This 1960 Triumph TR3A is one of those original survivors that occasionally come along, and it is hard to determine its strongest attribute. This is a one-owner classic with 50,000 miles on the clock. It is original and unrestored, and its condition is striking. The owner has decided to part with the TR3A, so he has listed it for sale here on Craigslist. It is located in La Habra, California, and it can be yours for $34,995. I have to say thank you to Barn Finder rex m for spotting this fantastic classic for us.
The Signal Red Triumph is in stunning condition for an original survivor. Its original factory paint shines beautifully, while its panels are laser straight. There is little that can be criticized about its exterior appearance and condition. The Black soft-top is immaculate, but its windows have become cloudy after 61-years. There are companies that could replace the windows, which means that the buyer would be able to retain the original top. The wire wheels show no evidence of deterioration, while the same is true of the remaining exterior trim. Rust is always the issue that presents the most significant challenge with these British classics, but this one offers no problems. The panels are spotless, while this photo of the vehicle’s underside reveals floors and a frame that are perfect. If this is as original as the owner suggests, then this is pretty amazing.
There had to be a weak point somewhere on the Triumph, and the leather upholstery on the driver’s seat is it. This is showing some significant deterioration, and I think that it is probably beyond salvation. That is a shame because the rest of the interior is spotlessly clean. I did some searching around and have found replacement covers in the correct material and color. The sticking point is that suppliers only seem to sell them in pairs. These will hurt the wallet a bit because they are generally selling for around $870 per pair. However, with that issue addressed, the interior would look nearly perfect. There are no issues with the rest of the upholstery or with the dash. The carpet is faded a bit on the top of the transmission tunnel, but there’s no appreciable wear. If it is a distraction for the buyer, they could potentially dye it. It would seem a shame to replace the carpet due to that single problem.
The two photos of the engine bay that the owner supplies are frustrating because they don’t tell us a huge amount. This one is the better of the pair, and it shows that the Triumph’s 1,991cc 4-cylinder engine still wears its original carburetors. Hooked to the back of the little four is a 4-speed manual transmission with the optional overdrive unit. With 100hp on tap, the TR3A was a spritely performer for a British sports car from this era. It could cover the ¼ mile in 18 seconds before winding its way to 109mph. This little Triumph is in mechanically excellent condition, without a hint of a problem. The owner claims that it has a genuine 50,000 miles showing on its odometer, and given its history, there’s every chance that he holds evidence that will confirm this. He describes the TR3 as an excellent driver, and if appearances count for anything, it’s a claim that I find easy to believe.
For the 1960 model year, Triumph produced 17,720 examples of the TR3A. Most of those cars found their way to the US, but it isn’t clear how many survive. This one is astounding, and apart from the seat cover and the soft-top windows, its presentation and overall condition are close to perfect. However, with those minor issues addressed, the buyer could drive this classic with their head held high. My only worry with this car is the asking price. It is pushing up towards the top-end of what people are willing to pay in the present market. You will get the occasional pearl that will sell for beyond $42,000, but those are a rarity. With the problems fixed on this one, it has the potential to threaten that sort of figure. To achieve that though, it will need the right buyer to come along. That makes me wonder whether that buyer is amongst our readers.
I often joke about classic British cars, but this one is indeed a peach. Would love to wheel it around the hills in my area on a sunny day. GLWTS
as a Triumph owner myself (TR4) I have to say that if the panels are all laser straight…this can’t be authentic….they didn’t come out of the factory that well fitted !! ( just kidding)
but seriously….I could see this selling for the asking price or pretty close… yes, you can but driver-quality TR3 for a lot less but a true high-quality survivor car is a rarity that people will usually pay over the odds for? I’d say the buyer needs to inspect in person to make sure this really checks out and no nasty surprises hidden under the skin…but if this is as presented, then it’s probably worth that much…
I like seeing that high ticket on this gem. I just completed a 5 year rebuild on a 58 TR3. It’s complete, there’re no rust issues, and I drive it daily in dry weather. I plan to sell it and move on to another project. I was thinking 19K would move it along, but now I’m wondering. What will the market bear? That’s why I love BF; its members are well informed and keep their ear to the ground. I’ll hide and watch.
I don’t believe this is being listed by the owner. Rather, it is a dealer:
https://philneweysportscars.com/vehicle/1960-triumph-tr3-w-factory-o-d-one-owner-50000-orig-miles/
When I saw the La Habra address, I suspected as much. I work in the area and have visited the place before. He has an eclectic selection. Some are kind of rough and his prices are on the high side, in my opinion. He also apparently takes consignments, so that may be the case here.
Regardless, this is really a beautiful Triumph.
Now way this car is worth the asking price you can buy a Austin Healy for just a little more way more car!!
For that $$, I would expect a 100 point car, and this, while nice on the outside, is certainly not 100 points.
Typical dealer, mark it up and, and pass it along to some unsuspecting fool, who will seen be parted with his money! Worth about half what he is asking, IMHO.
It really is a very nice car, but some things just don’t look right to me for an “original”! Having seen many truly original cars, the paint doesn’t look right on this car. Also, where’s the correct switch for the overdrive? Why was the passenger seat cushion (apparently) replaced but not the driver’s side? Why are the speedometer and tachometer swapped in position? And are those original Michelins on the back? If so, they’re lovely for display, but I don’t think I’d want to parallel park on 60-year-old radials, let alone trust them “at speed”!
I had one exactly like this one. I reckon I bought it used in 1966 before enlisting in the Air Force. I drove it from St. Pete, FL to Fayetteville, NC. I never had any issues with it. Same year and color. It was a hoot to drive. I sold it to buy a new 1969 TR6, which was an awesome car. It brings back alot memories seeing this ’60 TR3.
Nice example of a car you hardly see anymore, but for 35 large something newer (S2k anyone?) looks like a much better value these days. And I say that as a guy who owned 2 MGAs back when they were cheap fun. But, whatever floats your boat.
Maybe that’s 62 year old original paint, but I have a hard time believing that it would look so pristine with 50,000 miles. In the photos of the engine bay, there are some patches of what looks like a 60 year old red paint.
Grab this car and the white Sprite and your garage would really shine. Two is always more fun than one.
Man I wished I still had mine. I had one in high school 1970s and sold it for $100. It wouldn’t start. The guy put plugs in it and off he went.🤪