Old Cars Weekly – 22 August 2019

A small number of Triumphs were
sold in the United States from 1948-
1952, including a delightful small sedan
called the Mayfl ower, which we’ll cover
in a future column. Then for 1954, the
company’s U.S. distributor, Fergus Mo-
tors in New York City, began deliveries
of Triumph’s all-new TR2 sports car and
sales rapidly began to climb. The TR2
boasted lovely low body lines including
sharply cut-down doors that gave occu-
pants of the car the feeling of being in a
fi ghter plane. Talk about an “open” car;
passengers were so close to the road that
they could touch the ground merely by
reaching out with their hand. The long
hood and short rear deck, large wheel
openings and swoopy body sides all
combined to make the TR2 particularly
lovely. An improved TR3 for 1956 con-
tinued that sales growth. (I should note
here that in sales brochures, Triumph
spelled it out as T.R.3.).
Then came the TR3A for 1958. Styl-
ing was updated with a full-width grille
with inset turn signal lamps, replacing
the “small mouth” grille and separate
turn lamps of prior models. The protrud-
ing headlamps of TR2/TR3 were consid-
erably toned down, resulting in a more
integrated look that I fi nd especially
attractive. The TR3A rode the same 88-
inch wheelbase as prior generations and
overall length of 151 inches remained

the same as well.

The TR3A’s 1991cc four-cylinder

engine now produced an even 100 hp

with 117 lbs.-ft. of torque. With three

main bearings, solid valve lifters and

twin SU carburetors, this sturdy little

churner reached its peak horsepower at

5000 rpm and could propel the 2,016-

lb. roadster from 0-60 mph in about 12.5

seconds. A top speed of just over 100

mph put many six-cylinder American

cars to shame.

Suspension was via unequal-length

A arms and coil springs up front with

semi-elliptic springs and a rigid axle in

the rear. A modern brake system was

featured with front discs and rear drums

at a time when most cars still used drum

brakes at all four wheels. Body/chassis

construction was quite conventional: a

steel body bolted to a steel frame.

A four-speed transmission (with

non-synchro fi rst gear) was standard

equipment, and overdrive was a popu-

lar option. Disc wheels were standard

equipment with chrome wire wheels

available for about $200 extra. Other op-

tions included heater, radio, rear fender

skirts and fi tted suitcase for the trunk.

Two body styles were listed: a roadster

and a two-door hardtop coupe, though

the latter is rarely seen. Factory prices

were $2,675 for the open car, $2,835 for

the coupe.

http://www.oldcarsweekly.com August22, 2019 ❘ 59

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