TR2/3/3A '60 TR3 or '66 Midget........ Which would u pick??

[DougF]

When I said parts availability is probably better for the Midget, try buying a good fitting new panel or a good used one for a TR3. It might be easy in the sunnier climates, but not in the rust belt.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

When I said parts availability is probably better for the Midget, try buying a good fitting new panel or a good used one for a TR3. It might be easy in the sunnier climates, but not in the rust belt.

Moot point, anyway, as they didn't fit when they were new!

 

[TR3driver]

When I said parts availability is probably better for the Midget, try buying a good fitting new panel or a good used one for a TR3. It might be easy in the sunnier climates, but not in the rust belt.

I see. I'll agree, it's hard to buy most parts without having them shipped a significant distance. That said, I found a front apron in very good condition, on eBay but local enough that I drove over there to pick it up. And I sold a used driver's side fender & door not too long ago that were in good condition. One was shipped (Oregon I think), the other a local pickup. For that matter, the entire car was basically a collection of parts, found on eBay less than 5 miles from my home.

As Mickey said, these cars did not fit all that well even when they were new. They were essentially slapped together by hand, with some help from a BFH.

Years ago, we had a speaker at a club meeting talk about visiting the factory. It was a fascinating talk and I wish I could remember his name (wasn't Jonmac). His two most memorable comments were about the most common tool being hammers "of all shapes and sizes"; and about the unpainted body parts outdoors in the rain "pre-rusting".

 

[DougF]

I reread my entry and didn't mean to come off as being angry, I was rushing to get out the door.
Yes, everything was "hand fitted".

I recently found a very nice deck lid for my car that I plan to mount a luggage rack to for longer trips, and still run the standard one for normal use. Import Carlisle is one of our few sources for used or NOS.

My car, when purchased was very much untouched with 22,700 miles on the clock. I was amazed at how much of the undercarriage was primer only...a good combination with pre-rusting.

 

[Simon TR4a]

I owned a 1275 Midget back in 1976, and enjoyed it.
The Midget is more modern in feel, and handles better, but is not as good on the highway. In spite of its age the TR3 keeps up well with ,modern traffic.

 

[NardisCNC]

And I finally have some photos for you all!! Here they are:

TR3 Pictures

The info supplied to me is based on this guy's word and these photos. The car is about 7 hours from where I live so I want to be fairly confident that this is a deal worth pursuing before making the haul to close the deal.

Basically everything is there to finish the car less a few odds and ends. And most everything is either new or rebuilt.

Again, I know there are still a thousand variables, but based on the info provided, and if I drive down to inspect it in person, what would be a "GREAT DEAL" price on this car?? Honestly that's kinda the only way I want to buy it considering my current circumstances. I don't know how firm this gentleman is on his price but he priced it once to me for $9,000 then again a week or so later for $8,000. I'm thinking I might be able to swing something in the $6,000 range but I don't know how bad he really wants out from under this car. Is his asking price far out of line considering the condition? Thanks again for any input!!

If I can buy this car "right" I might try to finish it compare it to my Midget, then keep whichever one I like better and sell the other.

 

[JerryVV]

TR3

 

[NardisCNC]

Yea, I'm really starting to itch for a TR3. What should a person expect to pay tho for the above car? What would be a good deal??

 

[bgbassplyr]

There are some things not quite right which I would re-do, like the dash. But it looks like the hard work has been done.

If your are confident that you can put it togrther, I think $6k would be a steal.

Take your truck, trailer, and cash money when you go to look at it. A big roll of hundred dollar bills can be very persuasive.

Others will be along with opinions. Listen to them all before making your decision.

 

[tinman58]

tr3!

 

[Kleykamp]

To get a TR3 to the stage of those photos would take a lot more than the asking price. IMHO It looks to me like am easy choice for the TR3 if it check out as the photos show. Agreed it needs come correction to the dash and needs some chrome parts but a restored body and drive train would cost more to do than he's asking. I've built 3 and have one under construction...not the far and I certainly would lose money at 9000.00, not to mention my labor.

 

[TR3driver]

If your are confident that you can put it togrther, I think $6k would be a steal.

$6K seems very good to me, too, especially since prices seem to have gone up sharply in the past few years.

Putting them together just takes time, energy and willingness to learn. It ain't rocket science.

I didn't document the process very well, but this photo should give you some idea of the condition TS13571L was in, in Oct 2008.

Here it is after a year of nights and weekends

The interior wasn't done (still isn't) but it made the 200+ mile run each way to TRfest 2009.

 

[NardisCNC]

Well, $6k is where I think I would like to be in this car considering its not finished, and my funds are very limited. The owner says he has at least $12k in it, which I don't doubt. (those Moss Invoices add up quick too) I'll call him tomorrow and feel things out! Please continue to keep any thoughts coming!! Thanks!

 

[DanB]

Mustang II or 68 Camaro?

 

[tdskip]

So please don't take this the wrong way, but I am going to cooperatively argue with you. If money is tight and $6k is your budget get the Midget. A good TR3, even if in pieces, is unlikely for $6k. A ratty one, sure, but then you need both lots of time and money to make nice.

If money is tight buy the most complete car you can. Having an un-done or unusable car due to funds or time stinks.

Flipping unfinished cars in this price range doesn't work.

Now just maybe you'll score on the TR3 price here, sometime goofy deals do come along, but don't count on it.

 

[NardisCNC]

Yeah, I totally agree tdskip. The thing is I already have the Midget and drive it all the time. I just don't know anything about Triumphs at this point and wanted some input. $6k is not necessarily my "budget" but it what I can feel I could possibly justify spending. I realize too that it will take a lot more to finish the car.

 

[FordFiesta]

As much as I like midgets, which I do, it's just not as much of a hoot to drive on the open road as a TR-3.

I bought a really ratty TR-3A that probably was about to be scrapped in LA in 1975. It's still, despite my best efforts, really ratty and enough fun even in that condition to make me smile every time I drive it.

Best thing will be to borrow a TR for a test drive, and you'll see the difference right away.

 

[Marvin Gruber]

I have a 58 TR3, PO did a lot of work. Its got a decent (green)paint job. I rounded up all the pieces to complete. I have ran the engine. It has a interior (black)kit that came from a guy who pulled it out to chance color. Needs putting together and you will have to buy a conv. top. All for $6k. PM me with your email address and I will send pictures.

Marv

BTW - I'm a lot closer to you as well.

 

[arizonamike]

Boils down to how you want to spend your time. I hope you will have a Triumph

If you want to get rid of that Midget, i can come and pick it up at no charge.

Mike

 

[glemon]

A little different perspective here, I have owned 3 Sprites, my brother has a TR3 he finished restoring over 20 years ago I have toured in it hundreds of miles and driven it quite a bit too. Others have described the cars differences well.

They are both great fun and very likeable cars probably two of the most charming cars in the popular brit sports car universe.

I am in the same boat as you, I have space and resources for one hobby car, or at least that is my quota if I want to continue to enjoy domestic bliss.

Life is short I loved my '67 Sprite, my '66 4A, my '54 AH 100 and my current car, the '68 TR250. I would not have owned the next one if I hadn't sold the one before. Some of those sales were hard decisions, but getting a "new" LBC is like falling in love like a teenager all over again.