1960 Triumph TR3A Roadster

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 build a better automobile. This was the birth of the Packard automobiles. Ferruccio 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 its 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 were 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 the 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 are 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.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2006