Standard Triumph had put a few roadsters into buyers’ hands in the immediate post-war period, first its 1800, then the 2000, but the company’s competitiveness was slipping in the sports-car segment. Rumor has it that Sir John Black, managing director, took a run at acquiring the Morgan Motor Company, but was rebuffed, forcing Black back to the drawing board. Three years later – after some tribulation – the TR2 was launched into a market seething with MG T-series and Jaguar XK120 options. It was an auspicious moment, establishing the line of TR cars with a production run that stretched to the TR8 and 1981. Here on eBay is a TR3A (the “A” was appended by enthusiasts to differentiate it, with its several improvements, from the earlier TR3 and later TR3B), bid to $3200, reserve not met. The car is located in Imlay City, Michigan, and it’s a running project; let’s investigate the pros and cons….
First off, the car runs and drives. The standard engine was a 1991 cc four-banger breathing through two SU carburetors, good for about 95 hp. The optional 2138 cc version produced about 100 hp. Sparkling performance had helped sell the TR series since the 2 arrived, and its sibling was no different. Top speed was a notch over 100 mph, and acceleration was at least as good as its competitors. A four-speed manual could be augmented with overdrive for an extra $150. Front disc brakes arrived in 1959 – a first for a British production car. The seller notes that one of these SUs misbehaves; I find it’s tempting to blame carbs for issues like ignition or a sketchy fuel pump, but the vendor is experienced, so maybe he’s right.
The TR3’s interior rotated through several cosmetic changes including the addition of map pockets on the door panels by the time was the TR3A was introduced; early TR3s had Vynide-covered dashes while later versions were black crinkle paint. Seat shape changed from the TR3 to the 3A; these look like the earlier seats with their thin backs. We could argue all day about which direction the pleating should go, but most 3As show it running side to side, not front to back. The TR3 came with side curtains; this example retains its set, along with a few extra parts and original tools. The top bows are present, and the car does come with a top which needs a new window. Accessories including fog lights, a hard top, a variety of wire wheels and so forth.
Rust has afflicted the frame, the trunk floor and the interior floors – areas highlighted by the seller – but the sills are rusty as well, and at least one fender edge is rusting up towards virgin territory…. we know what happens next unless that’s halted. Meanwhile, if a TR3 of any type is on your bucket list, you’ll find plenty of examples vying for your wallet’s attention against a price range of mid four figures for projects all the way to mid-$40s. What would you pay for this ’62?
1962 would have been a TR3-B
From March ’62 thru Oct ’62. TR3As were made into ’62.
I grew up putting my time on MGB’s, Midgets and Sprites so I had no time for Triumphs. I always liked the early TR’s up to the 4 and the 250. This one looks like my kind of project…a driver…. nice enough to look good and worn enough to warrant just some appearance clean up without spending a fortune. These cars (like me) are becoming dinosaurs (I’m 72). The younger car people have no interest even though those of us who grew up with them still have some. We are the market for these classics. If I had no projects going on right now, I would be interested in this one in the $5K area even though 3.5K is what I would like to spend. (inflation or the internet?). The ‘rust’ underneath is first priority as to what kind of rust is actually there (surface or crumbling). The misbehaving SU is not a problem. I also prefer the steel wheels on these models. Its an interesting find…….
You’re right Joey….the majority of folks interested in these are an older demographic. The British car shows are filled with older folks who know these cars. Teenage and twenty somthings are busy driving their phones. This Triumph appeals to me as well. Throw a set of mini lites, new tires on, and drive it.
I saw Sir John Black’s custom coachbuilt 1952 Bentley R-Type at a Mecum Auction in Monterrey 10 or 12 years ago – one could clearly see the profile of the coming TR2/3 in the fender line.
C’mon, it’s a British sports car from the early 1960’s. These things are well known rust buckets. ………..lets see the underside and closeup body sill and inside fender pix.
The first British sports car I ever drove! It was a TR3B with gold metalflake paint. (Lots of big metalflake) It was fun and I instantly wanted one. (One of my high school teacher’s cars) But I was deep in my 1955 Chev convert at the time. Never got the chance to buy ar drive another one. MGs always came into my life afterwards.
Sale ended at about $3,200 without reaching reserve. Seller says there is some rot in trunk as shown in photo but only see some rocker area rot behind paint. No frame or under photos other than wheel wells, but they say no rot seen in frame. Inspection needed here. SU carbs are very simple, but parts can be expensive. I sold my 58 TR3A in 1979 for $500, running very well but about like this rust wise. It was a little uglier in red oxide paint with tack welds holding rockers on. A fun car sold when we got married.
Amazing it sold for $3250.
Not sold as “reserve not met”.
I agree with Dave in PA : SU carbs are very simple to rebuild or adjust. Michelle: Your mention of the Triumph 1800/2000 brought back a memory…in 1967, I was pumping gas in a station in Cambridge, MA when a very pretty and EXTREMELY greasy girl drove in in one – I’m not sure which but I think it was a 2000 that she had been working on. We chatted for a while and she eventually drove off. Unfortunately, I never saw either again.
William, your EXTREMELY greasy girl paints a fine picture! Add our own details maybe.
Small correction…disc brakes came in late 57 with the end of the small mouth TR3s. This would have been a good project but the frame is suspect. Mid 3’s seems about right. Seems to be a bit of a frankencar.