Said to be a recent estate clean-out / garage find, this pretty Triumph TR3 is selling at no reserve with just over a day left and bidding at only a tick over $3K. With some evidence of being a stalled project with the right kinds of work taking place, this TR3 looks like a worthwhile gamble especially since the engine, transmission and rear end are all still in place and the motor is turning freely. Find this project-worth TR3 here on eBay and located near Rushville, Indiana.
Knock-off wire wheels and TR3s are always a good combination, and the white-wall tires indicate a previous owner was very much a purist. Not to say I have any objection to TR3s being put into competitive use, but these were always the epitome of the classic British roadster to me. This one, although it is missing a windscreen, looks like a perfect candidate for restoring back to OEM condition. Please add a tonneau cover if you do.
The seller says what you see is what you get, and that he has not removed any parts from the TR3. The speedometer appears to be missing and it’s hard to tell if the seats and carpet remain, but the seller does note that a previous owner attempted floor panel replacement. That job remains incomplete with no description as to how far they got. Somewhat cryptically, the seller says that most of the rust is limited to the surface but that some areas “..are maybe a little deeper than surface.”
The engine is not confirmed as numbers matching, but just finding a long-standing project with the drivetrain complete is an achievement. The overall vibe from this project is that of an honest car with some good bones, and while I doubt the seller is an expert on anything other than extricating old cars from garages, there’s enough evidence of this being a worthy bet in the photos. And, the pricing seems quite fair for what it is. Would you take a gamble on this estate-sale TR3?
This does look like a fairly priced project. Would the original type fan belt have been that wide though?
Having owned a number of TR3s, the fan belt looks correct to me.
I have had a Tr3 for 30 plus years and 10 plus other Trs over the same time. As long as the body is good, very simple and fun cars, other than body panels, parts are easy to get. If it was a Tr2 I would be all over this
At least one seat appears to be included along with the top bows, the floors look pretty good to me especially from underneath. Lotta stuff missing though like clutch and brake stuff, grill, lighting parts, speedo, side screens, windshield, bumpers, and I’m sure much more.
I’d scout out a Toyota 22r engine and SR 5 trans for it the rest I’d keep stock, with British racing green, tan top and interior It would make a fun retro car with Japanese reliability. It would also have more power and would be freeway capable. If I had money and space for it I’d be bidding. But unfortunately I’m to financially embarrassed.
“Financially embarrassed.” If you don’t object I’m going to use that. It just sounds classier than “dirt poor,” lol.
@Canadianmark S.
First and foremost it’s a TR 3A, not a TR 3. Secondly. the 2 litre motor with the twin carbs and overdrive makes this a 90 mph car all day long so going to the expense of fitting a Toyota engine, and destroying it’s heritage, is a no brainer. Believe me, I owned one back in South Africa and twice I drove it the 300 miles from Durban to Johannesburg in the 80 – 90 mph range. Much better car than my Austin Healey 3000, fun and driveability wise.
If this car stays at a reasonable price like it is now, I will be kicking myself for not bidding on it…
Personally, I never cared for these “elbow scrapers”, much more a TR4 fan, although, for many, perhaps even our parents, they got their 1st taste of top down British 2 seat roadster cruising in these. I don’t know many that bought them new, little before my time and they were usually pretty tired, the ones I saw, rusty and tops flapping in the wind, and such. Probably need an O/D or modern 5 speed drivetrain for it to be useful today.
You’ll never find a Healy in this condition for this money. Great project for somebody, not me, I don’t have any money either.
I’ve had two of these and although they are easy to work on and fairly fun to drive, some parts are very difficult to find and what is available is not that cheap. The windshield surround pieces might be a challenge. All of the badges, the grill, etc. It is a very strange feeling to be able to reach our arm out of the non-window and touch the ground. And never, ever, ever drive it in the rain.
If you do get caught out in the rain and are not carrying the bulky side curtains, the tonneau alone keeps you drier than the top up as long as you are moving.
This is what I drove 55 years ago on my Honeymoon with a German Shepard puppy in the trunk with the lid propped open. He didn’t like the back seat. Great engine, weak axels & tranny. No match for the 356s that came later.
These can be great fun with a small block Ford under the bonnet….
Hey Rex, great photo of a handsome young man and his sports car. Even if the car wasn’t that great, I’ll bet the memories are!
Ended: Mar 11, 2018 , 7:28PM
Winning bid:US $6,823.00
[ 38 bids ]