1956 Triumph TR3
The TR-250 was the North American title for this car, the European model was the more sequentially named TR5.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| price $ | $ $2 599 USD |
| engine | 4 Cyl. |
| valvetrain | Pushrod OHV |
| displacement | 1991 cc / 121.5 in³ |
| bore | 83.06 mm / 3.27 in |
| stroke | 91.9 mm / 3.62 in |
| compression | 8.50:1 |
| power | 74.6 kw / 100.0 bhp @ 4800 rpm |
| specific output | 50.23 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | bhp per tonne |
| torque | 159.31 nm / 117.5 ft lbs @ 3000 rpm |
| front tires | 5.50-15 |
| rear tires | 5.50-15 |
| f brake size | mm / in |
| r brake size | mm / in |
| curb weight | 948 kg / 2090 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2235 mm / 88.0 in |
| front track | 1143 mm / 45.0 in |
| rear track | 1156 mm / 45.5 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | :1 |
| top speed | ~168.5 kph / 104.7 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~12.0 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~18.4 seconds |
Auction Sales History
1956 Triumph TR3 TS11423 – sold for €29,800
The car on sale was sold new in Los Angeles and has received a full frame-up restoration between 2012 and 2013, and has only covered 1,800km since. The engine, bored out and fitted with new pistons has just been driven in. It is mated to a rebuilt gearbox with a 4-speed synchromesh unit, with overdrive, from a TR4. The drive shaft has been balanced and the engine peripherals such as the distributor, the dynamo, starter, carburetor, exhaust and radiator are either new or completely reconditioned. The electrical system, body seals and chrome are new too. The instruments on the dashboard and switches are new or redone too. The red leather upholstery, carpets, the soft top and removable side windows are new as well. Robust, charming, fun to drive, the TR3 combines pleasures that very few collector cars can offer.
Auction Source: Rétromobile 2015 by Artcurial Motorcars
1960 Triumph TR3A TS68286L – sold for €23,000
This TR3A was despatched new to New York, USA in February 1960 and first registered in 1961. Finished in British racing Green with grey leather interior, the car was equipped with the optional heater, occasional rear seat, tonneau cover and hoodstick cover, as confirmed by the accompanying BMIHT certificate. (It should be noted that the engine, although of the correct type, is not original to this car). In 1967 the Triumph was bought by a US Navy serviceman, Mr Henry Giffin, whose 1973 correspondence with the UK’s TR Register is on file. Owned by Mr Richard Mitchell of Virginia, USA in 2002, the car was exported to Belgium in 2012, since when it has had only one owner.
Auction Source: 2015 Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
1960 Triumph TR3A TS57452L – sold for $33,000 Fully Restored, Excellent Condition. Valid for E-Production class of SCCA Events. Rare 2.1-Litre Engine. Fully Documented Example. Charming and Correct Presentation.
Auction Source: The Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company
1960 Triumph TR3A TS58623L – sold for $29,700 A Wonderful Example of a British Icon. Restored in the Style of the Successful Triumph Works Rally Team. Rare Factory Hardtop and Halda Speedpilot Rally Computer. Complete with Full Tool Roll and Original Owner’s Manual.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company
1959 Triumph TR3A TS50416L0 – sold for $35,200 Beautifully restored example. Concours award winner. Recently serviced. The classic Triumph sports car. Fun weekend companion.
Auction Source: 2013 Quail Lodge Auction by Bonhams
1957 Triumph TR3 Roadster TS19396L0 – sold for $55,000 Painstakingly Restored and Highly Authentic Multiple Concours d’Elegance Winner. Complete with Tool Kit, Production Record, and More. A Wonderful Example of a British Icon. One of the Finest TR3s in Existence.
Auction Source: The 2013 Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company
1957 Triumph TR3 Roadster TS14502L – sold for $26,500 When car was restored, some updates were made. Gear reduction starter. Aluminum radiator. Rack and pinion steering. Lucas driving lights.
Auction Source: 2012 Daytime Auction by Mecum
1959 Triumph TR3A – sold for €42,873
According to the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate on file, this lovely Triumph TR3A was dispatched on 10 November, 1959 and bound for California, being ordered new through California Sales Inc. and delivered new in Sebring White with a black leather interior and optional extras including disc wheels and a special order tonneau cover. It is thought that the car stayed in California until Mr. Peter Lange imported the car back into Europe in 1992. Subsequently, it passed to the current vendor, who employed Mario Neumann of the British Sports Car Centre to embark on a nut-and-bolt restoration in 2005. During the restoration the body was completely stripped to bare metal and painted red. The suspension and brake system were rebuilt with new parts, while the engine was rebuilt with new bearings and piston gaskets and adapted to use unleaded fuel. All wiring was also renewed. The interior was completely re-upholstered, and the car received new side curtains and a soft-top hood. A hard top was also restored at a price of 1,200 Euros. This is a great opportunity to purchase a fully restored Triumph TR3A presented to a concours standard, complete with FIVA pass, old US title and history folder.
Auction Source: 2011 London Auction by RM
