1958 TR3A family owned for 55 years!! Dry weather car - Runs and Drives Great

Here we have a very nice driving. very original. nbsp; TR3A. This car has been in the same family since 1959 when its current owners father. purchased it from a fellow physician. This car has been in regular use in New Mexico and Southern California ever since the 50's and is currently registered here until May 2014. Consequently it does not have the problems that these cars can often suffer from after sitting around for years. Even more surprising this car has never been in an accident. All area's inside the fenders. front and back. where you expect to find the odd ripple or missing hardware are amazingly straight and correct. The floors and underbody are dry. straight and rust free. The only evidence of any rust seems to be confined to the area that is very common in front of the back wheels and it is very minor. The car does not look like it has ever had a color change. it is older paint. which may even be original. There are however quite a few scratches and small dents that have been touched up but overall it is a very straight car. The doors close nicely and the panel fit is excellent for one of these cars. The check strap for the door is missing on the driver's side.   Chrome is decent and complete although the rear bumpers have a few dents in them.   The front grille is a little pushed in and the chrome on the front bumper has lifted off around the left overider – see picture. It is unrestored and is a good old original car. The windshield is not scratched up although there is a slight amount of de-lamination around the edges. The interior is very nice with new leather seats and fresh carpet. The dash is in good shape; the steering wheel has a new leather cover but it (the wheel) needs to be replaced.   The glove box lid needs a catch as it will go all the way in if pushed. All the gauges work except the temperature gauge but the car shows no sign of overheating. there is a new radiator that has recently been fitted. Other recent work includes new rear brakes. all flex hoses and the oil filter has been changed over to a spin-on for convenience.   The big 4 cylinder engine (number S25113E- believed to be original) starts easily from cold on the choke and pulls smoothly and powerfully through the gears. running very well with good torque. The oil pressure shows good on the gauge and there is no sign of any smoking from the exhaust. The engine mounts are old and should be replaced soon. The clutch operation is slow. no slipping. pedal is firm. but I think it would benefit from a new flex hose. The original gearbox is sweet all gears selecting easily. no noise or bother changing and no grinding. The brakes feel excellent. pulling up straight with no fuss or noise. the pedal nice and firm. The parking brake holds well and the rear axle is quiet.   Overall the car drives extremely well without any unwanted clonks or bonks from the suspension. having good steering. with little free play. better than most older TR3's.   Overall the ride. steering and handling are good. The passenger door rattles a bit and there is a slight noise in the trunk area that may be the spare wheel loose in its compartment.  Sitting on a brand new set of Goodrich 175 x 15 tires there is also an older spare under the trunk. Looking under the car there are very few oil leaks and no sign of rust. The exhaust system seems sound but needs a tail pipe mount. The wiring appears to be original and most electrical items work. The indicators work and even self cancel. The dip switch is jammed although the headlights work fine. The license plate lamp needs a bulb and a glass lens. The original horns give that awesome trademark deep tone typical to older British cars.  There are decent side curtains but no sign of a convertible top or frame. The rear plate is not part of the auction it is currently on a white personalized vanity plate. I realize this is a very long description. but I try and describe everything as accurately and honestly as possible. To recap this car is a great looking. fun daily driver or it could be the basis for a stunning restoration due to its accident free body and originality. Bid to buy with confidence the car will not disappoint. I have sold many classic British cars on e-bay all buyers leaving excellent feedback.  As always I would recommend viewing the car if at all possible. please call 310 833 1525 Pacific Time. for an appointment.

On Oct-09-13 at 09:01:57 PDT. seller added the following information:

10/9/13. br>      Update. nbsp; recent (within last 5 years) invoices for repair work have been found. totaling over $4000. 00 along with the bill of sale from the original owner to the current family. It turns out that transaction took place in 1964 not 1959 as previously thought. The current owner was about 6 at the time so she can be forgiven for the inaccuracy!  Older paperwork is still being sought as its always good to have the cars history in writing whenever possible.

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