The Triumph TR3 was a British sports car built between 1955-62. It was an evolution of the company’s TR2 and had more power and better braking capabilities. The “TR3B” is an unofficial name given to the final year of the TR3, a short-production run done to appease dealers concerned about buyer interest in the new TR4. This TR3B has been owned by the same party for 35 years and looks like a nice survivor. Located in Westerville, Ohio, this Triumph is available here on craigslist for $19,500. Hats off to Barn Finder MattR for turning this one up for us!
With sales of nearly 75,000 units over seven years, the TR3 and its variants were Triumph’s third best-selling car. Its rugged removable plexiglass side curtains were a part of the attraction. The TR3 would campaign in races, hill climbs, and rallies across Europe and North America. In its final year, the TR3B would use a 2.1-liter inline-4 engine fitted with twin H6 SU carburetors. That enabled it to produce 105 hp while metering out 20-24 mpg of gasoline. The little car was supposedly capable of achieving 110 mph.
The seller acquired this 1962 model around 1986 when it had about 80,000 miles. The odometer reading now sits at 38,000, meaning it flipped over while the seller was adding 58,000 more miles of fun. For more than half of his ownership, the seller used the TR3B as a summer daily driver and it’s generally been a trouble-free experience. The car is mostly original, but the seller has recently added new tires, a Pertronix ignition system, and conducted a general tune-up.
This sports car looks good with black paint and a blue interior. There’s no mention of a repaint or a refresh of the passenger compartment, but that would certainly seem likely over time. While you’d mostly want to tool around this car as a convertible, a hardtop also accompanies the deal. And the softcover that protects the seats and dashboard is also in the photos provided. Hagerty says that one of these sports cars in “Good” condition is worth about what the seller is asking, and prime examples can go for more than twice as much.
It makes me feel old to think that I remember these sixty year old cars being daily drivers. Over-drive is a nice feature to have in these, as the engines don’t love high engine speeds. This car seems to be worth a look, although I don’t think anyone at Triumph expected them to remain in service for 138,000 miles.
I’ve seen a lot of British roadsters, I don’t ever recall seeing a black one. Red, silver, green, which these should be, but never black. Fact is, on the color chart for ’62, black isn’t even offered. Never cared for the TR3 anything, and by ’62, the TR4 and MGB made this car obsolete. The TR4 was just a better car. Still, for being the last of a model, it has some collectibility, it is a sharp car. I love the claim, “generally trouble free”,,,oh, good heavens,,that’s a good one.
Having once owned (what was left of) an original TR3B, I can verify that black was indeed offered!
My buddy bought a TR3 for $500 back in school, sprayed it green and sold it for $800! The real problem with one: only an old guy will buy it cos young guys can buy a Miata for a third the price!
I owned a 61 TR3 and paid the hefty sum of $70.00 in 1972!
I bought mine for $500, sold it for $700 and bought an Austin Healey, in High School.
I loved the Healey, removable hardtop, wire wheels, overdrive toggle switch. I would love to regain my youth and the car.
Of course I’d have to meet the genie with three wishes
No matter what anyone says – this is a beauty and an absolute GAS to drive. The Miata maybe modern, faster, more reliable etc.,etc, but these Triumph TR3´s had a soul and I am using this unfortunately abused word knowing whereof I speak. Keep all your Jags and assorted super cars give me one of these ALL day long.
Over and over again on this site I see folks complaining about flippers, yet here are three (3) mentioning that they did it, and so far no complaints from anyone. “Rules for thee but not for me”.
Gerald said it. As much fun as you could expect to have in a car. Nice one here.