There’s something about a 2-seat British roadster I find very appealing. Maybe oddly appealing? I guess it depends who is the judge of that statement. I know there’s no such thing, but even more appealing is the prospect of an “easy” project. For your consideration/judgment of both aforementioned claims is a 1959 Triumph TR3, which can be found here on eBay in Port Townsend, Washington. Bids have reached $7,200 on this no reserve auction. Thank you to the anonymous Barn Finds reader who sent this one in.
I was still in the short pants the first time I recall seeing a Triumph TR3. It sped by our neighborhood grocery store as mom was loading my siblings and me into her 1984 Buick Century. That first impression was a lasting one. While possibly polarizing, I can’t think of a more visually appealing roadster. This 1959 example was right in the middle of the TR3A years, which lasted from 1957-1961. Those TR3A and later iterations benefitted from a wider grille than their older siblings. A look I much prefer. While the seller claims the body of this 59 is straight, they also say there are “rust issues” and that they will be adding underside photos, so, presumably, that’s where the rust is. The car is said to have been stored indoors on a lift undercover for the past 6 years. Aside from needing a bath, the exterior looks like it could be made presentable.
There’s no mention made of the interior condition, so hopefully the pictures speak for themselves. Seats, carpet, dash — really all of the soft surfaces — look a bit dirty, but I can’t see any major rips, tears, or blemishes. The hard parts look like they’ve seen 60+ years of use.
A 1,991 cc OHV straight four powers this 2,100 lb. roadster. Backed by a 4-speed manual transmission, the seller says the engine runs well and the transmission shifts well. They do note they installed the clutch slave cylinder backwards, so the buyer will want to be sure to address that soon after receipt. Considering the car has been sitting for 6 years, an in-depth mechanical inspection would hopefully uncover any other unknowns.
My retirement years are a way off, but I could see unwinding on winding roads in this 1959 Triumph TR3 when the time comes. It’s simple and classic – exactly what I hope to be when I’m 61 years old. Would this be a good project to keep you busy while in isolation?
The grille on the TR3A was bigger than the one on the TR£.
I had a ´59 way back in ´65 and it was a gas. The only problems I recall were with the Lucas starter, so being a poor student of the piano I had to resort to the hand crank which had been provided by a thoughtful designer who foresaw the problem, an easy thing to do, since Lucas, well —– , the less said the better. I was forced to sell the car in ´67 when the flywheel cracked. But while it ran, it was an absolute gem.
Dad had a 61 TR3A when I was 14. He would let me drive it (with him along) around our very quite small town neighborhood. Happiest 14 year old kid in the world. He sold it and a MGA coupe to buy a house. Personally would have rather kept the cars
I had a TR3A back in the early sixties. Drove it for about 75k miles in less than 18 months. Then I was offered one of the last TR3B’s with the larger TR4 engine in it. Opted for a MIni Cooper instead which was a blast to drive. But I really miss that TR3.
My new wife and our German Shepard puppy spent our honeymoon in our ’56 TR-3. Fun car except for the weak axles, which broke many times. The ’57 model were remodeled to cure this problem.
The puppy rode in the trunk with the lid propped open.
So the owner can’t correct the clutch slave cylinder?
My thoughts too, it runs and shifts excellent, but it’s installed backwards? Lol
On the scary side, it has been a while but I don’t see how someone could put a clutch slave cylinder in backwards on one of these. The look of the driver’s side door may give a hint on the rust. When these rust they do it quite well. Intake manifold is shiny and the carbs are dull.
On the plus side, can get most parts and patch panels easily. Trunk looks good for rust. Seems to have many of parts that are missing. Has the nice chrome strip between the fender and body so the person took care to do things.
On a personal note, prefer these with the disk wheels. Looks good and so much easier to clean
Seems to have many of parts that are OFTEN missing.
Bidding has reached $7,600.00. Dang it!! Wrong coast!!
A concave grille indicates either front end damage or an ill-fitting reproduction grille. They are supposed to be vertical.
Have had mine, TS38055L, since March 1973. Finished a 27 year restoration (can’t rush these things) in Dec 2007 and have put about 12,000 fun miles on it. Broke a few things along the way (rear pinion gear, 1st-rev) had the dynamo and starter vibrate loose but not leave the car (no space for them to fall through, must come out through top) but NO electrical issues, touch wood. Have had it to 95mph (on I-95, thought the sign was the speed limit, just kidding) Going to fix the point and hope steering some day with a box out of my parts car. I’m 75 now and still enjoy the occasional tinkering on it as well as the AH Sprite and Triumph Herald 1200 Sports I am semi-restoring. They WILL keep you young!
While I’m not into British and European cars personally, I do enjoy looking at them. From what I’ve seen, these are very popular and, parts/patch panels are readily available. I hope someone buys and enjoys this little fella for many years to come.
Would love to see a picture of the clutch slave cylinder installed backwards….