1957 Triumph TR3/A

• Rare transition car with factory-fitted TR3 and 3A parts
• Originally in left-hand drive and destined for North America finished in Pearl White
• Returned to the UK in 1995 and was selected in 2003 as an ideal base for a full restoration
• Stripped back to bare metal, converted to right-hand drive and restored
• Particular attention was paid to panel gaps and shut lines
• Fully painted in Signal Red and the interior retrimmed in red-piped black
• Fully detailed engine bay with a chromed rocker cover and polished dashpots
• Chrome wires, chrome headlight grilles, sill guards, wind-deflectors, wood rim wheel
• Now presents superbly with the quality of the restoration much in evidence

Long famed for their rugged reliability and idiosyncratic good looks, the 'side screen' TRs have attracted a fanatical following over the years. The final evolution of the Triumph TR2/TR3 sportscar line (save for the American market TR3B), the TR3A was introduced in September 1957. Great fun to drive, its tough box-section chassis featured independent coil and wishbone front suspension, a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle and disc/drum brakes. (The first British production car to have front disc brakes as standard). Fitted with a 1991cc four-cylinder OHV unit developing around 104bhp and 117lbft of torque, it was reputedly capable of 110mph. A great sales success on both sides of the Atlantic, the model provided a rather more visceral alternative to its MG and Jaguar competition.

Arriving in 1957, the TR3A was never officially badged as such and was, in fact, a minor revision of the TR3 with updates including a new wide grille, exterior door handles, lockable boot and a full tool kit. Offered here as part of The Anthony Hamilton Collection is a charming Triumph TR3A finished in Signal Red with black trim. The commission number confirms this car was produced in the late summer of 1957 and this was a 'change over' period for Standard-Triumph when many parts from the earlier TR3 were still in stock and were incorporated into the revised TR3A. This explains why this car is fitted with a TR3 front apron with the smaller grille, however, it does have the 3A's external door handles. It was originally in left-hand drive and was destined for the North American market finished in Pearl White. It returned to the UK, we believe, in 1995 and was selected in 2003 as it was a particularly sound, ex-California car, as an ideal base for a full restoration.

It was stripped back to bare metal, converted to right-hand drive and restored paying particular attention to panel gaps and shut lines before being fully painted in Signal Red, the interior retrimmed in red-piped black and all the brightwork refinished. The engine bay was fully detailed and is an absolute delight with a chromed rocker cover and polished dashpots. Sitting on a set of new chrome wires and with its chrome headlight grilles, stainless sill guards, wind-deflectors, wood rim wheel and white hood and tonneau, the little Triumph presents superbly with the quality of the restoration much in evidence.

The owner's file contains various invoices for service and maintenance keeping this striking TR in the best mechanical condition. No history of British Sports cars would be complete without the venerable TR3 and a rare transition car (3/3A) in this super condition will always be eminently collectable.