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.

Finished in red with black vinyl removable soft top, side curtains, cockpit tonneau cover, and black leather seat upholstery, this 1961 example features 15” knock-off wire wheels, fender mounted side mirrors, and a chrome trunk-mounted luggage rack. Acquired by the seller in 2022, services said to have been completed during their ownership are highlighted below, and documentation dating back to the 1980s is included with the sale.

This 1961 Triumph TR3A is now offered with documentation, spare parts, and a clean South Carolina title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Desirable TR3A facelift specification with wide grille and front disc brakes

• Finished in red with black leather upholstery

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

• Documentation dating back to the 1980s

• Reported refurbishment under previous ownership

Factory Equipment

• 1,991cc inline-four engine

• Dual SU carburetors

• Four-speed manual transmission

• 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

• Records show that the engine was last overhauled in 1991 with an Erson 260-degree camshaft

• Pertronix electric ignition and negative ground conversion

• High torque starter

• Anti-rattle shifter kit

• K&N air filters

• 3-point seat belts

Servicing & Documentation

• Documentation said to date back to the 1980s is included with the sale

• Reported refurbishment under previous ownership

• Recent services are said to have included the following items:

• 2025:

  • Tuned the carburetors

  • Replaced the spark plugs

  • Oil and filter change

  • Transmission and differential fluid changes

• 2024:

  • Replaced the carpet

• 2023:

  • Installed Michelin XZX 165R15 radial tires

  • Optima Red Top battery installed

  • Converted to negative ground

  • Starter and generator replaced

  • Pertronix electric ignition installed (timing set to 4-degrees)

  • Spark plug wires replaced

  • Ignition switch replaced

  • Brake fluid flushed

  • Coolant flushed

  • Radiator and heater hoses replaced

  • Fuel lines replaced

  • Vacuum lines replaced

  • Fuel and air filters replaced

  • Valves adjusted

  • Steering box lubricated

  • Installed an anti-rattle shifter kit

Known Imperfections

From the seller, “Minor age-related paint flaws in several areas including a paint crack at driver's side rear, wear at tops of door caps, chrome wearing on windshield mounts, turn signal self-canceling is inoperative, and minor ‘old British car’ oil drips mainly at the rear of the oil pan/engine.”

Ownership History

The seller acquired this 1961 Triumph TR3A in September 2022. From the seller, "This is a fun, great running and driving TR3A that has been well cared for, well loved, and enjoyed for many years. It is reliable and delivers a truly pleasant driving experience!"

Included Items

• Service records

• Convertible top

• Side curtains

• Cockpit tonneau cover

• Spare wheel/tire

• Engine hand crank

• Rubber floor mats

• Multiple keys

• Spare parts

Additional Information

• The clean South Carolina title lists "Exempt" and “Antique” and under the brand section, make as Triumph, model as TR3A, and year as 1961. (A copy of the title can be found in the photo gallery.)

• The Triumph commission number of TS77811L indicates a late-build 1960 model.