1956 TRIUMPH TR3

​We are delighted to present this meticulously restored original right-hand-drive Triumph TR3 to the market. Bearing its authentic steel wheels and operational overdrive, 968 UYM originally found its home in South Africa in 1956, where it remained for nearly six decades. In 2014, the TR3 transitioned to its first UK owner, who facilitated its importation ahead of an extensive restoration endeavor.

​

The TR3, crafted by the Standard-Triumph Motor Company from 1955 to 1957, was a trailblazer as the first British series production car to feature front disc brakes as standard equipment. Under the hood, it housed the renowned Standard 1991cc four-cylinder engine, churning out approximately 100 bhp, coupled with a four-speed gearbox optionally equipped with electrically operated overdrive. Its performance, impressive for its time and price point of under a thousand pounds, boasted a top speed just over 100 mph, with the sprint from 0 to 60 mph accomplished in a spirited 10.8 seconds. Despite a mere fraction of its production remaining in the UK, the TR3 garnered significant popularity in the USA and carved out a niche as a cornerstone of the Sports Car Club of America's motorsport scene.

​

The TR3 epitomizes the quintessential 'Roadster' experience, reveling in fair weather conditions with its top neatly stowed away. Our vibrant 1956 TR3, resplendent in bright red, reflects its heritage, having traversed the coastal roads of the Cape under the South African sun for over five decades before its relocation to the UK.
 

Upon its importation in 2013, the owner at that time, residing near Stratford, embarked on an ambitious restoration mission, aiming to return the TR3 to its factory specifications. The meticulous process involved a complete disassembly, followed by a thorough rebuild and refinishing. The engine, gearbox, and overdrive were meticulously restored, complemented by the installation of new brakes, fuel system components, exhaust, and cooling enhancements. The interior received a comprehensive makeover, adorned in black with a new matching soft-top, while the wheels were refurbished, fitted with new tires, and adorned with their original finish. Throughout the restoration, a commitment to authenticity guided the selection of original Standard-Triumph parts or equivalents from specialised suppliers. All documented within the cars history file that includes photographs.

​

The culmination of these efforts is evident in the TR3's immaculate condition, evidenced by its limited post-restoration mileage and comprehensive documentation. This splendid example of a classic British roadster promises endless enjoyment for its fortunate new owner.

MOT Certificates :

2024 - 161 Miles

2015 - 3 Miles
 

Documents :

V5C, Heritage Certificate, Restoration Photographs, Various Invoices, 

Invoices On File :

17.09.2024 : £50.45 - Rimmer Bros

07.12.2020 : £11.12 - Moss Europe

11.04.2017 : £118.00 - The Gauge Shop

05.11.2015 : £57.35 - TR Shop Ltd
03.09.2015 : £127.44 - Parts 4 MG Triumph Cars
04.08.2015 : £35.48 - TR Shop Ltd

03.08.2015 : £179.16 - WOSPerformance Ltd
27.07.2015 : £31.09 - Moss Europe
24.07.2015 : £40.83 - Parts 4 MG Triump Cars
30.06.2015 : £100.50 - TR Shop Ltd
26.06.2015 : £450.60 - TR Shop Ltd

25.04.2015 : £55.20 - Parts 4 MG Triumph Cars

01.04.2015 : £130.61 - TR Shop Ltd

01.06.2015 : £1,745.45 - Peter Cox

01.05.2015 : £1,664.20 - Peter Cox
01.04.2015 : £707.94 - Peter Cox 

01.03.2015 : £624.64 - Peter Cox

19.03.2015 : £406.20 - TR Shop Ltd
12.01.2015 : £36.60 - Parts 4 MG Triumph Cars

04.12.2014 : £546.02 - Moss Europe
22.10.2014 : £45.00 - Parts 4 MG Triumph Cars

21.10.2014 : £15.05 - Parts 4 MG Triumph Cars
12.09.2014 : £33.04 - Parts 4 MG Triumph Cars

12.09.2014 : £27.60 - Parts 4 MG Triumph Cars

03.09.2014 : £46.32 - Parts 4 MG Triumph Cars

22.08.2014 : £16.20 - Parts 4 MG Triumph Cars

15.08.2014 : £21.60 - Parts 4 MG Triumph Cars

28.05.2014 : £91.16 - Moss Europe
 

Viewing :

Viewing is strictly by appointment only.

​

The Forge Pricing Promise :

At The Forge, we guarantee pricing that is consistently competitive and transparent, saving you money compared to other classic car dealers. We also eliminate the uncertainty that often comes with buying Classic Cars directly from individuals or at auctions.

How We Price Our Cars :
We rely on Hagerty’s industry-leading classic car Price Guide to keep our prices in line with the current market. By leveraging detailed data, auction results, dealer pricing, private sales, and insights from the UK’s most trusted classic car websites, we maintain transparency and fairness in our pricing. Our cars are regularly checked against market conditions, allowing you to enjoy a hassle-free, no-bartering experience.

Why Choose The Forge?
Family Values, Transparent Pricing, and a Genuine Passion for Classic Cars!
 

