When it comes to British sports cars, the Triumph TR3 is an icon. It offered solid performance, simple mechanics, and a timeless design. In the past decade, we’ve had the opportunity to own three of these wonderful machines. One was a huge project, one a decent driver and the other a pristine example, and no matter what shape they were in I couldn’t help but appreciate the amazing lines. This example is definitely a project, but it looks complete and the seller claims it should run with minimal work and that it’s solid. If those statements are true, it could be a really fun project to have. You can find it here on craigslist in Hudson, Colorado with an $8,500 asking price.
Whether you love or hate the looks of the TR3, there’s no denying that they are fun to drive. There’s just something about climbing into one, firing up the inline-4 engine, and going for a drive with one arm resting on the low-cut door and the other on that massive steering wheel that is unlike any other car. Sure, these aren’t the best performing sports car ever, but they are the total package. And given features like front disc brakes and a top speed of over 100 mph, they are a classic you can drive in modern traffic without too much concern.
This example is a TR3A, meaning it has the redesigned grille, exterior door handles, and a trunk lid you can open with any special tools. The added creature comforts aren’t necessary but do make for a much easier car to use on a regular basis. With the included hardtop and side screens installed, you’ll especially appreciate those door handles! Speaking of the hardtop, it’s a huge bonus to have the hardtop and this one looks to be a factory-built top. The seller doesn’t provide any history on the car but does include a photo of the commission number. This reveals that the car doesn’t have an overdrive (well at least that it wasn’t equipped with it from new) and that it’s actually a 1960. It’s very common for cars from this era to be titled as the year they were sold rather than when they were built, so it isn’t an issue of concern. Without a heritage certificate, there’s no way to know if this was a factory hardtop car, but at the end of the day, all that matters is that it comes with what appears to be a hardtop in good condition.
If this TR’s chassis is solid and the body doesn’t have any major rust, it would definitely be worth making the seller an offer. Their asking price is a little steep given the fact that the car is sitting outside in the dirt, but these have been going up in value. If they will budge on the price, it would be a realistic and fun project to undertake. Obviously, I’m a fan of these cars, so I hope the next owner gets it back on the road and enjoys it the way it was meant to be. So, are you a big enough TR3 fan to tackle this project?
I restored one of these back in the 70s, then daily drove it over 100k miles. More speed than an MGB, more reliable (and slower) than a Jag. Hard to call the bodywork the factory came up with as “styling” but it looks great from the driver’s seat
What goes between the hardtop door windows and the top of the doors? Love old triumphs had a buddy with a tr4irs in high school and another had a brown tr6 ver fun cars
There’s a vinyl flap that clips to the door and sliding window with snaps. There are supports to hold the back of the windows to the doors but I don’t see them.
Correction: I do see the rear support for the window. Thought it was part of the seat until I blew up the picture.
I like Triumps to
I would simply like to have a morning drive in one of these, on Vermont two lane roads.
If the engine is free, pull it out of there and put a little money in it. Make it a driver just like it is. Colorado car probably good underneath so with the hard top and location I think it won’t last long
It’s great fun to take folks for rides in the museum’s TR3. Most have never ridden in any open sports car and have never experienced anything beyond their daily ride. The TR makes it great fun with the wind in the hair kind of thing with that magic heel and toe bark and the music of that little tractor engine in full song. And yes, it takes me back 50 years and I often wonder how I survived my baby blue ’57.
You left out the; “OMG, I can touch the ground” part from first time passengers. LOL
That is a Parrish fiberglass hardtop. They don’t fit real well and are basically worthless. Don’t add any value for it beyond garage or yard art.
Still one of the best looking Triumphs.
It Looks like a Parrish Hard top made in Pittsburgh, Pa.
I have a long-time friend who raced a TR3 for many years. He had Kas Kastner, Triumph’s US Director of Motorsports, provide a lot of input on how to race prepare it back in the 1970’s. Kas died in April 2021after an illustrious career. My friend was SCCA National Champion E Production in 1991 (?) at Road Atlanta. He was clocked at the Kent WA race track at 143 mph. Huffaker Engineering in Sonoma, CA was able to get 200 hp on his engine. A TR3 can be a very quick car!
Finally…..A car that isn’t setting on asphalt with armor-all shined tires, or setting on stamped concrete, getting shade from the palm trees. This one is actually in what looks to be a field, one could imagine a barn nearby if, in fact, there isn’t. Pretty cool car as well. I had a 73 Spitfire when I was 12…😎
I remember my dad buying of of these for my then 18 year old sister in 61….it had been modded and was capeable of 118mph at that time….black over red leather….but what I remember most of all as a 5yr old, was being able to reach out through the window over the low slung doors ,and touch the ground…..;-)
Someone from Dallas bought the car and I bought it from them 3 months later for about a $1000 more. The frame is solid. The engine runs and oil pressure is high. No smoke. There is little rust on the panels, but there is metal fatigue in two of the fenders with minor cracks. The driver side floor is rusted through near the firewall, but the other side is solid. Even the boot is clean with minor rust. The transmission clicks easily gear to gear. The bumper has no rust or dents at all. Plan is to rebuild it to look like an old car – with a few modern improvements. Most of the small dents will stay in and I’m looking for a way to distress the new paint a little to keep it looking like it does now. I drive cars, I don’t park them.