Owning a classic roadster is something to which many aspire, but to have two on hand means one has graduated from enthusiast to collector. If ever you wanted to become a member of this particular club in one fell swoop, consider this pair of Triumph TR3As. Located in Boulder, Colorado, the duo is listed here on Craigslist for $8,500. Thanks go out to Gunter Kramer for this amazing tip!
The Triumph TR3 is one of the great designs from the heyday of the British roadster in America. Its two liter inline-four may have been borrowed from a Ferguson tractor, but it put out between 95 and 100 brake horsepower– numbers that the MGA and Alpine could only dream about. Even in a Porsche this output could only be surpassed by the Carrera, though the lighter German car might still beat the TR3A to 60 mph. This simple and rugged motor was paired with a four speed manual with synchromesh on the top three gears and an optional overdrive, as well as, starting in 1956, disc brakes up front.
The updated A variant, easily identified by its wide grille, was introduced in 1957 and remained in production until the introduction of the TR4 (and the TR3B, but that’s another story) in 1962. Both of the cars here are TR3As, making the seller’s assertion that they date from the sixties likely though not certain; both seem to have the raised sheet metal under the door handles typical of a 1959 or later cars, but a quick examination of the build plates would eliminate any question of production year. Though the seller states that the cars are “95% complete,” the ad goes on to say that there are enough parts to finish both cars. While this might warrant a little further investigation, it’s worth noting that there is a large and supportive community for Triumphs in general and TR3s in particular, and while parts might not be terribly cheap, they are likely to be available.
So it’s not unthinkable that one could get two running vehicles out of this deal, but what to do with them? The current owner has a few suggestions, including selling off one to fund the restoration of the other. Other options abound of course: his and hers, or perhaps a father-child matching set. One could keep a car for the street and one for the track– the TR3 remains popular and competitive in vintage racing circles. Or maybe one could just paint them different colors, and drive either as the mood strikes? Decisions, decisions…
Wow! Good luck with that.
I have owned 3 TR3As over the years. They were all complete, running cars.and sold for less.
One of my all time favorites. But seems steep for a pig in a poke as we say here.
Just the good looking sheet metal, including the unobtainium noses, makes this a bit of a deal. I’m currently trying to inventory and price my stash of three of these, including a complete, but very rusty 1960 model, two recently run engines, three or four transmissions, and one title, from which two running cars could be assembled. The latest (just arrived) issue of Old Cars Report price guide gives a value for a number 5 (restorable) car as $5400. My insurance company says that my 59 is worth $34,000, which matches a number 2 in the guide, with a 1 going for $45000.. This chap is not out of line in his ask.
I had a 3b then the 4a. Loved them both. Life got in the way (wives).
It was good times.
Had the 3b speedo pegged one time. Thought the top would blow off.
I like,em,but too high for the shape they are in. Plus the haul bill. I ,ll keep looking for one I can drive . That is reasonable priced.