By body & engine # it appears to be a true small mouth TR3 (1957) that
has been doctored over the years. Doors are from a 3A. The aeroscreen
holes coulld have been covered up in prep for a paint job. The TS #
should be TS16321LO if it originally had O/D so it may have been added
after the fact. I don't have my Piggott book here, but it may have been
a TR3 GT (Gran Tourer) which did have handles, etc.
If you really want a definitive answer you'll need to get the build
record for the car. You didn't say if you could make out what the
smaller ID plates had on them. You might be able to do a charcoal
rubbing to pick up the engraving.
But anyway, my opinion is that it is a TR3 and not a TR3A.
Hope it helps.
Later,
Carl F. Musson (musson@arts.usf.edu)
'58 TR3A TS25264L www.arts.usf.edu/~musson/triumph/
Tampa, Florida (USA)
-----Original Message-----
From: Nigel West, Physiology [SMTP:west@skyway.usask.ca]
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 1997 3:09 PM
To: 'triumphs@autox.team.net'
Subject: TR3A?
I purchased a small mouth TR3 last year. The car is a
runner with all panels intact. However, I am beginning to have my doubts
as to whether it is a small mouth and would be interested in some input
from those who know! Points making me wonder are as follows:
1. Commission plate is large, square TS16321L, but was over two
small coloured rectangles that were obviously covered when the car was
resprayed at some time. Therefore, I suspect it originally had a small
plate. The car is overdrive - I don't know if this would be mentioned on
the plate. Engine number, TS-18687E seems to tally with commission
number - at least according to the books I've read.
2. Car has a five light back valance panel.
3. There are is no sign of bolt mountings for aeroscreens.
4. Front disks have dirt shields.
5. Doors look to be originals and have handles.
6. Late type mirror
7. Chrome rocker cover
8. Boot lid has handle - looks original lid judging by paint.
9. There are bolts holding the windscreen posts to body not Dzus
fasteners - everything looks original panel-wise.
10. Has TR3A type bumper irons.
11. Centre fuel line out of tank, not on the RHS.
In forty years a lot can, and obviously did, happen - but am I
correct in thinking that #3 above is proof that it is a TR3A? The
vendor is convinced it is a small mouth - possibly with the GT option.
The car is in good restorable condition but, being a scientist and
therefore anal to the n'th degree I want to get as close to original.
Comments ?
Nigel West,
Professor, Physiology,
University of Saskatchewan.
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