The TR sports range was introduced in 1953 with the model ‘2’ popular both on and off track; it could rally, sprint and compete in the endurance arena and when the improved TR3 arrived in late 1955 the trend continued. It was the first model of the TR series of sports cars and was designed by Giovanni Michelotti. Visually the new model differed little from its predecessor, inserting an ‘egg-crate’ front grille the most noticeable change but behind sat a more powerful motor curtesy of cylinder head and carb alterations. Disc brakes on the front wheels made the ‘3’ the first British production car to feature this important option. 1957 saw a styling update for what became known as the TR3A. Minor updates included the new wide front grill, exterior door handles, lockable boot handle and came with a full tool kit as standard (this was an option on the TR3). The total production run of the “TR3A” was 58,236. This makes it the third best-selling TR after the TR6 and TR7. The TR3A was so successful that the original panel moulds eventually wore out and had to be replaced. In 1959 a slightly modified version came out that had raised stampings under the bonnet and boot hinges and under the door handles, as well as a redesigned rear floor section. The ‘3A’ continued in production until 1962 and sold very well in the American market where a short lived TR3B was offered later the same year with the 2138cc motor that improved BHP to 100 with a fully synchronised 4-speed transmission with overdrive that would be fitted to the incoming TR4.

Country Classic Cars are proud to offer this stunning Triumph TR3a as a commission sale on behalf of the current owner. An unusual situation as this classic Triumph was recently won in a competition and is on the market due to a lack of storage facilities. We are compiling additional history and looking to contact the previous owners we know of. The V5 shows nine in total but we do have invoices that were paid by the seventh custodian back in the early 1990s. Head gasket replacement in 1991 and service invoices throughout the decade and we know the mileometer read 4609 at MOT in June 1999. Two years later the mileage totalled 5057 and crept up a few hundred each year. In 2008 the gearbox was overhauled and seat covers replaced but up until 2013 just service and MOT invoices are retained, the car then showing 8037 miles. Around this time it changed hands moving from Berkshire to Essex. A Kenlowe fan was fitted in 2014 along with dash trim parts and at MOT the mileage had risen slightly to 8357. In 2016 the brake discs were replaced and a steering box overhaul followed by a fresh uprated water pump with aluminium radiator in 2018 and more recently a clutch slave and front bumper in October 2024 when it had a full service and last MOT @ 8849 miles … the car has travelled a mere 15 miles since. Country Classic Cars will supply the next owner with a full 12 months MOT and there are owners and workshop manuals plus a spare bonnet key.

Visually this TR3a is difficult to fault, the bright red exterior finish required the closest inspection to find one small stone chip base of the o/s front wing and a pair of chips on the n/s; underneath is superb with uniform protection correctly applied. The hood appears recent with side screens to keep everything watertight; she rides on clean silver wires sporting limited wear to its Camac tyres. The interior is a delight, fresh and clean minimal wear to the black seating (with cream piping) and carpets with multiple gauges across a perfect dash; all of which operated correctly at time of test. We took note of the oil pressure gauge on startup, full choke initially and able to idle within 30 seconds the 50lbs pressure is certainly healthy. This TR feels eager to get down the road, the tubular exhaust manifold with sports exhaust is one upgrade that not only works well but offers wonderful audio. We feel the straight-four engine has been ‘improved’ and allied to four-speed manual transmission with its slick short throw and desirable A-type overdrive it’s a performance package that certainly makes progress. Everything feels tight, steering is precise whilst the Girling brakes impress, the previous owner exclaimed ‘it drives like a dream’ and we must concur.

For additional information please message with your email address for detailed images; we will forward the file via ‘We Transfer’ a free to use and safe service or Whats Ap if you supply your mobile phone number. Country Classic Cars operate by appointment only as our cars are often kept in secure storage although currently, we are happy to offer unhindered viewings and test drives.