TriumphTR3

Triumph TR3 Small Mouth

The first TR3, built from October 1955 to the late summer of 1957: the TR2 improved, with front disc brakes from September 1956. Standard-Triumph called it simply the TR3; owners call it the small mouth, for its small grille opening, or the early TR3.

A dark green open two-seater with its door open, parked on dry grass among other classic cars.
A small-mouth TR3 with wire wheels at the Aldham Old Time Rally, near Colchester, in June 2019.kitmasterbloke, CC BY 2.0

The TR3 was the car on Triumph's stand at the London Motor Show in October 1955, and Canley built it until the late summer of 1957, from commission number TS8637 to TS22013. It was the TR2 with a new grille, more power and more room, and a year into its life it gained the front disc brakes that made its name. The cars before TS13046 have drum brakes, about one car in three; the rest have discs.

Standard-Triumph called it the TR3, and so did the press. "Small mouth" is an owners' name of later years for the small grille opening, which the TR3 shares with the TR2; its egg-crate grille sits nearly flush with the front, which marks it off from the TR2, and the TR3A of September 1957 widened the mouth.⁠1​2​3​4​5

What changed from the TR2, and why

Three sidescreen sports cars parked nose-on in a car park: a black one with a flush grille and two whose grilles sit deep in the mouth.
The small mouth: a TR3 (left), its egg-crate nearly flush with the front, beside two TR2s, whose grilles sit deeper in the same small opening, at a motor show in Johannesburg, South Africa, in March 2025.Bobbyshabangu, CC0

The visible change was the grille: an egg-crate set nearly flush with the front of the car, where the TR2's sat deep in its mouth. Sports Cars Illustrated, testing one of the first TR3s in America, described it as a "surface" grille mounted over the old one. Underneath were larger SU carburettors, giving more power at the same engine speed, and behind the seats more room, with an occasional rear seat as an extra; overdrive, an option, worked on second, third and top. Karl Ludvigsen, who wrote that test, called the TR3 "the present peak of refinement of this type".

Some changes were for comfort. Motor Trend reported that they had been "prompted by owners' comments", among them lighter front springs and softer rear dampers (shock absorbers), and the American factory club explained the reason to its members early in 1956:

the Company is now producing the cars with settings to give a smoother ride at touring speeds for the general motoring public which is purchasing TR's for general touring rather than competition.

TSOA Newsletter, February 1956

Owners who meant to race were told to order the competition dampers.

The power was quoted two ways. Standard-Triumph's British announcement rated the engine a little above the TR2's at the same engine speed, while its American company announced a higher round figure in December 1955, along with two extra colours, Salvadore Blue and Beige. Only from the high-port cylinder head of mid-1956 did the British rating match the American one. No source read explains why, and the specification below gives every rating with its source.⁠1​6​7​8​9​3​4​2

Contents

Running changes

Standard-Triumph changed the car as it went along, and Carl Musson's list for the Vintage Triumph Register, compiled from earlier books, dates the changes by commission number, or by engine number where it ends in E. A new inlet manifold and head gasket came in at engine TS9350E, with what the American newsletter later called the "Le Mans type" head, stiffer pistons at TS9731E and a second silencer (muffler) on the tailpipe at TS11384; the wiper motor moved at TS12567, and the high-port head arrived at engine TS12606E.

The largest change came at TS13046, built in September 1956 by Rimmer's list: Girling front disc brakes, new rear brakes, a new rear axle, differential and suspension, and a large "T" pedal pad. A chrome-plated rocker cover followed at engine TS18230E. The American newsletter explained to owners in 1959 that the three heads, original, Le Mans type and high-port, each needed its own gasket and inlet manifold, and could not be swapped.

Inside, Sports Cars Illustrated noted on its test car of the 1957 model year that rubber mats had replaced the early carpet on the floor and a board finish the TR2's carpet behind the seats, and that the overdrive switch now went up for overdrive. The full list of change points, with the TR3A's, is on Identification.⁠2​10​11​4

Contents

The disc brakes

From TS13046 the TR3 stopped on Girling discs at the front, each gripped by a caliper working two segmental pads, with drums at the back. At the London Motor Show that October Motor Sport reported that the front discs, with Ferodo pads, took 60 per cent of the braking. Sports Cars Illustrated found that the pads pulled out once two bolts were removed, and that the price had been held to that of the drum-braked car by the simplicity of the design.

Production Triumph TR3's now have a braking system that sets them wholly apart from all other sports cars in their class, in this important respect.

Karl Ludvigsen, Sports Cars Illustrated, April 1957

The testers tried hard to make them fade. The Autocar reported none; Sports Cars Illustrated made 10 stops in a row from 97 km/h (60 mph) and the discs went on stopping the car; Motor Trend's brakes were smoking by the sixth stop but barely faded. Triumph had tried the brakes at Le Mans in 1955, where the works TR2s ran with Girling front discs and with Dunlop discs all round, and Ludvigsen wrote that Girling's were chosen on cost. The drum-braked cars before TS13046 had Lockheed brakes, as the TR2 did; the change to Girling came with the discs. In 1958 the American newsletter advised owners of early disc-brake cars to fit dirt shields to protect the inner pads.

Contents

Prices and options

The TR3 cost £25 more than the TR2 before purchase tax when it was launched, and when the discs came in, Motor Sport reported, the price did not change. The tax-paid price had risen in the meantime, and no source read explains each step; the specification below gives the prices in Britain and America with their sources. The Autocar and Motor Sport printed prices for the 1957 hard-top car 10s apart, and The Autocar's adds up from its basic price and its tax.

