1960 Triumph TR3A

Engine & Performance

Engine: 2.1-liter inline-4, naturally aspirated, pushrod, approximately 100 horsepower and 117 lb-ft of torque

Transmission & Drivetrain: 4-speed manual transmission with optional overdrive, rear-wheel drive (RWD)

Performance: 0-60 mph in approximately 10.8 seconds, top speed around 110 mph, fuel economy roughly 20-25 mpg, curb weight approximately 2,075 lbs.

Exterior

Bright red exterior paint, roadster body style with a black tonneau/soft top cover, silver wire-style or Minilite-style alloy wheels, chrome front windshield frame, and classic British sports car curved rear fenders.

Interior Features

Spartan interior with black vinyl bucket seats, banjo-style steering wheel, central dashboard panel housing classic round Smiths analog gauges, minimal amenities, and a manual folding soft top.

Condition Assessment

Very Good. The paint appears glossy and well-maintained, body panels line up properly, and chrome brightwork looks clean with no obvious heavy rust or major damage visible.

Condition Issues: Minor typical age-related wear, potential small stone chips on the low-slung front end, and standard oil seepage common to vintage British inline-4 engines.

Estimated Mileage: Exempt/Unknown, but estimated between 45,000 and 75,000 miles based on restoration and weekend-only usage.

Historical Significance

The Triumph TR series defined post-war British sports car motoring in America, offering affordable, accessible performance, rugged durability in club racing, and iconic roadster styling that inspired a generation.

Notable Features

Wide-mouth front grille unique to the TR3A variant, cut-down driver-side door line, detachable side curtains instead of roll-up windows, and knock-off style wheels.

Production Numbers

Approximately 58,236 units of the TR3A variant were produced between 1957 and 1962, with the vast majority exported to the North American market.

Maintenance Recommendations

Regular carburetor tuning and synchronization (SU carbs), checking Lucas electrical components, regular fluid changes, chassis greasing at suspension points, and monitoring for coolant leaks.

Fun Facts

1. The TR3 was one of the first production cars to feature standard front disc brakes starting in 1956. 2. Due to the low cut doors, owners famously drove with their left arm resting casually on the body sill. 3. The TR3A competed successfully in grueling endurance rallies like the Alpine Rally and Liège-Rome-Liège. 4. It featured prominently in 1960s pop culture and beach-party films as the quintessential carefree convertible.

Identified on: 8/25/2026