The TR3 successfully replaced the TR2, resulting in nearly 75,000 assemblies between 1955 and 1962. The cars were changed little over time and the TR3A and TR3B were unofficial variants of the evolving design. This 1959 edition is said to be an ambitious project by the seller and may be all there, though some of it is in boxes. Located in a dark garage in Dayton, Ohio, this British sports car is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $5,000. Our thanks to Barn Finder T.J. for yet another cool tip!
Purists may prefer the TR3 over the TR2 because the power was increased, and the braking system was much better. It’s a “side screen” car due to its use of removable side curtains that were made of plexiglass. The cars were in demand during their original run and finished third in all-time TR sales, just behind the TR6 and TR7. Under the hood resides a 121 cubic inch inline-4 which was capable of 100 hp depending on model year and carburetion. A 4-speed manual transmission is involved, and an electric overdrive was an option (we don’t know if the seller’s car has it). Front disc brakes were standard, rare for a 1950s British automobile.
Few details are provided about this vintage car. We assume a restoration was started with some disassembly and that’s as far as the seller got. Surprisingly, we’re told the engine does run and the vehicle is solid overall. Of course, there is some rust here and there, but the seller indicates that it’s not serious. No title is available, so a bill of sale will have to suffice. Would you continue forward and restore this TR or try to negotiate the price as a donor instead for another project?
Needs everything but no parts car here. With the bigger engine, upgraded brakes, and even an option of adjustable rear shocks, this is the one to have.
Definitely not a parts car, but negotiating the price wouldn’t be a bad idea based on photo quality. Parts are readily available but it will not be cheap.
Back when I had my TR3 (circa mid ’70s), JC Whitney had lots of parts available including a rebuild kit for the “wet sleeve” engine. Like is common in diesel big rigs, a rebuilder did not bore out the cylinders, but replaced them with new removable cylinders. I drove it into work one day and a co-worker said “Hey I have a hardtop for that, do you want it” LOL duh….YES! :-) Terry J
I like these as I have a soft spot in my head for them. The first British sports car I ever drove. (First sports car was my Dads Corvette. (That he didn’t know about!) I would love to do this one but too many ahead of it!
Restore it. Drive it. Keep it. I bought mine in ’67. Always still turns heads. Starts up every spring. Runs all summer. Unless I run into an old, retired engineer, it gets as many “looks” than my 356.