1959 Triumph TR3A

Description

The Triumph TR3A, introduced in 1955, is a celebrated British sports car known for its rugged charm, spirited performance, and classic roadster styling. Produced by the Standard-Triumph Motor Company, the roadster’s “A” designation was never officially used by the factory but became widely adopted to distinguish it as an updated model. 

The TR3A featured several improvements over its predecessor, including a wider front grille, exterior door handles, and a lockable trunk — all aimed at enhancing usability and appeal, especially for the American market. Under the hood, it retained the robust 1991cc (2.0-liter) inline-four engine, producing around 100 horsepower. With a top speed of over 100 mph and optional front disc brakes (a rarity at the time), the TR3A was both quick and capable. The car’s open-top design, complete with removable side curtains and a folding soft top, embodied the spirit of ’50s British motoring. 

This TR3A has been meticulously maintained, and the seller believes it has never been restored. The gearbox has, however, been upgraded with a TR4 four-speed fully synchronized manual transmission, Moss rack and pinion steering, and Pertronix ignition with a high-performance coil. In addition, the engine has received some modern maintenance items (like wires), along with a Triumph hood blanket/insulation liner. The odometer shows 22,865 miles. 

Highlights 

• Finished in Black paint over Fawn (beige) leather interior 

• Color-matching detachable hardtop and foldable soft top 

• Powered by a 1991cc inline-four engine rated at 100 hp 

• Upgraded Pertronix ignition with high-performance coil 

• Upgraded TR4 four-speed fully synchronized manual transmission 

• The chassis number (TS46645L) decodes as: 

  • T – Triumph 

  • S – Sports  

  • 46645 – Production number  

  • L – Left-hand drive 

Features 

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

• Wide front grille (distinctive TR3A update) 

• Optional luggage rack 

• Moss rack and pinion steering 

• Pertronix ignition with high-performance coil 

• 120 mph speedometer 

• Optional wind wings 

• Optional rear jump seat 

• Optional 15-inch wire wheels with knock-off hubs 

• Nexen SB-802 165/80R15 tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Draught excluder/door seal trim on interior of both doors is fraying at the top 

• Tail pipe and muffler are not the original, so the muffler clearance is slightly less than that of the original TR3A 

Included 

• Spare tire (in hidden rear hatch) 

• Tonneau cover 

• Removable side curtains 

• Rubber floor mats  

Ownership History 

The Illinois seller of this 1959 Triumph TR3A has owned it since March 2020. The consignor says, “The previous owner from South Carolina passed, and his wife sold the car to a dealer. I purchased the car from the dealer and have been enjoying it for the last five years, driving it to local shows and weekend drives on nice summer days.”