Triumph TR3A

The TR3 facelifted in September 1957, with a full-width grille, outside door handles and a boot handle with a lock, and built until late 1961 or early 1962: the most numerous of the sidescreen TRs. It wore a TR3 badge; TR3A, also written TR3 A, was the name the press, the American factory club and the owners used from 1958, and some owners call it the wide mouth.

A TR3A head-on at a Duke's Club meeting at Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France, in June 2014: the full-width grille and the TRIUMPH letters of the facelift; the badge on the grille is a club's.PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ, CC BY-SA 4.0

In September 1957, at commission number TS22014, Standard-Triumph gave the TR3 a new face. The engine, chassis and brakes were those of the late small-mouth car, but the grille now ran the width of the nose, the doors had handles outside and the boot (trunk) lid gained a handle with a lock. Canley built it, as the TR3, for four years and more, and it was the most numerous of all the sidescreen TRs: the production figures below give the count, on which the club and catalogue tables agree. The TR Register's own text prints a figure 73 higher, which nothing explains.

From 1959 it could be had with a bigger engine, the one the TR4 would use. When the TR4 replaced it, one last series of sidescreen cars, partly built from TR3A bodies and parts left over, went to North America: the TR3B of 1962.⁠source 1source 2source 3source 4source 5source 6

The naming question

Standard-Triumph called the facelifted car the TR3, as it had the first. Its advertisements in America said "TR-3", Sports Cars Illustrated tested "the TR3 for '58", and the American factory club's newsletter announced in December 1957 that the TR-3 had "received a face-lift for 1958". Wikipedia, citing Bill Piggott's originality guide, says the car kept its TR3 badge, as the cars pictured here do.

Within a year, though, others had a name for it. Motor Sport was writing "TR3A" by November 1958, and the American newsletter's own editors used it that December:

Introduction of the TR-3A early this year sent Triumph sales sky-high and TSOA membership along with it.

TSOA Newsletter, December 1958

The name stuck. Motor Sport used it again in its report of the 1959 RAC Rally and in 1961, American owners were advertising a "'59 TR-3A" in the newsletter's classified columns by November 1959, and the TR Register, the Vintage Triumph Register and Dwinger all use it today as the car's name. In 2017 Motor Sport described the car as "what's generally known as the TR3A, though this was never a factory designation".

Close view of a yellow car's nose: a shield badge reading TR 3 above spaced TRIUMPH letters. — A TR 3 shield badge above the TRIUMPH letters of the facelift, on a yellow TR3A photographed in February 2013.GTHO, CC BY-SA 3.0

An enamel shield badge reading TR 3 on a red bonnet. — A TR 3 badge on the nose of a TR3A that its photographer dates to 1961; the Vintage Triumph Register's list gives the factory medallion of the time as blue and white, not this red and black.The Car Spy, CC BY 2.0

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What changed at the facelift

From TS22014 the car had a new front, and a few details elsewhere:

Item	TR3, to TS22013	TR3A, from TS22014
Grille	Egg-crate, nearly flush with the front	Full width, set back in the mouth
Door handles	None outside	Push-buttons outside
Overriders (bumper guards)	Not standard	Standard
Boot	Opened with a key	A lockable handle
Headlamps	In larger bulges	In smaller bulges, set back; sealed beams in America
Nose	The badge alone	TRIUMPH letters across the nose
Engine, gearbox (transmission) and brakes	The late TR3's	The same

In its March 1958 test, Sports Cars Illustrated found the grille recessed in the Ferrari manner and nothing changed underneath since the year before. Bruno Dwinger of the German TR Register adds that the brake lights moved into the tail lamps.

Close view of a silver car's nose: spaced TRIUMPH letters, a shield badge, a headlamp and the top of a wide grille. — The facelift's nose on a TR3A in the Netherlands, June 2008: the TRIUMPH letters, the shield badge, the headlamp set back in a shallower housing and the top of the full-width grille.Alf van Beem, CC0

A chrome push-button door handle on an ivory door, framed on a diagonal. — The outside push-button door handle that came with the TR3A, at the Fox Island Car Show, Washington, in August 2016.Thorsten Lindner, CC BY-SA 4.0

A chrome T-shaped boot handle with a key lock on an ivory boot lid. — The lockable boot handle that replaced the TR3's key-only boot lid, on the same car at Fox Island in August 2016.Thorsten Lindner, CC BY-SA 4.0

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Running changes

The facelifted car went on changing. By Carl Musson's list for the Vintage Triumph Register, stiffer pistons came at engine TS26698E, a changed gearbox input shaft and mainshaft at TS26825, "handed" rear springs at TS26904 and Dzus fasteners on the sidescreens at TS28826. From TS40104 millboard air deflectors behind the grille were standard, to cure overheating, and the American newsletter urged owners of earlier cars to fit them:

The deflectors have been standard equipment since part way through 1959 but will be a definite asset on earlier 59's and 58's.