In America the TR3 cost $100 more than the TR2 at first, and Standard-Triumph's advertisements of 1957 sold the discs as "standard equipment". Americans could also take delivery in Europe, at the overseas-delivery prices the factory club printed in June 1956. Most of what a buyer could add cost extra on both sides of the Atlantic:

ExtraBritain, January 1957, with taxAmerica, October 1956America, September 1957
Overdrive, on second, third and top£63 15s$154$160
Wire wheels with centre-lock hubs£37 10s$100; chrome $198$111; chrome $200
Heater£15$50$40
Radio£45$106–
Adjustable steering column£7 10s$23$20
Occasional rear seat£21 in Vynide$60$63
Aluminium sump (oil pan)–$23$20
Tonneau cover–$35$35
Fitted suitcase–$46$48

The British prices are The Autocar's, the American ones Motor Trend's.⁠1​12​13​22​6​7​14​11​23

A red open two-seater with steel wheels, chrome hubcaps and a small flush grille on a blue-carpeted show stand.
A small-mouth TR3 on the standard steel wheels with chrome hubcaps, wire wheels being an extra, at the NEC Classic Motor Show, Birmingham, in November 2025.kitmasterbloke, CC BY 4.0

Contents

Which car was the first TR3?

Fact check

TS8637

the Vintage Triumph Register's list and Bruno Dwinger's table, which start the TR3 where the TR2 ended

TS8709

Rimmer's catalogue, which lists it as the first production car, built on 7 October 1955

Our reading. TS8637. The TR3 count in the TR Register's and Rimmer's tables is exactly the number of commission numbers from TS8637 to TS22013, and the TR Register's drum-brake count is exactly those up to TS13045, by our arithmetic; counted from TS8709, the span falls short of both. No source cites a factory record; TS8709 stands as the first car Rimmer's list records.⁠2​5​4​3

Contents

Period tests of the TR3

The specification below gives the figures from six magazine tests of the small-mouth car, each with the car it comes from. Ludvigsen drove the American company's first TR3, a drum-braked hard-top, for Sports Cars Illustrated in March 1956, and Motor Trend tested a standard car that October. The Autocar tested a disc-braked hard-top in Belgium for its issue of 11 January 1957; Ludvigsen came back to the car that April, and Motor Sport's Bill Boddy and Motor Trend's Wayne Thoms drove it later that year. The Motor tested a hard-top too, in April 1956, but its figures are known only as Wikipedia reports them, and its test has not been read.

In its latest form the TR3 is an exciting sports car, traditional to drive, fast, flexible and with first-class brakes.

The Autocar, 11 January 1957

The testers' cars differed in equipment, load and gearing, and their figures differ with them; what they said, test by test, is on the road tests page. By the time Thoms's test was in print, in September 1957, Canley had built its last small-mouth car.⁠6​7​13​11​22​14​21

Contents

Specification: Drum Brakes

Production

Sources for Production, Drum Brakes

Built
One good source.Graham Robson (essay "15 Years of Evolution"), Triumph TR2 – TR3/3A, TR4/4A – TR5, TR250 1953–1968 Parts & Accessories Catalogue, Rimmer Bros, edn 2.1 (source code TR2512), Part 1⁠4
Built at
One good source.The TR2 and TR3. Graham Robson (essay "15 Years of Evolution"), Triumph TR2 – TR3/3A, TR4/4A – TR5, TR250 1953–1968 Parts & Accessories Catalogue, Rimmer Bros, edn 2.1 (source code TR2512), Part 1⁠4
BuiltOctober 1955 to TS13045, built Sept 1956
Built atfinal assembly at Standard-Triumph's Canley plant; bodies by Mulliners in Birmingham

Engine

Sources for Engine, Drum Brakes

Engine maker
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5
Capacity
One good source.83 x 92 mm, wet liners. TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3
Engine position
One good source.Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14
Block
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5
Cylinder head
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5
Valve gear
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5
Fuel system
One good source.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3
Carburettors
Several figures in print.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3; Carl Musson (production dates and numbers) and Ken Streeter (spotter's guide), "TR3 (1955-1962)": the history, "Production Dates and Numbers" and "The TR2-TR3 Series Spotter's Guide", Vintage Triumph Register⁠2
Cooling
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5
Cylinder layout
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5
Aspiration
One good source.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3
Fuel
One good source.Bill Boddy ("W. B."), "Triumph TR3 Road-Test", with the data panel "The Triumph TR3 Hard-Top" (p. 14), Motor Sport, Jul 1957, pp. 13–14⁠22
Ignition
One good source.The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13
Cycle
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5
Lubrication
One good source.The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13
Engine makerStandard-Triumph
Capacity1991 cc
Engine positionFront
BlockCast iron
Cylinder headCast iron
Valve gearOHV, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel systemTwin 1¾" SU Carbs
Carburettorstwin 1¾ in SU

Carburettors, Drum Brakes

Several figures in print.

  • twin 1¾ in SUGood sources agree: TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3
  • 1¾ in stud-mounted SU H6Good sources agree: Carl Musson (production dates and numbers) and Ken Streeter (spotter's guide), "TR3 (1955-1962)": the history, "Production Dates and Numbers" and "The TR2-TR3 Series Spotter's Guide", Vintage Triumph Register, from TS8637⁠2
CoolingWater-cooled
Cylinder layoutInline
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
FuelPetrol
IgnitionCoil and distributor
CycleFour-stroke
LubricationWet Sump

Performance

Sources for Performance, Drum Brakes

Power
Several figures in print.Motor Sport, "Sports and high-performance cars at Earls Court", with the list "Sports Cars Costing Under £1,000 Inclusive of P.T.", Nov 1955, p. 16⁠1; TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3; Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, December 1955, Dec 1955 (vol. I no. 9)⁠9; Karl Ludvigsen, "Triumph gets a going over", Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1956, pp. 36–38, 56⁠6
Torque
One good source.At 3,000 rpm. TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3
Power95 bhp

Power, Drum Brakes

Several figures in print.

