1957 Triumph TR3 Roadster

The Triumph TR3 was introduced in 1955 and was a development of the successful TR2. The TR3 had an increase in horsepower through redesigned carburetion, the option of an occasional rear seat, and (beginning in 1956) front disc brakes.

This TR3 was purchased new from British Continental Motors by Henry Fischer of Bedford, Massachusetts. When purchased, the owners added nearly 4300 worth of options above the agreed $2,500 base price. Among the options included the newly available rear seat, the sporty wire wheels, a heater, and a tonneau cover.

The Fischers retained the car for four decades. In 1996, the Fischers sold the car to Randy Aagaard of Salt Lake City. In 1998, the car was sold to Michael Jacobsen of Virginia, only to be repurchased by Mr. Aagaard 12 years later. The current owner purchased the car in early 2011.

This car is fitted with an inline four-cylinder engine displacing 1991cc and twin SU carburetors. The engine produces nearly 100 horsepower sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox. There are hydraulic front disc brakes and drums in the rear.

In 2012, this car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. It had a pre-auction estimated value of $45,000 - $65,000 and was offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $59,400, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2012