‘The Triumph TR line was all about evolution and refining of the marque – so although there was very little to distinguish the TR3 from the TR2 it was usefully improved.

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‘With more power and better braking the Triumph TR3 utilized the same 4-cylinder 1,991cc engine; however, by enlarging the inlet ports and employing larger 1 3/4 inch SU carburetors the engine power was increased from 90 horsepower to 95 horsepower. On the outside, a matrix type grill was added along with some stainless steel beading along the fender/body shell joints.

‘The TR3 had a top speed of 105.3 mph and could accelerate from 0–60 mph in 10.8 seconds. But with those disc brakes they would certainly stop faster and better.

‘In 1957 the TR3 was updated with various changes including a full width radiator grille and this face-lifted model was commonly referred to as the Triumph ‘TR3A’. However the cars were not badged as such and the ‘TR3A’ designation was not used officially, as is evident from contemporary sales brochures. Although the car was usually supplied as an open two-seater, an occasional rear seat and bolt-on steel hard top were available as extras.

‘The previous owner was a wise man, putting this car in the hands of a clearly talented car restorer. In turn, this man’s son-in-law assiduously worked on the car for months. ‘He did the welding and most of the bodywork.  He primed and blocked this body until his fingers bled,’ the car restorer wrote in his blog, sensible advice as to the lengths you might have to go to embark on such a project. ‘We have had problems with this restoration at every turn,’ he continues.

‘The seats had been covered with new leather several months ago…Under the bonnet…stunning. ‘This is better than new.  It’s all about the attention to detail.’ As I also always say, it is all in the detail, such as the deeply evocative whitewall tires on the gleaming wire-wheels of this particular vehicle.

‘The Triumph TR3 was actively rallied and raced by the Triumph factory, enjoying much success in international motorsport competition. The TR3 was campaigned in races, hill climbs, and rallies across Europe and North America, with several outright, team, and class victories to its credit, achieving numerous outright, team, and class victories including six Coupes des Alpes awards. With its robust engine and rugged reliability, the TR was a popular competitor in continental hill climbs, and even today the TR3 is often seen in vintage and production racing.

Despite most of them being over 60 years old, The Triumph TR3 is still competitive in the E-production class of the Sports Car Club of America.

If you want one, you know where to come…

-Alex Manos, Owner