  • 95 bhpGood sources agree: Motor Sport, "Sports and high-performance cars at Earls Court", with the list "Sports Cars Costing Under £1,000 Inclusive of P.T.", Nov 1955, p. 16, at 4,800 rpm ("95 b.h.p. at the same crankshaft speed"); UK launch rating, October 1955⁠1; TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide", at 4,800 rpm⁠3
  • 100 hpGood sources agree: Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, December 1955, Dec 1955 (vol. I no. 9), "100 horsepower", the US announcement; no rpm given⁠9; Karl Ludvigsen, "Triumph gets a going over", Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1956, pp. 36–38, 56, at 5,000 rpm, claimed for "their first TR3" in early 1956, before the high-port head⁠6; TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide", "nominal", once production cars had the high-port head from mid-1956 (engine TS12606E, VTR)⁠3
Torque117 lb ft

Running gear

Sources for Running gear, Drum Brakes

Steering
Several figures in print.Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠18; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5; Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR3", 2026⁠21
Gearbox
One good source.Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14
Gears
One good source.Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14
Layout
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5
Front brakes
Several figures in print.Carl Musson (production dates and numbers) and Ken Streeter (spotter's guide), "TR3 (1955-1962)": the history, "Production Dates and Numbers" and "The TR2-TR3 Series Spotter's Guide", Vintage Triumph Register⁠2; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠18
Rear brakes
Several figures in print.Carl Musson (production dates and numbers) and Ken Streeter (spotter's guide), "TR3 (1955-1962)": the history, "Production Dates and Numbers" and "The TR2-TR3 Series Spotter's Guide", Vintage Triumph Register⁠2; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠18
Front suspension
One good source.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3
Rear suspension
One good source.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3
Wheels
Several figures in print.Motor Sport, "Sports and high-performance cars at Earls Court", with the list "Sports Cars Costing Under £1,000 Inclusive of P.T.", Nov 1955, p. 16⁠1; TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3
Final drive
One good source.Graham Robson (essay "15 Years of Evolution"), Triumph TR2 – TR3/3A, TR4/4A – TR5, TR250 1953–1968 Parts & Accessories Catalogue, Rimmer Bros, edn 2.1 (source code TR2512), Part 1⁠4
Clutch
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5
Starter
One good source.Bill Boddy ("W. B."), "Triumph TR3 Road-Test", with the data panel "The Triumph TR3 Hard-Top" (p. 14), Motor Sport, Jul 1957, pp. 13–14⁠22
Steeringcam and lever, 12 to 1

Steering, Drum Brakes

Several figures in print.

  • cam and lever, 12 to 1Good sources agree: Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement, the lever "carries a conical shaped peg"; about 2¼ turns lock to lock⁠18
  • cam and leverGood sources agree: Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF), the sidescreen TRs⁠5
  • worm and peg ("Bishop cam" in the data table)Not yet confirmed: Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR3", 2026⁠21
GearboxManual
Gears4
LayoutRWD
Front brakesLockheed drums

Front brakes, Drum Brakes

Several figures in print.

  • Lockheed drumsGood sources agree: Carl Musson (production dates and numbers) and Ken Streeter (spotter's guide), "TR3 (1955-1962)": the history, "Production Dates and Numbers" and "The TR2-TR3 Series Spotter's Guide", Vintage Triumph Register, to TS13045; at TS13046 "Changed from Lockhead to Girling Braking System"⁠2
  • Lockheed hydraulic drums, 10 x 2¼ inGood sources agree: Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement, the TR2's specification, which the drum-braked TR3 kept to TS13045⁠18
Rear brakesLockheed drums

Rear brakes, Drum Brakes

Several figures in print.

  • Lockheed drumsGood sources agree: Carl Musson (production dates and numbers) and Ken Streeter (spotter's guide), "TR3 (1955-1962)": the history, "Production Dates and Numbers" and "The TR2-TR3 Series Spotter's Guide", Vintage Triumph Register, to TS13045⁠2
  • Lockheed hydraulic drums, 10 x 2¼ inGood sources agree: Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement, the TR2 from TS5481, kept by the drum-braked TR3⁠18
Front suspensionIndependent by unequal length double wishbones, coil springs and telescopic dampers
Rear suspensionLive axle, half elliptic springs and lever arm dampers
Wheelspressed-steel disc; centre-lock wire optional

Wheels, Drum Brakes

Several figures in print.

  • pressed-steel disc; centre-lock wire optionalOne good source: TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide", the TR3A's; the TR3A is largely the TR3 (Dwinger)⁠3
  • centre-lock wire wheels among the extrasOne good source: Motor Sport, "Sports and high-performance cars at Earls Court", with the list "Sports Cars Costing Under £1,000 Inclusive of P.T.", Nov 1955, p. 16, October 1955; the standard wheels are pressed steel disc (TR Register, TR3A page)⁠1
Final driveShaft
Clutchsingle dry plate, hydraulic
StarterElectric

Body and chassis

Sources for Body and chassis, Drum Brakes

Seats
One good source.Price list, October 1955. Motor Sport, "Sports and high-performance cars at Earls Court", with the list "Sports Cars Costing Under £1,000 Inclusive of P.T.", Nov 1955, p. 16⁠1; TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3; "P.S.", "The Triumph TR-3", Motor Trend, Oct 1956, pp. 29, 52⁠7
Chassis material
One good source.Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14
Chassis
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5
Seats2
Chassis materialchannel steel pressings with 'X' cross member
Chassisbox frame, cross-braced

Dimensions and weight

Sources for Dimensions and weight, Drum Brakes

Fuel tank
One good source."reduced to 12 gallons" from the TR2's 12½ to make room for the occasional seat. Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠18
Fuel tank12 gal

