TRIUMPH SPORTS TR3A, WHERE PAST & PRESENT MEETS PASSION
Raymond van Donk
The Netherlands: by the Author, January 2011
20 x 25 cm and 76 full colour pages

Raymond van Donk’s, TRIUMPH SPORTS TR3A, WHERE PAST & PRESENT MEETS PASSION, is not your average book about Triumph motorcars. In fact this work is more of a guided tour journal than book, complete with detailed photographs (I counted 108), of the author’s meticulous restoration of his powder blue 1959 Triumph, TR3A sports car. But the tour offers a lot more, including insight into one person’s deep interest in all things relating to these sports cars and this period of motoring history. The book is also sprinkled with some TR history and memorabilia that recalls the author’s childhood playthings. From these alone the reader can see how such a passion was born, developed and fulfilled with the completion of this restoration project.

Raymond has divided his book into convenient sections, The Past, The Present and The Passion. Each section is illustrated with top notch, high resolution photographs with accurate captions.



The Past covers the discovery of the original car, truly a diamond in the rough, in Zuid-Holland.




The Present provides a pictorial summary of the vehicle details encompassing
1. Bodywork & weather equipment
2. Engine & technical
3. Interior trim


The Passion (my personal favourite) contains a summary of:
1. Optional Equipment and Accessories
2. Automobilia
3. The Globe Garage
4. Final Detailing & Competition

The options and accessories detail is one of the best this writer has seen in a very long time. In fact there are a few items presented here, like the continental touring kit and fitted luggage which are so rare they have become things of legend only! The author has also included dozens of photographs of his collection of automobilia. The variety and condition of these treasures suggests a trained eye and knowledge of the hobby. Much of the collection may be found in the “Globe Garage”, which appears more like a museum than a place to keep the family sedan out of the weather. In Final Detailing & Competition the Side screen Triumph enthusiast can see how all of the particulars come together when this classic sports car is presented in concourse events, receiving well deserved recognition for all that time and work spent.

In conclusion, I enjoyed reviewing TRIUMPH SPORTS TR3A, WHERE PAST & PRESENT MEETS PASSION. As I mentioned in the beginning of this review, this is not your average book about Triumph sports cars. It is not a restoration guide, nor is it particularly technical. It is a detailed photographic account of the author’s, one of a kind TR3A and his fine collection of automobilia.

I would recommend this to all Triumph enthusiasts and lovers of vintage British cars, young and old.

Frank J Angelini, PE
Downingtown, PA USA
December 2010

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