Hiding in this garage is a classic British sports car that could represent an excellent first restoration for the right person. The seller candidly admits to purchasing this 1957 Triumph TR3 with plans to return it to its former glory. However, with too many projects already underway, they feel it needs a new home with someone who can do it justice. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder JimA for spotting a vehicle with solid bones and a selection of parts to get the ball rolling.
Triumph released the TR3 in 1955 as an evolution of its previous TR2. It shared the same wheelbase and overall length as its predecessor but delivered notable performance improvements when the company squeezed additional power from the engine. The seller states that this 1957 example has solid bones, and although its sixty-year-old White paint is tired and chipped, there is no evidence of rust or significant accident damage. There appears to be Bondo falling from the driver’s side rear fender, but that is the only visible flaw beyond a typical selection of minor bumps and bruises. Some trim pieces aren’t visible in the supplied photos, but the suggestions are that not only is the Triumph complete, but the buyer will receive boxes of unspecified additional components. The top is intact, as is the tonneau.
Triumph sourced the 1,991cc four-cylinder powerplant for the TR3 from Standard. Its 95hp and 117 ft/lbs of torque represented around a 5% gain over the TR2, with acceleration and top speed both improved measurably. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission in traditional British sports car fashion. The seller states that this car last ran in 2022, suggesting that its revival may not be difficult. I will also include a thought for potential buyers to consider. The dash features aftermarket gauges and the headlamps are taped. That suggests this TR3 may have seen competition use. Therefore, its little four may have received upgrades that would increase the power and torque figures. The seller seems approachable, making that a question worth asking.
This Triumph’s interior is a mixed bag and would benefit from a retrim if the new owner aims at a high-end restoration. However, those on a tight budget might limit their purchases to a carpet set and a few minor items, treating the remaining trim to a deep clean. Returning the interior to its factory best utilizing a kit would leave no change from $2,000, but the expense might be justified when the subject turns to this classic’s potential future value.
Affordability can be a key consideration for many when searching for a classic project candidate. This 1957 Triumph TR3 ticks that box, although it is worth remembering that history suggests it is unlikely to become a mega-bucks vehicle. The seller listed it here on Facebook Marketplace in Owosso, Michigan, with an asking price of $5,500. A high-end restoration should yield a value above $20,000, although perfection could push the figure beyond $30,000. Even if we take the lower number as the target, that leaves plenty of room to move on this build if the new owner is willing and able to be hands-on with many tasks. That makes this Triumph worth a closer look.
Not much to go on but it looks like a good car. The TR3s overpowered almost all of the British cars of the era and are a blast to drive.
Good and easy to work on starter project for anyone with even basic mechanical skills.
Fenders and front apron are all held in place by spire bolts, no welding.
The engine is a “wet sleeve” so you can rebuild it again and again. (I’m on my 3rd rebuild now.)
Parts are easy to get from any of the usual US based suspects. Moss, Roadster Factory, et. al.
Heck, I got my new floor panels from E Bay in 3 days.
Even more fun if you have a son, daughter or both to “help”. (They’re more flexible and can get in and out of things like; “under the dashboard to take off the transmission tunnel” easier than grown ups.
Had my TR3 since June of 1967 and my kids and grand kids love riding in it with the low cut doors.
Money well spent and a conversation starter every time you fill up with gas ot park it on a grocery run.
Good luck!
Interesting collection of parts. The 57s did not have door handles or the wide mouth and the boot (trunk) lid would have had the two “toilet lid” hold downs and a key lock in the center, not a locking handle as in the pictures. It could be a 58 model born in 57.
Under the bonnet the control box (voltage regulator) and all associated wiring is missing, so some rewiring has been done.
The commission number (VIN) plate is the rectangular style. A 57 would have had a larger square one.
The side curtain sockets as shown changed with the 59 models. No mention of side curtains or hood (top), both pricey.
My 59 model was born in October 58 and has some subtle changes, like the elimination of the “Brooklands” racing windscreen mounts.
I did a total nut and bolt, frame off restoration of mine (OK, there are nine bolts holding the RH drive pedal box blanking plate in place that I didn’t remove.) starting in 1980 and finishing in 2007. There was a 20 year hiatus awaiting time, money and inspiration, including a heart attack and a couple of overseas jobs. Have accumulated 16K great miles on it since and now have a full syncro TR4 trans in it and, best thing ever, a high torque starter.
If this is running, $5K is not out of line.