40-Year Storage: 1959 Triumph TR3

This 1959 Triumph TR3 proves that there are still wonderful classics hidden in barns and sheds, waiting for liberation and a chance to return to our roads. It spent forty years in storage, recently emerging into the light of day. The seller coaxed its engine back to life, confirming that it runs and drives. It needs work to become roadworthy, but the TR3 is worth more than a passing glance. The seller has listed this gem here on eBay in Demotte, Indiana. Bidding sits below the reserve at $2,550, with time remaining for interested parties to stake their claim.

Triumph released the TR3 in 1955 as its successor to the TR2. Although the styling wasn’t radically different from its predecessor, various mechanical improvements guaranteed its success at a time when North American buyers were keen to get their hands on classic British sports cars. An updated version, unofficially referred to as the TR3A, rolled off the Coventry line in 1957 and remained on sale until 1962. This TR3 emerged in 1959, and there is something inherently “right” about finding these cars wearing British Racing Green. The seller confirms that it received a repaint before entering storage four decades ago. The paint exhibits deterioration, meaning it is set for a repeat performance. The storage environment must have been favorable, as rust is confined to a specific area in the trunk pan. Otherwise, this TR3 is rock-solid. The top is torn. However, the side curtains are intact. Some trim pieces may require restoration, but the glass is clear.

One aspect of this TR3 requiring TLC is its interior. It retains its iconic banjo-style wheel, along with the correct gauges and switches. However, the upholstered surfaces have succumbed to age, meaning a retrim is on the cards. It isn’t the end of the world, because kits are readily available and very affordable. Companies like Moss Motors stock everything required, although some enthusiasts prefer to shop around to see what is available to suit their budget and standards. Whatever the path chosen, retrimming this interior is a satisfying task that will reward the new owner if they are hands-on.

The engineering employed by companies like Triumph when producing sports cars was elegantly simple. These cars are hand-built. That means that almost everything was bolted together by humans. Therefore, the same process can be employed when dismantling a TR3 for restoration. The company dipped into the Parts Bin for many mechanical components, sourcing the 1,991cc four-cylinder engine from Standard. By upgrading the cylinder head and manifold, and bolting on a pair of SU H-6 carburetors, Triumph squeezed a healthy 100hp from this motor. The four sends its power to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, although an overdrive was available that gave the TR3 “longer legs” on the open road. The seller confirms that after its extended slumber, they have coaxed this Triumph back to life. It runs and drives, but needs brake and hydraulic work to become genuinely roadworthy.

Although never considered a standalone model in its own right, the “TR3A” was the third most successful vehicle to wear Triumph’s iconic TR badge. The TR6 and TR7 outsold it, but its achievement is noteworthy given how much more powerful and refined the various TR4 and TR5 models were. This little Triumph has spent decades hibernating and deserves to find its rightful place on our roads. These classics make fantastic project candidates because the company employed elegantly simple design and engineering techniques during development and construction. If that sounds appealing, perhaps you should consider submitting a bid. This TR3 would seem worth the effort.