TSOA Newsletter, May 1960

The bonnet (hood) medallion turned blue and white at TS41878, an ashtray appeared under the dashboard at TS42400 and smaller rear brake drums came in at TS56377. The cars for the 1960 model year, from about TS60001, had a new rear panel with a rim inside the boot opening, raised hinge platforms, a windscreen (windshield) held by bolts and a flat shelf behind the seats, and the American newsletter assured owners that there was no face-lift.

The commission numbers do not count cars. Dwinger records that some numbers in the TS48xxx and TS49xxx blocks were never used, which is one reason the span from TS22014 to the last car is longer than the production count. The full list of change points is on Identification.⁠source 1source 18source 19source 20source 21source 22source 4

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The bigger engine, 1959

The TR Register says that the larger engine, with a wider bore than the standard one, was optional from 1959, and that hundreds of TR3As were converted to it in later years. Triumphs ran oversize cylinder sleeves on the 1959 Alpine Rally, in the class above 2,000 cc. In America the factory club announced a big-bore kit of pistons and liners in August 1959, at about $58.52 for the pistons and $57.52 for the liners; fitting it moved a car from the E Production class to D Modified. Dwinger gives the larger engine a higher compression ratio than the standard one, with its best torque at 3,500 rpm.

How many TR3As left the factory with it, no source read says; the specification below gives its readings beside the standard engine's.⁠source 3source 23source 20source 24source 4

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Prices when new

In Britain the TR Register gives the TR3A's basic price without a date, and Motor Sport's show lists of November 1959 and November 1960 gave the same price with tax both years, with £50 more for the hard-top. In America it cost $50 more at the ports than the car of the 1957 model year had, and held that price through the 1960 model year; Motor Trend's guide of May 1960 put the hard-top above it. An American could also collect a car in Europe, for less: Sports Cars Illustrated printed the European delivery prices in May 1960. In Germany, Dwinger records, the TR3A cost less than the TR3 had. The specification below gives the TR Register's basic price and the American price of the 1958 model year, with their sources.⁠source 3source 25source 26source 7source 8source 27source 28source 4

A silver-champagne open two-seater seen from above and behind, a chrome rack on the boot and red leather seats. — A left-hand-drive TR3A from above and behind on a rooftop car park in the Netherlands in June 2008, with a chrome luggage rack on its boot.Alf van Beem, CC0

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The American car

Most TR3As went abroad. The car Sports Cars Illustrated tested for the 1958 model year had leather seats, rubber mats, Michelin X tyres and a 4.11 axle without overdrive. The hard-top car was sold as the "Grand Touring" model: a "TR-3 Grand Touring Hardtop" at the New York show of 1958, and a "Grand Touring Model" in the advertisements of 1960.

For 1958 Standard-Triumph claimed second place among the sports cars sold in America. How the cars were sold and serviced in America, and what a US car carried, is on the export markets page.⁠source 2source 7source 29source 30source 31source 10

A pale blue open two-seater from behind, showing its boot handle, TRIUMPH letters and round tail lamps. — A left-hand-drive TR3A from behind, photographed in June 2010: the TRIUMPH letters above the lockable boot handle, the round tail lamps and the overriders; its whitewall tyres were an American option.Neozoon, CC BY-SA 3.0

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When was the last TR3A built?

