I’ve never been adept at choosing one “favorite” anything. I can narrow a list down to three or four (or five), but one favorite song, favorite movie, favorite car? There’s an exception, however, to everything. My favorite traditional sports car is without a doubt the Triumph TR3 (OK, I’ll also take a TR2). No hesitation. In this case, I’m going to write as fast as my fingers will carry me because it’s the deal of the day. This clean, solid driver was brought to us by Barn Finds reader Mitchell G., who found it on craigslist in Merrimack, New Hampshire for $14,750. I’m not a bossy man, but someone needs to buy this now so you can tell us all about it.
The primary concern when examining a sidescreen TR is rust, but the selling dealer has included several pictures of the frame, undercarriage, and floors, and it’s a solid car. It has had new floors installed, but nothing stands out as being the work of a ten-thumbed body man (or woman).
The engine is the classic two-liter Triumph four producing 100 horsepower. In a car this light, that’s good enough for a zero-to-sixty time of about 11 or 12 seconds, plenty fast for 1959. Behind the four is a four-speed manual, although this car does not have the optional Laycock-de Normanville electrically-triggered overdrive, which was certainly a nice option. Regardless, top speed for the TR3 was about 105 miles per hour, and the little TR was surprisingly fuel efficient, registering around 30 miles per gallon. Two SU carburetors supply the fuel and air.
The interior is in good condition, although a steering wheel refinishing might be in order. The car comes with a new top that has never been installed, in addition to side curtains and a fiberglass hardtop that “needs the back window installed.” The hardtop alone adds some value to a TR; it was a nice-looking installation that made things a little more snug in the cooler months, which is never a bad thing, because Triumphs were never known for their toasty heaters.
There’s a strong market for TR3s, and I think $14,750 is an extremely fair price for a car that runs and drives well and looks as good as this one does (especially if it checks out in person as well as it does in pictures). The paint job is older but holding up well, and the chrome and windshield are described as “excellent.” The seller says that “if you’ve looked at others I think you will buy this one.” With 55 years of one-family ownership and a box full of receipts, I’m inclined to agree. What do you think?
What do I think? Well it was built in the year I was born! I always had soft spot for the TR3B. But I wish Aaron put the link in to tap on and see all the pictures and read about it!🤨.. i always like the spoke wheels on this. Yes it would be a fun ride to have. At my age once I get in I won’t be able to get out! 😂 Ahhh to be young again and enjoy this ride. And yes it’s a very fair price. Good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
Ack! Sorry, fixed now.
Thank you..😄
Talking about getting in and getting out … after left (clutch) hip replacement my 6-speed 350Z Touring Roadster is still a treasure … it’s fun to drive, and though I have to literally slowly pull and drag myself out of it, I wouldn’t have it “no way different” – it’s just what we do with the cars we love …
That is the best looking driver quality TR3s I have seen in a long time, and at a great price. For the raw fun of an exciting British sports car, the TR3 cannot be beat. They handle great, have disc brakes in the front, and a motor that is bullet proof (and can be hotted up easily). And the disc wheels are way better than high maintenance wires IMO. Those cut down doors make 50mph feel like a 70 so you can have fun without collecting tickets. I had one briefly when I graduated HS in ’69 and always wanted another – too bad it’s on the wrong coast for me (and I’m probably too old now anyway). Somebody will be getting a grand deal on this one.
What too old? I graduated in 1962, am 80 now and still regularly drive my 59 TR3. I just don’t do some of the on-the-ground-under-the -beast stuff myself anymore.
Too bad this has the awful Zenith-Strombergs on it, like on my TR7. Absolutely hate them. My SUs on the TR3 have not need adjustment in more than ten years!
This does have one thing us older (and somewhat expanded) drivers like to have, the adjustable steering wheel. Wish mine would move away a tad.
It’s a really nice example…. a driver!! That’s what one of these old Tr’s should be! I like the red and the steel wheels/hubcaps combo. Install a nice leather stitch-on steering wheel cover and you have a great ride!!
I own a ’57 small mouth TR3, dragged out of a barn it had been sitting in for years. It was a mouse hotel (and smelled like it!!), but some elbow grease, some time and money, and I got it back on the road. That was in 1985, and I still drive it very frequently. At 74, I’m happy I can maneuver in and out of it. Nothing like driving with the cut down doors, hit OD at 60mph and cruise highways, byways, back roads, twisties… you name it! For THIS one at THIS price, in today’s market, I would consider it a steal!
I am a peer Rand, and haven’t squeezed into one since 1966, but I agree with your assessment. Considering what $15K buys in today’s market, this is a out of the ballpark home run. Buy and learn a Uni-Syn and hit the road. My most vivid memory is that at 12, I could reach out and touch the road sitting in the seat. And that my conservative Father would not let off of the throttle when cornering because it handled so well. Too bad they didn’t contract with Nippon Denso. However, our experience with the Lucas electrics on several Sunbeams, Hillmans and this car were equal to any Rambler or Chrysler/Plymouth of the era. I sent this to my son with the advice that this is a perfect entry vehicle into our avocation.
Nice example at a nice price! By the way, this car has Zenith Stromberg carbs off of a mid-period TR4, not the SUs it was born with. I’d suspect it might even have a total TR4 engine transplant and they just left the carbs on. Not a big deal for a driver car, it’s like swapping a 350 Chevy in for a 327.
I agree that this is fine for the price now. I had a 58 TR3A for a couple of years in 1977-79. It was not nearly as nice as this one but ran very well with a couple of “quirks”. The hydraulic clutch cylinder needed to be rebuilt. It got so that it needed to be bled every time I took it out. I could reach under the driver side floor and bleed it without looking. Also, it was missing the hood safety catch. The hood was held down with dzus fasteners on each side, easy to forget to tighten. I TWICE had the hood fly up and break the windshield after breaking the pot metal hinges and flying overhead. The second time it did hit my head! The SU carbs are very simple with few parts. I still have a Unisyn tool that is used to synchronize carbs for airflow. I sold the car for $500, still running well but needing body and paint work. Last year I found a box of front suspension and steering parts, long lost. Back then I belonged to the local Vintage Triumph Register club which is still active. I get the newsletter online monthly. Lots of stories.
My brother in law has the same car but it has a TR8 V8 in it very fun :)