The TR3A was the unofficial name for an updated version of the successful Triumph TR3, which was in production overall from 1955 to 1962. The cars were never badged with the letter “A” nor were the next updated TR3s referred to as TR3Bs. The seller has two TR3As, one from 1957 and the other from 1959. We get the impression that the ’59 edition might be the better car, but each faces an uphill restoration (unless you opt to merge two into one). Located in Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania, this pair is available as a package deal here on craigslist for $3,200. Our appreciation for this tip goes to Barn Finder Mitchell G.!
Produced in England, the TR3 was a traditional roadster that used removable plexiglass side curtains instead of roll-up windows. Besides being a hit with the buying public, the little car also found some success in motorsports (thanks in part to standard front disc brakes). It went on to be the company’s third best-selling product, only being beaten out later by the TR6 and TR7. The first updates made to the car came in 1957 (hence, the TR3A moniker) and were mostly in terms of appearance, such as a wider front grille.
From the looks of things, these two TR3As have been sitting outdoors for quite some time. They are referred to as the “black car” (1959) and the “yellow car” (1957). The ’59 is said to be mostly solid, and the engine will turn by hand although the seller believes one of the valves is stuck. We assume the two engine photos provided are of different motors and both seem to be wearing shiny valve covers. The seller advises that the engine in the ’57 is less cooperative than its companion.
Rust is bound to be an issue as both cars are out in the open, and no attempt has been made to protect the interiors. We’re told this is especially true for the ’57 which has chassis integrity issues. While a lot of work would be needed to restore either car or build them as one, the good news is that aftermarket parts are said to be available from various sources that specialize in British sports cars.
Shame on whoever left these cars to rot like that.
I agree. These cars are no longer even worth ‘parts’ status.
📞 1-800-the-hook 🪝
Posting has expired :*(
I ran a shop that specialized in TR2 thru 6 cars, and when I read about “chassis integrity issues” I knew exactly what they were referring to.
Every TR2 thru 4 [not the TR cars with the IRS rear suspension] have a ladder type frame produced by the firm of Rubery-Owen, they are made up of 2 long rails of a boxed square nature that end just before the back edge of the body shell. The problem is that Triumph never enclosed the rear ends of the 2 main tubes. These tubes are lowest where the rear axle is located, so rain [or water from simply washing the car] entering the open ends flows downwards to the lowest point. This isn’t a real problem as long as the car is being driven on a regular basis or it’s stored in a dry location.
But when these cars were parked outside in the yard and not moved, water eventually filled the square tubes and rusted out the chassis rails from the inside [and likely from the outside as well].
Fortunately The TR3 body and drive train is fairly easy to remove, allowing easy access to the frame rails for repair [or simply replacing the chassis with a rust free example].