3 TRIUMPH TR3

THE INTERNATIONAL RALLY COMPETITOR THAT WAS JUST AS AT HOME ON ROUTE 66

‘The TR3 supplied to us by the Standard-Triumph Motor Company was not a super-tuned cream puff’ mused Car and Driver, reminding us that 1958 was long time ago. They also thought that ‘for sheer fun driving, the TR3 for ‘58 is hard to beat regardless of price’, which summarised its Stateside appeal. After all, if you were an up and coming corporate lawyer a new Triumph was more enjoyable to pilot to the office than a De Soto Fireflite, even if the British import was slightly lacking in creature comforts. Of the 13,377 examples produced, just 1286 were sold on the home market. WHAT TO PAY PROJECT £7500 // USABLE £14,000 // GOOD £23,500 // CONCOURS £32,500 // PRICE WHEN NEW £1021 (1957)

ONE FOR SALE IN THE USA

1959 TRIUMPH TR3A, $32,000 (£24,150 )

‘Same owner 30 years and always garaged. Much work over many years. Outstanding.’

WE SAY

‘Despite not being a ‘dry state’ car, this could easily be worth a little more in the UK if it’s as good as the seller claims.’

BUY IT FROM

Chariots of Desire, (+001) 03 216 4803, chariotsofdesire.com

ONE FOR SALE IN THE UK

1959 TRIUMPH TR3A, £29,950

‘Four owners, with matching numbers. Not concours, but a good, honest car, rust-free.’

WE SAY

‘A lovely usable classic, and a prime example of the direction TR values have been going. Originality is this one’s trump card.’

BUY IT FROM

Ivor Bleaney, 01794 899419, ivorbleaneyclassiccars.co.uk