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1961 Triumph TR3A Roadster 4-Speed Manual with Overdrive, Restored, Modified – Inspected

Here is a 1961 Triumph TR3A Roadster 4-Speed Manual with factory-installed Overdrive which has been modified for ease of use. Perhaps most notably, during its restoration in the 1990s, it was fitted with TR4 pistons and sleeves, resulting in a displacement increase from 1991 cc to 2138 cc and an increase in power. Overdrive is another important performance consideration; it is good for a decrease of approximately 700 RPM at highway cruising speeds in fourth gear and is demonstrated in a couple of our driving videos on this listing. In addition to the mechanical restoration in the ‘90s, a cosmetic and further mechanical restoration was completed in 2010 which has stood the test of time presumably attributable to careful custodianship and relatively low mileage driven. The paint is a Honda Polar White epoxy and it is presented over a red interior with white piping in place on the seats. The owner of this car opted for a mobile pre-purchase inspection and the excellent results are posted here as well as in the gallery.

This TR3A can be said to have been improved to be better than new with an eye focused on authenticity, with the modified engine and other upgrades loyal to the Triumph marque and British motoring generally. Equipment includes a black soft top; black side curtains with clear plexiglass, fabricated with the 2010 refurbishment, and with custom vinyl envelopes also in excellent condition; twin SU carburetors; front disc brakes with improved rear drums; 15” wheels with period Triumph covers; black parade boot; and an upgraded steering wheel with wood accents. Newer windshield wind wings are in place to control fresh air into the cabin. As set out in a letter from British Auto Restoration included in the gallery, the 2010 work beyond cosmetics focused on an electrical system rebuild – switching from positive to negative ground and replacing the Lucas generator with a modern alternator. Brake and clutch systems were rebuilt and upgraded. As well, a rack and pinion steering system was installed and suspension was also rebuilt.

Paint was applied under former ownership. Given its fine condition, the respray is believed to have occurred with the 2010 refurbishment. There are small bubbles in the paint on the driver’s side fender, displayed in our gallery. Other exterior features include dual fender-mounted mirrors, chrome front bumpers, chrome bumperettes in the rear, chrome trim, the side curtains and black soft top with removable separate frame.

The steel wheels are capped by period Triumph chromed covers. Tires mounted before current ownership are Michelin XZX and sized 165/15, please see inspector’s report for comments on condition. There is a matching spare in the dedicated stowage area under the trunk, demonstrated with photos in the gallery. Brake fluid was changed in Spring 2024 and the function of front discs/rear drums are demonstrated in some of our driving videos.

Bucket seats with low backs are finished in red with contrasting white piping and true to the original look. Matching carpet and dashboard provide a sharp and consistent look. Centrally mounted instrumentation appears on a black panel within while the cabin rear-view mirror is mounted on the crack-free dash. The functional glove box is below a passenger grab handle. An interior upgrade has been carried out in the form of three-point harnesses for both driver and passenger; at their feet are matching red floor mats and we have photos of them peeled back to show a clean floor beneath, a floor plan having been installed as part of refurbishment work.

The three-spoke upgraded steering wheel fronts instrumentation by Jaeger. The tachometer to the left of the steering column tops out at 6000 RPM and to its right is a 120 MPH speedometer with an incorporated odometer showing under 47,000 miles as well as a trip odometer. Centre-mounted gauges show readings for fuel, oil pressure, coolant temperature and voltage. There are knobs whose labels remain visible for starter, choke, wipers panel lighting and exterior lights. A dash-mounted knob is in place on the dash top to control fresh air. The owner has added approximately 1,500 miles in his four years of ownership, total mileage is unknown (TMU).

The original 1991 cc inline-four engine’s displacement has been increased to 2138 cc through installation of TR4 sleeves and pistons. This work was performed in the 1990s and documentation is included in the photo gallery. Please review our start-up/idle/exhaust and driving videos to see and hear this powerplant, which has been upgraded to safely use unleaded gasoline without additives. There is a four-speed manual transmission factory-equipped with overdrive also demonstrated in our videos getting power to the rear wheels. Other performance improvements have modernized the driving experience with a nod to yesteryear: rack and pinion steering, upgraded rear drum brake system, high torque starter, alternator with negative ground, Pertronix ignition, electric fan which can be heard operating in our Car Review video and an electric fuel pump. The owner reports the same minor play in the differential the car had when he bought it, believes it needs adjustment and notes that among the extensive parts included is a new-old-stock Differential Ring Gear and Pinion Gear.

In spring of 2024 the following maintenance procedures were performed: Oil and Filter Change; Greasing of all fittings; Check of all Fluid Levels; Change of Brake Fluid. In 2023, the clutch master cylinder was replaced as was the factory overdrive electrical wiring. A large amount of Triumph new and used parts is included – too numerous to photograph, our photographer resorted to shooting a video – being that they were organized during his visit; as well, a listing appears in our gallery. Not just the small stuff – Differential Ring Gear and Pinion and a complete Spare Factory Overdrive Transmission are included. We also recommend you review the extensive original Triumph and aftermarket literature as well as service documentation included in the photo gallery. The owner recently suspected wear in second gear synchros but believes he has solved it by having carefully bled the clutch.

This 1961 Triumph TR3A Roadster 4-Speed Manual with Factory Overdrive, Modified is available with two sets of keys, two car covers, extensive parts listed in the gallery and shown in a video, extensive Triumph literature and service history from the Triumph enthusiast owner in Beeton, On.

More videos and Photo Gallery appear below the bidding section. 

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