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Triumph TR3
Essex Group expert – Mike Jennings.
Contact Mike if you need to find out more about the TR3 or need help with a purchase.
Discuss the TR3 in the Forum
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History
The TR3 succeeded the TR2 from October 1955 and looks very similar. It is another ‘sidescreen’ car with the main difference being an ‘egg-crate’ grille at the front. A total of 13,377 were built between 1955 and 1957 – 12,000 of these went to the USA so TR3s are quite rare in the UK. (Not so of the later TR3A).
Specification
The engine and gearbox of the TR3 was very similar to the TR2 but fitted with a 95BHP version of the 1991cc engine or optional 2138cc engine developing just over 100BHP. There was a 4-speed gear box with optional overdrive unit. The bodywork, suspension and steering were much the same as the TR2 but later models were delivered with disk brakes at the front. (World’s first production car with disks).
What to look for
The main problem, as with any car this age, is the body & chassis. Like the TR2 it had a separate chassis and the wings & front (should) just bolt on. Look for rust on the chassis out-riggers floor pans and sills. All panels are currently available from various suppliers.
The main cause of rust is water getting into the foot wells – check out the hood and side screens to make sure they fit properly.
The ‘wet liner’ engine is almost indestructible provided they are regularly serviced. The crankshaft is prone to (rare) failure behind between #4 crank pin and overheating is common on cars that are not fitted with an after-market electric fan.
Spare parts are readily available but some fixtures and fittings can be more difficult so it is a good idea to delve through auto jumbles and build up a collection for that rainy day.
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