1957 Triumph TR3 Roadster

After a failed attempt to take over the Morgan Motor Company, Standard-Triumph began work on building its own sporting roadster that could compete with MG in the United States export market. A prototype TR was created, followed by a restyled TR2 in late 1953. Power was from the Standard Vanguard-derived 1991cc 'four.' The TR3 appeared in 1955 and dominated American SCCA E-production events. For 1956, upgrades for the basic TR3 included a dramatically revised frontal treatment and mechanical updates, including larger carburetors and modified intake ports that boosted engine output to 100 bhp. Front-disc brakes were another welcome change.

This TR3 is an original left-hand-drive export model destined for Germany. It was built on June 21st, 1957 and came with factory-installed equipment including a heater and instruments calibrated in Imperial units. It was later imported to the United States and has a known history from August 1974. The car has been a concours level restoration and finished in Pear White as originally finished with the factory-fitted Blue Vynide upholstery replaced by blue leather with cream piping. There is also blue Wilton wool carpeting.

The car earned First in Class and Best in Class at Ault Park and Louisville in 2009. Best in Show honours were earned in 2010 under Triumph Register of America scrutiny, and in 2011, it earned that organization's Gold Certificate by scoring a near-perfect 99.3 out of 100 possible points.

The car has traveled just 1,300 miles since the restoration work was completed.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2013