Distinctive Features

The car was powered by a 1991 cc straight-4 OHV engine initially producing 95 BHP, an increase of 5 HP over the TR2 thanks to the larger SU-H6 carburetors fitted. This was later increased to 100 BHP at 5000 rpm by the addition of a "high port" cylinder head and enlarged manifold. The four-speed manual gearbox could be supplemented by an overdrive unit on the top three ratios, electrically operated and controlled by a switch on the dash. In 1956 the front brakes were changed from drums to discs, the TR3 thus becoming the first British series production car to be so fitted.

TR3A

In 1957 the TR3 was updated with various changes including a full width radiator grille and this facelifted model was commonly referred to as the Triumph "TR3A". However the cars were not badged as such and the "TR3A" name was not used officially. The "TR3A" was built between 1957 and 1962.

The "TR3A" was a minor update from the TR3. The updates included the new wide front grill, exterior door handles, lockable boot handle and came with a full tool kit as standard (this was an option on the TR3).

TR3B

The "Triumph TR3B" is an unofficial name given nowadays to the final version of the TR3, which was produced in 1962. It was offered concurrent with the TR4, which started production in 1961. The "TR3B" was a special short-production run in response to dealer concerns that the buying public might not welcome the TR4.

It had the body of the later "TR3A". Two series were produced, one with a commission number preceded by TSF of which 530 were produced and one with commission numbers preceded by TCF of which 2804 were produced. Both series were partly produced in parallel. The TSF series were identical to the last run of TR3As, so with 2 liter engine but with the TR4 all-synchromesh gear box.