1958 Triumph TR3

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

“The Triumph TR3 is a car that demands to be driven," Car and Driver magazine wrote in 1958. "It’s not a boulevard cruiser — it’s a machine for the open road, for winding country lanes, and for drivers who want to feel every inch of the pavement." 

Produced by the Standard Motor Company in Coventry, England, and built from 1955 to 1962, the Triumph TR3 roadster was known for its rugged charm and spirited performance. The 1958 model featured a 1991cc inline-four engine producing 100 horsepower, paired with a four-speed manual transmission and optional overdrive. This helped the lightweight ragtop accelerate to a top speed of around 105 mph. One of the TR3’s most notable innovations was its front disc brakes; it was the first British production car to offer them as standard equipment. 

As a mid-1957 build, this car does not have the wider front grill or exterior door handles that soon followed, which is why this variant is referred to as a “small mouth.” Only 13,377 early cars were produced with the small mouth, while 61,643 later cars were produced with the wider front grill. 

This 1958 TR3 was completely restored in 2023 and received fresh paint and new upholstery, a rebuilt engine, new electricals, and numerous additional upgrades. 

Highlights 

• First place in class at the 2024 Kansas City All British Car Show 

• Frame-off restoration completed in 2023 included: 

  • Refinished in British Racing Green paint 

  • New tan convertible top 

  • New tan vinyl interior and black carpeting 

  • Rebuilt 1991cc inline four-cylinder engine with twin SU H6 carburetors rated at 100 hp 

  • New electrical system and wire harness 

  • New stainless steel exhaust system 

  • Bumpers replaced with new chrome over stainless steel 

  • New Nexen 165/80R15 tires (date code 3623) 

• The chassis number (TS19897L) decodes as: 

  • TS – Triumph Sports 

  • 19897 – Serial number (indicates mid-1957 build date) 

  • L – Left-hand drive (U.S. market) 

Features 

• Last year for the TR3 "Small Mouth" front nose 

• Sealed beam headlights 

• Front disc brakes (first British production car to offer them standard) 

• Live axle rear suspension with leaf springs 

• Bucket seats 

• Smiths 120 mph speedometer, 6000 rpm tachometer, and gauges for oil pressure, coolant temperature, amps, and fuel 

• 15-inch steel wheels with Triumph hub caps 

• Nexen SB-802 165/80R15 tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Paint chip on front edge of passenger door  

Included 

• Roll-up tool pouch 

• Convertible boot cover 

• Triumph Owner’s Handbook (Clymer) 

Ownership History 

The Missouri seller of this 1958 Triumph TR3 has owned it since September 2019.