1960 Triumph TR3A Roadster

Description

The Triumph Motor Company launched the TR3 in October of 1955 as a successor to the TR2. The new model was powered by the same 1991 cc, straight-four, overhead valve engine as its predecessor — albeit with larger carburetion that pushed horsepower to 95. Subsequent changes included a larger engine and adding front disc brakes instead of drums all around. Externally, the car featured low-cut doors but had minimal weather protection. Performance was on par with the MGA and Austin-Healey 100, and the TR3 was well received.  

Triumph executed a visual refresh in 1957, and the cars are now referred to as the TR3A. The nose panel with a wide-mouth, egg-crate grille, and the headlamps were slightly recessed for a smoother line. Most significantly, the car’s grille grew wider, and the headlamps were slightly recessed for a smoother line. In addition, a locking trunk handle appeared, and larger bumpers were installed. The public responded favorably to the new appearance by purchasing more than 58,000 TR3As during the car’s six-year run. The vast majority of these vehicles were destined for the U.S.-market. 

Highlights 

• Believed to be a two-owner example, according to the current owner 

• 2.0-liter straight-four engine producing 100 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• Finished in British Racing Green over black interior 

• Offered in mostly original condition except for: 

  • Roll bar and retractable seat belts added in 1995 

  • Front seat covers replaced in 2018 

  • Professionally repainted in 2018 

• BF Goodrich P155 / 80R15 83S tires (slightly wider than factory installed) 

• Original steel disc wheels with Triumph center emblem 

• When purchased by its current owner in 1989, this 1960 Triumph TR3A Roadster’s odometer cable was inoperative and was replaced. The car is offered with the five-digit odometer showing 22,288 miles, however the true mileage is unknown  

Features 

• Twin carburetors 

• Speedometer (120 mph) and tachometer mounted in front of driver 

• Oil, Fuel, Temperature, and Battery gauges in center of dash 

• Advertised top speed of 109 mph; 0-60 mph in 11.5 seconds 

• Fender-mounted driver’s side mirror 

• Aftermarket side curtains 

• Lockable glove box 

• Front brakes: disc; rear brakes: drums 

• Length : 151 inches 

• Width : 55.5 inches 

• Height : 50 inches 

• Wheelbase: 88.1 inches 

• Weight: 1990 pounds 

• Original MSRP was $2,675

Known Imperfections 

• Hood latch assembly spring does not fully push up bonnet

• Dent left front bumper

• Paint chip on front edge of the left side apron assembly where it joins the bonnet

• Quarter-size scrape/dent on right headlight chrome rim in 12 o'clock position Slight bubbling on both rear chrome wheel rims

• Small tear in tonneau cover corner on the passenger side where fastener assembly is installed

• Hand crank does not align with engine block receptacle

• Roll bar installation does not permit full back extension of seats 

Included 

• Tool kit (includes original jack with ratchet wrench, lugnut removal wrench, and T handle (coach key) 

• Repair manuals: 

• Original Clymer TR-2 to TR-6 and GT-6 Shop Manual (1954-1976) 

• Kenneth Ball TR-2 TR-3A 1952-1962 Autobook 

• Haynes SU Carburetors Owners Workshop Manual for Triumph TR-2 to TR-3A (1952-1962) 

• Spare tire (slightly wider than factory installed makes for a tight fit in spare tire compartment) 

• Tonneau cover (modified to accommodate roll bar) 

• Neoprene hoodstick cover 

• Two ignition, boot, and glovebox keys 

• Triumph and England grille badges 

Ownership History 

This 1960 Triumph TR3A Roadster was purchased on 3 May 1989 by the consigner, who believes he bought it from the original owner.

Additional Notes

Title in transit.