1959 Triumph TR3A

History

Triumph Motor Cars evolved out of a bicycle shop in London, England, manufacturing their first car in 1923. The Triumph name first appeared in 1930, about when it became obvious to the company that competing with larger motor companies was going to be impossible. As such, they moved upmarket and began building more expensive cars, vehicles that were well engineered and designed, vehicles with a sweet spot for luxurious appointments and aesthetics, and not meant for the mass market. Donald Healey became their experimental manager in 1934, helping the company design and build their own engines, but the company continued to struggle. By 1939, the company went into receivership and was sold off piece by piece. In 1944, the Triumph name was bought by the Standard Motor Company and Triumph Motor Company was established in 1945. The new call of the day would be to compete with the likes of Morgan, Jaguar, and Alfa Romeo, but would begin by selling regular cars for more pedestrian use. This would help finance the more sporting side of the company, and help the company grow.  Soon, the Triumph name would be used to market sportscars and the Standard name would be used for family vehicles, allowing each to have a distinct identity.

The Triumph Roadster was one of the earliest Post War Triumphs, featuring a traditional design with a lovely interior and a spirited driving nature. When an effort to buy Morgan failed, John Black launched into high gear to produce a true sportscar that could be competitive to Morgan, Jaguar, and Alfa Romeo. The 20TS was brought about and quickly dismissed in favor of the TR2, a much more sporting car that would ultimately be the father of all subsequent Triumph sportscars. While the TR2 initiated the movement, the TR3 put the company on the map with racers and young people alike.

This 1959 TR3 hails from Portland, Oregon and has been with the seller for 30 years.  Having covered 82,000 miles from new, 1,500 of which were applied by the seller.  Complete with an excellent service history, the car is said to be very original except for the engine, and a new rack and pinion steering system. Repainted 20 years ago, the two-tone blue and white coloring is eye catching and seldom seen on a TR of any vintage.