1961 Triumph TR3A |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1961 Triumph TR3A

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Mileage~70,843
TransmissionManual
Engine2.0L
LocationCoventry

AUCTION CLOSED

1961 Triumph TR3A

Introduction

Glyn Parry

Professional Consigner

The Triumph TR3A is the true essence of the classic British sports car, its a car that goes well and looks really great doing it!

A traditional roadster, the TR3 was produced between 1955 and 1962, and is an evolution of the earlier TR2 model. The updated variant, popularly known as the "TR3A" entered production in 1957 and 1961 was the last year for them. The TR3A was an improved version of the original TR3, offering better performance, a larger flush front grille, different headlights, exterior door handles, lockable boot and sturdier bumpers. The third best selling TR, behind the TR6 and TR7, its a car that is well respected by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

This example is a UK RHD, and comes to market from ~5.5 year ownership, with just 3 former keepers registered. The previous owner carried out a restoration over some time on the car, an engine rebuild in ~2005, and an exterior renovation in ~2012. Originally bought as a wedding gift back in 1961, the original owners enjoyed the car until ~1999, less use in the latter years and detail in the history that they covered some ~51,000 miles in that time. Although not coming with all the history to verify the mileage, this does look to be a ~70,800 example, and presents in lovely condition with the works completed in the 2000s as mentioned.

This listing was written from information supplied by Glyn after meeting Stephen the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I visited the Triumph works in the 60s with view of taking up an apprenticeship after leaving school, I immediately fell in love with the TR3 & TR4 range!

Stephen has owned this car for ~5.5 years now, an initial draw towards this example was the condition and restoration carried out by the former keeper. He tells us "I grew up in Coventry and so always liked the Triumphs, I was only financially able to afford an old mark 3 Spitfire, but it was always my dream to one day own a TR3/4". He goes on to tell us that the car has been a reliable runner for him, he's MOTd the car annually as a matter of course, and has used it on club runs etc.

Unfortunately, some health issues have made it a lot harder to get in and out of the car, and so it isn't getting used when it really should be, and so it comes to sale with us. Should there be any questions about the car, Stephen would be happy to answer these in the section below.

Stephen

Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

With the beautiful down-swept bodywork and classic bug-eyed headlights, these cars always turn heads.

Wheels and Tyres

The Triumph is complete with a set of 15" silver painted wire wheels. These are in really good condition with just a few marks, but overall these matched the car really well. The centre-locking caps looked great on the wire wheels and finished off the classic look to the exterior nicely.

The TR3A is equipped with a set of Michelin XZX tyres to the front and rear. The condition of tyres looks great overall with no obvious cracking or real signs of wear. Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior of this Triumph and a closer look at the wheels and tyres.

Bodywork

Beautifully shaped bodywork and cut-down doors, we struggled to find any concerning marks or scuffs along the main body. We noted no issues to the shut lines or anything out of place. Looking underneath the doors showed a few signs of wear which could benefit from some later restorative work but overall, nothing too concerning.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The Triumph comes from the golden age of classic sports cars, and looks good for its years. The car's paintwork was resprayed following some restorative work in 2012, the coverage is good and even in colour across the exterior. Stephen mentioned to us that the car has been painted a slightly different shade of white then when it rolled out of the factory.

Again, we have taken high resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork for yourselves. The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The main windscreen section, side mirrors and plastic soft top screen all appear in good condition and we could see no sign of scratching or chips on the main glass sections. We did note a few small signs of de-lamination when we inspected the windscreen closely. When out with the roof down, the top drops behind the seats and the bodywork so it doesn't effect the TR3A's clean lines. Rather than put the convertible top up, the tonneau can be used to cover the cockpit in classic roadster style.

Roof section, tonneau covers and door tops showed in really great condition when looking over the car. We noted the frame showed in great condition for the roof and all the connecting poppers fixed into place. The seals, badges, chrome work and light sections to the front and rear look great around the exterior and in line with the rest of the condition of the car.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The TR3A carries so much charm, simplicity is key here in the classic cabin, keeping the driver focused on enjoying the drive and the journey in front of them.

Seats and Carpets

Curved front seats hold the driver and passengers comfortably in place. There's also a small rear bench, an ideal parcel shelf. The seating sections look great having been re-upholstered in 2011, we noted no major concerns with either the front seats or rear bench shelf.

