It’s always nice to have a few options available when considering the question of a project build. That is what is on offer with this 1957 Triumph TR3. The car has been parked for the past 45-years, but the owner has revived the vehicle so that it now runs. This is where the buyer might be faced with a few choices. They could take this classic home and complete the restoration themselves. Alternatively, the seller is willing to complete the work to whatever stage the buyer chooses. For enthusiasts who are unwilling or unable to tackle tasks like restoring panels and paint, it is an option that could be worth considering. Located in Loma, Colorado, you will find the Triumph listed for sale here on Craigslist. This classic could be yours for $6,500. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Gunter K for spotting this British classic for us.

This classic must potentially be one of the last examples of the original version of the TR3 that Triumph produced. It doesn’t feature any of the cosmetic updates that the company introduced in the TR3A, which was released in 1957. It seems that after 45-years of inactivity, the owner has commenced the restoration process. We don’t receive any information on the state of the frame or the vehicle’s underside, but the panels appear pretty straight and free from any rust issues. It looks like the panels will only require some basic preparation before the car is ready for a fresh coat of paint. With the vehicle dismantled to its current state, the buyer might decide that a color change is on the agenda. However, it would look pretty slick refinished in its original shade of Pearl White. The frame for the soft-top is present, but the buyer will need to source a new top. There are plenty of trim pieces that are no longer attached to this little Triumph, but it isn’t clear whether or not these are present. That might not be a massive problem because reproduction parts are readily available. The other attraction of classics like this TR3 as project cars is that there are numerous owner’s clubs located across the country. Their members tend to be pretty supportive, so finding good genuine items might not be a challenge.

After sitting for decades, the owner has returned this TR3 to the point where it now runs. It looks like he has rebuilt the SU carburetors, but the rest of the 1,991cc 4-cylinder engine could stand to be cosmetically detailed. These little motors pump out around 95hp, which finds its way to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. That means that the journey down the ¼ mile takes around 18.1 seconds, but that figure is pretty deceptive. Because occupants sit so close to Planet Earth, these cars feel significantly faster than the numbers suggest, making them entertaining when the roads turn twisting. It isn’t clear how healthy components like the suspension and brakes are, but the engineering of the TR3 is so simple that an owner can tackle most tasks with ease in a home workshop.

This is as close as we get to seeing the TR3’s interior, and while the seats are present, a retrim will be the order of the day. Once again, finding upholstery and carpet is not difficult. The cost will depend on whether the buyer is happy with vinyl trim or whether leather is a more attractive proposition. Regardless of the buyer’s choice, returning the interior to a factory-fresh state can be achieved for as little as around $1,300 with vinyl trim and nylon carpet. If the buyer chooses to head upmarket with wool carpet and leather upholstery, that figure will balloon to approximately $1,900. That’s a considerable slice of cash, but it’s worth remembering that it should represent a one-off expense in the restoration. If the buyer purchases a high-quality kit and installs it correctly, it shouldn’t need to be touched for at least another 45-years. Divide the purchase price by that number, and a decent retrim actually represents an affordable and wise investment.

If I were to hand over the cash for this 1957 Triumph TR3, I would be inclined to tackle the restoration myself. That is an option that many potential buyers would choose because it provides complete control over every aspect of the process. However, I recognize that there are enthusiasts who will be unwilling or unable to tackle some tasks, and that’s where this car comes into its own. If you are the type of person who finds certain aspects of a restoration overwhelming, it is a classic that would seem to offer a great compromise. Would you accept the seller’s invitation, or is this one that you would be proud to complete yourself?