Description
This is an outstanding, fully rebuilt original RHD 1957 Triumph TR3 that is equipped with full weather equipment, overdrive, steel hard top, front brake discs and chrome wire wheels. 506 UYP is a top class driving car that has been used to picking up first class honours on the local show scene, and it originally arrived with us from its one UK owner in 2023 before quickly selling to one of our long term regular clients in Essex. 506 UYP is an original CKD car, these allocated cars were exported new in component form to Ireland, South Africa and Australia. Our car was exported to South Africa, build was completed by Motor Assemblies (build plate still in place) and then supplied new by D. H Saker & Co in Johannesburg (dealer plate also still in place). With only basic build details existing, we can confirm the engine and gearbox numbers are very close and research would suggest the pairing are original to the car.
The TR3 comes with a detailed history and we can confirm the car had one owner in Cape Town from 1993 to 2015. On purchase in 1993, the Triumph was seen as a relatively easy project so its long term owner embarked on an 18 months restoration program. The car was in very solid condition, and was stripped down for a nut and bolt restoration. Only a small amount of metal work was required, and the car was fully re-painted in British Racing Green, and the interior re-trimmed. Mechanically the TR was very strong, the engine was stripped down and only required main and big end bearings. The gearbox and overdrive were found to be in very good order, the rear axle was stripped and rebuilt, and the suspension and brakes also rebuilt and overhauled. The car was completed in 1995 and the owner then moved to China before returning four years later. The TR had little use as the owner had a TR6 for daily use, and then work took the owner to Russia and Columbia so in total the car spent more like nine years in storage. Returning back to Cape Town for retirement in 2009, the TR3 then covered around 2000 miles and the car did win a Gold award at a Triumph Concours D'legance in 2012. In 2015 its long term owner part exchanged the TR3 for a Pagoda, and it was later exported to the UK. Interestingly, the cars long term owner was somewhat of a TR export, also rebuilding and owning a TR4A, TR5 and TR6 whilst owning this TR3.
In 2016 the TR3 was sold by a UK based specialists who described the car as one of the most expensive, but in many respects one of the best value examples on the market due to its quality. It was also described as an exceptional example, and was subsequently sold to a classic car enthusiast in South Wales who has won awards with the car. Around 4000 miles have been covered between 2016 and 2023 and a comprehensive file of invoices detail a fantastic level of upkeep and improvement. Adding to regular services, the TR3 has had thousands of pounds of upgrades and work to include a new alloy sump fitted, stainless steel exhaust, high port sports manifold, new thermostat and housing, rebuilt carbs, aluminium fuel tank, new shock absorbers, distributor, fuel pump, uprated engine mounts, new steering bushes, new slave and master cylinder, rear wheel bearing kit and work has been carried out to the electrical system. Whilst in Wales, the former owner fitted brand new chrome wire wheels, new tyres and had a brand new hood, hood bag and sidescreens fitted to the car. A huge file of invoices shows a high level of attention to detail that has ensured the car has picked up prizes on the local show scene in Wales, and the car arrived with is up in Yorkshire in beautiful condition. We serviced the TR3, and couldn't find much else to do and soon delivered the car to its last owner in Essex who has now purchased a couple of Saloon cars from us, regularly liking to change his classics.
506 UYP is a beautiful example presenting superbly with a gleaming British Racing Green paint finish, lovely brightwork, excellent chrome wires and a wonderfully detailed engine bay. The chassis, floor pans and general underside is of an excellent standard, the interior trim very well presented and the weather gear and hard top are all of a superb standard. On the road our TR3 is first class, the engine is super fit and healthy offering excellent oil pressure, the four speed with overdrive gearbox is first class and the steering feels correct and precise, the brakes sharp and the handling feels superb. Overall this is a superbly well presented car, it drives exceptionally well and is incredibly well sorted and well prepared with some lovely desirable upgrades.
