1958 Triumph TR3A
Highlights
- Recent bare metal restoration with sparing use since
- Attractive car in popular and appealing colour scheme
- Desirable upgrades to improve drivability
- Sold with a fresh MOT
- Dry climate car imported to UK in 2018
- £5,000 investment since 2018
The Appeal
The immediate post-war years were boom time for Triumph. Once the firm had alighted on a winning formula for its two seater sports cars, it wisely didn’t mess with it.
The lightly revised TR3 of 1957 - unofficially known as the TR3A - updated the aesthetics but stuck with the distinctive style, reliable mechanicals and engaging driving experience.
This 1958 TR3A spent most of its life in the dry South African climate before being discovered by its first UK owner, returned to these shores in 2018 and subject to a bare metal restoration. It has been cherished since, including £5,000 of mechanical refreshments. In excellent condition yet very usable, this is a great opportunity to benefit from all that investment.
The History and Paperwork
- We are told that the car was originally sold new into South Africa
- The first owner sourced the car after a very long search for the right example
- The car was solid thanks to the dry climate but the paintwork required refurbishment
- He imported it to the UK in 2018 and commissioned a bare metal restoration by model specialists
- DVLA records show the car first registered in the UK on 1st November 2018
- The restoration was undertaken over two years
- The first owner did not use the car following the restoration work, ensuring its condition remained very good
- Previously sold through Car and Classic on 3rd May 2022 to the current owner
- He tells us that he has serviced it twice since buying it
- He has never used it in the wet
- £4,925 spent in 2018 on replacement gearbox, new radiator and clutch repairs
- £600 spent in 2022 on water pump and coolant hoses
- Front bumper has been removed but is provided with the car
- Car passed MOT on 28th Aug with no advisories
Restoration work 2018-2020 included:
- Bare metal restoration and respray by TR3 specialists
- New interior and wet weather gear
- Rebuilt matching numbers engine
- Replacement gearbox
- New chrome wire wheels
- New beige Mohair hood and side screens
The Condition
- Well presented car with good panel fit, particularly across the doors
- Clearly restored to a high standard with good quality paintwork
- Limited subsequent use has kept the car largely as it must have been on completion
- Front bumper has been removed to improve aesthetics but is supplied with car
- In its place are additional driving lights to improve night vision
- Trims on wings and arches have been carefully applied, indicating quality of the work
- Aluminium stone guards correctly in place
- New Mohair roof fits well, we are told is a tight but correct fit
- Supplied with tonneau cover
- Good boot, bonnet and door alignment reflects care during restoration
- Brake lights recently replaced
- Wire wheels date from 2020 and in well kept condition
- Good chromework which has been rechromed except the rear over-riders
- These show some light tarnish
- Tyres fitted in 2020 with few miles covered since
- Well presented interior in cream piped red professionally retrimmed to good standard
- The interior is not to exact factory specification but works well
- Gear gaiter and indicator switch recently replaced
- Retrimmed dashboard in matching cream finish
- Door cards retrimmed to match the seat and well presented
- Combination of Smiths and Jaeger dials
- Wood-rimmed three spoke Moto Lita steering wheel
- Red carpets retain their colour and show no visible wear
- Boot trimmed in black for durability and is well kept
The Mechanics
- Pleasing blend of mechanical originality, refurbishment and upgrades
- Rebuilt 1,991cc OHV 95bhp engine is original to car
- Reconditioned replacement 4spd gearbox with overdrive fitted in 2018
- Twin SU carburettors
- Protek rack and pinion steering fitted for improved drivability
- Disc brakes all round and recently refurbished
- Revotex electric fan fitted
- Many new parts fitted since 2018 including radiator, clutch and oil filter
- Serviced twice since 2022 by the seller
- New wiring loom
- We are told the car starts first time and runs smoothly
- It also pulls well through the gears with smooth changes through the reconditioned box
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
Vehicle specification
- Year 1958
- Make Triumph
- Model TR3
- Colour Red
- Odometer 59,542 Miles
- Engine size 1991
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Tonbridge
- Location Kent
- Country United Kingdom
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