Contents

Specification: TR3

Production

Sources for Production, TR3

Price new
Several figures in print.Motor Sport, "Sports and high-performance cars at Earls Court", with the list "Sports Cars Costing Under £1,000 Inclusive of P.T.", Nov 1955, p. 16⁠1; TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3; Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, December 1955, Dec 1955 (vol. I no. 9)⁠9; Karl Ludvigsen, "Triumph gets a going over", Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1956, pp. 36–38, 56⁠6; "P.S.", "The Triumph TR-3", Motor Trend, Oct 1956, pp. 29, 52⁠7
Built
Several figures in print.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3; Carl Musson (production dates and numbers) and Ken Streeter (spotter's guide), "TR3 (1955-1962)": the history, "Production Dates and Numbers" and "The TR2-TR3 Series Spotter's Guide", Vintage Triumph Register⁠2; Graham Robson (essay "15 Years of Evolution"), Triumph TR2 – TR3/3A, TR4/4A – TR5, TR250 1953–1968 Parts & Accessories Catalogue, Rimmer Bros, edn 2.1 (source code TR2512), Part 1⁠4
Price new£921 19s 2d

Price new, TR3

Several figures in print.

  • £921 19s 2dOne good source: Motor Sport, "Sports and high-performance cars at Earls Court", with the list "Sports Cars Costing Under £1,000 Inclusive of P.T.", Nov 1955, p. 16, inclusive of purchase tax; £650 basic; Earls Court, October 1955⁠1
  • £650Good sources agree: Motor Sport, "Sports and high-performance cars at Earls Court", with the list "Sports Cars Costing Under £1,000 Inclusive of P.T.", Nov 1955, p. 16, basic, before purchase tax ("£25 more ... than the TR2")⁠1; TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide", basic⁠3
  • £985 14s 2dOne good source: Motor Sport, "Sports and high-performance cars at Earls Court", with the list "Sports Cars Costing Under £1,000 Inclusive of P.T.", Nov 1955, p. 16, hard-top with sliding windows, inclusive of purchase tax, October 1955⁠1
  • $2,599Good sources agree: Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, December 1955, Dec 1955 (vol. I no. 9), port of entry, soft top, at the US announcement (hard top $2,795)⁠9; Karl Ludvigsen, "Triumph gets a going over", Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1956, pp. 36–38, 56, basic price, early 1956⁠6; "P.S.", "The Triumph TR-3", Motor Trend, Oct 1956, pp. 29, 52, soft top, "Including suggested retail price at port of entry, federal tax, and delivery and handling charges, but not freight"; hard top $2,750⁠7
BuiltOctober 1955 to September 1957

Built, TR3

Several figures in print.

  • October 1955 to September 1957Good sources agree: TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3
  • TS8637 (Oct 1955) to TS22013 (Aug 1957)Good sources agree: Carl Musson (production dates and numbers) and Ken Streeter (spotter's guide), "TR3 (1955-1962)": the history, "Production Dates and Numbers" and "The TR2-TR3 Series Spotter's Guide", Vintage Triumph Register⁠2
  • TS22013, last production TR3, built 17 Sept 1957One good source: Graham Robson (essay "15 Years of Evolution"), Triumph TR2 – TR3/3A, TR4/4A – TR5, TR250 1953–1968 Parts & Accessories Catalogue, Rimmer Bros, edn 2.1 (source code TR2512), Part 1⁠4

Performance

Sources for Performance, TR3

Top speed
Not yet confirmed.The Motor, 4 Apr 1956, as reported by Wikipedia (the test was not read). Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR3", 2026⁠21
0–60 mph
Several figures in print."P.S.", "The Triumph TR-3", Motor Trend, Oct 1956, pp. 29, 52⁠7; Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR3", 2026⁠21
Top speed105.3 mph
0–60 mph13.2 s

0–60 mph, TR3

Several figures in print.

  • 13.2 sOne good source: "P.S.", "The Triumph TR-3", Motor Trend, Oct 1956, pp. 29, 52, test car "with gas, oil, and water", 2,240 lb⁠7
  • 10.8 sNot yet confirmed: Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR3", 2026, The Motor, 4 Apr 1956, hardtop with overdrive, as reported by Wikipedia (the test was not read)⁠21

Dimensions and weight

Sources for Dimensions and weight, TR3

Kerb weight
One good source."Test car weight (with gas, oil, and water)". "P.S.", "The Triumph TR-3", Motor Trend, Oct 1956, pp. 29, 52⁠7
Kerb weight2240 lb

Contents

Specification: Disc Brakes

Production

Sources for Production, Disc Brakes

Price new
Several figures in print.Motor Sport, "The cars at Earls Court", Nov 1956, p. 14⁠12; The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13; Karl Ludvigsen, "Disc Braked TR-3", with the Standard-Triumph advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Apr 1957, pp. 16–19, 58⁠11; Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14
Built
Several figures in print.Graham Robson (essay "15 Years of Evolution"), Triumph TR2 – TR3/3A, TR4/4A – TR5, TR250 1953–1968 Parts & Accessories Catalogue, Rimmer Bros, edn 2.1 (source code TR2512), Part 1⁠4; TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3; Motor Sport, "The cars at Earls Court", Nov 1956, p. 14⁠12
Coachbuilders
One good source.Spring 1957. Bill Boddy, "Sports Cars of the 'Big Five'", Motor Sport, May 1957, p. 15⁠19
Built at
One good source.The TR2 and TR3. Graham Robson (essay "15 Years of Evolution"), Triumph TR2 – TR3/3A, TR4/4A – TR5, TR250 1953–1968 Parts & Accessories Catalogue, Rimmer Bros, edn 2.1 (source code TR2512), Part 1⁠4
Price new£1,021 7s

Price new, Disc Brakes

Several figures in print.

