1959 Triumph TR3

This 1959 Triumph TR3A was purchased new by the current owner’s spouse from Larry Peterson Motor Car Co. in Ames, Iowa, in March 1961 and was stored from the 1970s until it was refurbished in the 2010s. Finished in white over red upholstery, the car is powered by a 1,991cc inline-four paired with a four-speed manual transmission. It has a white soft top, wind wings, 15″ wire wheels, front disc brakes, a luggage rack, a banjo-style steering wheel, and dual SU carburetors. This TR3A is offered on dealer consignment with a car cover, two tonneau covers, removable side curtains, a knock-off wrench, a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, and a clean Colorado title. The car left the factory finished in Sebring White and was repainted approximately 10 years ago, according to the selling dealer. Exterior details include a replacement white soft top, fender-mounted side mirrors, wind wings, rear fender stone guards, Union Jack fender badges, and a chrome-finished front bumper and rear bumperettes. Photos showing the top, side curtains, and two tonneau covers are viewable in the gallery below. Chrome-finished 15″ wire wheels secured by two-eared knock-off spinners are mounted with 165-series Vredestein Sprint Classic tires. Stopping power is provided by front discs and finned alloy rear drums. A knock-off wrench will accompany the car. The cabin features low-back bucket seats that have been reupholstered in red with white piping that extends to the door panels. Appointments include a dashboard-mounted rearview mirror, a lockable glove compartment, a passenger grab handle, door map pockets, and front lap belts. A three-spoke banjo-style steering wheel fronts Jaeger instrumentation consisting of a 120-mph speedometer and a tachometer as well as auxiliary gauges for oil pressure, fuel level, coolant temperature, and amperage. The five-digit mechanical odometer shows 49k miles. The 1,991cc inline-four is equipped with a chrome-plated valve cover and dual SU carburetors, and it was factory rated at 100 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. The engine was reportedly overhauled during the refurbishment and an oil change was performed in October 2023. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission that was reportedly overhauled during the refurbishment. The reproduction data plate shown above lists a commission number of TS55494L, which is consistent with a Triumph TR3A manufactured in 1959. The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate lists factory colors, options, and identification numbers Filed under: tr3, tr3 a, tr3-a