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Model history and curiosity

The 1957 Triumph TR3 "Small Mouth" is one of the most fascinating, sought-after, and significant versions in the history of 1950s British roadsters.

The term "Small Mouth" refers to the first series of the TR3 (produced from 1955 until the summer of 1957), distinguishing it from the unofficial restyled version known as the "TR3A" (introduced later in 1957), which featured a full-width radiator grille—or "Wide Mouth."

The year 1957 represents the evolutionary peak of the "Small Mouth" TR3. Between late 1956 and much of 1957, Triumph introduced a crucial innovation: front disc brakes (by Girling) as standard equipment.
The 1957 TR3 was one of the very first production cars in the world to be equipped with front disc brakes, combining the classic, clean aesthetic of the narrow grille with braking performance significantly superior to that of earlier models, which relied on drum brakes on all four wheels.

Technical Specifications and Performance:
- Engine: Inline 4-cylinder, 1,991 cc (based on the Standard Vanguard engine, featuring wet cylinder liners);
- Fuel System: Dual SU H6 carburetors;
- Power: ~100 hp at 5,000 rpm;
- Transmission: 4-speed manual (with an optional Laycock de Normanville overdrive available for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears);
- Brakes: Front disc (Girling), rear drum;
- Curb weight: Approximately 940 kg;
- Top speed: Approximately 165 km/h (102–105 mph). - Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in approximately 10.5 seconds.

The historic Mille Miglia—a high-speed race held continuously from 1927 to 1957—came to an end at the close of 1957. As this was the year that marked the transition from the "Small Mouth" TR3 configuration to the introduction of the TR3A, a 1957 model belongs precisely to the final year of the golden age of great open-road racing.

The "Small Mouth" Triumph TR3 fits perfectly within this timeframe, making it fully eligible for entry into the historic reenactment and allowing its owners to experience the renowned "most beautiful race in the world" firsthand.

Total production of the "Small Mouth" TR3 (1955–1957) reached approximately 13,300 units—a significantly lower figure than the nearly 58,000 examples produced of its successor, the TR3A ("Wide Mouth").

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