BRIEF
HISTORY OF THE TRIUMPH TR3
With
the contemporary MGA, built during the same years, the Triumph
TR3 is
"the other" popular British roadster from the 1950's. The TR3 is the
evolution of the Triumph TR2 built from 1953 to 1955.
Simple and reliable, the TR3 could reach 110 mph and sold very
well to customers which (fortunately) only had performances in mind.
Beside performances, the TR3 offers no comfort, and its weather
equipment lets water leak inside the windscreen when the car is driven
under a pouring rain. But as said before, comfort is not the primary
criteria someone considers when purchasing a TR3.
The Triumph TR3 is very attractive to those who know exactly what they
want : a true British sports car, that makes you feel the speed...
at any speed, with an exquisite vintage touch. It's like a T
series MG, but with more power.
The TR3 was so popular in the United States that Triumph sold it
one year longer, after production ceased for Europe and other
markets in 1961. The Triumph TR4 gearbox was then fitted to these
latest TR3s sold in the United States in 1962.
TECHNICAL DATAS
| Version |
Engine |
Power |
Transmission |
Length |
Weight |
Top
speed |
| Triumph
TR3 (1955-1957) |
In
line 4 Cyl.
1991 cc |
twinSU
H6 carburettors 95
bhp |
4
gears manual gearbox -no synchromesh on 1st - overdrive
optional on 2nd, 3rd and 4th |
383
cm |
950
kg |
110
mph |
| Triumph
TR3 A
(1957-1961) |
In
line 4 Cyl.
1991 cc (2138 cc optional) |
twinSU
H6
carburettors 95
bhp (1991
cc) or 100 bhp (2138cc) |
4
gears manual gearbox -no synchromesh on 1st - overdrive
optional on 2nd, 3rd and 4th
|
383
cm |
950
kg |
110
mph |
| Triumph
TR3 B (1962)
|
In
line 4
Cyl 1991cc (early) 2138cc (late) |
twin
SU H6 carburettors 95
bhp (1991
cc) or 100 bhp (2138cc)
|
4
gears manual gearbox - overdrive optional on 2nd, 3rd and 4th |
383
cm |
950
kg |
110
mph |
|
HOW MUCH IS A TR3 WORTH ?
It
can be said the
Triumph TR3 is a medium level sports car. Affordable even if not cheap.
Its stable quote ensure good and easy resell, provided you buy a nice
example at the right price. You can find a rebuild project for a few
bucks, but restoration costs will exceed the car's evaluation once
rebuilt.
The
most wanted TR3 is the TR3B with all synchromesh gearbox and 2138cc
engine. If you plan long journeys in your TR3, choose one with the
optional overdrive that will relax the engine and your ears.
Overdrive
as well as wire wheels when fitted to a car, makes its price
raise a little, but it's good value for money.
Most
of the TR3 built are TR3 A. They are less expensive than TR3
B,
but higher evaluated than the early TR3s, with smaller front
air
intake, despite early TR3s are harder to find.
WHERE CAN I FIND A TR3
FOR SALE
?
|
You will find
TR3s for sale every month or every week in the specialized press. Many
cars are offered for sale on classic cars classified sites on
the Internet.
Do
not rush to buy the first car you see (the ads may be
re-submited on a
regular basis when prices are too high). See and test
drive several vehicles, this will allow you to ensure that you
are made for this model.
To buy from classic car specialists may be
a good way to reduce purchase risks.
|
|
|
HOW TO FIND TR3
SPARE PARTS ?
Spare
parts availability is the undeniable advantage of British classic cars
: almost everything is available at affordable price.
|
Dozens
of spare parts retailers sell from their web-shops. Spare parts
catalogs and price lists may be downloaded directly from the Internet.
Original parts catalog is also available on CD-Rom from
retailers.
|
The large
number of cars still on road today helps
to maintain a dynamic market, where customers demand drives spare parts
production and competition between spare parts retailers
keeps
rates at reasonnable levels.
There
are many classic car parts retailers in North America and in
Europe. In most cases the spare part you will look for will be
immediatly available.
Major classic car parts companies are Anglo
Parts,
Limora, Moss Europe, Moss Motors,
Motor Dream,
etc.
|
HOW
TO GET
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ?
Meet TR3
owners. As many
enthusiasts, they
will be happy to share their experience with you, and give an
objective opinion on their cars. Go to autojumbles, classic car events
or contact your local Triumph Club or TR
Register.
Helpful books
can be found on the car's history, you will find on this site selected
and recommended publications.
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