Fact check

October 1961

the Vintage Triumph Register, whose list ends at TS83572, the TR Register and the TR Drivers Club

January 1962

Rimmer's list, which ends at TS82347, and Dwinger's table, which ends at TS82436

Our reading. Both stand. Three sources give October and two give January, three different last numbers between them, and none cites a factory record. The numbers do not settle it: every span from TS22014 is longer than the production count, and Dwinger says some numbers were never used. Rimmer's own list puts only a few hundred numbers in 1961, which is hard to square with a run to October.⁠source 1source 3source 6source 2source 4

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On the road

Of the period road tests read, only one is of the facelifted car: Sports Cars Illustrated's of a roadster of the 1958 model year with the 4.11 axle and no overdrive, and its figures are in the specification below, with Motor Trend's "factory-rated" ones of 1960. Len Griffing, who drove it, wrote that among the things that impressed him most was the quality control at the Coventry works, and he summed the car up in a line:

For sheer fun driving, the TR3 for '58 is hard to beat regardless of price.

Len Griffing, Sports Cars Illustrated, March 1958

Motor Sport, in November 1960, judged that its road-holding was "not beyond criticism" but that as an all-round sports car it was "difficult to beat". The performance figures the TR Register prints for the TR3A are The Autocar's, from its test of a 1956 TR3 hard-top published in January 1957, and Specifications explains why they belong to the earlier car.⁠source 7source 27source 26source 3source 17

A speedometer reading to 120 mph and a rev counter in a tan leather dashboard. — Tan leather around the speedometer and rev counter of a TR3A, which its photographer calls a 1961 car.The Car Spy, CC BY 2.0

Contents

Specification

Production

Sources for Production, TR3A

Price new: Several figures in print.Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7; TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠source 3
Built: Good sources disagree.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠source 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 Register⁠source 1; 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 1⁠source 2; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠source 4; TR Drivers Club, "Triumph TR3B" (updated March 2015)⁠source 6
Built at: One good source.TR production figures heading. 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 1⁠source 2

Production
Price new	$2,675 Price new, TR3A Several figures in print. $2,675One good source: Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58, soft top, "plus tax and license at U.S. ports of entry. (Slightly higher West Coast ports.)"⁠source 7 £699One good source: TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide", basic, undated⁠source 3
Built	September 1957 to October 1961 Built, TR3A Good sources disagree. September 1957 to October 1961Disputed: TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠source 3 TS22014 (Sept 1957) to TS83572 (Oct 1961)Disputed: 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 Register⁠source 1 TS22014 (17 Sept 1957) to TS82347, built Jan 1962Disputed: 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 1⁠source 2 09/1957 to 01/1962 (TS 22014 - TS 82436)Disputed: Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠source 4 to October 1961Disputed: TR Drivers Club, "Triumph TR3B" (updated March 2015), the last TR3A⁠source 6
Built at	Canley

Engine

Sources for Engine, TR3A

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)⁠source 4
Capacity: Several figures in print.Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7; TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠source 3; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠source 4
Engine position: One good source.Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠source 32
Block: One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠source 4
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)⁠source 4
Valve gear: Several figures in print.Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠source 4
Fuel system: One good source.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠source 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)⁠source 4
Cylinder layout: One good source.Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7
Aspiration: One good source.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠source 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. 13–14⁠source 33
Ignition: One good source.The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠source 17
Cycle: One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠source 4
Lubrication: One good source.The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠source 17

Engine
Engine maker	Standard-Triumph
Capacity	1991 cc Capacity, TR3A Several figures in print. 1991 ccGood sources agree: Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58, 83 x 92 mm⁠source 7; TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide", 83 x 92 mm, wet liners⁠source 3 2138 ccGood sources agree: TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide", optional from 1959 ("as TR4")⁠source 3; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF), 86 x 92 mm, 9:1, the larger engine option⁠source 4
Engine position	Front
Block	Cast iron
Cylinder head	Cast iron
Valve gear	OHV, 2 valves per cylinder Valve gear, TR3A 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)⁠source 4 push rod ohvOne good source: Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7
Fuel system	Twin 1¾" SU Carbs
Cooling	Water-cooled
Cylinder layout	In-line 4
Aspiration	Naturally Aspirated
Fuel	Petrol
Ignition	Coil and distributor
Cycle	Four-stroke
Lubrication	Wet Sump

Performance

Sources for Performance, TR3A

Power: Several figures in print.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠source 3; Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠source 4
Torque: Several figures in print.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠source 3; Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7
Top speed: Several figures in print.Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7; TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠source 3; Motor Trend, Imported-car guide, May 1960⁠source 27
0–60 mph: Several figures in print.Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7; Motor Trend, Imported-car guide, May 1960⁠source 27; TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠source 3; Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR3", 2026⁠source 15
Standing start: One good source.Quarter mile, at 74 mph. Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7

