Triumph TR3 4 Cylinder 1962
General description :
April 19, 1962 I was on spring break from the United States Naval Academy and looking forward to three events that would change my life forever. In no particular order, my parents promised me a car if and when I graduated. I had a choice between a used Austin-Healey and a new TR3. The second event was to graduate from USNA and enter flight training as soon as possible. The third event was to marry my first wife (she’s my only wife and hates when I say that) who I met on a blind date during my freshman (plebe) year. I picked up my red TR3 with red interior and white top in Miami on April 19, 1962. $2,203.30 tax, tag, and title. This started our journey. I drove non-stop, except for gas, following the engine break-in instructions: “Vary the speed constantly, do not exceed 50 mph”... except on random occasions when I could accelerate for brief periods, not to exceed 70 mph. I drove to Norfolk Virginia where my soon-to-be wife was living to show her “our car.” Then on the road again immediately to Annapolis where I would hide the car in a garage I rented until graduation. Midshipmen were not allowed to have cars until after graduation. Graduation was on the 6th of June and after the ceremony I drove to Norfolk to get married three days later. Immediately after our wedding my new bride and I started the drive to Pensacola, Florida, to start flight training. I have heard about this concept of a “honeymoon” all of my married life, but being the daughter of a Naval officer and Aviator, my wife somehow understood that all Navy pilots have an obsession about flying. Some call it having a screw loose between the ears. Next stop, jet training in Kingsville, Texas, and I was the first in my class to get my wings. But more importantly, my beautiful daughter was born as I was getting my wings of gold. From Kingsville we traveled to Jacksonville for fleet training and the bassinet fit nicely behind the seats. Next an operational A4 Skyhawk attack squadron with multiple cruises in the Mediterranean sea and Atlantic Ocean. But war clouds had formed in the Tonkin Gulf. A phone call conveyed orders to report to an attack squadron in Lemoore, California, that was getting ready for a combat tour aboard an aircraft carrier. Our happy bank piled into a Ford station wagon towing a red TR3 with daughter and new baby boy on the road once again. A very tough and costly cruise ended with many combat casualties and a devastating fire on the carrier. Again, message orders to my dream assignment to the Empire Test Pilot School in England. What better place to take the Triumph but home, even though the steering wheel was on the wrong side. After ETPS came Patuxent River, Maryland, the Navy’s aviation test center and lots of opportunity to fly some neat stuff. As our journey in the Navy progressed, I was honored to command a carrier-based attack squadron, and here a major change to our steed took place. Immediately after assuming command the maintenance chief came to see me and almost apologetically said, “Skipper, I know you love your car but red is the color of our sister squadron and we are the blue tails. If you buy the paint, our guys will paint your car on our off time in my garage.” And so as you can see from the photos I have attached, the Triumph is now blue. Now the dilemma. Our three kids are grown and we have beautiful grandchildren and a new great grandson. None of the kids are that interested in taking over the care and feeding of our Triumph. I’ve now turned 80 the Triumph needs to find a new home.
https://www.britishcarclassifieds.com/autos/triumph/tr3a/1962-triumph-tr3a-1375.html
1962 Triumph TR3 4 Cylinder is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Surrey by British Cars for $21900.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Triumph Model : TR3 Model Version : 4 Cylinder Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1962
Sold
Seller Information
Sold
People who viewed this Triumph TR3 also viewed similar Triumph listed at ClassicDigest
Triumph TR3
Prés Seigneurs
Triumph TR3
36950 €
Waalwijk
Triumph TR3
10800 €
Oldenzaal
Triumph TR3
44950 €
Aalter
Triumph TR3
7950 $
Astoria
Other cars listed for sale by this dealer
Triumph TR4
45000$
MG MGB
15900$
MG MGB GT
15900$
Triumph Spitfire
14900$
MG MGB
25900$
About Triumph
Triumph, a name synonymous with classic sports cars and innovative designs, has a rich and storied history in the automotive world.The Triumph story began in the late 19th century when the company originally produced bicycles and then expanded into motorcycles. However, it was in the 1920s that Triumph ventured into the production of automobiles. Over the years, Triumph became renowned for its high-quality vehicles that combined performance with style.
One of Triumph's most iconic models was the TR3, introduced in the late 1950s. It was a classic British sports car, loved for its simple yet elegant design and thrilling driving experience. The TR3 was a symbol of affordable sports car enjoyment, and it set the stage for a series of successful TR models, including the TR4, TR5, and TR6.
In addition to sports cars, Triumph made a name for itself with Michelotti-designed sedans. The Triumph Herald, introduced in the early 1960s, was a compact family car that boasted stylish design and solid engineering. Later on, the Triumph 2000 and 2500 sedans catered to a more upscale market and earned a reputation for their comfortable rides and elegant looks.
However, despite its successes, Triumph faced numerous challenges over the years, including financial difficulties and ownership changes. In the 1980s, British Leyland, the company that owned Triumph, underwent significant restructuring, and the Triumph brand was gradually phased out.
The demise of Triumph was indeed sad and, to some extent, disgraceful. The company that had produced beloved sports cars and well-regarded sedans was slowly fading away. In 1984, the last Triumph-badged car rolled off the production line, marking the end of an era.
Although the Triumph name disappeared, its legacy lives on. Enthusiasts and collectors continue to cherish classic Triumph sports cars like the TR3, TR6, and Spitfire, as well as the unique charm of Triumph sedans. Triumph remains a symbol of British automotive heritage and the enduring appeal of classic sports cars.
In conclusion, Triumph's history is a blend of classic sports car excellence and innovative sedan design. Its sad and disgraceful demise serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by many automakers over the years, but the spirit of Triumph lives on in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts around the world.