To understand the TR3, we must take a quick look at its predecessor, the swashbuckling TR2. Launched in prototype form to replace the doddering Standard Triumph Roadster in 1952, the new car met with scathing criticism from test driver Ken Richardson. Another year’s worth of development resulted in a much-improved product, and the TR2 – a genuine 100 mph car at a reasonable price – was launched in 1953. The car’s low-cut doors made a delicate waist, while its emphatic fenders suggested power. Success on the track helped sales but also revealed weaknesses. By 1955, Triumph was making a very similar car with more power, better cooling thanks to a new grille design, and upgraded creature comforts. Called the TR3, production ran into 1963 and more than 74,000 were made. The very tail end of this time frame coincided with the introduction of the TR4, with its squared sheet metal; worried that customers wouldn’t like Triumph’s new sportscar vision, dealers asked for a continuation of the TR3. Just 3133 of these late models were made, and of those, only about 2800 are TCFs with the larger TR4 engine. Here on craigslist is a 1963 Triumph TR3B TCF, completely restored in 1998. The asking price is $32,000 and the car is located in Berwick, Maine. Thanks to Mitchell G for this excellent tip!
The motor makes this car special. While the first TR3s received a well-behaved 1991 cc four-cylinder with twin SU carburetors making 95 hp, the TCF cars have a 2138 cc four, good for 105 hp. A fully-synchronized four-speed manual with optional overdrive gave these last TR3s a little more hustle in the twisty bits. Front disc brakes were standard by 1956, but the TCF’s were larger. This example has a pair of Weber downdraft carburetors in place of the original SUs, a conversion that I dislike. These motors were designed to run with SUs, and those old stalwarts work perfectly well.
The interior has mellowed with time; the upholstery color on the seat bottoms does not quite match their backs. The dash offers lots of gauges and switches, and even a locking glovebox. The TR3 is a true roadster, with a convertible top and side curtains; if you wanted roll-up windows, you would opt for a TR4. The seller doesn’t supply photos of the car with its weather equipment deployed, but the overall condition is described as “excellent” so I guess we are to assume these items work well and look good.
The quality of the photos makes it difficult to evaluate the paint, and white hides a lot of sins. A personal inspection would be wise, particularly since the seller’s asking price is near the top end for a TR3B. Prices have generally drifted down over the last few years. This very snappy TR3B sold for just $23k a few months ago. A transaction between $28k and $30k is probably more likely for this one – what do you think?
Looks like a nice example. I agree with the writer that down draft Webers are not the right choice for this car. I love Weber downdrafts for certain applications but this is not one of them. For me and my knowledge, the price is a bit inflated. I would be in the $20K range but there probably those out there that would pull the trigger on $30K. I just don’t feel these cars are there yet! Peanut gallery comment!!
The wire wheels really look great on these cars.
About 30 years ago I had a TR3B TCF series too and also white but it is not this car. Mine went to Germany. Gee whizz – it’s absolutely raining TR3s on Barnfinds recently – as one who loves them, this is a good thing!
They are very expensive to restore so depending on the quality of this older restoration the price isn’t too unreasonable. High quality ones go for north of 40K
Disagree, restoration parts are cheap for triumphs compared to other English cars. love my triumphs, have had many but north of 40k ????
Go to Moss Motors on line and you will find that the cost of parts and accessories are very reasonable and are of good quality.
Own a TR4a so I agree on the SU comment. The design is so different from the 4a but I love.
I have a 1963 Triumph TR3B.
I had my first one when I was 19. I am 82 now. I still get the same trill driving
This one. Great little cars.
Yes, the TR3B with overdrive is wonderful. A friend had one back in the 60s and it was so much fun!
Those Weber downdrafts were what you put on your Toyota Crowroller when the original wouldn’t rebuild, which often they didn’t. Don’t like them on this, any more than I would Strombergs. SUs are simple and effective carbs, easy to clean and repair, and simple to adjust and sync. Still have my Unisyn.
I agree SU carbs are the best, If you know how to tune them ,they are not hard to tune if you follow the correct procedure.
Totally agree. The SU H6 carbs on my 59 TR3A haven’t been touched, other than topping up the dashpots, in nearly 15 years and 15K miles. Starts, runs and idles perfectly, albeit a tad too fast (gotta check that some day). If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, unlike the Webers which you fix until they are broke. They are for racing applications, with fiddling for every race, not for every day or occasional road touring.
Or you could buy this for a lot less.The seller bought it from
the original owner,who took really good care of it,& was sold after
he passed away.This one has original paint,& I would have bought
it from his widow if I’d had the money to do so when she sold it.
http://humboldt.craigslist.org/cto/d/arcata-1964-triumph-tr3b/7728148905.html
Yes, much nicer buy!
Thanks for the link. That does indeed appear to be a great example of a very original car at a reasonable price. Also, as an unrestored survivor it is what Barnfinds is all about.
You think $1400 for a repop fender is reasonable? That’s more than 7X what a 65 Mustang fender goes for. I just restored a Mustang and am now doing a TR3. I have sticker shock every time I order anything for it. Maybe you guys restore Jags so this seems cheap.