1958 Triumph TR3 A

The Triumph TR3A was built between 1957 and 1961 and boasted a number of cosmetic upgrades from the standard TR3. These included a wider front grill incorporating indicators, exterior door handles, disc brakes, lockable boot handle and an improved interior. With the TR3A Triumph were genuinely able to rival MG and Jaguar with practical 100mph-plus performance at a reasonable price. Consequently, the TR3A was a huge success for Triumph selling 58,236 examples, mainly to foreign buyers. However, it is believed that only 10,000 of the original 58,000 built are on the road today. 812 EKE was first registered on 7th November 1958 to the Northdown Motor Co of Margate, Kent as a sales demonstrator. It was sold to its first private owner, a Mr H Laslett of Ramsgate, on June 4th 1959. In the 1970s he set about a significant renovation of EKE. Every piece of metal was stripped and painted marine grey before re-assembly. Sadly, Mr Laslett died before the car was completed. However, the task was completed by his friend Mr Tucker and EKE was used on a daily basis by Mrs Gillard, the daughter of the late Mr Laslett. In total, EKE remained in the Laslett family for 42 years, until it was purchased by a Mr David Howells of Rochester in 2001. During the last 12 years work has continued in order to preserve the car, however, it is the owner's belief that a full restoration would detract from the charm and patina of this example, which has a real story to tell. This TR3a is sold with one of the most comprehensive history files we have ever seen. From original bill of sale to current MoT, practically every bill, receipt or piece of paper relating to this car has been retained. These include the original buff logbook, sales brochures and manuals. Original fitted equipment still in use includes: Laycock De Normanville overdrive, Murphy transistor radio/mirror, Girling powerstop braking unit and Smiths Vacuum gauge. Still on the original chassis, body shell, engine, transmission, drive, wheels and interior, EKE is a true timewarp example that has covered a genuine 102,000 miles from new. To find an example in such original and unrestored condition is neigh on impossible, with most cars succumbing to either the scrap merchants or concours restorers. One for the true Triumph enthusiast.