Triumph TR3A

This TR3A was built in early 1958 as a Complete Knock Down kit and shipped to South Africa where it was assembled and painted by Motor Assemblies in Durban. The car was completed in July 1958. Production ceased in October 1958 with a total of 978 cars built (TR2, TR3 and TR3A).

This car was re-imported back the UK in 1992 by the previous owner who was working in SA at that time. It was taken off the road in 2002 and put into dry storage until early 2021 when I purchased the car and put it back on the road along with a current MOT. The previous owner was a friend of mine and only sold it to raise funds for other needs.

The car has the up rated engine of 2138cc along with a Laycock overdrive on 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears. It is very fast and powerful. It does not smoke, drip oil or have any leaks. It runs with good oil pressure. There is no pre ignition or “pinking”. It runs smoothly with very good acceleration using 97 octane fuels.

The body and chassis are completely rust free. The car has lived in a dry climate and has never been welded and there is no panel misalignment or damage.

The following mechanical work has been done to the car:

Suspension has been fully rebuilt. Steering box rebuilt with new scroll and follower arm. All brake pipes, cylinders and callipers renewed. Engine rebuilt with new forged Hepolite pistons. HS6 carburettors fitted (original H6 carbs are supplied and have been re-sealed etc. ready to fit). All parts used are OEM and not far Eastern cheap copies.

Whilst the engine was out, the overdrive was refurbished by ORS in Sheffield and new clutch and oil seals fitted.

The South African cars were not painted the same as the UK and were slightly different in their trim and fittings. This car has an Ivory and Red colour and was re-sprayed in the UK to match the original. The paintwork is good but a machine polish would really make it stand out. The interior is baize Wilton wool carpet with black leather seats. The wheels are 72 spoke chrome and are fitted with new 165 white wall radial ply tyres.

Since the car was made for a hot climate, no heater was fitted but these are still available and relatively easy to fit (same unit as a series1Land Rover). The car has two hoods (including the original along with an aftermarket replacement) side screens and full and half tonneau covers. The 48 spoked spare wheel is in its compartment and ready for roadside use if ever needed.

The car comes with several spares including the original H6 carburettors and linkages, Starter Motor, Distributor and brake parts, Ammeter and Temp Gauge.

I am selling this car only because of a recent and serious health condition and I am sadly not able to enjoy driving it. It can be viewed and tested by appointment. Please email or telephone if you have any questions.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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