Large Mouth: ’58 Triumph TR-3A
The TR3 was introduced in October 1955 as a successor to the TR2. The original TR3 had a very small grill opening. The new model, the TR3A, had a large mouth and was powered by the same 1991 cc, straight-4, overhead valve engine as its predecessor. Modifications pushed power to 110 hp, mated to a four-speed transmission gave the TR3A a top speed approaching 110 mph. These sporty Triumphs had low-cut doors and minimal weather protection. Odd considering the climate of the home market. Today’s featured Triumph has a story and we like stories. The original owner purchased it in 1958 and kept it for 40 years accumulating almost all of the mileage recorded to date. When that gentleman passed, the son sold the Triumph to a neighbor. Not just any neighbor. When she was a young girl, she was treated to rides in the little red sports car on special occasions. She owned the TR3A for about 7 years putting on next to nothing in mileage. It has been treated to $1500 of work to get its old bones roadworthy again. The car was restored in the early ’70s and hasn’t been touched since. So there is patina and doesn’t look fresh. We like them that way. A great TR3A with history from day one is a rarity. Hold on to your driving gloves. It’s listed for $18,000 on Craigslist. See the ad by clicking here.