1959 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 UK specification TR3A was manufactured and first registered in Coventry in 1959. The current custodian purchased the motor car in 1970 and has lavished it with care and attention throughout his ownership. YWK 50 participated in sprints and hill climbs during the late 1970s and early Eighties, and then in regularity rallies from 1992 until 2002, all with much success, including a class win at Prescott.

The TR is equipped with a factory fitted front anti-roll bar and has been upgraded with a 2.2 litre engine, a TR6 overdrive gearbox, TR6 standard steel wheels (which carry the original TR3A hubcaps) and a Moto-Lita steering wheel. We understand that professional bare chassis restoration was carried out in 2004 – 2006; work included a complete body restoration with new inner and outer panels fitted as required. We are informaed that the engine was also rebuilt during this period, retaining the original block and H6 SU carburettors, but upgrading to fast road specification and installing a four branch exhaust manifold. The suspension and rear axle was rebuilt, as well as the steering system (again, retaining the original steering box), and the motor car was fitted with uprated springs, shock absorbers and bushes. In 2006, the TR3A was retrimmed (with the exception of the seats, which remain original and in good condition). The hood, side screens and tonneau are described as all excellent, and Luke full safety harnesses are fitted. The black paintwork remains in very good condition, apart from a few blemishes, as one would expect. YWK 50 has only covered approximately 13000 miles since this restoration; very recently, the gearbox has been rebuilt and the motor car has been driven around two hundred miles post that particular rebuild.

An excellent UK market right hand drive model that drives and handles unusually well, and is fast! – so well-suited to competition use; indeed, the vendor tells us that it is eligible for FIA pre-1960 rally classes.

The history file contains invoices, MOT test certificates dating back to 1984, rally road books, photographs of the rebuild, Standard-Triumph build records, the V5 document and the V5C registration certificate, together with a number of photographs of YWK 50 competing, and photocopies of results from Prescott dating from 1976 until 1987. A number of important spare parts are also included in the sale, to be collected by prior arrangement.

Auction Date: 2 June 2016