1958 Triumph TR3A

The original two-seat, open tourer TR3 first went into production in October 1955. From 1956, front brakes were changed from drums to discs, the first British production sports car to do so. In 1957 the TR3 was updated with some cosmetic changes, including a full width radiator grille, exterior door handles, lockable boot and a complete tool kit. With these somewhat minor changes the TR3 unofficially became the TR3A and finally ceased production in 1962, ultimately becoming the third highest selling TR after the 6 and the 7.

This original home market right hand drive TR3A is an impressive motor car, not only for its condition, but for the exceptional documented history that supports it. In the Triumph’s early life, we understand that it participated in motor sport competition and was raced at Brighton Speed Trials during the late1950s and Sixties, in the hands of its first owner, Mr Norman Lefton of Hove. Mr Lefton in fact ordered UFF 267 from Moore of Brighton (1924) Ltd and instructed the fitting of competition road springs and rear shock absorbers and Michelin 5.50 tyres, but no heater. After this notable start, the Triumph passed through several owners and re-emerged in 1976; 1989 saw TR Enterprises begin a major restoration on the motor car, details of which are too prodigious to include here, but most notably, the body was removed and new floor panels, boot floor and spare wheel housing fitted. The chassis was restored and a bare metal respray was carried out. The TR was equipped with a new wiring loom and petrol tank, and most of the electrical components were also replaced. A TR4A cylinder head was fitted and the engine was reconditioned and upgraded to fast road specification, increasing the engine size from 1991cc to 2189cc. The overdrive gearbox was rebuilt and the upholstery, carpets, interior trim and weather equipment were all renewed.

The January 2010 ‘TRAction’ magazine featured UUF 267 completing a charity run to the Arctic Circle, covering 3500 miles and raising £7000 for the Parkinson’s Disease Society (a copy of this is included in the history file).

The previous owner acquired the motor car in 2013 and carried out further modifications and upgrades which included attention to the braking system, rebuilding the HS6 carburettors, and fitting new sports manifolds, exhaust system and alternator. The cooling system was also fitted with a competition radiator and header tank.

In 2015, the Triumph competed in various historic rallies, including several hosted in France.

This truly historic TR3A is supplied with an astonishing history contained within three lever arch files. They include: copies of old V5s, the last V5 and the current V5C registration certificate, MOT test certificates dating back to 1989, correspondence, a BMIHT certificate, an East Sussex Record Office document, the Standard Motor Co. register document, numerous invoices and photographs of the restoration, together with a book titled ‘Very Useful Tips’ and a TR Register CD called ‘Technicalities’. Also supplied is an impressive spread sheet of recorded mileages, maintenance and costings from 14 July 1989 until 21 November 2016, totalling over £51000.

A credit to its owners, UUF 267 remains in good order throughout and is difficult to fault. Potential buyers are urged not only to inspect the motor car itself but also its superb history.

Auction Date: 30 November 2017