Triumph TR3A

ENGINE 1991cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 100bhp@5000rpm TORQUE 117lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 105mph 0-60MPH 10.8sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 19-27mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, 4-speed man + o/d MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 9379 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The engine starts easily with healthy oil pressure and maintains a good, consistent idle speed and water temperature with no smoke or leaks. The steering feels heavy – and the car itself a bit ungainly – at low speeds, but it soon opens up when you set off. Throttle response is excellent and performance strong – it pulls well with good torque. Turn-in is good and you do feel as though you can chuck the car into bends confidently, though there is a slight amount of play in the steering. The gearbox, on the other hand, is as tight as a drum and the throw short and positive. The clutch biting point is quite high but the clutch itself feels strong.

BODYWORK CHECK

The Signal Red paintwork has retained its shine with minimal swirling and no chips or scratches to speak of. The chrome bumpers present well – but would benefit from a polish – and the rest of the trim pieces look good. There’s a little surface rust on the chassis rails but no real areas of corrosion anywhere else on the car. The wire wheels have stood the test of time and are shod with evenly worn Michelin XZX tyres.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The all-black interior has a nice, original patina to it that’s commensurate with the age of the car, but nothing is worn, damaged or missing. All of the dials and switches work as they should, including the all-important overdrive. The padding in the driver’s seat is perhaps not as thick as it once was but the bolsters are excellent. The car also comes with full wet weather gear so you could potentially drive this TR3 throughout the year, should you so wish.

UNDER THE BONNET

The condition of the engine and engine bay is consistent with the rest of the car. It is a good, honest-looking engine that while tidy, has not been steam cleaned to within an inch of its life. The brake discs are not scored, the pads have plenty of meat left on them, the brake lines look fresh and the suspension appears to be in good shape. The car has been restored in the past and was fitted with a new body from North Devon Metal Craft.

THE CCW VIEW

This TR3 drives exceptionally well and looks great thanks to a past restoration and replacement body, plus the desirable overdrive and wet weather gear will make motorway driving much more agreeable. Overall this is a great example of the marque – handsome, quick and fun to drive, with no potentially difficult restoration work to worry about. The price is a fair reflection of the amount and standard of work that’s gone into it.

EXTERIOR Well-maintained new bodywork INTERIOR Clean and original with good electrics MECHANICALS Responsive engine and gearbox perform well