1962 Triumph TR3B

Triumph developed the TR2 sports car to compete with those from MG and Jaguar. Introduced in March of 1953 at the Geneva Motor Show, it became an enormous success both at home and abroad. The TR3 that followed represented evolution rather than revolution, as to not disturb the sales enthusiasm.

The Triumph TR3 was introduced in October of 1955 and it closely followed the mold established by the TR2. It was a classic British Roadster with long body lines, low-cut doors, and sports car handling characteristics. It came with 95 horsepower, five more than the TR2, and an 'egg box' radiator grille that was among the most distinguishable features of the new model. The suspension was comprised of double A-arms with coil springs and tube shock absorbers. By mid-1956, a new cylinder head had brought horsepower up to 100, and then in August, Girling front disc brakes were introduced. In 1957, additional cosmetic changes brought about the introduction of the TR3A, complete with new front-end styling with a full-width grille incorporating sidelights/indicators, and locking door and trunk handles plus an improved interior.

Nearing the end of production, Triumph dealers became concerned about the new model's popularity, so they requested an extension of the TR3 design for an additional year. The result was the TR3B, sold exclusively in America during 1962. They had very minor styling changes, with the early examples (having a commission number preceded by 'TSF') being identical to the TR3A and powered by a 121.5 CID overhead-valve four-cylinder engine. Later production versions (with commission numbers preceded by 'TCF') used the TR4's 130.4 CID engine that had similar power output to the prior 121.5 CID unit, backed by the new all-synchromesh gearbox. It was priced at $2,675, and approximately 3,334 examples were built. Approximately 530 were 'TSF,' and 2,804 were 'TCF.'

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2020