TriumphTR3

Triumph TR3B

The last sidescreen TRs, built for North America in 1962 beside the new TR4: a TR3A with the TR4's all-synchromesh gearbox and, in most of them, its bigger engine, in two series, TSF and TCF. The factory knew them by those prefixes; TR3B, also written TR3 B, was the owners' name.

About the pictureA sidescreen Triumph of the late TR3A shape, filed by its photographer as a TR3B; nothing visible shows which it is.

A British racing green open two-seater seen from behind on grass, a chrome rack over its boot handle, a show field beyond.
Stand-in The shape, not the proof: a car shown at Pau in May 2015 as one of these 1962 cars, which from outside look exactly like a late TR3A.Handelsgeselschaft, CC BY-SA 4.0

In 1962, with the TR4 already announced, Standard-Triumph built one last series of sidescreen TRs for its North American dealers. They looked like the late TR3A, but underneath they carried the TR4's all-synchromesh gearbox (transmission) and, from May, its bigger engine. None was built for the home market: Rimmer's production table lists every one as an export.

They were not built at Canley. Rimmer's table says the TR3B was built in Birmingham, and the TR Drivers Club names the builder as the Forward Radiator Company, which used the tooling that its parent company, Mulliners, had used for the TR2 and TR3 bodies. The factory knew the cars by their commission prefixes, TSF and TCF. In September 1961 Standard-Triumph had offered American owners TR-3s of the 1962 model year, but by the summer of 1962 the factory club's newsletter, writing of an owner's next car, used another name:

Whether their new car will be a TR-3B or a TR-4 has yet to be decided.

TSOA Newsletter, August 1962

Today the name means these cars alone. The TR3 Beta, a wide-track prototype of about 1960 that its builders knew as "TR3B", by one engineer's recollection, was a different car altogether.⁠1​2​3​4​5​6

Background: 1961–62

A white sports car with a full-width grille, headlamps at its ends and its hood up, parked in evening light.
The car the TR3B was built beside: a Triumph TR4, with Michelotti's full-width body and wind-up windows, in Germany in September 2023.Llann Wé², CC BY-SA 4.0

The TR4 was announced in September 1961, its first cars reserved for North America. That same month Standard-Triumph's American company told owners that TR3s of the 1962 model year were on sale too, without a wait, and by December it had made its racing plans plain:

It should be emphasized that the Company is interested in competition with the new TR-4 and not the TR-3.

TSOA Newsletter, December 1961

The dealers were less sure of the new car. The TR Drivers Club writes that North American dealers "displayed doubt about the all-new, sophisticated TR4, with its wind-up windows and full width bodywork", and Bruno Dwinger of the German TR Register that the American dealers "verlangten, weiterhin mit dem TR3 beliefert zu werden" (in translation, "demanded to go on being supplied with the TR3"). The Vintage Triumph Register gives another reason: the TR4's sales were disappointing at first, particularly in the USA. The TR Drivers Club adds that TR3A bodies were still lying around at Canley, and Dwinger that building the TR4 and the TR3B at the same time caused some confusion in production. Options for the TR-3, the newsletter told owners in February 1962, remained as before.⁠7​6​8​9​2​4​3​1

Contents

The two series

The TSF commission numbers, TSF1 to TSF530, went to cars built between 1 March and 19 September 1962, by Rimmer's list, with the TR3A's engine; the TCF series, TCF1 to TCF2804, began on 8 May 1962 with the TR4's engine, so the two were built side by side all summer. Both had the TR4's gearbox, with synchromesh on first gear as well, in an aluminium casing that the TR Drivers Club says would not interchange with the old box. The TR Drivers Club gives a round figure for the TSF cars instead; the production figures below show both.

The Vintage Triumph Register's list notes small changes within the TSF series, to the disc-brake caliper mounting at TSF219, the rear dampers (shock absorbers) at TSF265 and the front suspension at TSF284; it marks TSF530 as the last with the TR3 engine and TCF1 as the first with the TR4's. The two series hold three more commission numbers than the production tables count cars, and no source read explains the difference; the production figures below give the count.

Without examining the engine compartment, it is difficult to tell a late TR3A apart from a TR3B.

