Triumph TR3 Roadster, 1960
Chassis No.: TS65779L Auction: Monterey 2025 Auction date: August 16, 2025 Lot No.: F25 $37,400 | Sold • Odometer: 59,015 miles • Engine: Inline 4-cylinder • Transmission: Manual • Exterior: Red • Interior: Black • Body: Roadster • Comprehensive restoration with 500 miles since completion • 1991cc Inline 4-cylinder • 4-speed manual transmission • Red exterior • Black convertible top • Black interior with White piping • Bucket seats • Banjo steering wheel • Jaeger gauges • Original never-used side curtains and top • California car With its marketing slogan of “How to drive a fast bargain,” the TR3 of 1955 pitched into the market space between the MG and Austin-Healey 100, and with its true 100 MPH performance, it more than fulfilled its promise. Triumph’s postwar Triumph Roadster theme had begun with the bluff-fronted TR2 of 1953. With the TR3, Triumph embarked on a development program that progressively refined the looks, increased engine output and improved stopping power. Though not an official factory designation, the enhanced model produced from 1957 to 1962 is known as the TR3A, and this 1960 TR3A incorporates all the improvements made along the way, in addition to benefiting from a comprehensive restoration completed just 500 miles ago and highlighted by the photos of the underside. Among the features that distinguish the TR3A features are the full-width grille, external door handles, key-lock trunk and space for an optional rear seat if desired. Additionally, power from the twin-carburetor 1991cc overhead-valve inline-4 had been increased to 100 HP, and stopping power was improved with front disc brakes. The factory option of painted, center-lock wire wheels, as fitted here in place of the standard steel disc wheels, would have added $100 to the original inventory price of $2,675. Presented in the color combination of red with a black interior, a further notable feature is that the original convertible top and side curtains have never actually been used. Completing the specification is a tonneau cockpit cover. With its robust, no-nonsense mechanicals, the TR3 and TR3A gained a considerable reputation on car-breaking European rallies and on the race track, including works entries in the Le Mans 24 Hours. It was also a winning price-performance package, with sales far exceeding any previous Triumph model. Indeed, of the 58,236 TR3As produced through to 1961, fewer than 2,000 were delivered in its home market. The vast majority of the rest found buyers in the United States. As such, the TR3A benefits from a well-established U.S. club scene, spares and support network. https://www.mecum.com/lots/1148618/1960-triumph-tr3-roadster/
