhino

6 months ago

Hood,side screens, yes.
Tonneau. No.

Adam Purrier - Trade Classics

Admin

SRoger

6 months ago

https://www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/triumph/1960-triumph-tr3a-2/#gallery1-206

https://www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/triumph/1960-triumph-tr3a-2/#gallery1-207

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Bridgnorth

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