Ken Streeter, "The TR2-TR3 Series Spotter's Guide", Vintage Triumph Register

Some TR3B chassis went to Italy. Krause writes that the Italias, the coupés Vignale built on Triumph running gear, were built on TR3A and TR3B chassis, and Dwinger counts them inside the TR3A and TR3B totals; the cars built on the TR3 have their own page.

A British racing green open two-seater with wire wheels and a full-width grille on grass at a meeting, a red Morgan behind.
A car shown as a TR3B at Pau in 2015; outside, a TR3B is identical to a late TR3A.Handelsgeselschaft, CC BY-SA 4.0

Contents

What the TCF car took from the TR4

The TCF cars had the TR4's bigger engine, with twin SU HS6 carburettors by Dwinger's account, and the TR4's gearbox with its ratios changed to suit the engine and a tighter remote change, the TR Drivers Club says, though it gives no ratios. Car and Driver described the TR4's gearbox as the TR3's design in a casing lengthened to make room for synchromesh on first gear. Most of the rest was the TR3A's: the body and chassis, the cam-and-lever steering and narrow track, the front disc brakes and, as an option, the overdrive; the TR Drivers Club names the last two.

No factory rating for the TCF car itself was found. Its engine was the TR4's, and the specification below gives the TR4 engine's ratings as the sources print them: the figure Motor Sport gave in 1961, which Car and Driver called a net one, the gross figure in the American newsletter's TR-4 specification, and Dwinger's figure in PS. Wikipedia's figure is shown with them but cites no source.

The cars were not all alike, the TR Drivers Club records, and some came in unusual colour schemes and trim combinations:

Not a lot is known about the TR3b, the specification varied according to whatever parts were left over from TR3a production.

TR Drivers Club, "Triumph TR3B"

No source read gives a period road test of a TSF or TCF car, or an American price list of 1962.⁠2​3​4​12​7​6​10

Contents

When was the last TR3B built?

Fact check

October 1962

the Vintage Triumph Register, the TR Drivers Club and the text of Dwinger's history

December 1962

Rimmer's list and Dwinger's production table

Our reading. Both stand. Every source agrees that the last car was TCF2804, but none of them cites a factory record for its date, and Dwinger gives both months.⁠1​2​3​4

Contents

Specification: TCF

Production

Sources for Production, TCF

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 1⁠1; 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 Register⁠3
Built at
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 1⁠1; TR Drivers Club, "Triumph TR3B" (updated March 2015)⁠2
BuiltTCF1 built 8 May 1962 to TCF2804 built Dec 1962

Built, TCF

Several figures in print.

  • TCF1 built 8 May 1962 to TCF2804 built Dec 1962Good sources agree: 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 1⁠1
  • TCF1 May 1962 to TCF2804 Oct 1962Good 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 Register⁠3
Built atBirmingham

Built at, TCF

Several figures in print.

  • BirminghamGood sources agree: 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 1⁠1
  • the Forward Radiator CompanyGood sources agree: TR Drivers Club, "Triumph TR3B" (updated March 2015)⁠2

Engine

Sources for Engine, TCF

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)⁠4
Capacity
Good sources agree."the 2138cc TR4 power plant". TR Drivers Club, "Triumph TR3B" (updated March 2015)⁠2; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Engine position
One good source.Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠13
Block
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠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)⁠4
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)⁠4
Fuel system
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Cooling
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
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)⁠4
Aspiration
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
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. 13–14⁠14
Cycle
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Lubrication
One good source.The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠15
Engine makerStandard-Triumph
Capacity2138 cc
Engine positionFront
BlockCast iron
Cylinder headCast iron
Valve gearOHV, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel systemtwo SU HS6 carburettors
CoolingWater-cooled
Cylinder layoutInline
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
FuelPetrol
CycleFour-stroke
LubricationWet Sump

Performance

Sources for Performance, TCF

Power
Several figures in print.Bill Boddy ("W. B."), "The new Triumph TR4", Motor Sport, Sep 1961, p. 17⁠7; Dennis May, "Technical Report" on the TR-4 (cover story), Car and Driver, Oct 1961, pp. 19–23⁠12; Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, September 1961 (TR-4 special issue), Sep 1961 (vol. VII no. 9)⁠6; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4; Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR3", 2026⁠10
Torque
Good sources agree."Torque goes up from 118 to 127 pound-feet": the TR4 engine; no TCF-specific figure. Dennis May, "Technical Report" on the TR-4 (cover story), Car and Driver, Oct 1961, pp. 19–23⁠12; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Power100 bhp

Power, TCF

Several figures in print.

