- 1959
- 2 seats
- 120 hp
- Manual gearbox
Its story
The 1959 Triumph TR3 is the quintessential British roadster, celebrated for its sporty driving experience and timeless design. With its low silhouette, egg-crate grille, and cut-down doors, the TR3 exudes the charm of a classic sports car, evoking the golden age of open-top motoring.
Powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 120 horsepower, the TR3 delivers lively acceleration and captivating performance. Its lightweight body and precise handling make it a true player on winding roads, while its front disc brakes, rare for the time, ensure excellent stopping power.
This particular TR3 also boasts a rich rallying pedigree. It has taken part in many prestigious events such as the Rallye de Tours de l’Aisne, the Rallye Neige et Glace, the Rallye des Routes du Nord, and multiple editions of the Rallye d’Aumale, where it claimed a brilliant victory in 2019. These motorsport achievements highlight the model’s robustness and agility, proving its worth both on the road and in competition.
The minimalist interior reflects its sporting nature, with bucket seats, a retro dashboard, and a clear focus on driving pleasure. Optional weather equipment, such as removable side screens, offered only minimal protection from the elements, further enhancing the roadster’s purist spirit.
Beloved by enthusiasts, the Triumph TR3 remains a true icon of 1950s sports car design, combining performance, driving sensations, and a rallying legacy that enriches its legend.
- Ideal for
- Mountain passes
- Roadster purists
- Regularity rallies
Driving the Triumph TR3
You drive a TR3 with your hands and your ears. It has a four-speed manual, unassisted steering that lightens up once you are moving and a snug pedal box. You sit low, elbow resting on that famous cut-down door, and the 2-litre four pulls cleanly from low revs. It is not a lounge on wheels: there are no wind-up windows, just removable side screens, and the hood goes up by hand in a few minutes, so put it up before the clouds arrive rather than after. The boot is small, enough for two soft bags. Two seats, no more. This is a car for people who drive for the sake of it, who shift smoothly rather than forcefully and who would rather take the bends than the motorway.
Where to drive it
This TR3 has won rallies, so give it a rally road. From Nice, follow the Vésubie valley on the M2565 through Saint-Jean-la-Rivière and Lantosque, then climb via La Bollène-Vésubie to the Col de Turini, over 1,600 m up and a legendary Monte-Carlo Rally stage. Drop down towards Sospel on the D2566 and come home over the Col de Braus and L'Escarène. The loop is roughly 130 km, a relaxed full day with a picnic stop. Skip it in winter, when the pass is often under snow.
Classic car rental in Nice →Gallery
Availability
Greyed-out dates are already booked. Pick your dates, then send your request.
Triumph TR3: your questions
How much does it cost to rent the Triumph TR3?
The TR3 is 490 euros per day, 9 am to 8 pm, including insurance for two drivers and 150 km. The security deposit is 4,000 euros.
Can I drive with the hood up if it rains?
Yes, the hood is fitted by hand, but this is a 1950s roadster and the sides stay fairly open. If the forecast looks mixed, the team will walk you through fitting it at handover.
Is the TR3 a good choice for a regularity rally?
It is its natural habitat, since this particular car has a genuine rally record. For a company event or a rally among friends, Sunset Ride can prepare a bespoke roadbook.
Do I need to be comfortable with an old manual gearbox?
Yes. The gearbox likes deliberate shifts and a bit of anticipation. If you already drive a manual, a few kilometres are enough to find the rhythm.
