1960 Triumph TR3A news, pictures, and information

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Roadster
Chassis Num: TS59552

James Ward Packard purchased a Winton automobile in 1898. This vehicle had many flaws and broke down often. Packard took the vehicle back to Winton, who challenged Packard to built a better automobile. This was the birth of the Packard automobiles. Ferrucio Lamborghini purchased a Ferrari which constantly broke down. He confronted Enzo Ferrari about his troubles; Enzo told Ferrucio that the problem was not with the car but with the 'farmer.' In retaliation, Ferrucio created the Lamborghini Company.
The Ford Motor Company nearly purchased the Ferrari Company before Enzo Ferrari left the negotiation table. Ferrari was renowned for their racers and had dominated nearly every racing series that they entered. The Ford Motor Company decided to beat Ferrari at their own game - which they did by winning the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans race with the GT40 on numerous occasions.

The TR series was born of the same type of annoyance/challenge/success. Sir John Black, the chairman of Standard-Triumph, had tried to take over the Morgan Firm but had failed. The small and inexpensive MG's continued to provide stiff competition in sales and performance. When MG turned their attention to the lucrative US market, they were met with even more success. Thus, the Triumph TR Roadster was born.

It took six-months to create the small but capable roadsters which was created out of the parts bin. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine was from the Standard/Ferguson tractor. The engine was carefully concealed under a long, round and flowing hood that extended into the cut down doors. The boot provided excellent trunk space making the vehicle even more practical. The interior was roomy.

The TR1 appeared in 1952 at the London Motor Show where it was welcomed by both media and public. A year later the TR2 was introduced which stayed in production for two years before being replaced by the TR3. Big improvements to performance appeared in 1956 as Girling disc brakes were adapted to the front. This was a first for production automobiles. The TR3A featured a locking door and trunk. Bigger brakes and a larger engine appeared in 1959.

The black Triumph TR-3A Roadster with chassis number TS59552 was for sale at the 2006 Worldwide Group Auction on Hilton Head Island where it was expected to fetch between $25,000-$35,000. In recent years it has been given a body-on-frame restoration. It was given a brand new interior with Wilton Wood carpeting. The top and side curtains are new, as is the original 60-spoke wire wheels. The transmission and engine were rebuilt. At the conclusion of the auction the vehicle had found a new owner at the price of $30,800.

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Roadster
Chassis Num: TS 36951 LO

This is a very rare Export/European sold car, through C.D. Salamanca SA Madrid, Spain. One of only 1,800 sold in Europe, out of 60,000 TR3A's built; most (97%) went to North America and right-hand drive countries. This car carries a rare color combination of red and beige. It has the original engine, matching body, chassis and engine numbers. It has its British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate and been in the care of its current owners for 20 years.

Roadster
Chassis Num: TS34559

The TR3A is distinguished from its predecessors by its exterior styling which was revised to adopt a new nose panel with a wide-mouth, egg-crate grille, and the headlamps were slightly recessed for a smoother line. There were slight modifications made to the windscreen fixings and door and trunk hinges, and the door handles were standardized by 1959. In terms of performance, the biggest change was the introduction of Girling front disc brakes.

In total, there were around 8,600 of the Standard Triumph models built between 1953 and 1955. Around 58,200 TR3A models were created during 1957 to 1962.

The TR3A offered a top speed that exceeded 100 mph and a zero-to-sixty mph time of around 11.5 seconds. This example is an early example of the TR3 and has been the subject of an exacting restoration which was completed in 2006. The restoration costs exceeded $40,000. It is finished in black lacquer with red interior and white piping. The car rides on wire road wheels, and there is a chrome luggage rack, a soft top, and side screens.

In 2009, this Triumph TR3 Roadster was offered for sale at the Houston Classic Auction in Seabrook, Texas presented by Worldwide Auctioneers. The car was estimated to sell for $25,000 - $35,000 and offered without reserve.

In 1957 the Triumph TR3A was introduced as a replacement for its predecessor, the TR3. The 3A featured improved design and mechanics, resulting in a top speed of 105 mph. The TR3A was a reliable vehicle; this was proven in 1960 during the grueling Le Mans 24 Hour race where three cars were entered and finished, placing ninth, eleventh and fifteenth.
The vehicle featured a four-cylinder, 95 horsepower engine. With an overall weight of the vehicle tipping the scale at 2200 pounds, meaning horsepower to weight ratio was excellent. Throughout its life span, larger brakes and a engine modifications were introduced.

The TR series has been a familiar scene in racing competition and club events ever since their inception. Modifications such as Weber carburetors and improved transmissions are a favorite for many competitors and SCCA contenders.

During its production run, lasting from 1957 through 1961, around 58,000 examples were created.

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