  • 100 bhpGood sources agree: Bill Boddy ("W. B."), "The new Triumph TR4", Motor Sport, Sep 1961, p. 17, at 4,600 rpm: the TR4 engine's rating (net, per Car and Driver); no TCF-specific rating found⁠7; Dennis May, "Technical Report" on the TR-4 (cover story), Car and Driver, Oct 1961, pp. 19–23, "the TR-3's 100 bhp gross and the TR-4's 100 net", at 4,600 rpm: the TR4 engine⁠12
  • 105 bhpOne good source: Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, September 1961 (TR-4 special issue), Sep 1961 (vol. VII no. 9), "Maximum Brake HP. 105 @ 4750 rpm": the TR-4 specification⁠6; Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR3", 2026, at 4,650 rpm, uncited⁠10
  • 100 PSNot yet confirmed: Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF), at 4,800 rpm, the TCF⁠4
Torque127 lb ft

Running gear

Sources for Running gear, TCF

Steering
One good source.The sidescreen TRs; the TR3B kept the TR3A chassis ("Most of the TR3a specification was unchanged", TR Drivers Club). Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠16
Gearbox
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Gears
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Layout
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Front brakes
One good source.The TR3A's, unchanged. TR Drivers Club, "Triumph TR3B" (updated March 2015)⁠2
Front suspension
One good source.The TR3A's; the TR3B kept the TR3A chassis (TR Drivers Club). TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠17
Rear suspension
One good source.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠17
Wheels
One good source.The TR3A's; the TR3B kept the TR3A specification ("Most of the TR3a specification was unchanged", TR Drivers Club). TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠17
Steeringcam and lever, 12 to 1
GearboxManual
Gears4
LayoutRWD
Front brakesfront disc brakes
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 with 5.50 x 15 tyres; wire wheels optional

Body and chassis

Sources for Body and chassis, TCF

Seats
One good source.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠17
Chassis material
One good source.Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠13
Chassis
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Seats2
Chassis materialchannel steel pressings with 'X' cross member
Chassisbox frame, cross-braced

Contents

Specification: TR3B

Production

Sources for Production, TR3B

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 1⁠1; TR Drivers Club, "Triumph TR3B" (updated March 2015)⁠2
Built at
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 1⁠1; TR Drivers Club, "Triumph TR3B" (updated March 2015)⁠2
BuiltTSF1 built 1 Mar 1962 to TCF2804 built Dec 1962

Built, TR3B

Several figures in print.

  • TSF1 built 1 Mar 1962 to TCF2804 built Dec 1962Good sources agree: 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 1⁠1
  • March 1962 until October 1962Good sources agree: TR Drivers Club, "Triumph TR3B" (updated March 2015)⁠2
Built atBirmingham

Built at, TR3B

Several figures in print.

  • BirminghamGood sources agree: 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 1⁠1
  • the Forward Radiator CompanyGood sources agree: TR Drivers Club, "Triumph TR3B" (updated March 2015), with the tooling Mulliners had used for the TR2 and TR3⁠2

Contents

Specification: TSF

Production

Sources for Production, TSF

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 1⁠1; 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 Register⁠3
Built at
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 1⁠1; TR Drivers Club, "Triumph TR3B" (updated March 2015)⁠2
BuiltTSF1 built 1 Mar 1962 to TSF530 built 19 Sept 1962

Built, TSF

Several figures in print.

  • TSF1 built 1 Mar 1962 to TSF530 built 19 Sept 1962Good sources agree: 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 1⁠1
  • TSF1 Mar 1962 to TSF530 Sept 1962Good 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 Register⁠3
Built atBirmingham

Built at, TSF

Several figures in print.

