1959 Triumph TR3A Receives Final Sales Preparation

Our beautifully presented 1959 Triumph TR3A has now received the final touches to its sales preparation, with both the interior and starting system benefiting from recent upgrades.

Following the installation of a brand-new red carpet set at the end of last week, we have now fitted a Powerlite Uprated Hi Torque Starter Motor. Together, these latest improvements add both to the presentation and usability of this lovely British sports car as it prepares to find its next custodian.

The new starter motor is a particularly worthwhile upgrade for a classic that is intended to be driven. Powerlite's uprated unit provides improved starting performance while retaining a compact, period-appropriate appearance, making it a practical enhancement without detracting from the character of the TR3A.

Inside, the fresh red carpets complement the car's red leather upholstery, matching red hood and full tonneau cover, giving the cockpit a smart and cohesive appearance.

First registered on 15 May 1959, this UK right-hand-drive TR3A is finished in Triumph White and has enjoyed ownership by just seven custodians. One owner kept the car for an impressive 19 years, while another was an active member of the TR Register and used the Triumph at local shows and club events following its restoration.

There is plenty of history behind the car, but it is the way this TR3A has been developed for use that makes it particularly interesting.

Rather than being preserved as an untouched museum piece, the car has received a number of sympathetic mechanical upgrades aimed at making it better suited to modern roads and longer journeys.

Chief among these is the replacement of the original gearbox with a Mazda MX-5 five-speed manual transmission, complete with a short-throw shift. While the conversion will inevitably divide opinion among those seeking absolute originality, the additional ratio makes considerable sense for anyone intending to use the Triumph for touring.

The car has also been converted to splined wire-wheel hubs, with new hubs and bearings fitted. The rear axle has been rebuilt and new brake drums installed, while the front suspension was inspected in 2021 and received new wishbone bushes as preventative maintenance.

The TR3A itself marked an important development in Triumph's successful sports-car line-up. Compared with the earlier TR3, it introduced several useful changes, including a wider front grille, exterior door handles and a lockable boot handle. Approximately 58,000 examples were produced, although considerably fewer survive today.

This particular car appears to have survived particularly well. The body is described as very solid, with clean paintwork and impressive chrome, while the red leather interior, trim and newly installed carpets give the cabin a smart and inviting appearance.

The engine bay has also received plenty of attention, adding to the impression of a car that has been maintained with regular use in mind rather than simply prepared for display.

Mechanically, the Triumph starts readily, holds strong oil pressure and pulls well through the rev range. The addition of the new Powerlite Hi Torque Starter Motor is the latest step in making that starting experience easier and more dependable.

Naturally, it retains the distinctive exhaust note that forms such a memorable part of the TR3 driving experience.

Ultimately, the appeal of this particular TR3A lies in its balance between character and usability.

It isn't being offered as an untouched time capsule. Instead, decades of ownership, careful maintenance and sympathetic development have resulted in a car that retains the essential charm of a 1950s British sports car while gaining a number of upgrades that make it considerably easier to enjoy on today's roads.

With the new carpets now installed and the uprated starter motor fitted, the car has completed its final sales preparation and is ready for its next chapter.

Whether the next owner intends to take it to club meetings, embark on summer touring trips or simply enjoy an afternoon blast with the roof down, this 1959 Triumph TR3A looks ready for the job.

Full details and photographs are now available on our website as this charming TR3A prepares to find a new home.