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The Cars of TRA

The focus of the Triumph Register of America is the early Triumph "TR" series, the 4 cylinder cars from 1953 through 1967 incompassing the TR models TR2, TR3, TR3A, TR3B, TR4, and TR4A.  These models are often associated with two groups:  The group of TR2-TR3B  is commonly known as the "side screen" cars due to the separate window panels that have to be manually installed. The group of TR4 and TR4A are often associated as "Michelotti" cars because of their design by Giovanni Michelotti

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Triumph TR2

The Triumph TR2, produced between 1953 and 1955, was the spark that ignited Triumph's legendary "TR" series. Built by the Standard Motor Company to compete with MG in the North American market, it was a rugged, no-nonsense roadster that famously offered "100 mph for under £1,000."

 

For collectors today, the TR2 is defined by a significant mid-production design change: the transition from the "Long Door" to the "Short Door" versions.​

​1. The "Long Door" TR2 (1953 – Autumn 1954)

The earliest TR2s are known as "Long Doors" because the doors extend all the way to the bottom of the bodywork, completely covering the sills.

  • Production: Approximately the first 4,000 units (up to Commission No. TS4001).

  • The Look: Sleek and uninterrupted side profile. Because the doors were so low, they lacked external handles; drivers simply reached inside to the pull-cord.

  • The Flaw: The "Long Door" had a notorious practical issue—the doors were so low that they would frequently strike the curb (kerb) when opened, making it difficult for passengers to exit without damaging the paint or getting stuck.

  • Collectibility: These are the most sought-after TR2s due to their rarity and "pure" original aesthetic. Early models also featured aluminum bonnets, boots, and spare tyre covers (for roughly the first 500 cars) before switching to steel.​

2. The "Short Door" TR2 (Autumn 1954 – 1955)

In October 1954, Triumph addressed the curb-clearance issue by shortening the doors and adding a permanent rocker panel (sill) beneath them.

  • Production: From Commission No. TS4002 until the end of TR2 production at TS8636.

  • The Look: The door ends several inches above the bottom of the car, exposing the body sill. This design became the standard for the subsequent TR3 and TR3A models.

  • The Benefit: Aside from saving the doors from sidewalk damage, the added sill increased the structural rigidity of the body, reducing the "scuttle shake" common in early roadsters.

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Key Technical Specifications

Despite the door change, the core mechanicals remained largely consistent:

Feature             Specification

Engine              1991cc Inline-4 (derived from the Standard Vanguard/Ferguson Tractor)

Power                 90 bhp @ 4800 rpm

Transmission       4-speed manual (Optional Laycock de Normanville Overdrive)

Top Speed           ~103–107 mph

Brakes                   9-inch Lockheed drums (10-inch on very late models)

Chassis                  Separate steel ladder-frame chassis​

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Visual Evolution & Rarity

Beyond the doors, you can spot a TR2 by its "Small Mouth" grille—a recessed egg-crate mesh set deep within the front nose. This was later replaced by the wide, flush-mounted "Wide Mouth" grille on the TR3.

While 8,636 TR2s were built, only a small fraction survive today. The "Long Door" remains the "holy grail" for purists, representing the raw, unrefined energy of Triumph's first successful post-war sports car.

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Original TR2 Color Palette (1953–1955)

In the 1950s, Triumph didn't use the digital codes we use today. Instead, cars were identified by descriptive names. For the earliest Long Door models, the selection was remarkably curated.

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The "Launch" Colors (Early 1953 – Early 1954)

If you see a very early TR2, it was likely one of these five colors:

  • Pearl White: A soft, creamy off-white (The first two TR2s ever built, TS1 and TS2, were this color).

  • Ice Blue: A pale, crystalline metallic blue.

  • Geranium: A vibrant, pinkish-orange red.

  • Olive Yellow: A muted, earthy yellow-green.

  • Black: The classic choice.

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Added for "Short Door" Era (1954–1955)

As production ramped up and transitioned to the short door design, Triumph introduced two of its most iconic shades:

  • Signal Red: A bright, true "fire engine" red.

  • British Racing Green (BRG): The quintessential deep green for any UK sports car.