  • BirminghamGood sources agree: 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 1⁠1
  • the Forward Radiator CompanyGood sources agree: TR Drivers Club, "Triumph TR3B" (updated March 2015)⁠2

Engine

Sources for Engine, TSF

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)⁠4
Capacity
Good sources agree."they all had the 1991cc engine". TR Drivers Club, "Triumph TR3B" (updated March 2015)⁠2; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Engine position
One good source.Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠13
Block
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠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)⁠4
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)⁠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"⁠17
Cooling
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
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)⁠4
Aspiration
One good source.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠17
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. 13–14⁠14
Ignition
One good source.The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠15
Cycle
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Lubrication
One good source.The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43⁠15
Engine makerStandard-Triumph
Capacity1991 cc
Engine positionFront
BlockCast iron
Cylinder headCast iron
Valve gearOHV, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel systemTwin 1¾" SU Carbs
CoolingWater-cooled
Cylinder layoutInline
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
FuelPetrol
IgnitionCoil and distributor
CycleFour-stroke
LubricationWet Sump

Performance

Sources for Performance, TSF

Power
One good source.At 5,000 rpm: the TR3A's rating; the TSF cars had the TR3A engine (VTR, TR Drivers Club). TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠17
Torque
One good source.At 3,000 rpm: the TR3A's figure; the TSF cars had the TR3A engine. TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠17
Power100 bhp
Torque117 lb ft

Running gear

Sources for Running gear, TSF

Steering
One good source.The sidescreen TRs; the TR3B kept the TR3A chassis ("Most of the TR3a specification was unchanged", TR Drivers Club). Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement⁠16
Gearbox
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Gears
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Layout
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Front brakes
One good source.The TR3A's, unchanged. TR Drivers Club, "Triumph TR3B" (updated March 2015)⁠2
Front suspension
One good source.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠17
Rear suspension
One good source.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠17
Tyres
One good source.The TR3A, pressed steel disc wheels. TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠17
Wheels
One good source.The TR3A's; the TR3B kept the TR3A specification ("Most of the TR3a specification was unchanged", TR Drivers Club). TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠17
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 1⁠1
Clutch
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠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. 13–14⁠14
Steeringcam and lever, 12 to 1
GearboxManual
Gears4
LayoutRWD
Front brakesfront disc brakes
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 with 5.50 x 15 tyres; wire wheels optional
Final driveShaft
Clutchsingle dry plate, hydraulic
StarterElectric

Body and chassis

Sources for Body and chassis, TSF

Seats
One good source.TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide"⁠17
Chassis material
One good source.Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff⁠13
Chassis
One good source.Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠4
Seats2
Chassis materialchannel steel pressings with 'X' cross member
Chassisbox frame, cross-braced

Contents

Production

Production: how far the sources agree

2804, TCF1-TCF2804: commission numbers; no separate count is published
Good sources agree.
3331, TR3B, all export (UK market none)
Good sources agree.
530 + 2,804 = 3,334, TR3B, the two commission series TSF1-TSF530 and TCF1-TCF2804
Not yet confirmed.
530, TSF1-TSF530: commission numbers; no separate count is published
Good sources agree.
about 500, TSF, "The first five hundred cars"
Not yet confirmed.

  1. 2804TCF1-TCF2804: commission numbers; no separate count is published

    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 1⁠1; 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 Register⁠3

  2. 3331TR3B, all export (UK market none)

    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 1⁠1; TR Drivers Club, "Triumph TR3B" (updated March 2015)⁠2; Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF)⁠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 Register⁠3

  3. 530 + 2,804 = 3,334TR3B, the two commission series TSF1-TSF530 and TCF1-TCF2804

    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 Register⁠3

  4. 530TSF1-TSF530: commission numbers; no separate count is published

    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 1⁠1; 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 Register⁠3

  5. about 500TSF, "The first five hundred cars"

