- 1959 triumph tr3a length driver#
- 1959 triumph tr3a length manual#
- 1959 triumph tr3a length tv#
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In 1957, Triumph introduced the TR3 line.
1959 triumph tr3a length manual#
But for the purposes of picking the CCFS preferred vehicle - we would have to determine that the MGA makes more sense.Red with black interior Engine: four cylinder inline, overhead valve, 1,991cc giving c110bhp at 5,000rpm Gearbox: 4-speed manual with electric overdrive Suspension: front - unequal length A-arms and coil springs, rear - rigid axle equipped with semi-elliptic leaf springs Brakes: disc front with drum rears. As far as spirit is concerned, however, the Triumph feels enlivened with extra dollops of soul. However, the MGA is far better for trips of any length and handles in a manner more composed to suit the gentleman behind the wheel. As far as looks go, the MGA takes the trophy - but taking power into account the TR3 looks to steal the limelight in true style. The TR3 is unlikely to leave you sore in the back department but it may well grind you down on less than smooth tarmac.Īn overall tough choice to make, although there are huge differences between them, it’s almost impossible not to fall head-over-heels for both.
For this round it’s almost stalemate - with similar boot space and mechanical simplicity - but the MGA pips the battle for comfort with a cabin more accommodating to longer journeys. They won’t be overly thirsty on the old petrol either, averaging between 25 and 28 mpg - so long as you add lead additive when required. They aren’t going to be the most economical and chances are you may very well face the elements more than you would care to, but parts and advice are easy to source. Clubs exist for both cars and will take you under their wing to ensure you and your cars are taken care of. If you were feeling brave, you could use either the Triumph TR3 or the MGA as an everyday vehicle. The MGA suffers less from this, and therefore is the choice for any long distance journey from the two. The TR3 grieves from a fair amount of scuttle shake, but it’s to be expected, as its design is older than most houses. Thanks to the MG’s set up and balance, this can be offset with balancing the throttle - leaving you with a huge grin into the bargain. The steering is direct and the front end will always point where you want it to go, but take a corner too broadly and you could be in trouble. The MGA is also huge fun to play about with but is slightly different in its approach. The Triumph suffers slightly with a tendency to slide about on uneven surfaces, but confidence is quickly gained to counteract any lairiness from the live rear axle. Technology has pushed on dramatically since these cars were launched, but it doesn’t take long to customise yourself to the characteristics of each.
Both being so narrow, the handling is light and bouncy but ultimately good fun. Long, winding country roads were firmly in mind when tailoring both these open-top beauties, and this is exactly where they feel most at home. This allows the ever-eager Triumph to still cut it in modern traffic.
Peak power could be found low down in the rev range, the TR3 beating the MGA to 60mph by nearly three seconds and top out at 4mph faster. Thanks to proven indestructibility on the farmyard, the engine was slightly downsized and fitted with twin carburettors. The Triumph holds even humbler origins than the MG, with engine underpinnings that date back to the mid 1940s - the original power unit propelling a tractor.
1959 triumph tr3a length tv#
It’s why Cathy Gale had one during her TV stint on The Avengers. It might sound lacklustre, but back in 1961 very few cars could outrun the little MGA.
1959 triumph tr3a length crack#
Even early ones could just about crack 100mph, with a standstill to 60mph dash in 15 seconds. Early MKIs seem lethargic by today’s standard, offering a lowly 72bhp.
1959 triumph tr3a length driver#
By the time MG tweaked the A into a road-going rocket, a top speed of 115 mph was achievable thanks to 108bhp – also propelling the car and driver from naught to 60mph in 9 seconds. B-Series engines can feel unsporting with the MGA, while fragile Twin Cams can often prove to be tricky customers, but that doesn’t stop them proving their worth.