  • Birch Grey: A sophisticated, mid-toned grey.

1955 TR3 background.JPG

Triumph TR3

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While all TR3s are iconic, the "Small Mouth" TR3—produced between October 1955 and the summer of 1957—holds a special place in the hearts of purists. It represents the purest aesthetic of the TR3 lineage, bridging the gap between the spartan TR2 and the more commercialized, wide-grilled TR3A.

Here is a closer look at what makes the "Small Mouth" a distinct chapter in British motoring history.

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The "Small Mouth" Aesthetic

The nickname comes from the car's distinctive front-end styling. Unlike its predecessor, the TR2, which had a recessed radiator with no decorative covering, the TR3 introduced a recessed aluminum egg-crate grille.

This grille was narrow and set deep within the front apron. Because it did not span the full width of the front end (unlike the later TR3A), it earned the "Small Mouth" moniker. This design gives the car a more aggressive, focused "face" that many collectors prefer over the later "wide grin" wide-mouth styling.​

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Mechanical Milestones

The Small Mouth era was a period of rapid engineering advancement for Triumph.

  • Front Disc Brakes: Perhaps the most significant update occurred in 1956 (starting with chassis number TS13046). The TR3 became the first mass-produced British car to feature front disc brakes as standard equipment. This was a revolutionary leap in safety and performance at the time.

  • Engine Upgrades: It carried a 1,991cc "wet-liner" inline-four engine. Thanks to larger SU H6 carburetors and improved cylinder head porting, the Small Mouth produced 95 to 100 bhp, a noticeable bump over the TR2’s 90 bhp.

  • Rugged Simplicity: The chassis remained a traditional box-section frame, and the rear suspension used a sturdy live axle with leaf springs. It was a setup designed for the rally stage as much as the open road.

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Identifying a True Small Mouth

If you are looking at a 1955–1957 model, these are the hallmark features of an original Small Mouth:

  • The Grille: Narrow, silver-finish matrix grille recessed inside the intake.

  • No External Door Handles: Like the TR2, the early TR3s required you to reach inside the cockpit to open the doors (unless the rare "GT Kit" with external handles was fitted).

  • Dzus Connectors: The windshield was typically attached with Dzus quick-release fasteners, allowing for easy removal for racing.

  • The Boot (Trunk): It lacked an external handle and was opened via a T-key, maintaining a smooth rear profile.

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Today, the Small Mouth is highly sought after because of its limited production run—only about 13,378 units were built compared to nearly 60,000 of the TR3A. Many owners argue that the Small Mouth is the "Goldilocks" of the range—it retains the delicate, vintage lines of the early 1950s but possesses the disc-braked stopping power needed to navigate modern traffic.

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The transition from drum brakes to disc brakes during the "Small Mouth" TR3 production run is one of the most significant serial changes in British automotive history. Because the TR3 was a "rolling update" model, identifying a factory-equipped disc brake car depends entirely on the Commission Number (chassis number).

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The "Magic Number": TS13046

The critical point of change occurred in September 1956.

  • TS1 through TS13045: These cars were factory-fitted with 10-inch Lockheed drum brakes on all four wheels. Roughly 4,408 "Small Mouth" models fall into this early category.

  • TS13046 and later: This chassis number marks the introduction of the Girling braking system, which featured 11-inch front disc brakes as standard. This also coincided with a shift to a Girling clutch slave cylinder and a change to tapered roller bearings in the rear hubs.

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Key Technical Changes at TS13046

When Triumph switched to discs, the changes weren't just at the wheels. If you are inspecting a car, look for these related "post-transition" markers:​​

Feature                  Pre-TS13046          

Brake Hardware    Lockheed Drums (Front & Rear) 

Rear Axle               Ball Bearing Hubs 

Clutch System       Lockheed Hydraulic

Feature                 Post-TS13046

Brake Hardware   Girling Discs (Front) / Drums (Rear)

Rear Axle               Tapered Roller Hubs

Clutch System       Girling Hydraulics

TR3 Color Palette 

While many colors overlap across the Triumph TR series, the "Small Mouth" TR3 (1955–1957) had a specific palette that transitioned from the spartan era of the TR2 into the more vibrant late-50s aesthetic.