  • £1,021 7sOne good source: Motor Sport, "The cars at Earls Court", Nov 1956, p. 14, inclusive of purchase tax, Earls Court October 1956 ("at the unchanged price")⁠12
  • £1,073 17sOne good source: The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43, hard-top, £715 basic + £358 17s purchase tax, January 1957⁠13
  • $2,625Good sources agree: Karl Ludvigsen, "Disc Braked TR-3", with the Standard-Triumph advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Apr 1957, pp. 16–19, 58, port of entry, 1957 model ("Now with exclusive disc brakes")⁠11; Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff, F.O.B. port of entry, roadster (hardtop $2,790)⁠14
BuiltTS13046 built Sept 1956 to TS22013 built 17 Sept 1957

Built, Disc Brakes

Several figures in print.

  • TS13046 built Sept 1956 to TS22013 built 17 Sept 1957One good source: Graham Robson (essay "15 Years of Evolution"), Triumph TR2 – TR3/3A, TR4/4A – TR5, TR250 1953–1968 Parts & Accessories Catalogue, Rimmer Bros, edn 2.1 (source code TR2512), Part 1⁠4
  • from late 1956Good sources agree: TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide", Girling front disc brakes standardised⁠3
  • October 1956Good sources agree: Motor Sport, "The cars at Earls Court", Nov 1956, p. 14, shown with Girling disc brakes at Earls Court⁠12
CoachbuildersMulliners (bodies with their base frame welded in)
Built atfinal assembly at Standard-Triumph's Canley plant

Engine

Sources for Engine, Disc Brakes

Engine maker
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5
Capacity
Good sources agree.83 x 92 mm. The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13; Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14
Engine position
One good source.Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14
Block
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5
Cylinder head
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5
Valve gear
Several figures in print.The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13; Bill Boddy ("W. B."), "Triumph TR3 Road-Test", with the data panel "The Triumph TR3 Hard-Top" (p. 14), Motor Sport, Jul 1957, pp. 13–14⁠22; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5
Compression ratio
Good sources agree.The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13; Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14
Fuel system
One good source.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3
Cooling
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5
Cylinder layout
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5
Aspiration
One good source.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3
Fuel
One good source.Bill Boddy ("W. B."), "Triumph TR3 Road-Test", with the data panel "The Triumph TR3 Hard-Top" (p. 14), Motor Sport, Jul 1957, pp. 13–14⁠22
Ignition
One good source.The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13
Cycle
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5
Lubrication
One good source.The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13
Engine makerStandard-Triumph
Capacity1991 cc
Engine positionFront
BlockCast iron
Cylinder headCast iron
Valve gearOHV, 2 valves per cylinder

Valve gear, Disc Brakes

Several figures in print.

  • OHV, 2 valves per cylinderOne good source: Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5
  • overhead valves and pushrodsGood sources agree: The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13
  • push-rod-operated o.h. valvesGood sources agree: Bill Boddy ("W. B."), "Triumph TR3 Road-Test", with the data panel "The Triumph TR3 Hard-Top" (p. 14), Motor Sport, Jul 1957, pp. 13–14⁠22
Compression ratio8.5:1
Fuel systemTwin 1¾" SU Carbs
CoolingWater-cooled
Cylinder layoutInline
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
FuelPetrol
IgnitionCoil and distributor
CycleFour-stroke
LubricationWet Sump

Performance

Sources for Performance, Disc Brakes

Power
Good sources agree.At 5,000 rpm, high-port head. The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13; Karl Ludvigsen, "Disc Braked TR-3", with the Standard-Triumph advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Apr 1957, pp. 16–19, 58⁠11; Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14; Bill Boddy ("W. B."), "Triumph TR3 Road-Test", with the data panel "The Triumph TR3 Hard-Top" (p. 14), Motor Sport, Jul 1957, pp. 13–14⁠22
Torque
Several figures in print.The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13; Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14; Karl Ludvigsen, "Disc Braked TR-3", with the Standard-Triumph advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Apr 1957, pp. 16–19, 58⁠11
Top speed
Several figures in print.The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13; Karl Ludvigsen, "Disc Braked TR-3", with the Standard-Triumph advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Apr 1957, pp. 16–19, 58⁠11
0–60 mph
Several figures in print.The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13; Karl Ludvigsen, "Disc Braked TR-3", with the Standard-Triumph advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Apr 1957, pp. 16–19, 58⁠11; Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14
Power100 bhp
Torque117.5 lb ft

Torque, Disc Brakes

Several figures in print.

  • 117.5 lb ftGood sources agree: The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43, at 3,000 rpm⁠13; Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff, at 3,000 rpm⁠14
  • 118 lb ftOne good source: Karl Ludvigsen, "Disc Braked TR-3", with the Standard-Triumph advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Apr 1957, pp. 16–19, 58, at 3,000 rpm⁠11
Top speed102 mph

Top speed, Disc Brakes

Several figures in print.

  • 102 mphOne good source: The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43, mean, overdrive top; best 103⁠13
  • 104.1 mphOne good source: Karl Ludvigsen, "Disc Braked TR-3", with the Standard-Triumph advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Apr 1957, pp. 16–19, 58, two-way mean in fourth; best 105.9⁠11
0–60 mph12.5 s

0–60 mph, Disc Brakes

Several figures in print.

