1957 Triumph TR3 Fitted out to rally specification by Hero ERA

Lot details Registration No: UOC 784 Chassis No: TS/13498 MOT: Exempt Previously owned by Hero ERA as an 'arrive and drive' car Finished in British Racing Green over a Red Interior Original UK Right Hand Drive Specification Fitted with a number of modifications for rallying including a tuned engine and rally trip meter Lacking a sportscar capable of competing with those of rivals MG and Jaguar, Standard-Triumph engaged in a hurried design and development programme that bore fruit in March 1953 with the display at the Geneva Motor Show of the prototype TR2. A couple of months later, the newcomer emphatically established its performance credentials when an overdrive-equipped prototype in touring trim ran at 114.9mph on the Jabbeke motorway in Belgium. Simply constructed, practical to own and offering 100mph-plus performance at a bargain price, the TR2 was an enormous success both at home and abroad, so it was only to be expected that its successor, the TR3, would represent evolution rather than revolution. Introduced in October 1955, the TR3 was indeed a little different from the preceding TR2. Changes to the Standard Vanguard-derived 2-litre engine boosted power from 90 to 95bhp, but the most obvious difference was the adoption of an ‘egg box’ radiator grille. The engine developed 100bhp courtesy of a new cylinder head by mid-1956; then in August, Girling front disc brakes and the stronger Phase III Vanguard rear axle were standardised. According to the British Motor Industry Heritage Certificate on file, 'UOC 784' is an original UK market, right-hand drive example that was originally supplied in British Racing Green on the 4th October 1956. Little is known of the early history of the car, however it is understood that a Mr Walsh of Finchley, London owned the car from around 1968 to the 1990s thanks to a copy of an original log book and a number of servicing receipts. Another two gentlemen acquired the car during the 1990s and embarked upon much mechanical and cosmetic rectification which was completed in the early 2000s for which there are a huge number of bills on file to demonstrate this. In 2018, the road-rallying organisers Hero Events purchased the car for their collection and had the car maintained by Maulden Garage Ltd, including upgrading the car mechanically plus the fitment of a rally trip meter. Having only completed 3,000 miles with Hero Events, the car was sold on via Hangar 136 to the current keeper in early 2023 who has used the car lightly for TR club events locally. Upon inspection, the sporty looking TR3 fired up easily and a throaty exhaust note was evident thanks to the rally spec. The vendor advises that mechanically the car is 'very good' with the only fault appearing to be a slightly spongey clutch master cylinder. He has also advised that cosmetically the car still presents as 'very good' with only minimal marks / chips due to age and use. Presenting the perfect opportunity for a prospective owner to use the car for historic rallying events, 'UOC 784' should surely be at the top of the list with its sympathetic upgrades and great provenance. For more information, please contact: Lucas Gomersall lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk 07484 082430