 

Exterior Paint Colors: 1955–1957

These colors represent the factory-offered shades for the narrow-grille models.

Color Name (ICI Code)    Character

Signal Red (2859)                   The classic, bright racer red.

British Racing Green (2855)   A rich, deep green (slightly less blue than later shades).

Pearl White (2857/5710)         A warm, creamy white (more "antique" than pure white).

Powder Blue (8013)                A pale, soft blue that became a signature TR3 color.

Black (0122)                              High-gloss black, often paired with red or tan.

Birch Grey (2758)                   A mid-to-light grey that feels very "period correct."

Olive (3737)                            A muted, military-adjacent green (rare on later models).

Winchester Blue (2922)         A very dark, sophisticated navy.

Salvador Blue (5173)              A medium blue, often seen on early 1955–56 cars.

Beige  (2918)                           A sandy, neutral tan/beige.

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Note: Sunset Red (a coral-pink/red) and Apple Green were introduced very late in the Small Mouth run (1957) and are quite rare on narrow-grille cars.

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Interior Trim & The "Piping" Question

The Small Mouth era is particularly noted for introducing contrasting seat piping, a detail that was absent on the TR2 (which used self-colored piping) and became standardized on the TR3A.

  • Primary Trim Colors: Red (Matador), Midnight Blue, Black, Stone (Beige), and Silverstone Grey.

  • The Piping: For the Small Mouth era (specifically up to 1957), the contrasting piping was often a Cream or Off-White color rather than the stark "refrigerator white" seen on later TR3A restorations.

  • Dash Board: Unlike the TR3A's black crinkle-finish metal dash, the Small Mouth TR3 featured a material-covered dashboard (matching the interior trim color) which it inherited from the TR2 design.

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1958 TR3A front right.JPG

Triumph TR3A

The Triumph TR3A is the quintessential British roadster—a car that defines the "wind-in-the-hair" motoring era of the late 1950s. While never officially labeled the "3A" by the factory (it was technically a facelifted TR3), the model became so distinct that the name stuck among enthusiasts and collectors alike.

 

Produced between 1957 and 1962, the TR3A wasn't just a minor update; it was the version that turned the TR series into a global sales phenomenon, particularly in the United States.

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The  "Large Mouth" TR3

The most striking difference between the original TR3 and the TR3A is the front end.  While the early TR3 had a recessed, "small-mouth" radiator, the TR3A introduced a full-width, stamped-aluminum grille.

 

This wide, gleaming grill, was introduced to provide better cooling and reportably was a nod to the American market's styling preferences. This facelift also saw the headlights moved slightly further back into the wings and the addition of exterior door handles, making the car significantly more "civilized" than its predecessors.

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Key Visual Identifiers

Feature             TR3 (Original)    

Front Grille        Narrow, recessed "small mouth" 

Door Handles   None (reach inside to open)    

Boot (Trunk)       Key-operated lock only      

Headlights         Protruding forward    

Feature             TR3A (Facelift)

Front Grille         Wide, full-width "large mouth"

Door Handles    Exterior pull handles

Boot (Trunk)       External lockable handle

Headlights         lightly recessed into the body

​Under the Hood

Under the hood, the TR3A inherited the same mechanicals as the later TR3 small mouth.  It was powered by the 1,991cc inline-four engine producing approximately 100 BHP, which could propel the lightweight (approx. 2,100 lbs) car to a top speed of 105 mph.  It also inherited the front disc brakes from the late TR3 small mouth.  The combination of the engine and brakes offered a level of confidence that made it a favorite for rally drivers and weekend racers.​

Major Color Palette Differences

The transition to the TR3A saw several early TR3 colors retired and new, more "modern" 1960s shades introduced.

