I hate the phrase “an excellent candidate for restoration.” What it basically means is that the car needs everything, and they’ll be glad to hand it over to you—at an inflated price because, well, it’s “an excellent candidate for restoration.” What we have here is just such a car, a very grotty 1960 Triumph TR3A, being offered here on eBay in Elsinore, California with “title in hand” on eBay. Did I mention that it’s an original “black plate” car? They want money for that, too. Bidding is no reserve and is currently at $3,300.
I struggle to find anything good to say about this car. There’s hardly a straight panel on it. It has all the hallmarks of longtime outdoor storage. This Triumph hasn’t triumphed for a long, long time. Its song is a symphony of surface rust, dirt, and dust. They say you should buy the best car you can find, and they’re right. But for most buyers, this isn’t it.
OK, there’s one positive attribute, maybe two. Through the miracle of Southern California, this prone-to-rust Triumph TR3 is not rusty. The whole car is basically toasted, but the tinworm hasn’t yet reduced it to scrap. Even the floors look relatively intact. The other plus point is that the car’s at least reasonably complete—with some notable exceptions.
The parking brake appears to be missing, but the engine and transmission are there. The SUs are missing their air cleaners, but perhaps if we’re lucky the motor isn’t seized. The vendor gives no information one way or the other.
The interior is a start-from-scratch endeavor, with everything covered in desert California’s red dust. Seats, dash, top, all need a lot of work. At least there appears to be a top frame.
It’s hard to see why this is such an “excellent candidate for restoration.” It would certainly not be an economic proposition. For $24,000 I could buy this very nice 1962 TR3B. It’s true that Concours examples might fetch $40,000, but you’d have to spend at least that much to get this one within spitting range. And the process will take a long time unless you want to offer an open checkbook. All the parts and panels are available if you’re willing to pay for them.
At some point, the “good parts car” became the “excellent candidate for restoration.” What do you think? Ready to roll up your sleeves and start working on this car?
In 1962 Triumph introduced the TR3B. I do not understand how this
1963 TR3 model is advertised as an “A” as in TR3A ?
Uh, never mind…the eBay ad identifies it as a 1960 Triumph TR3 TR3A Roadster, not a 1963.
I personally have no problem with the phrase “excellent candidate for restoration”, particularly as it applies to this Triumph. I live in the south; most classics here that sit outside are exposed to rain, moisture, and humidity year-round. If this car had spent the last 50 years in the Carolinas instead of California, you’d essentially have to attempt to fabricate an entirely new car. While this thing certainly needs a lot of work and money to reach concours condition, not everyone is in it for the bottom line; some people genuinely enjoy turning something old and broken into something perfect. If that isn’t your thing, make it mechanically solid, replace the windshield, and throw some blankets on the seats, and you can have a fun, unique weekend car for the cost of a new Chevy Spark.
Parking brake handle is where it should be, along the passenger side trans tunnel footwell.
Probably the most negative review I’ve read in a very long time on this site. You ARE reviewing “barn finds” here, not pristine examples. Get over it. It’s not perfect. Sheesh.
It’s called Barn Finds……not Wrecking Yard Finds : )
This TR3 has been run hard, put away wet, abused,
and mostly forgotten.
Although I do agree with the writer about what is restorable or not, and all of the crap that is listed for sale claiming it is restorable, this one seems promising. As someone else said it’s not all in the bottom line. and I prefer to play with this then something I pulled out of Michigan here LOL.
Hello a little advice for the administrator, a little. Less negativity, around someone’s car they are selling, howabout pointing out the positive things they are paying you to list it! Jeez ,your potential customers are gonna start dropping off if you continue to beat down someone’s car. I am afraid to list anything on your site and have talk to others about your negativity, the poor guy with this triumph for sale today must be pissed , at your description, too emotionally involved you are and your knowledge is slim. On most cars. Hope you can hear this constructive criticism
I’m not so sure it isn’t a pretty decent restoration candidate. At times I tend to forget that it isn’t 1980 any more, so I wince at the price. But nine bidders would disagree with that. In an auction, the price is indeed what somebody will pay for the car, and at least so far, the bidders have spoken. I sure would want to look underneath. But if this car is anywhere near as decent as it looks, if the engine turns (or even if it doesn’t), are we saying this is no more than a parts car? Obviously, it’s way too good for that. Can you drive it and show it as is? I hardly think so. So, how do we describe this minimally rusty mostly complete very collectible popular sports car with excellent club support and parts availability? I think I’d call it an EXCELLENT CANDIDATE FOR RESTORATION! If the shoe fits, the seller is entitled to wear it. This car is, indeed, an excellent candidate for restoration. At least give the guy some credit for not claiming that it “ran when parked”.
Well said thank u as the administrator is a pretty negative guy ,whom is destroying his own buisness these are his paying customers, sheesh
Nobody is paying. He is getting ads from other sites and reviewing them honestly. He is not associated with the sellers. The writer can say whatever he wants. This is not a commercial site.
Honestly, I’d prefer this car to that “restored” TR3B! At least I know where I’d be starting from, rather than hoping that some areas had been done better. Cheers to the 3B seller for numerous photographs, including areas such as the front part of the chassis main rails (which show some rather worrisome damage). Jeers for several of those photographs, such as those showing that someone has no idea how to erect the folding top! :o
Frankly, back in 1972 when I bought my first TR3A, I’d have been thrilled if the body where in anywhere near as good condition as the car here! (Yes, it was a barn find even then. Yes, I got it running and drivable without too much effort and was able to enjoy it for several years.) Here in upstate NY, many such cars had long since been junked!
I have restored worse.
I think @ 5100 the price is pretty strong and more than I would spend, but hopefully someone will have fun with it.
Can it be? or is it an eBay mistake?
The bidding on eBay heated up this afternoon when the same bidder
during a 16-minute stretch kept topping his previous bid!
Looks like he was bidding against himself!…from $3550 to $4800
Bidder > 2***o(54star)
Ok well he could be a bit more positive rather then exposing their break up thru condemning his ad.