1958 Triumph TR3A great condition, runs and drives beautifully

Up for auction is my 1958 Triumph TR3A. Commission number is TS26412L (for Left hand driver) without overdrive (which was an option). The car is 55 years old but is in great shape for its age. It is a driver and has been lovingly cared for by me since I got it in about 2002. I am selling it because it is time for the car to be restored and I simply do not have the time or room to do this. although I would love to do it and it would be labor of love. My hope is that the new owner will take this lovely car through a frame-off restoration to bring it back to its original glory for many years to come. It is a perfect car for this purpose but certainly has years of drivability left for someone who has the time to put into it.

The car runs great and is a delight to drive. The car has several enhancements to increase its performance which were added to it before my ownership. The car has headers and the carburetors are fitted with RH needles which creates a richer mix at speed for increased power. While I do not know this for sure I expect the cylinders have been fitted with 89 mm liners and it likely does not have a stock camshaft. Again. this is speculation. The exhaust note of the car is the wonderful Triumph sound that keeps people loving these little British cars to this day. I doubt if it has matching engine. gearbox and commission numbers; I never cared about this in the least.

The car is a driver. My goal in owning it has been to drive and enjoy it. not to keep it as it was when it was manufactured. I expect it could be a daily driver but this would take some effort and expertise to maintain a car this old for such use. I drive it only on nice days in good weather and always as an open convertible. Actually. I have never even tried to put the top or sidescreens on although I have all of these and they are all included in the sale. I cannot attest to their fitment. The Dzus brackets for the sidescreens are missing from the doors so if you want to use the sidescreens it will take some work. The car has the following additions and enhancements:

1.     Electric radiator fan. push type. on front of radiator. switch on the dashboard. These cars run hot and additional fan helps dramatically.

2.     Gear reduction starter. Much higher torque than original starter (which I have and which is part of the auction if desired for the Concours restorer person).

3.     Spin on oil filter adaptor (makes oils changes very easy and much less messy than original canister type)

4.     Original points ignition. recently rebuilt including new Lucas Sport Coil.

5.     Original H6 SU carburetors also recently completely rebuilt including new shafts and bushings. nitrile o-ring jet seals instead of original cork and Grose valves in the bowls.

6.     Electric Facet fuel pump. currently placed in-line with the mechanical fuel pump which was also recently replaced.

7.     60 spoke wire wheels with radial tires

8.     Luggage rack on boot (trunk) lid.

Mechanically the car is in great shape. It is kept covered in an insulated garage. There is some surface rust on frame. pans are good also with some surface rust. This area is the place where most of these vehicles first rust out. Suspension is good; I have had no problems with clutch or gearbox. The engine is very strong. compression is great and equal in all cylinders last time I measured it. The car oozes some oil as all of these cars do at this age. Steering is good. car tracks straight. Parkin brake does not work. All lights work. headlights. tail and parking lamps. turn signal lights. brake lights. panel light. ignition and turn signal indicator lights on dash and even the little light on the speedometer that indicates the “Main beam” as the Brits call it. Gauges all work but the fuel level gauge needs some attention. I do not rely on it. The heater has been removed. Coolant hoses are all present but no core and no blower or air hoses. Since I drive the car only in nice weather with the top off I never had a need for a heater. Horn button is stuck in the “on” position on the steering column so both horns are disconnected although they do work. They are the original “Windtone” horns. The steering wheel does not turn the turn signal indicator switch off after returning the steering wheel to the straight position following a turn so you have to remember switch it back yourself.

I am the third owner of the vehicle. The previous owner did a number of cosmetic improvements including painting the car green from its original red. The paint job is actually quite good; there is an area on the passenger side trunk hinge where there is some peeling. Otherwise the finish is in great shape. Chrome in good shape for a car of this age. there is some pitting. Seats and upholstery are redone—the brackets for adjustment of the driver's seat were removed by previous owner. The seat fits me fine. I am 5' 11. ”

If you have no experience with these cars I would say the TR3 is a great entry into the classic car hobby. The car is open and easy to work on. there is lots of expertise online and most parts are available from reliable national vendors. The car is titled and registered to me in state of Maryland. The title is clear and this lovely example of a classic British sports car is ready to be yours.  

Also published at eBay.com

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