1955 TRIUMPH TR3

Chassis No. TS 9439 '0'Body Shell No. 842458Engine No. TS 13296EEngine 2188 ccPower 100 bhp @ 5000 rpmWeight 955 kg

Original Engine No. 9847Original engine 1991 cc

OHV inline 4 cyl

Price guide $75,000 (AUD)

Current location AdelaideSouth Australia

Contact Giles Bettisongilesbettison@hotmail.com

+61 (0)8 8363 4798

Twin SU carburettors, 4 speed manual transmissionwith overdrive, independent front suspension,

disc brakes, live rear axle, drum brakes.

Click on image to see full-resolution JPEG on-line.

In 1953, Triumph developed its competitor to the sports cars coming out of the MG andJaguar factories, with the introduction of the TR2 at the Geneva Motor Show. After initialsuccess both in the UK domestic and overseas export markets, the TR3 was intended tobe a more than worthy successor, being a evolution rather than a revolution of the existingsuccessful formula.

The TR3 was introduced in October 1955, its difference being only minor from that of theprevious TR2. The 2.0 litre engine's power was raised 5 bhp to 95 bhp and later 100 bhpin mid-1956 through the use of a new cylinder head design. Improved braking came intoeffect in August 1956 with the introduction of Girling Disc brakes on the front axle. Themost obvious styling change was to the radiator grille, with an 'egg box' design adopted.

1957 saw the introduction of the revised TR3A, that featured new styling including a fullwidth radiator grille with incorporated sidelight and indicators, locking door and trunkhandles and a revised and improved interior.

Of the 13,377 TR3s produced, only 1,286 were sold in the UK.

Early TRs remain popular and collectable due to their charm, drivability, immense funfactor, ease of maintenance and motor sport pedigree (Mille Miglia amongst other events).

The Vehicle Offered - SDU 57 from the Late Jim Bettison collection

On offer is a wonderfully original example of a TR3 with notable history.

A factory right hand drive example, this vehicle was delivered new in the UK to theStandard Motor Company and used as a demonstrator vehicle, hence the desirable factory

options such as the hardtop, overdrive, occasion rear seat, leather interior and aeroscreens.

This vehicle is unrestored, however at some point before it arrived in Australia in 1988 itwas resprayed in its original factory hue of Salvador Blue. After arriving in Australia it wasfitted with a new engine. The original dismantled engine with original engine numberaccompanies the car. Probably at around the same time disc brakes were fitted to the frontand, as part of this upgrade, a new differential fitted. The original differential along withoriginal front steering knuckles, drum brakes and associated parts also accompany thecar.

The vehicle has been very well maintained and serviced throughout its life. It has recentlybeen brought up to top form, including extensive detailing and overhaul of the brake andclutch systems, by Gerard Miller of Marque Restorations (tel. +61 (0)8 8268 7303), winnerof Restorer Of The Year at Motorclassica 2014. Gerard is happy to provide hisindependent appraisal of the vehicle's condition.

This charismatic and road-ready TR3 would be an excellent contender in the preservationsection of any concours. It features original unmolested bodywork, is in exceptionalcondition and would be suitable for everyday use. The interior, top, chassis, suspension,engine, engine compartment and boot have been extremely well cared for.

Finished in Salvador Blue (a very rare and attractive hue only used on 55/56 models) thecar is fitted with steel wheels, period correct tyres, hardtop and side screens and desirableaero screens. Marque author Bill Piggott wrote about this vehicle in Triumph by Name,Triumph by Nature p. 157: “TR3 SDU 57 was issued with this number plate in Coventrywhere it was thought to be the press demonstrator vehicle.”

The vehicle comes with extensive documentation, including an original TR2 & TR3Instruction Book (2nd ed.) an original TR2 Service Instruction Manual IncorporatingSupplement for TR3 Model (3rd ed., sixth printing), an original extract from the StandardRegister, and the original Registration Book showing its full ownership history: 1955Standard Motor Co. Ltd; 1957 G.H. Hodgson of Rhyl; 1957 A.H.K Lane of Wells,Somerset; (indistinct year) David Shorton of Southampton; 1961 Peter Child ofSouthampton; 1963 Robert Woodley of Dibden Perlieu then Devon then Bundaberg,Queensland; and finally 2002 Jim Bettison of Adelaide.

Also offered with the vehicle are its original engine block (Engine No. 9847), original headand original differential housing, along with the internals from the original motor and alarge collection of new, reconditioned and other mechanical and ancillary parts includinghead gaskets and the original tonneau cover.

Bob Woodley brought the vehicle to Australia in 1988. It was displayed by the Late JimBettison at the 2004 Triumph Concours (medal included). Since that time it has beengaraged and seldom driven. A fantastic car for weekend drives, club events and shows,here is a fine example of one of the most iconic British roadsters.

Click on images to see full resolution JPEG on-line.

Click on images to see full resolution JPEG on-line.

Click on images to see full-resolution JPEG on-line.