  • 12.5 sOne good source: The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43, 1956 TR3 hardtop with overdrive and wire wheels (SKV 656)⁠13
  • 11.5 sOne good source: Karl Ludvigsen, "Disc Braked TR-3", with the Standard-Triumph advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Apr 1957, pp. 16–19, 58, test car with overdrive and wire wheels; 10.9 s using second overdrive⁠11
  • 9.2 sOne good source: Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14

Running gear

Sources for Running gear, Disc Brakes

Steering
Several figures in print.Karl Ludvigsen, "Disc Braked TR-3", with the Standard-Triumph advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Apr 1957, pp. 16–19, 58⁠11; Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14
Gearbox
One good source.Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14
Gears
One good source.Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14
Layout
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5
Front brakes
Several figures in print.Carl Musson (production dates and numbers) and Ken Streeter (spotter's guide), "TR3 (1955-1962)": the history, "Production Dates and Numbers" and "The TR2-TR3 Series Spotter's Guide", Vintage Triumph Register⁠2; The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13; Karl Ludvigsen, "Disc Braked TR-3", with the Standard-Triumph advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Apr 1957, pp. 16–19, 58⁠11
Rear brakes
Several figures in print.The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13; Motor Sport, "The cars at Earls Court", Nov 1956, p. 14⁠12
Front suspension
One good source.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3
Rear suspension
One good source.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3
Tyres
Good sources agree.The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13; Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14
Wheels
Several figures in print.The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13; TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3
Final drive
One good source.Graham Robson (essay "15 Years of Evolution"), Triumph TR2 – TR3/3A, TR4/4A – TR5, TR250 1953–1968 Parts & Accessories Catalogue, Rimmer Bros, edn 2.1 (source code TR2512), Part 1⁠4
Clutch
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5
Starter
One good source.Bill Boddy ("W. B."), "Triumph TR3 Road-Test", with the data panel "The Triumph TR3 Hard-Top" (p. 14), Motor Sport, Jul 1957, pp. 13–14⁠22
Steeringcam and lever

Steering, Disc Brakes

Several figures in print.

  • cam and leverGood sources agree: Karl Ludvigsen, "Disc Braked TR-3", with the Standard-Triumph advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Apr 1957, pp. 16–19, 58⁠11
  • cam and lever; 34 ft turning circle, 2.3 turns lock to lockGood sources agree: Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14
GearboxManual
Gears4
LayoutRWD
Front brakesGirling disc, 11 in

Front brakes, Disc Brakes

Several figures in print.

  • Girling disc, 11 inGood sources agree: The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13; Karl Ludvigsen, "Disc Braked TR-3", with the Standard-Triumph advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Apr 1957, pp. 16–19, 58⁠11
  • Girling front disc brakesGood sources agree: Carl Musson (production dates and numbers) and Ken Streeter (spotter's guide), "TR3 (1955-1962)": the history, "Production Dates and Numbers" and "The TR2-TR3 Series Spotter's Guide", Vintage Triumph Register, "Changed from Lockhead to Girling Braking System ... Front Disc Brakes", from TS13046⁠2
Rear brakes10 x 2¼ in drums

Rear brakes, Disc Brakes

Several figures in print.

  • 10 x 2¼ in drumsGood sources agree: The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43, make not stated⁠13
  • normal 10 in brakesGood sources agree: Motor Sport, "The cars at Earls Court", Nov 1956, p. 14⁠12
Front suspensionIndependent by unequal length double wishbones, coil springs and telescopic dampers
Rear suspensionLive axle, half elliptic springs and lever arm dampers
Tyres5.50 x 15
Wheelspressed-steel disc; centre-lock wire optional

Wheels, Disc Brakes

Several figures in print.

  • pressed-steel disc; centre-lock wire optionalOne good source: TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide", the TR3A's; the TR3A is largely the TR3 (Dwinger)⁠3
  • wire wheels and centre-lock hubs, £37 10s (extra)One good source: The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43, the test car had them; the standard wheel is the steel disc⁠13
Final driveShaft
Clutchsingle dry plate, hydraulic
StarterElectric

Body and chassis

Sources for Body and chassis, Disc Brakes

Seats
One good source.The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13; Karl Ludvigsen, "Disc Braked TR-3", with the Standard-Triumph advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Apr 1957, pp. 16–19, 58⁠11
Chassis material
One good source.Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14
Chassis
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5
Seats2
Chassis materialchannel steel pressings with 'X' cross member
Chassisbox frame, cross-braced

Dimensions and weight

Sources for Dimensions and weight, Disc Brakes

Length
Good sources disagree.The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13; Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14; Bill Boddy ("W. B."), "Triumph TR3 Road-Test", with the data panel "The Triumph TR3 Hard-Top" (p. 14), Motor Sport, Jul 1957, pp. 13–14⁠22; Karl Ludvigsen, "Disc Braked TR-3", with the Standard-Triumph advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Apr 1957, pp. 16–19, 58⁠11
Width
Good sources agree.4 ft 7½ in. The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13; Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14
Height
Good sources agree.4 ft 2 in. The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13; Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14
Kerb weight
Several figures in print.The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13; Bill Boddy ("W. B."), "Triumph TR3 Road-Test", with the data panel "The Triumph TR3 Hard-Top" (p. 14), Motor Sport, Jul 1957, pp. 13–14⁠22; Karl Ludvigsen, "Disc Braked TR-3", with the Standard-Triumph advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Apr 1957, pp. 16–19, 58⁠11; Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14
Wheelbase
Good sources agree.7 ft 4 in. The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13; Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14
Ground clearance
Good sources agree.The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13; Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14
Fuel tank
Several figures in print.The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠13; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠18; Karl Ludvigsen, "Disc Braked TR-3", with the Standard-Triumph advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Apr 1957, pp. 16–19, 58⁠11; Bill Boddy ("W. B."), "Triumph TR3 Road-Test", with the data panel "The Triumph TR3 Hard-Top" (p. 14), Motor Sport, Jul 1957, pp. 13–14⁠22
Length151 in

Length, Disc Brakes

Good sources disagree.

