The Triumph TR-3 is a sports car produced between 1955 and 1962 by Standard-Triumph in England. The facelifted variant, popularly but unofficially known as the TR-3A, entered production in 1957 and the final version, unofficially the TR-3B, was produced in 1962.
Although the car was usually supplied as an open two-seater, an occasional rear seat and bolt-on steel hard top were available as extras. The car was powered by a 1990 cc straight-4 OHV engine initially producing 95 HP, an increase of 5 HP over the TR-2 thanks to the larger SU-H6 carburettors fitted. This was later increased to 100 HP 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 dashboard. In 1956 the front brakes were changed from drums to discs, the TR-3 thus becoming the first British series production car to be so fitted.
In 1957 the TR-3 was updated with various changes including a full width radiator grille and this facelifted model was commonly referred to as the Triumph "TR-3A". However the cars were not badged as such and the "TR-3A" name was not used officially, as is evident from contemporary sales brochures. The "TR-3A" was built between 1957 and 1962.
The "Triumph TR-3B" is an unofficial name given to the final version of the TR-3, which was produced in 1962. It was offered concurrent with the TR-4, which started production in 1961. The "TR-3B" was a special short-production run in response to dealer concerns that the buying public might not welcome the TR-4.