Performance
Power	100 bhp Power, TR3A Several figures in print. 100 bhpGood sources agree: TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide", at 5,000 rpm, 1,991 cc⁠source 3; Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58, at 5,000 rpm⁠source 7 100 PSOne good source: Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF), at 4,600 rpm; the 2,138 cc option⁠source 4
Torque	117 lb ft Torque, TR3A Several figures in print. 117 lb ftOne good source: TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide", at 3,000 rpm⁠source 3 118 lb ftOne good source: Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58, at 3,000 rpm⁠source 7
Top speed	103 mph Top speed, TR3A Several figures in print. 103 mphOne good source: Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58, two-way; best 104⁠source 7 102 mphNot yet confirmed: TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide", TR3A performance table (source not named)⁠source 3 about 110 mphOne good source: Motor Trend, Imported-car guide, May 1960⁠source 27
0–60 mph	12.6 s 0–60 mph, TR3A Several figures in print. 12.6 sOne good source: Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58, 1958 roadster, 4.11 axle, no overdrive⁠source 7 12 sOne good source: Motor Trend, Imported-car guide, May 1960, "factory-rated"⁠source 27; Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR3", 2026, Road & Track, June 1977 retrospective, as reported by Wikipedia⁠source 15 12.5 sNot yet confirmed: TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide", TR3A performance table (source not named)⁠source 3
Standing start	18.6 s

Running gear

Sources for Running gear, TR3A

Steering: Several figures in print.Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7; Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠source 34
Gearbox: One good source.Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠source 32
Gears: One good source.Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠source 32
Layout: One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠source 4
Front brakes: Several figures in print.Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7; TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠source 3
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 Register⁠source 1; Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7
Front suspension: Several figures in print.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠source 3; Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, July 1959, Jul 1959 (vol. V no. 7)⁠source 24; Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, December 1959, Dec 1959⁠source 35
Rear suspension: One good source.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠source 3
Tyres: Several figures in print.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠source 3; Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7
Wheels: One good source.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠source 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 1⁠source 2
Clutch: One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠source 4
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. 13–14⁠source 33

Running gear
Steering	cam and lever Steering, TR3A Several figures in print. cam and leverGood sources agree: Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7 cam and lever, 12 to 1Good sources agree: Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement, the sidescreen TRs⁠source 34
Gearbox	Manual
Gears	4
Layout	RWD
Front brakes	Girling 11 in disc front Front brakes, TR3A Several figures in print. Girling 11 in disc frontGood sources agree: Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7 front discs standardGood sources agree: TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠source 3
Rear brakes	10 in drums to TS56376; 9 in from TS56377 Rear brakes, TR3A Several figures in print. 10 in drums to TS56376; 9 in from TS56377One good source: 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 Register⁠source 1 Girling or Lockheed drum rearNot yet confirmed: Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58, 1958 test car⁠source 7
Front suspension	Independent by unequal length double wishbones, coil springs and telescopic dampers Front suspension, TR3A Several figures in print. Independent by unequal length double wishbones, coil springs and telescopic dampersOne good source: TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide", no anti-roll bar named⁠source 3 front anti-roll bar offered as a dealer kitOne good source: Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, July 1959, Jul 1959 (vol. V no. 7), US, 1959: not standard⁠source 24; Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, December 1959, Dec 1959, US, 1959: not standard⁠source 35
Rear suspension	Live axle, half elliptic springs and lever arm dampers
Tyres	5.50 x 15 Tyres, TR3A Several figures in print. 5.50 x 15One good source: TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide", pressed steel disc wheels⁠source 3 155 x 15 Michelin X ("equiv. to 5.50 x 15")One good source: Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58, 1958 US test car⁠source 7
Wheels	Pressed steel disc with 5.50 x 15 tyres; wire wheels optional
Final drive	Shaft
Clutch	single dry plate, hydraulic
Starter	Electric

Body and chassis

Sources for Body and chassis, TR3A

Seats: One good source.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠source 3; Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7
Chassis material: One good source.Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠source 32
Chassis: One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠source 4

Body and chassis
Seats	2
Chassis material	channel steel pressings with 'X' cross member
Chassis	box frame, cross-braced