Carpets much like the seating sections showed well and didn't present any major concerns when we reviewed these sections, although we did note that the heel section of the drivers mat was lifting slightly. The carpet section in the boot area is a little unique, but not out of keeping with the car. We've captured high-resolution photos and a full interior video tour through the car. This covers off the angles inside the car for you to review and appreciate the condition of what's on offer here in our interior review section.

Dashboard

The clean black dash appears in good shape with no issues or major marks to report. The top of the dash presents well and without splits or cracking to this section. Mileage counter showed with ~70,843 miles at the time of our visit.

We noted no issues with any warning lights and the fuel gauge, amp meter, oil temp, water gauge, speedometer, rev counter and overdrive mode were all functioning without concern. Please take a look at the gallery images for a closer look at the interior sections.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The 3-spoke wheel did show with a few signs of age where the leather was starting to lift away a little from the steering wheel arms although wasn't overly concerning.

The centre placed short and stubby gear lever showed in a respectable condition and wasn't out of the ordinary in the cabin space. We've captured high-resolution photos for you to review and appreciate the condition of the interior in our gallery section.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The TR3A delivered ~100BHP from factory, top speeds of ~106 MPH, this example benefits from an engine rebuild in 2005.

Engine and Gearbox

Watch the "Mechanical review" video for the Cold start on the car, the TR3A took a little while to initially start up as it hadn't been used for a while and Stephen hadn't primed the fuel pump. Once fuel was pumped into the engine, we had no issues with this which we verified later in our review visit.

We took the car on a short drive and go into further detail about the Triumph, take a look at the the mechanical review video to see the detail and the car in action. The Triumph drives without concern, it went very well and goes through the gears without any struggle. We heard no signs of slipping or issues with the clutch.

Suspension and Brakes

On the drive out, Stephen took us around some local roads, we heard no unwanted knocks, bangs or noise from the suspension which provided an enjoyable journey. The underside of the car is wax oil'd for upkeep/protection to the bodywork.

The brakes felt to have no pull or vibrations that stood out to us when on the journey and brought the car to a stop without a problem and with the kind of stopping power you'd expect. Overall the car performed as to be expected with no observed issues. Please take a look over the mechanical videos and photographs to see close-up images from under the car.

The Drive

The TR3A was built to go fast and look good, driving this little sports car is such an experience and pleasure, the added practicalities of the design make it a great contender for touring in. Ultimately, the Triumph is a really drivable car with plenty of performance to keep up with more modern traffic.

Surprisingly comfortable to drive as well, it has removable side curtains instead of rollup windows, and in nice weather, the Triumph is about as much fun as you can have in a classic cut-door sports car, and can be driven for hundreds of miles in plenty of comfort.

Electrics and Other

The Triumph is equipped with basic extra's but does include a warning triangle in the boot along with a hammer for the wheels and locking spinners. The TR3A comes complete with both of its tonneau covers, removable soft top roof, a spare wheel and small tool kit also.

Another great addition to the car is the inclusion of the luggage rack with the final sale. Stephen let us know that he has had no issues with the electrical elements on the car and to the best of his knowledge, everything was working as it should do.

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History and Paperwork

A UK home market RHD, coming to market from ~5.5 years, just 3 former keepers registered and restored between 2005-2012, this an example that a new owner will have confidence in.

The TR3A has been well cared for over its years and comes with a charming back story from its original owners who used the car, purchased for them as a wedding gift, to travel to France for their honeymoon in 1961. During its previous ownership, the car had an engine rebuild in 2005, and the exterior and interior were renovated in 2012. The Triumph's rich service history is supported by over ~100 items of paperwork detailing the various works completed over its years. Should there be any questions required, Stephen would be happy to answer these in the section below.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house. This is an auction on behalf of a trade seller and normal auction rules apply, i.e. there is no warranty, no return policy and bids are binding with more info in our terms and conditions.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
13.08.2022	MOT	70,741
12.08.2021	MOT	70,476
14.07.2020	MOT	70,451
02.07.2019	MOT	70,318
19.06.2019	Service	70,300
28.07.2018	MOT	70,252
12.11.2009	MOT	63,379
31.03.2008	MOT	63,131
27.04.2007	MOT	62,965
28.04.2006	MOT	62,453
22.04.2005	MOT	61,234
23.04.2004	MOT	60,250
17.04.2003	MOT	59,080
10.05.2002	MOT	55,947
03.05.2001	MOT	54,470
05.04.2000	MOT	53,609
19.04.1999	MOT	52,338
15.05.1998	MOT	51,851