Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide

The best selling side screen TR, which took over from the TR3 in late 1957, publicly launched in January 1958. Front discs standard, with 100bhp engine. Basic not changed, recognised by the wide mouth front grille and external door handles. The larger 100bhp / 2138cc 'wet liner' engine was optional from 1959. In later years hundreds of TR3As were converted to that size too. 1959 and 1960 were the peak production years but sales dropped off dramatically in 1961. 58309 cars built from 1957 to 1961.

The TR3/3A had a factory steel hardtop - which is what they competed in rallies in as part of what was known as the 'GT Kit' - open cars not being allowed to race under the rally regulations. TR3s were also sold from new  in the closed Coupe form with a removalable steel hard top. They were considered an upgrade to the base model and sold for more money. Fibreglass hard tops are also available.

FACTS & FIGURES

Manufactured

September 1957 to October 1961

Production Figures

Produced for the Home Market - 1896
Produced for the Export Market - 56340
Total - 58236

Basic Price

£699-00-00d

Optional Extras

Seatbelts, overdrive, wire wheel, glass-fibre hardtop, occasional rear seat, 2138cc engine available (as TR4) from 1959.

Engine Details

4 Cylinder 83mm x 92mm 1991 cc, wet liner engine
Producing 100bhp at 5000rpm
Max Torque - 117lbs/ft at 3000 rpm
Twin 1¾" SU Carbs

Suspension Details

Front: Independent by unequal length double wishbones, coil springs and telescopic dampers

Rear: Live axle, half elliptic springs and lever arm dampers

Wheels: Pressed steel disc with 5.50 x 15 tyres