    TR Drivers Club, "Triumph TR3B" (updated March 2015)⁠2

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. 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": the TR3B built in Birmingham, all export; the TR5 row; p. 7, TSF1, TSF530, TCF1 and TCF2804; p. 7, TCF2804 built December 1962; 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
  2. TR Drivers Club, "Triumph TR3B" (updated March 2015), the Forward Radiator Company; the TR3 Beta; the dealers' doubts; the left-over bodies; the TSF cars; the gearbox; the TCF engine, gearbox, overdrive and brakes; colours and trim; "March 1962 until October 1962"; text. trdrivers.com/articles21/triumphtr3b.html Reference
  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 Register, the spotter's guide; "Production Dates and Numbers": TSF and TCF; the spotter's guide, the TR4's sales; "Production Dates and Numbers": TSF1, TSF219, TSF265, TSF284, TSF530, TCF1, TCF2804; the spotter's guide; "Production Dates and Numbers": TCF1; "Production Dates and Numbers": TCF2804 "1962 (Oct)"; "Production Dates and Numbers" (Musson); "The TR2-TR3 Series Spotter's Guide" (Streeter). vintagetriumphregister.org/tr3 Reference
  4. Bruno Dwinger, "TR 2 bis TR 3 B: Geschichte, Typen und Kaufberatung", TR-Register Deutschland, Nov 2008, 10 pp. (PDF), pp. 2–3, the TR3B; p. 2, the American dealers; the TR4 and TR3B built together; pp. 3–4, the series; p. 4, the TCF engine and carburettors; p. 2, "im Oktober 1962"; p. 3, the table's 12/1962; p. 1, history; p. 4; pp. 3-4, "Technische Daten des TR2" and "TR 3: Daten generell wie beim TR2"; p. 4, TR3B; p. 3; p. 3, production table. tr-register.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Kaufberatung_Geschichte_TR2_TR3.pdf Reference
  5. Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, August 1962, Aug 1962, p. 2. vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/TSOAAug62.pdf Primary
  6. Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, September 1961 (TR-4 special issue), Sep 1961 (vol. VII no. 9), the 1962 TR-3s; 1962 TR3s on sale, "no waiting list"; the TR-4 specification; Sep 1961 (vol. VII no. 9), TR-4 specification. vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/TSOASep61.pdf Primary
  7. Bill Boddy ("W. B."), "The new Triumph TR4", Motor Sport, Sep 1961, p. 17, p. 17; p. 17, the TR4's engine; Sept 1961, p. 17. motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/september-1961/17/the-new-triumph-tr4 Primary
  8. Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, December 1961, Dec 1961, p. 2. vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/aTSOA1261.pdf Primary
  9. Triumph Sports Owners Association, Triumph Sports Owners Association Newsletter, February 1962, Feb 1962, "Options for the TR-3 remain as before". vintagetriumphregister.org/tsoa/aTSOA0262.pdf Primary
  10. Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR3", 2026, the TR3B paragraph (uncited); TR3B paragraph. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_TR3 Unchecked
  11. G. William Krause, The Illustrated History of Triumph Sports and Racing Cars, CarTech, 2017, ch. 3, the Italia's chassis. static.summitracing.com/global/images/technicalarticles/sad-ct596.pdf Reference
  12. Dennis May, "Technical Report" on the TR-4 (cover story), Car and Driver, Oct 1961, pp. 19–23, pp. 19–23, the gearbox; "100 net"; Oct 1961, pp. 19-23, Dennis May's Technical Report. Primary
  13. Wayne Thoms, "Triumph TR-3" (An MT Research Report), Motor Trend, Sep 1957, p. 36ff, Sept 1957, p. 36ff, specifications. Primary
  14. 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
  15. The Autocar, "The Autocar Road Test No. 1622 — Triumph TR3 Hardtop", 11 Jan 1957, pp. 41–43, Road Test No. 1622, pp. 41-43, data panel; Road Test No. 1622, engine-bay caption. trvc.nl/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/road-test-TR-3-1957.pdf Primary
  16. Standard-Triumph, Triumph TR2 Workshop Manual, with the TR3 supplement, steering section (archive.org manualzilla-id-6026862; page image checked by the TR2 site). Primary
  17. TR Register, Buyer's guide pages (group): "Buyer's Guide" (general), "Triumph TR3 Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide", "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide" page, "Suspension Details"; "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide" page, "Wheels" and "Optional Extras"; "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide" page, "Optional Extras"; "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide" page, "Engine Details"; "Triumph TR3A Buyers Guide" page, "Wheels". tr-register.co.uk/resources/buyers-guide Reference

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