At The Forge, we’re more than just a classic car dealership—we’re a family-run business with a genuine love for classic cars. Our mission is simple: treat our customers as we’d want to be treated—with honesty, respect, and transparency.

 

Our pricing is competitive and fair, grounded in Hagerty’s trusted Classic Car Price Guide, saving you money compared to traditional dealerships. We believe in straightforward, no-haggle pricing, so you can enjoy a clear, no-surprises experience without the stress of auctions or private sales.

 

When you buy from The Forge, you’re not just purchasing a classic car—you’re joining our extended family.

 

Each car we offer is carefully handpicked, often sourced from fellow enthusiasts who share our values. Before any vehicle reaches our showroom, it undergoes an independent inspection, an MOT if needed, and professional detailing, ensuring it’s in prime condition and ready for its next journey.

 

We fully own every car in our collection. This structure guarantees the integrity of every transaction and demonstrates our commitment to quality.

 

Although original manufacturer warranties aren’t possible due to these cars’ age, we take immense pride in presenting each car in excellent condition, free from known faults upon delivery. We inspect each vehicle thoroughly, document any repairs, and include invoices for parts and labor in the car’s history file. If a service is warranted by mileage or time, we’ll at minimum perform an oil and filter change with OE/OEM parts, which is also noted in the car’s records.

 

Upon collection or delivery, we record the mileage and provide a 3-month/500-mile warranty (whichever comes first). Should any issues arise beyond standard wear-and-tear, given the car’s age, please reach out to us directly—we’ll do our utmost to assist.

 

Classic cars are timeless machines with intricate components that may occasionally need attention. Embracing a classic means accepting these quirks and savoring the open-road journeys that make them feel as exhilarating today as they did decades ago—whether that’s 20, 30, or even 40+ years in the making.

​

History Of The 1955 - 1957 Triumph TR3:

The TR3 refined Triumph’s basic formula with the TR2 – a robustly attractive rear-wheel-drive 2-litre open two-seater. The ladder type chassis, worm-and-peg steering, front coil springs and rear live axle with leaf springs remained the same, but there was now a proper radiator grille and a more powerful 2-litre engine. The TR2’s 1 1/2-inch SUs were replaced with 3/4-inch SU H6 carburettors, resulting in a power boost from 90bhp to 95bhp. Top speed was 102mph.

​

Triumph commenced production of the TR3 on 11th October 1955 and price was £950. As with the TR2, overdrive was an extra and there was an extensive list of accessories for both competition and road use. Overdrive remained a very popular option – it raised the TR3’s top speed to over 105mph - and an ‘occasional rear seat’ theoretically gave the Triumph accommodation for a trio of very close friends. The hood could be augmented by a bolt-on steel hard top. The TR3 could also be equipped with a ‘Grand Touring’ conversion kit; sliding side screens and exterior door handles and locks.

​

Girling front disc brakes were standardised from late 1956 onwards – a first for a British production car – and enthusiastic motorists were offered a ‘high port’ cylinder head which raised the power to 100bhp and the maximum speed to 110mph. During the late 1950s the TR3 was Standard-Triumph’s rally car par excellence.

​

In September 1957 the TR3 was replaced by the TR3A (although it was never badged as such). There was now a full-width radiator grille, extremal door locks and handles as standard, amber rear indicators and Plexiglass side screens. The windshield mountings were altered in 1959.

​

The TR4 succeeded the TR3A in October 1961, but Triumph’s US dealers were concerned that the new model would not appeal to their customers. As 90% of TRs were sold in the States, it was decided to fit surplus TR3A bodyshells with the TR4’s 2.2-litre engine and all-synchromesh gearbox. Triumph began to make the export-only ‘TR3B’ in March 1962, six months after TR3A production had formally ceased. The last Bs were built in October of that year.

​

The Triumph TR3 and TR3A’s engine was a 2,088ccs I-4 OHV unit while the TR3B had a 2,138cc power plant. The first two had synchromesh on the top three gears while the B had an all-synchro box. Laycock de Normanville overdrive was a very common fitting.

​

Many Triumph TR devotees say that the TR3 is their favourite of the breed, with its combination of the TR2’s profile with extra power and the front disc brakes. A few examples of the TR3B have returned to the UK and some motorists will find the larger engine more enjoyable.

​

The challenges of Triumph TR3 ownership are much the same as on the TR2; chassis damage thanks to over-enthusiastic driving over the decades and corrosion. Check around the chassis outriggers, the floors of the spare wheel compartment and boot and front suspension trunnions. Engines should be investigated for water in oil and big end problems. Parts for the TR3A are believed to be easier to source than for the TR3.

​

The TR3 consolidated the success of its predecessor and made the Triumph marque famous around the world. And although even the youngest example is now more than five decades old, they are cars that demand to be regularly driven.

​

To keep updated why not follow us :
http://www.Facebook.com/forgeprees
http://www.Instagram.com/forgeprees

​

We make every effort to ensure that the details above are as accurate as possible. We cannot, however, accept liability arrising from any errors in the data provided. Please make sure that you examine the vehicle and check the accuracy of the information before purchasing any vehicle.