  • 151 inDisputed: The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43, 12 ft 7 in; the test car had front overriders⁠13; Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠14
  • 149 inDisputed: Bill Boddy ("W. B."), "Triumph TR3 Road-Test", with the data panel "The Triumph TR3 Hard-Top" (p. 14), Motor Sport, Jul 1957, pp. 13–14, 12 ft 5 in, hard-top⁠22; Karl Ludvigsen, "Disc Braked TR-3", with the Standard-Triumph advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Apr 1957, pp. 16–19, 58⁠11
Width55.5 in
Height50 in
Kerb weight22 cwt

Kerb weight, Disc Brakes

Several figures in print.

  • 22 cwtOne good source: The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43, 2,464 lb, with 5 gallons of fuel; hardtop, overdrive and wire wheels (SKV 656)⁠13
  • 19.5 cwtOne good source: Bill Boddy ("W. B."), "Triumph TR3 Road-Test", with the data panel "The Triumph TR3 Hard-Top" (p. 14), Motor Sport, Jul 1957, pp. 13–14, printed "19 cwt. 2 qr. 0lb."; ready for the road with about one gallon, no occupants; hard-top, wire wheels⁠22
  • 2200 lbOne good source: Karl Ludvigsen, "Disc Braked TR-3", with the Standard-Triumph advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Apr 1957, pp. 16–19, 58, test car, with overdrive and wire wheels⁠11; Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff, printed "weight 2200 lbs. (53% front, 47% rear)"; equipment and fuel not stated⁠14
Wheelbase88 in
Ground clearance6 in
Fuel tank12 gal

Fuel tank, Disc Brakes

Several figures in print.

  • 12 galGood sources agree: The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43, "12 Imperial gallons"⁠13; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement, the TR3, reduced from the TR2's 12½ for the occasional seat⁠18; Karl Ludvigsen, "Disc Braked TR-3", with the Standard-Triumph advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Apr 1957, pp. 16–19, 58, 14.4 US gal is 12 Imp gal⁠11
  • 12.5 galNot yet confirmed: Bill Boddy ("W. B."), "Triumph TR3 Road-Test", with the data panel "The Triumph TR3 Hard-Top" (p. 14), Motor Sport, Jul 1957, pp. 13–14, "12½ gallons", as printed (the TR2's figure)⁠22

Contents

Production

Production: how far the sources agree

4409, Drum Brakes, "4,409 with drum brakes"
One good source.
4408, Drum Brakes
Not yet confirmed.
13377, TR3, 1955-57: 1,286 home market, 12,091 export
Good sources agree.
13337, TR3, the guide's own text; its split, 4,409 + 8,968, adds to 13,377
Disputed.
nearly 17,000, small-mouth TR3s
Disputed.
8968, Disc Brakes, "8,968 with front-wheel disc brakes"
One good source.

  1. 4409Drum Brakes, "4,409 with drum brakes"

    TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3

  2. 4408Drum Brakes

    Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR3", 2026⁠21

  3. 13377TR3, 1955-57: 1,286 home market, 12,091 export

    TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3; Graham Robson (essay "15 Years of Evolution"), Triumph TR2 – TR3/3A, TR4/4A – TR5, TR250 1953–1968 Parts & Accessories Catalogue, Rimmer Bros, edn 2.1 (source code TR2512), Part 1⁠4; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠5

  4. 13337TR3, the guide's own text; its split, 4,409 + 8,968, adds to 13,377

    TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3

  5. nearly 17,000small-mouth TR3s

    Carl Musson (production dates and numbers) and Ken Streeter (spotter's guide), "TR3 (1955-1962)": the history, "Production Dates and Numbers" and "The TR2-TR3 Series Spotter's Guide", Vintage Triumph Register⁠2

  6. 8968Disc Brakes, "8,968 with front-wheel disc brakes"

    TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠3

Contents

Sources

Every source the site cites is on the sources page.