Feature       Triumph TR3 (1955–1957)

New Colors:   Sunset Red, Apple Green, Winchester Blue

Retired Colors:   Birch Grey, Olive Green

Wheels:   Usually painted body color

Piping:    Often matched the seat color (self-colored)

Nose Badge:     Red and Black (until Jan 1959)

Feature       Triumph TR3A (1957–1962)

New Colors:    Powder Blue, Sebring White, Primrose Yellow, Silverstone Grey

Retired Colors:  Colors like Beige and Apple Green were phased out early in TR3A production

Wheels:   Standard steel wheels were painted Silver

Piping:   Almost exclusively White or Cream contrasting piping

Nose Badge:    Changed to Blue and White in early 1959

The TR3A Color Palette (1957–1962)​

Below are the primary factory colors offered during the TR3A production run. Note that some colors overlapped with the late TR3, while others were exclusive to the later years.

Core Exterior Colors

  • Signal Red: The most iconic and popular color for the model.

  • British Racing Green (BRG): A staple, though the exact shade varied slightly by supplier (ICI or Pinchin Johnson).

  • Powder Blue: Introduced in May 1958; a very light, pastel blue that became a signature TR3A look.

  • Sebring White: Replaced the earlier "Pearl White" around 1958/59.

  • Primrose Yellow (Pale Yellow): Introduced in 1958, giving the car a bright, sunny appearance.

  • Black: A consistent option throughout the entire production run.

  • Silverstone Grey: A mid-tone grey that replaced the earlier Birch Grey.

Rare & Short-Lived Colors

  • Targa Purple: An extremely rare factory color.

  • Alpine Mauve: Offered briefly around 1959/60.

  • Monaco Blue: A darker, richer blue introduced later in the production cycle.

Interior & Trim Combinations

The TR3A interior featured a contrasting piping for the seats. While the TR3 might have had a Red interior with Red piping, the TR3A almost always used White piping to make the seats pop.

  • Standard Interior Trim Colors: Red, Black, Stone (Beige), Midnight Blue, and Geranium.

​Legacy

With over 58,000 units produced, the TR3A was the third best-selling model in the TR range. Today, it remains one of the most accessible entries into the world of vintage British sports cars. It's mechanical simplicity makes it a joy for "shade-tree" mechanics, and a robust club scene ensures that parts are still readily available.

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1962 Triumph TR3B - front_right.jpg

Triumph TR3B

The Final Roadster: The Story of the Triumph TR3B
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In the early 1960s, the automotive world was shifting. Triumph had just unveiled the TR4—a sophisticated, Michelotti-styled sports car with modern amenities like wind-up windows and a wider track. However, across the Atlantic, American dealers were nervous. They loved the rugged, "side-screen" charm and lower price point of the TR3A and feared the TR4 might be too civilized for their purist customers.

In response, Triumph created a "stop-gap" model exclusively for the North American market: the Triumph TR3B. Produced only in 1962, it became the ultimate evolution of the classic TR silhouette.

​​One Body, Two Personalities

Visually, a TR3B is virtually identical to the late-model TR3A.  It features the same wide grille, exterior door handles, and classic cut-down doors. However, under the skin, the TR3B was divided into tw distinct series based on their commission numbers:​

Feature         TR3B (TSF Series) 

Production     530 units

Engine            1991cc engine   

Gearbox         TR4 all-synchromesh

Feature         TR3B (TCF Series) 

Production     2,801 units

Engine            2138cc engine   

Gearbox         TR4 all-synchromesh

The TCF series is the holy grail for most collectors. It combined the lightweight, old-school roadster body with the more powerful 2.2-liter engine, bumping output to approximately 105 bhp, and the much-improved synchronized transmission of the newer TR4.​​  This gave the car a more muscular torque curve, making it more capable in modern traffic.

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TR4 left front.JPG

Triumph TR4

In the early 1960s, the Triumph Motor Company faced a dilemma: their "bug-eyed" TR3 was a mechanical gem, but its 1940s-style aesthetics were losing ground to sleeker rivals. The solution was the Triumph TR4, a car that successfully married rugged British engineering with sophisticated Italian flair.

Introduced in 1961, the TR4 became a bridge between the raw, primitive roadsters of the post-war era and the more refined grand tourers of the late 60s.

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Design: The Italian Connection

Triumph turned to legendary Italian stylist Giovanni Michelotti to reinvent their flagship sports car. Michelotti did away with the old "cut-down" doors and side curtains, replacing them with a full-width body and—for the first time in a TR—wind-up windows.

