INFORMATION

 

A sharp example; along with a recent quality restoration with photographic history. 

  

Long famed for their rugged reliability and idiosyncratic good looks, the 'sidescreen' TRs have attracted a fanatical following over the years. 

  

Powered by a virtually indestructible 1,991cc four-cylinder, wet-liner OHV pushrod engine, the gutsy TR2 was capable of a genuine 100mph. Not only that, in its 1954 road test, 'The Motorcar' praised Britain's lowest-priced ton-up car for returning 'astonishing fuel economy' of 34.5mpg over 1,904 miles. 

  

The TR2 was replaced by the TR3 in 1955, now with 100bhp on tap (5bhp up on the TR2) and front disc brakes. Great fun to drive, its tough boxed-section chassis featured independent coil and wishbone front suspension, a leaf sprung 'live' rear axle and disc / drum brakes. Capable of sprinting to 60mph in just 10.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 109mph, it was finally replaced by the more Italianate TR4 in 1961. 

  

This smart TR3 dates from 1956 and came to the UK from South Africa - a RHD market known for its sunshine and lack of road salt. Purchased in 2014 from the owner of a major paint supplier in Pretoria, it arrived in the UK in and was sent by its new owner for a significant restoration. 

  

Photos on file show a comprehensively stripped car, which was subsequently built up with a fresh interior and a rebuilt engine - including new pistons and liners. Bills on file from this period list many of the parts replaced which include a hi-torque starter and new/reconditioned ancillaries. 

  

It was first UK registered a year after arrival in the name of the gent who imported it originally, passing to the last owner in April 2014. 

  

He has used it sparingly, the car has covered very few miles in the last few 'Covid' years and the car is still looking fresh from its restoration.