Dimensions and weight

Sources for Dimensions and weight, TR3A

Length: One good source.Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7
Width: Not yet confirmed.Printed 55¾ (OCR). Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7
Height: One good source.Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7
Kerb weight: Several figures in print.Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7; Motor Trend, Imported-car guide, May 1960⁠source 27; Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR3", 2026⁠source 15
Wheelbase: One good source.Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7
Fuel tank: One good source.The TR3 and later, reduced from the TR2's 12½ for the occasional seat. Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠source 34; Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58⁠source 7

Dimensions and weight
Length	151 in
Width	55.75 in
Height	50 in
Kerb weight	2135 lb Kerb weight, TR3A Several figures in print. 2135 lbOne good source: Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58, 1958 test car (roadster, 4.11 axle, no overdrive)⁠source 7 2128 lbOne good source: Motor Trend, Imported-car guide, May 1960⁠source 27 2090 lbNot yet confirmed: Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR3", 2026, kerb, Road & Track 1977 retrospective, as reported by Wikipedia⁠source 15
Wheelbase	88 in
Fuel tank	12 gal

Contents

Production

Production: how far the sources agree

58236, TR3A: 1,896 home market, 56,340 export: Good sources agree.
58309, "58309 cars built from 1957 to 1961", the guide's own text: Not yet confirmed.

58236TR3A: 1,896 home market, 56,340 export
TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠source 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 1⁠source 2; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠source 4; 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 Register⁠source 1
58309"58309 cars built from 1957 to 1961", the guide's own text
TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠source 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