  • Primarymade at the time, by the maker or by people who were there
  • Referenceserious later work: clubs, specialists, magazines, books
  • Uncheckedencyclopaedias and enthusiast sites: cited beside a good source, named in the sentence, or marked Unchecked
  1. Motor Sport, "Sports and high-performance cars at Earls Court", with the list "Sports Cars Costing Under £1,000 Inclusive of P.T.", Nov 1955, p. 16, p. 16, Triumph stand 123; p. 16, the price and the extras; Nov 1955, p. 16, Triumph stand; Nov 1955, p. 16ff, show price list ("Triumph TR3 two-seater"). motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/november-1955/16/sports-and-high-performance-cars-at-earls-court Primary
  2. Carl Musson (production dates and numbers) and Ken Streeter (spotter's guide), "TR3 (1955-1962)": the history, "Production Dates and Numbers" and "The TR2-TR3 Series Spotter's Guide", Vintage Triumph Register, "Production Dates and Numbers": TS8637, TS13045, TS13046, TS22013; the spotter's guide; "Production Dates and Numbers", TR3 rows; "Production Dates and Numbers": TS13046, "Changed from Lockhead to Girling Braking System"; "Production Dates and Numbers": TS8637; "Production Dates and Numbers" (Musson), TS8637; "Production Dates and Numbers" (Musson), TS13046; "Production Dates and Numbers" (Musson); "The TR2-TR3 Series Spotter's Guide" (Streeter). vintagetriumphregister.org/tr3 Reference
  3. TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide", TR3 guide: the production table and its text; TR3 guide, "Engine Details"; TR3 guide, the production table and the drum and disc counts; "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide" page, "Engine Details"; "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide" page, text; "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide" page, "Suspension Details"; "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide" page, "Wheels" and "Optional Extras"; "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide" page, "Optional Extras"; "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide" page, "Basic Price"; "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide" page, "Manufactured"; "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide" page, "Production Figures". tr-register.co.uk/resources/buyers-guide Reference
  4. Graham Robson (essay "15 Years of Evolution"), Triumph TR2 – TR3/3A, TR4/4A – TR5, TR250 1953–1968 Parts & Accessories Catalogue, Rimmer Bros, edn 2.1 (source code TR2512), Part 1, p. 6, "TR Production Figures"; p. 7, TS13045, TS13046, TS22013; p. 7, TS13045 and TS13046 built September 1956; p. 7, TS8709, "built 7 Oct. 55"; p. 7, "Vehicle Identification - All Models"; p. 5, Robson's essay "15 Years of Evolution"; p. 4, catalogue contents; p. 6, "TR Production Figures: 1953 to 1968". rimmerbros.com/images/PDFs/TR2-5_Part1.pdf Reference
  5. Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF), p. 3, the production table; p. 1, history; pp. 3-4, "Technische Daten des TR2" and "TR 3: Daten generell wie beim TR2"; p. 4; p. 3, production table. tr-register.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Kaufberatung_Geschichte_TR2_TR3.pdf Reference
  6. Karl Ludvigsen, "Triumph gets a going over", Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1956, pp. 36–38, 56, pp. 36–38, 56; p. 36, the US price; Mar 1956, p. 36; Mar 1956, pp. 36-38. Primary
  7. "P.S.", "The Triumph TR-3", Motor Trend, Oct 1956, pp. 29, 52, p. 29, the owners' comments and the ride; pp. 29, 52, prices and extras; pp. 29, 52; Oct 1956, pp. 29, 52; Oct 1956, pp. 29, 52, prices. Primary
  8. Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, February 1956, Feb 1956, p. 1, the softer settings. vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/TSOAFeb1956.pdf Primary
  9. Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, December 1955, Dec 1955 (vol. I no. 9), the US announcement: power and colours; Dec 1955 (vol. I no. 9), read by the TR2 site. vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/TSOADec1955.pdf Primary
  10. Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, December 1959, Dec 1959, the three cylinder heads by engine number. vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/TSOADecember1959.pdf Primary
  11. Karl Ludvigsen, "Disc Braked TR-3", with the Standard-Triumph advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Apr 1957, pp. 16–19, 58, pp. 16–19, the 1957 car's interior and controls; pp. 16–19, 58, the brakes and the brake tests; the Standard-Triumph advertisement in the same issue; pp. 16–19, 58; Apr 1957, Standard-Triumph advert; Apr 1957, pp. 16-19, data panel (page image n18); Apr 1957, pp. 16-19, text; Apr 1957, pp. 16-19, data panel (page image n18), "Weight (test car)". Primary
  12. Motor Sport, "The cars at Earls Court", Nov 1956, p. 14, p. 14, Triumph stand 165; p. 14, "at the unchanged price"; Nov 1956, p. 14, Triumph stand. motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/november-1956/14/cars-earls-court Primary
  13. The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43, pp. 41–43, the brakes; p. 43, price and extras; pp. 41–43; Road Test No. 1622, engine-bay caption; Road Test No. 1622, pp. 41-43, data panel; Road Test No. 1622, p. 41, price; Road Test No. 1622, p. 41, extras; Road Test No. 1622, pp. 41-43, extras and text. trvc.nl/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/road-test-TR-3-1957.pdf Primary
  14. Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff, p. 36ff, the brake tests; prices and extras; p. 36ff; Sept 1957, p. 36ff, specifications; Sept 1957, p. 36ff, specifications, prices; Sept 1957, p. 36ff, specifications, performance; Sept 1957, p. 36ff, specifications, dimensions. Primary
  15. Motor Sport, "Les Vingt-Quatre Heures du Mans" (1955), Jul 1955, p. 15, p. 15, the Triumphs' disc brakes. motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/july-1955/15/les-vingt-quatre-heurs-du-mans-1955 Primary
  16. Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, October 1958, Oct 1958, dirt shields for early disc-brake cars. vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/TSOAOctober58.pdf Primary
  17. Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, December 1958, Dec 1958, dirt shields, part numbers. vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/TSOADecember58.pdf Primary
  18. Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement, brakes: Lockheed on the TR2; steering section (archive.org manualzilla-id-6026862; page image checked by the TR2 site); TR2 manual with the TR3 supplement, general data (archive.org manualzilla-id-6026862; read by the TR2 site). Primary
  19. Bill Boddy, "Sports Cars of the 'Big Five'", Motor Sport, May 1957, p. 15, p. 15, "pioneering the use of disc brakes"; May 1957, p. 15. motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/may-1957/15/sports-cars-of-the-big-five Primary
  20. Motor Sport, "Earls Court impressions", Nov 1956, p. 39, p. 39, "Citroen, Jensen, Lotus and Triumph use such brakes". motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/november-1956/39/earls-court-impressions-6 Primary
  21. Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR3", 2026, "a first for a British series production car", citing Robson's *A–Z British Cars* (2006); *The Motor*, 4 April 1956, as reported; text and specification table; performance; production. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_TR3 Unchecked
  22. Bill Boddy ("W. B."), "Triumph TR3 Road-Test", with the data panel "The Triumph TR3 Hard-Top" (p. 14), Motor Sport, Jul 1957, pp. 13–14, p. 14, the data panel; pp. 13–14; Jul 1957, p. 13, text; Jul 1957, p. 14, data panel "The Triumph TR3 Hard-Top". motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/july-1957/13/triumph-tr3-road-test Primary
  23. Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, June 1956, Jun 1956, overseas delivery prices. vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/TSOAJune1956.pdf Primary

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