1959 Triumph TR3A Project

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Classic Motorsports and Grassroots Motorsports have been the go-to source for classic car and racing news, restoration stories and car video content for sports car owners and fans alike. Both publications have featured project cars series where audiences are treated to how-to restoration videos and guides, customization content, and everything else we dream about in our own garages. Like every good story, these vehicles from the publisher's personal collection are now ready for their next chapter.

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 1,991 cc, straight-four, overhead valve engine as its predecessor — albeit with a larger carburetion that increased its horsepower. 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.

This 1959 model was in the middle of a restoration and was being prepped for paint when the project was stopped.

Highlights 

• Offered from The Publisher's Collection   

• Powered by a 2.0 liter inline four-cylinder rated at 100 horsepower 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• The chassis number (TS45617L) decodes as: 

  • TS – TR3A model series 

  • 45617 – Sequential production number 

  • L – Left-hand-drive model 

Features 

• Front disc brakes, a first for a British series production car 

• Suspension: A-arms with coil springs up front, rigid axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs in rear 

• Dash instrumentation: 120 mph speedometer and odometer, tachometer, and gauges for oil pressure, fuel level, water temperature, and battery 

 Included 

• Numerous parts (shown in photos) 

Ownership History

This 1959 Triumph TR3A was purchased by the consignor 6-8 years ago and is mostly disassembled due to a restoration project that began several years ago.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty. 

Contact: Cason Vogel   Phone: 904.504.7848   email: cvogel@hagerty.com  

Sales Tax Notice to Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia Bidders: Because this car is located in Florida, Hagerty Marketplace may be required to collect and remit Florida sales tax on your purchase, even if you plan to register it outside of Florida. Unlike most other states, the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia may not provide a full credit against sales taxes paid to Florida. For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Florida that are sold to residents of another state.