57-Years-Family-Owned 1961 Triumph TR3A

Description

The Triumph TR3 was launched in 1955 as a rugged, no-nonsense British sports car with seemingly timeless style. It was among the first mass-produced British cars to feature front disc brakes, while its 1,991cc inline-four engine delivered approximately 100 horsepower. In 1957, Triumph introduced an updated version unofficially known as the TR3A. While mechanically like its predecessor, the TR3A featured several practical upgrades, including a wider front grille, exterior door handles, and a lockable trunk. These refinements made the car more appealing to export markets, particularly the U.S., and helped it become Triumph’s best-selling model of the era.

Features of this 1961 example include red paint, black leather upholstery, 15” knock-off wire wheels, and a removable vinyl soft top, side curtains, and cockpit tonneau cover. Purchased by the seller’s father in 1969, this TR3A is presented as a largely original example having seen a cosmetic refurbishment in the 1980s and is accompanied by extensive service records dating back to the original purchase.

This 1961 Triumph TR3A is now offered at no reserve with multiple keys, servicing manuals, documentation said to date to 1969, and a clean Texas title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• One-family-owned since 1969 with extensive documentation

• Presented by the seller as a largely original example

• Cosmetic refurbishment in the 1980s

• Finished in red paired with black leather upholstery

• Removable black vinyl soft top, side curtains, and cockpit tonneau cover

• Adjustable steering wheel

Factory Equipment

• 1,991cc inline-four engine

• Dual SU carburetors

• Four-speed manual transmission

• Electric overdrive unit

• Front disc brakes, rear drums

• 15” knock-off wire wheels

• Fender-mounted side mirrors

• Exterior door handles

• Rear luggage rack

• Lockable trunk

• Jaeger instrumentation

Modifications

• Alternator and negative ground conversion

• Electric fuel pump

• Steering wheel cover

Servicing & Documentation

• Reported cosmetic refurbishment in the 1980s

• Service records said to date to 1969

Known Imperfections

• Cosmetic imperfections as seen in the photo gallery

• Wetness visible on underbody components

• Temperature gauge is inoperative

• The following two statements are from the seller:

  • “The car is what someone once referred to as a "20-20 show car" (looks like a show car at 20 mph from 20 feet away). However, it is not a show car. It is a driver. The car is in very good condition but has some nicks and scratches from wear a tear. There is very little rust (the car has spent most of its life in TX), but not zero. The engine compartment shows signs of age with expected oil and grease, but the engine runs well and generates good oil pressure.”

  • "The car runs but will occasionally bog down like it is starved for fuel. You can usually drive "through it", by clutching and revving through it until it clears up, but it did force me to get a tow recently. I believe it requires a full flush or replacement of some fuel line components and/or the tank."

Ownership History

From the seller, “This car has been in my family since 1969 when my father bought it used from a woman whose son had passed in Vietnam (it was his car). My dad used it as his daily driver in the early 70's and then it became a weekend driver after that. In the 80's, my dad did a cosmetic restoration (engine, transmission, etc. are original) and it went through periods of storage and driving during the next 20 years. In 2007, my dad "sold" the TR3 to me since he was not really driving it much and had no desire to keep up with it. I have maintained it and it has been running ever since I took possession of it. It has been garaged at all times, and only driven on sunny days. I am finding that I do not have the desire or time (I am still working) to continue to keep up with the car and I am looking for someone that has an interest in the car to keep the good times rolling!”

Included Items

• Service records

• Service manuals

• Multiple keys