One of its most distinctive features was the optional "Surrey Top." Pre-dating the Porsche 911 Targa by five years, this was the world’s first production "Targa-style" roof. It featured a fixed glass rear window and a removable center panel (made of aluminum or steel), offering a weather-tight cabin without sacrificing the open-air experience.​

​​Technical Specifications

Underneath its stylish exterior, the TR4 was famously "over-built." Its engine was a evolution of the unit in the TR3  which had earned a reputation for being nearly bulletproof.

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Feature                 Specification                       

 Engine                 2,138 cc Inline-4 (Wet-liner)

Horsepower         100 bhp @ 4,600 rpm

Top Speed            110 mph

0–60 mph             10.9 seconds

Transmission          4-speed manual (Optional overdrive on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th​

 

Key Innovations

While the chassis remained a traditional ladder frame, several updates made the TR4 a much better driver’s car than its predecessors:

  • Rack-and-Pinion Steering: This replaced the vague recirculating-ball system, offering precise, modern feedback.

  • Full Synchromesh: Unlike many contemporary sports cars, all four forward gears were synchronized, making it much easier to drive in traffic.

  • Wider Track: Increasing the front and rear track widths by several inches improved cornering stability significantly.

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Legacy 

Even with its updates to the stylish Michelotti body, engine, and transmission the TR4 retains much of the TR3 under the hood.  Today, the TR4 is a favorite among collectors for its "Goldilocks" status: it has the classic 1960s look and enough modern amenities to be a comfortable weekend cruiser, yet it remains simple enough to maintain in a home garage.

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1965 TR4A rear-right.jpg

Triumph TR4A

The Evolution of Comfort: The Triumph TR4A

While the TR3B was a nostalgic "victory lap" for the old-school roadster, the Triumph TR4A (produced from 1965 to 1967) represented a bold step toward the modern era. It maintained the stunning Giovanni Michelotti design of the standard TR4 but introduced mechanical and aesthetic refinements that would define the Triumph brand for the next decade.​

​​The Big Shift: Independent Rear Suspension (IRS)

The headline feature of the TR4A was undoubtedly the introduction of Independent Rear Suspension. By replacing the traditional "live axle" (leaf springs) with a system of semi-trailing arms and coil springs, Triumph aimed to provide a more sophisticated, comfortable ride to compete with increasingly refined European rivals.

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However, this change was controversial at the time. Fearing that American purists would find the new suspension too "soft" or complex, Triumph offered a "Solid Axle" version of the TR4A specifically for the North American market.

  • TR4A IRS: Features a fixed differential and coil springs. About 75% of production followed this configuration.

  • TR4A Solid Axle: Retained the leaf-spring setup of the TR4 but used the updated TR4A chassis.

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Key Specifications & Mechanical Upgrades

The TR4A didn't just ride better; it was slightly punchier than its predecessor thanks to revised cylinder heads and manifolds.

Feature                Specification

Engine                2138cc Inline-4 (Standard wet-sleeve)

Horsepower      104 bhp @ 4,700 rpm

Torque                132 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm

Top Speed          Approx. 110 mph

Transmission       4-speed manual (Optional overdrive on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th)

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The car also benefitted from a wider track and a move to negative earth electronics, making it more compatible with modern electrical accessories.

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TR4 vs TR4A Visual Distinctions

If you are looking at a TR4 and a TR4A side-by-side, look for these "tells":

  • The Chrome Side Strip: The TR4A features a long chrome trim line that starts at the rear of the door and terminates at the front wing with integrated indicator/marker lights.

  • The Grille: The TR4A grille lacks the vertical slats found on the original TR4.

  • The Badge: If it has IRS, it will proudly wear an "IRS" badge on the rear deck lid.

  • The Interior: The TR4A replaced the painted metal dashboard of the TR4 with a luxurious wood veneer (plank) finish and moved the handbrake from the floor to the top of the transmission tunnel.

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Legacy

The TR4A was a massive success, with 28,465 units produced over its short three-year run. It proved that a rugged British sports car could also be comfortable. It also served as the perfect bridge to the 6-cylinder TR5 and TR6, which would use the TR4A's chassis and suspension design almost entirely unchanged.

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