105 bhp, 2,138 cc OHV inline four-cylinder engine, dual SU carburetors, four-speed synchromesh manual gearbox, independent front suspension with unequal-length A-arms and coil springs, rigid rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and front disc, rear drum hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 88"
• One-owner car from new to 2010; based in California for 44 years
• Well equipped and complete with extensive documentation and accessories including hardtop
Introduced at the 1955 London Motor Show, the Triumph TR3 improved on the basic TR concept and generated a devoted following and an enviable competition record. Its intended replacement, the Giovanni Michelotti-designed TR4, debuted for 1962, but Triumph’s American distributor was skeptical and requested a one-year extension of TR3 production. Called the TR3B, the first of these cars was identical to the TR3A, while later-production examples were fitted with the larger 2.1-liter engine and all-synchromesh gearbox of the TR4. Approximately 3,331 TR3Bs were produced during the one-year production run.
Rust-free, undamaged and benefiting from the care of just one owner from new until 2010, this late-production TR3B was based in the San Francisco Bay area for the last 44 of those years. It features the desirable 2.1-liter engine and full-synchromesh gearbox of the TR4. The current Colorado-based owner acquired it in 2010 from the second owner, in whose ownership the car was refinished in the factory-original light blue, the original side curtains were restored, new bumper overriders were installed, and the original steering wheel was professionally restored. The 1967-vintage TR4 engine is of the correct type, was freshened during the 2000s and is reported to start and run well. While the seats, carpeting and interior trim were already restored, the fastidious current owner recently had the seats re-trimmed nonetheless. Other desirable features include restored steel road wheels, a telescopic steering wheel, sun visors, and a day/night rearview mirror.
Offered complete with the factory-original hard top, a black tonneau cover, 1966 California “black plates,” extensive documentation including a copy of the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin and more, this very special TR3B is a great example of the final edition of the classic Triumph roadster.