The classic scene is extremely diverse, and almost any car will divide opinions. Some enthusiasts prefer genuine survivors, some like cool customs, while others find meticulously restored vehicles more appealing. That brings us to the 1959 Triumph TR3A. It undoubtedly shows its age, making it an ideal candidate for a cosmetic refresh. However, with no major issues and a presentable interior, leaving it untouched and enjoying all that it offers is a valid option. The seller feels that the time is right for the TR3A to find a new home, listing it here on eBay in Poulsbo, Washington. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $4,050 with time remaining for interested parties to pursue it further.
Triumph released the TR3 in 1955 as a replacement for its TR2 model. It remained largely unchanged during the first two years of production, with the company introducing evolutionary updates in 1957. This brought with it the unofficial tag of the TR3A, although that designation doesn’t appear in any Triumph literature or sales brochures. Our feature car left the Coventry factory in 1959, and the seller is quite sparing with information about its history. The Green paint gracing its flanks is unlike any that I can find on the company’s color charts from the period, suggesting it could be a special order, or that it has changed at some point. It is far from perfect, with a wide selection of chips and scratches. The panels sport minor bumps and bruises, but with a lack of visible rust, I see no issues that justify steel replacement. The top bows are intact, the windshield is clear, and the beautiful wire wheels are immaculate.
Powering this TR3A is a 1,991cc four that is hooked to a four-speed manual transmission. This engine produced 95hp on the TR3’s release, but tweaking and tuning, mainly focused on the cylinder head, lifted that figure to 100hp by the time this car rolled off the line. The TR3A would never set the drag strip alight, but with its ability to top 105mph, cruising at 70 on the freeway should be effortless. The engine bay presentation matches the exterior, meaning it is unlikely to score the next owner many show trophies. However, the lack of obvious long-term leaks and other issues is encouraging. There is no information supplied on the car’s mechanical health, although the impression given is that it is a turnkey classic.
Potential buyers searching for a highlight might find this TR3A’s interior appealing. Trimmed in Black with contrasting White piping, there is no visible wear on the upholstery or carpet. The dash isn’t up to the same standard, but with companies like Moss Motors offering restoration kits, lifting its appearance would be a rewarding undertaking tackled in a home workshop. Otherwise, the gauges look excellent, and there are no visible aftermarket additions.
This 1959 Triumph TR3A isn’t perfect but therein may rest its appeal. It is a classic that can be driven and enjoyed in its current form, with the owner safe in the knowledge that an errant stone won’t mar perfection. I honestly don’t know what I would do if I found it parked in my garage. It would undoubtedly turn heads if meticulously restored, but there is something quite appealing about its current characterful appearance. I’m undecided, but are you?
If you want full enjoyment and fun driving buy this car and hit the road. No restoration, just do fluids etc. and get it on. Have some fun and let the next guy do the hard work. Did the same with one of my Healeys and had a ball. Girl friend liked it too and married me.
So more background: car was sold a little over 2 years ago for $10k. It has then been regularly advertised for up to $18k as an attempted flip. I believe the owner tried this with a couple of other early TR’s including a 4a all without much success. I think the local Triumph folks recognize the pattern.
As to paint: no, it’s not original, but compliments the car well. What surprises so many inexperienced Triumph people is how much painting an engine compartment black when changing colors hurts the value of the car (I estimate about 20%) and over the last five years or so how it makes the car “dead money” to the enthusiast crowd (unsaleable)
For the original sales price it would have made a great drivers car that could be improved as needed and enjoyed along the way. The local market here has spoken though, so it’s not gonna be that. Best of luck to the seller on making a buck.
I assume that you own the rare TR5 with the 4a body and the 6-cylinder engine? Many years ago, I had a 1958 TR3a that ran great but looked worse than this, in what I was told was a Mack truck color that resembled a semi-gloss red oxide. Sold it for $500, got married.
Top? Tounneau? Side curtains ? T bar for hood? Spare? Jack?
Where are these accessories?
4 grand reserve? Dang, unless this car is rotted beyond repair underneath, it’s a steal. Plenty of room left to buy top, curtains, jack etc. IF needed.
We oned a TR when I was a young lad so I have a soft spot for them. I also own a Sunbeam tiger so I don’t need another British sports car with a V8. But I have often thought I would like to find a fairly rust free tr3 and upgraded with a modern 4 cylinder and 5-speed because they are so much fun to drive
We had a tr3b for years and loved it. Much like this one, simply a driver….serial number TCF610….It is someplace in France I think……a few years ago, one mile away, in a garage covered up for years was TCF612. My garage was full then too…..
I had a TR3B when I was in college in the early 1970’s. I think I paid $450 for it. It was a cool car and had a synchro 1st gear……..which I believe it was the only car in the “3” series to have it. BUT, I kept blowing head gaskets and always wondered if the wet sleeve engine design contributed to it.
I also have a soft spot in my head for these. As this was the first British sports car I ever drove. (It was a teacher’s car painter metal flake gold!) I am not the worlds expert on these cars. But the grill size says TR3B to me not TR3A. Am I wrong?
The A was the first “wide mouth ” the B was mostly just internal upgrades. Don’t know why you would want to change the engine to a newer 4. The tr3a Dad had when I was a teenager was probably the smoothest running car I’ve ever seen. I mean it was not fun in foul weather , rain came in everywhere. I used to tease Dad we should drill drain holes in the floor. Better bundle up in winter , that sortta thing. But ran like a top
I like the color
I had a 3B and a 4A. Both new.
The 3B, I was told, was 3A body on a 4A frame assembly
Trans was synched in all 4 fwd gears. Had let engine. Buried the needle at 110?
Explanation for 3B was they ran out of 3A drivetrains and still had 3A bodies, went on 4A drivetrains.
Loved both vehicles. Both got me wives. Don’t have cars, still have 2nd wife.