1958 Triumph TR3 TR3A (1957-62)

Triumph TR3A with Overdrive – Beautifully Restored and Extensively Upgraded UK Example

Offered for sale is this beautifully restored Triumph TR3A, finished in striking red with a black interior and contrasting light piping.

This is a genuine UK car, originally registered in Stow-on-the-Wold to a doctor. It subsequently remained with one long-term owner for 17 years and is accompanied by extensive paperwork, its original beige logbook and a TR Heritage Certificate.

The restoration has preserved everything that makes the TR3A such a special British sports car: its low-cut doors, unmistakable wide grille, sweeping wings and wonderfully purposeful open-top driving position.

The bodywork presents extremely well, with a deep gloss finish and excellent panel lines. The brightwork complements the red paint beautifully, while the chrome wire wheels, knock-on spinners, tripod headlamps, period-style wing mirrors and stainless-steel rear luggage rack complete its classic sporting appearance.

Inside, the cockpit is equally impressive. The black seats are trimmed with contrasting piping and accompanied by black carpeting, a beautifully presented dashboard and a wood-rimmed Moto-Lita sports steering wheel. Wind wings and a fitted tonneau cover provide additional comfort and practicality without detracting from the car’s traditional appearance.

This TR3A has benefited from a comprehensive engine rebuild, including new pistons, liners, camshaft, main bearings and clutch, together with associated components. The characterful four-cylinder engine retains its twin SU carburettors and polished rocker cover.

The car is fitted with overdrive operating on second, third and fourth gears, making longer journeys and faster cruising considerably more relaxed. It has also been thoughtfully upgraded for improved performance, reliability and everyday usability.

Notable mechanical upgrades include:

* Full engine rebuild with new pistons, liners, camshaft and main bearings

* New clutch

* Overdrive on second, third and fourth gears

* Steering-rack conversion

* Brake servo

* Renewed brake and clutch master cylinders

* Upgraded radiator

* Kenlowe electric cooling fan

* Narrow-belt conversion

* Alternator conversion

* High-torque starter motor

* Spin-on oil-filter conversion

* Four-branch exhaust manifold

* Full stainless-steel exhaust system

The engine bay is well presented while retaining the wonderfully mechanical and authentic character expected from a classic Triumph. Its original-style commission plate remains present and clearly legible.

The boot is clean and useful, with all-new covers shown in the photographs. The car also benefits from chrome wire wheels, a stainless-steel luggage rack, tonneau cover and wind wings.

This is far more than simply a beautifully presented TR3A. Its extensive mechanical work and carefully chosen upgrades make it a particularly usable example, while its original beige logbook, Heritage Certificate, long-term previous ownership and substantial paperwork provide excellent provenance.

A superb car for summer driving, classic-car events, longer-distance touring or simply enjoying on a quiet Sunday morning.

Viewing is warmly recommended. Serious enquiries are welcome.

I bought this TR3A because it represents everything I love about classic cars: beautiful simplicity, a genuinely mechanical driving experience and styling that modern cars simply cannot recreate. The combination of the bright red bodywork, chrome wire wheels, low-cut doors and long bonnet gives it enormous character and presence.

What makes this particular car stand out is the quality of its restoration and how complete it is. It presents beautifully inside and out, benefits from overdrive for more relaxed cruising, comes with all-new covers and is accompanied by an extensive collection of paperwork.

My favourite thing about it is the sense of occasion. Sitting low behind the wood-rimmed steering wheel, looking down that long bonnet and hearing the engine working makes even a short journey feel special. It is also one of those wonderfully friendly classics that makes people stop, smile and start conversations wherever it goes.