Description

We offer a 1959 Triumph TR3 regularly registered in Italy in 2011.

The car underwent a body repainting in 2015. Carpet, soft top, front and rear bumpers replaced. Front and rear upholstery as well as door panels preserved. Mechanics in order and ready to use, MOT expiring in June 2025. Approved with ASI gold plate.

Model history and curiosity

The Triumph TR3A is one of the most iconic British sports cars of the 1950s, produced by the Triumph Motor Company between 1957 and 1961.

In reality, "TR3A" is an unofficial designation, though it is universally recognized by collectors and the manufacturer alike; it represents the stylistic and mechanical update of the earlier TR3 (often referred to as the "Small Mouth" TR3 to distinguish it).

Design and Key Features:

Front Grille: The most noticeable difference compared to the TR3 lies in the front end, which features a full-width radiator grille (the "wide mouth" design) that also incorporates the turn signals.

Interior and Practicality: External door handles and a lockable trunk were added.

Cutting-edge Brakes: It was one of the first production cars to come standard with front disc brakes (supplied by Girling)—a remarkable innovation for the time that provided exceptional stopping power.

Technical Specifications:

Engine: 1,991 cc (2.0L) inline-4, pushrod-operated, fed by twin SU carburetors.

Power: Approximately 100 hp at 5,000 rpm.

Transmission: Rear-wheel drive with a 4-speed manual gearbox (overdrive was available as an option on the higher gears).

Performance: Top speed of approximately 170 km/h and 0–100 km/h acceleration in about 10.8 seconds (impressive performance figures for the late 1950s). Cultural Impact and Success:

Success in the USA: The TR3A enjoyed enormous success in the United States, which absorbed the majority of its production (over 80%). Its design—featuring no glass side windows (relying instead on removable canvas and Plexiglas side screens) and distinctive low-cut doors—embodied the quintessential, raw, and pure British roadster.

Pop Culture: It is famous for its appearance in Federico Fellini’s cinematic masterpiece *La Dolce Vita* (1960), where it is driven by the lead actor, Marcello Mastroianni.

Racing: It achieved excellent results in the rallies of the era (such as the Monte Carlo Rally and the Coupe des Alpes), thanks to its robust chassis and the engine's high torque.

In 1961, it was gradually replaced by the TR4—a model with more modern styling penned by Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti—yet the TR3A remains one of the most beloved and sought-after models among classic car enthusiasts today.

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