Fresh Carpets Bring New Life to 1959 Triumph TR3A Ahead of Sale

A beautifully presented 1959 Triumph TR3A has received a final interior refresh as it prepares to find a new home, with a fresh set of red carpets helping to complete the classic British sports car’s already impressive presentation.

The new carpets may be a relatively small detail, but they have made a noticeable difference to the interior, complementing the car’s red leather upholstery, matching red hood and full tonneau cover.

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 it has been developed for use that arguably makes this TR3A 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.

Chief among them 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 longer-distance 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 far fewer survive on the road 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 fitted carpets give the cabin a smart and cohesive 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 polished for display.

Mechanically, the Triumph starts readily, holds strong oil pressure and pulls well through the rev range. 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 and sympathetic development have resulted in a car that retains the essential charm of a 1950s British sports car while gaining some upgrades that make it considerably easier to enjoy on today's roads.

For an enthusiast looking for a classic that can be driven rather than simply admired, that could prove to be its greatest strength.

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 of the car are now available on the website as it prepares for sale.