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": TS22014; the spotter's guide, the TR3A count; "Production Dates and Numbers": TS41878, the bonnet medallion; "Production Dates and Numbers": TS22014; "Production Dates and Numbers", TR3A rows; "Production Dates and Numbers": TS83572 "1961 (Oct) LAST TR3A"; TS82030; "Production Dates and Numbers" (Musson); "Production Dates and Numbers" (Musson), TS56377; "The TR2-TR3 Series Spotter's Guide" (Streeter). vintagetriumphregister.org/tr3 Reference
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, TS22014 built 17 Sept. 1957; p. 7, TS22014 built 17 Sept. 1957; p. 6, "TR Production Figures": the TR3A's home and export columns; p. 7, TS82347 "Last production TR3A (built Jan. 62)"; the 1961 numbers; p. 7, "Vehicle Identification - All Models"; p. 6, "TR Production Figures: 1953 to 1968"; p. 4, catalogue contents. rimmerbros.com/images/PDFs/TR2-5_Part1.pdf Reference
TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide", TR3A guide: the production table and its text; TR3A guide: "Front discs standard, with 100bhp engine"; the public launch; TR3A guide, "Engine Details"; TR3A guide, "Basic Price"; TR3A guide, "Manufactured"; TR3A guide, the performance table; "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide" page, "Basic Price"; "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide" page, "Manufactured"; "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide" page, "Engine Details"; "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide" page, text and "Optional Extras"; "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide" page, "TR3A Performance Data"; "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide" page, text; "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide" page, "Suspension Details"; "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide" page, "Wheels"; "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide" page, "Wheels" and "Optional Extras"; "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide" page, "Optional Extras"; "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide" page, "Production Figures". tr-register.co.uk/resources/buyers-guide Reference
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. 4, the TR3A's headlamps, lettering and tail lamps; p. 3, the unused numbers; p. 4, the larger engine; p. 10, German prices; p. 3, TS82436, 01/1962; the unused numbers; p. 3, production table; p. 1, history; p. 4; pp. 3-4, "Technische Daten des TR2" and "TR 3: Daten generell wie beim TR2". tr-register.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Kaufberatung_Geschichte_TR2_TR3.pdf Reference
Bill Boddy ("W. B."), "The new Triumph TR4", Motor Sport, Sep 1961, p. 17, p. 17. motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/september-1961/17/the-new-triumph-tr4 Primary
TR Drivers Club, "Triumph TR3B" (updated March 2015), the TR3B, built from TR3A parts; "in the previous October"; text. trdrivers.com/articles21/triumphtr3b.html Reference
Len Griffing, "SCI Road Test — Triumph TR3", with the Standard-Triumph Motor Co. Inc. advertisement in the same issue, Sports Cars Illustrated, Mar 1958, pp. 30–31, 58, pp. 30–31, "the TR3 for '58"; the Standard-Triumph advertisement, "TR-3"; pp. 30–31, the 1958 front and the engine; pp. 30–31 and the advertisement: 1957 and 1958 prices; pp. 30–31, 58, the test car and the advertisement's options; pp. 30–31, 58, and the data panel; Mar 1958 issue, Standard-Triumph advertisement; Mar 1958, pp. 30-31, data panel (page image n30). Primary
Sports Cars Illustrated, Standard-Triumph advertisement: "Convertible model, $2675 (At U.S. Ports of Entry ...)", Apr 1960, the Standard-Triumph advertisement, "TR3"; the convertible's price. Primary
Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, December 1957, Dec 1957 (vol. III no. 12), p. 1, "a face-lift for 1958". vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/TSOADec1957.pdf Primary
Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, December 1958, Dec 1958, p. 1. vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/TSOADecember58.pdf Primary
Motor Sport, "The Cars at Earls Court", Nov 1958, p. 22, p. 22, Triumph stand 135. motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/november-1958/22/cars-earls-court Primary
Motor Sport, "The R.A.C. Rally", Dec 1959, p. 36, p. 36, "Soisbault (Triumph TR3A)". motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/december-1959/36/the-rac-rally-10 Primary
Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, November 1959, Nov 1959, members' classifieds, "'59 TR-3A". vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/TSOANovember1959.pdf Primary
Motor Sport, "Lady Competition Drivers", Sep 1961, p. 11, p. 11, Patsy Burt's cars. motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/september-1961/11/lady-competition-drivers-2 Primary
Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR3", 2026, the badge, citing Piggott's originality guide (2009), p. 139; performance. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_TR3 Unchecked
Motor Sport, "Dream garage: Triumph TR3", May 2017, p. 45, p. 45. motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/may-2017/45/dream-garage-triumph-tr3 Reference
The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43, the test car's optional overriders; the 1956 test car; Road Test No. 1622, engine-bay caption; Road Test No. 1622, pp. 41-43, data panel. trvc.nl/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/road-test-TR-3-1957.pdf Primary
Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, March 1959, Mar 1959, the ashtray at TS42400. vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/TSOAMarch59.pdf Primary
Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, April 1959, Apr 1959, the grille deflectors. vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/TSOAApril59.pdf Primary
Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, September 1959, Sep 1959, speedometers for Michelin X tyres; the bore corrected. vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/TSOASeptember1959.pdf Primary
Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, May 1960, May 1960 (vol. VI no. 5), p. 6, the grille deflectors. vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/TSOA0560.pdf Primary
Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, January 1960, Jan 1960, p. 3, the 1960 model year. vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/TSOAJanuary1960.pdf Primary
Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, August 1959, Aug 1959, "BIG BORE KIT TO BE AVAILABLE". vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/TSOAAug1959.pdf Primary
Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, July 1959, Jul 1959 (vol. V no. 7), the 1959 Alpine Rally cars; Jul 1959. vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/TSOAJuly59.pdf Primary
Motor Sport, "Earls Court Reviewed", Nov 1959, p. 39, p. 39, "Open Sports Cars". motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/november-1959/39/earls-court-reviewed Primary
Motor Sport, "Open sports cars", Nov 1960, p. 36, p. 36. motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/november-1960/36/open-sports-cars Primary
Motor Trend, Imported-car guide, May 1960, the Triumph TR3 entry; the Triumph TR3 entry, "factory-rated"; May 1960 imported-car guide, Triumph TR3 entry (read by the Austin-Healey 3000 site, its S23). Primary
Sports Cars Illustrated, European-delivery tours feature, May 1960, the Triumph passage. Primary
Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, March 1958, Mar 1958, the TR-3 Grand Touring Hardtop at the New York show. vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/TSOAMarch58.pdf Primary
Motor Sport, "Foreign cars in the U.S.A.", Mar 1960, p. 33, p. 33, the 1960 advertisement. motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/march-1960/33/foreign-cars-in-the-usa Primary
Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, November 1958, Nov 1958, second place in 1958. vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/TSOANovember58.pdf Primary
Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff, Sept 1957, p. 36ff, specifications. Primary
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, Jul 1957, p. 13, text. motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/july-1957/13/triumph-tr3-road-test Primary
Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement, 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
Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, December 1959, Dec 1959, Dec 1959. vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/TSOADecember1959.pdf Primary

Contents