1959 Triumph TR3A

Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire 18000 - 22000 Registration No: 264 PPO Chassis No: TS63903 MOT: Exempt � A 'home market' car registered in West Sussex on January 1st 1960 � The subject of an extensive past restoration by marque specialist Racetorations and still highly presentable � Offered for sale with extensive history file and hardtop � Due to be driven 160 miles to the sale Final evolution of the Triumph TR2/TR3 sportscar line (save for the American market TR3B), the TR3A was introduced in September 1957. Its tough boxed section chassis featured independent coil and wishbone front suspension, a leaf sprung 'live' rear axle and disc / drum brakes. Fitted with a 1991cc four-cylinder OHV unit developing some 104bhp and 117lbft of torque, it was reputedly capable of 110mph. A great sales success on both sides of the Atlantic, the model provided a rather more visceral alternative to its MG and Jaguar competition. Great fun to drive, the �sidescreen TRs� have long enjoyed a keen following among enthusiasts. Although, finding a 'home market' example can be a challenge given that just 1,896 of the 58,236 cars made remained in the UK. Assembled by its previous (eighth) keeper, a British aerospace engineer, this rare, �home market� TR3A comes with one of the most voluminous history files we have ever encountered. Specified with a heater, hardtop and Michelin X tyres, the Roadster was despatched from the Works on 15th December 1959 to S. Hicks & Son of Truro. Reallocated to a Sussex-based Standard Triumph dealership, it was supplied new to a Mr Clifford of Worthing. Thereafter, the nominal 2+2-seater is known to have belonged to K.S. Sparling, A.I. Graham, J. Carlton, Racetorations, R.A. Forsyth, W.R. Washbourne and D.J. Lee before entering the current custodianship during 2023. Having been prepared for road rallies by marque specialist Racetoraions some thirty years earlier at Mr Carlton�s behest, the TR3A had its original engine overhauled and enlarged (87mm bore), suspension and brakes uprated and a TR4 all-synchromesh gearbox with overdrive installed. A Kenlowe fan and stainless steel exhaust were added too, the recorded mileage at the time being a believed genuine 47,750 or so. Subsequent owner Mr Forsyth then tasked the same company with carrying out a bare metal bodywork restoration plus an interior re-trim and sundry re-chroming etc in 1995. Showing 60,086 miles when bought by Mr Lee, he kept the Triumph for the next sixteen years using it on numerous Mendip Classic Tours and Chipping Sodbury Classic Runs. As well as routine maintenance, he treated the Roadster to a new crank seal, facet fuel pump, hi-torque starter motor and brake hoses etc. Starting readily and running well during our recent photography session, �264 PPO� has some minor blemishes but remains, to our eyes, highly presentable. Enjoyed on a run to the Goodwood Revival last year and due to be driven some 160 miles to IWM Duxford, this delightful TR3A is thought to have covered a mere 68,000 miles from new. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, Heritage Certificate, hardtop, weather equipment and history file.