It may not appear so at first glance, but those are actually three different TR3As in the pictures above. Two of them are 1959s and the youngest one is a 1960. They are all for sale for a single price of $6,990 in Lone Oak, Texas. The ad is posted here on craigslist – thanks to Jonathan (who’s interested in purchasing one if someone else wants the other two–see below!) for passing them along to us!
We don’t actually know which serial number goes with which car, but if I am interpreting the ad correctly, this first car has an engine block and a transmission still inside.
The all-important apron looks pretty good, as does the hood. Certainly better than others I’ve seen!
The rear doesn’t look bad either, but I wish there were a clearer picture of the sills and floors. Assume there’s at least some rust-through.
Car #2 supposedly has an engine block, but no transmission at the moment. The TR6 wheels give it a purposeful look, and it doesn’t look too bad on this side.
On the passenger side, the body doesn’t quite as good. The apron looks like it’s taken a beating as well.
Car #3 has neither an engine nor a transmission, and certainly has some corrosion showing up along the lower body. That being said, I have seen far worse than any of these three cars restored to show quality, and all patch panels and almost all mechanical parts are available new, with more reproduction parts being released all the time. The three serial numbers listed (two come with titles, one with a bill of sale) date from 1959 and 1960 according to this VTR page.
Here are some of the “extra” parts included–wow! The seller does specify that there are no seats included, but many of the other parts needed to complete the cars are in this picture.
There’s also another engine and transmission. Knowing how simple these cars are and how available parts and expertise are, these are relatively straightforward restorations, especially if you don’t mind some welding. Does anyone want to join Jonathan in this purchase? Let him (and us) know in the comments below.
Jonathan: I am not interested in these cars, but I do have a disassembled 1957 small-mouth TR3 with overdrive if you are interested. Where are you located? Andrew Uprichard
Thanks Andrew. I’m located in Dallas. I’m interested in a project I can slowly (years) work on with my sons as they reach their teenage years.
Ad is already pulled off unfortunately, being Texas cars that was a fantastic price for the three cars and all the parts easily enough to cover the cost of keeping 1 and selling the rest the car u keep would be free! Sry I missed this one!!
I love English cars and this would make someone a great start.
I have wondered if a tr3 wiring harness would work in a D-type?
While the lengths for some wires may be different, functionally they would be very similar if not identical. If you are speaking of the D that you are re-constructing…if you aren’t going for complete original appearance I’d look into an aftermarket one such as Painless wiring.
Painless uses modern components that look wrong. I’m thinking that a harness for a TR3, or MGA would look correct. I’m just going to need something less expensive than an XK150 harness. I expect to use gauges from a jag sedan. As long as the speedo is 160 mph it will do. I can make my own harness but that’s lots of work and I still need wires from a vintage supplier.
Ok…I’ve had good luck with British Wiring in Pennsylvania, then. Quality stuff :-) Or you could make your own and wrap it in their period wrap…
I know I’ve lost all my senses because even though it is lots of work it sounds like fun.
dang and soooo close….
I went on my honeymoon, (54 years ago), in my ’56 TR-3. A fun car, easy to roll over, lousy heater & a bullet proof engine. This was a low end sports car, improved later with overdrive but no match for any 356 Porsche.