1957 Triumph TR-3

1957 TRIUMPH TR-3 “SMALL MOUTH” ROADSTER. #T18109L. (Stock #4232.)  Triumph TR-3sports cars were built by Standard-Triumph Motorcar Company in Coventry, England from 1955 through 1962, A capable successor to the Triumph TR-2, the TR-3 had more power and better brakes but kept basically the same utterly charming body. The 2-litre, 2-carburetor, 4-cylinder engine produced 100 horsepower and , with the optional 4-speed-with-overdrive transmission, had a top speed of 105 miles per hour. This, when incorporated with  the standard front disc brakes , independent front suspension and 15” wheels, made the TR-3 a favorite in international motorsport competition where there were many race victories around the world with competition at such serious events as Sebring and., most importantly, the Mille Miglia.  For vintage racing fans,  a car can be accepted to race in the  contemporary Mille Miglia  only if a production model had been built prior to December 31, 1957, and   completed in the original Mille Miglia race.  The early TR-3’s had the very cute and desirable “small mouth” design of the TR-2’s.  In late 1957, this front-end design was changed to accommodate a larger frill and presented a bit more modern look,.  Our car is one of the very late “small mouth” cars and is finished, as original, in creamy Olde English White with very nice black leather with body-matching white piping.  It was ordered with the optional 15” “knock-off” wire wheels and is fitted with the optional hard top and  overdrive  transmission. It was a very solid original car which underwent a professional body-off-chassis, physical, cosmetic and mechanical  restoration  by William Thomas Roadsters, Triumph specialists in Frenchtown, NJ. Completed @18 years ago, the car attests to the skill of the restorer since it remains in fabulous condition throughout. 68,825 miles. $38,000.