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'66 Midget or '60 TR3...... Which would u pick??

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NardisCNC

NardisCNC

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OK, OK, I know this is an extremely vague question, that can have a thousand+ variables, with answers coming from two different groups of people / schools of thought, but I'd like some input from people who perhaps have had some experience with both. Although I do realize in the end it simply comes down to a matter of personal preference.

Here's my predicament........I currently own a '66 Midget that I love it's been completely restored more or less with the exception of the stock 1098 which I was getting ready to switch for a 1275 as soon as I rebuild the engine. However in the meantime I found a '60 TR3 that I guy has started restoring frame-off and is supposedly 80% finished with. Engine already rebuilt, body & paint work finished (the stuff I wouldn't want to do), etc. And I think it could perhaps be had worth the money, as he is a retired fella who just got bored with this project, and is now devoting his time to other interest. He claims all that is left to do is to "button everything up" and put it back together.

About me: I only have room for ONE car right now, with a budget to match. I love old British Cars but am only 3yrs new to the Hobby, the Midget being the only LBC I have driven thus far. I'm not set on any particular make or model. I enjoy it as a hobby with the fringe benefit of being a small investment that will hold its value, more so than most other hobbies at least.

It appears that TR3's in god condition similar to my Midget are worth 2-3 times as much, which is appealing. Mainly I guess I'd like some insight on other traits between these two cars.... Power, Handling, Appeal, etc. (assuming both cars were in the SAME mechanical/physical condition) If you could have ONE, which would you pick?? Thanks in advance!!
 
Truck vs. Go Cart Handling . Your opinion may vary.
 
They are different cars.
The midget fits more like a glove when driving, the TR, you sit in it. TR is bigger, better on the highway.
I think the big thing is do you like driving them or working on them? If it is driving, keep the MG and put in the 1275.
If you like working and rebuilding them, then go with the TR. I think what you are starting with in the TR make it a GREAT candidate.
Cheers,
Scott
PS I don't think you can go wrong either way.
 
TR3 looks cool and has more monetary value, but is not fun to drive.
Midget is fun to drive and cheap to maintain, but has less monetary value and is not as stylish.

What is important to you?
 
A TR3 is one of my all time favorite cars -- the cut down doors are just too cool, and that engine is extremely strong. Had a ride in my friends beautiful TR3 last summer, serious grunt there. He could drop my Bugeye like I was standing still even with all the engine work I did (hot 1275). I did find it cramped, though, even compared to the Bugeye.

All comes down to what you like. I tend more towards a stock-configuration car, so the "big bore" cars (TR3, TR4, MGB) are more to my liking especially here in the mountains. Spridgets are the single best value in a vintage sports car, no question, and light and nimble as well. The TR3 is a bit more of a brute but still quite capable and darn good looking.

Can't go wrong either way.
 
I'm quite biased, but its TR3 all the way. My first sport car was a TR3 and regret the day I ever sold it. I don't understand the statement that they are not fun to drive. The one I had was a great drive, but ride is rough. One thing to consider is the cost of restoring a TR3 is way above a Spridget. Especially if you need bady parts.


BTW, it you pass on it, hows about giving me a shot at it.
 
I don't know much about TR3s other than I know I want one. But I will throw this into the mix... Assembling a car you did not take apart can be extremely challenging. if you go with the TR3, be sure to make friends with someone who knows the car up and down. Also, I am always skeptical of the "it's practically done. All it needs is a few hours of work to be a car 4 times the value of what I am selling it for. I am just too bored to make an extra $10,000" ... Really!? Be pleasant but extremely cynical as you inspect the TR3 .
 
Morris said:
I don't know much about TR3s other than I know I want one. But I will throw this into the mix... Assembling a car you did not take apart can be extremely challenging. if you go with the TR3, be sure to make friends with someone who knows the car up and down. Also, I am always skeptical of the "it's practically done. All it needs is a few hours of work to be a car 4 times the value of what I am selling it for. I am just too bored to make an extra $10,000" ... Really!? Be pleasant but extremely cynical as you inspect the TR3 .
Click to expand...

I agree! Basket case cars almost always sell cheap and are often bought by someone who already has one for reference.

Kurt.
 
I read an article several years ago that said that there are NO MORE TR3 "drivers". That is they are all either basket cases or restored to "show" condition.
If you are looking for investment, and enjoy working on cars go for the TR3.
TR3s are the reason I stopped submitting my ballots at the ABFMs. They were all done to such a high degree that the only difference in them was the color of the paint. I found myself voting for a car because I liked the color.

Sprites on the other hand seem to be driven, and no two are quite alike. This doesn't seem to affect value in the least, as the value is in the driving experience...

YMMV IHMO NFI

my 2¢


(As a side note, when I bought my sprite and was told it was 95% complete. I've had to rebuild the engine, replace the tranny, fix the brakes, sort the electrical, and 15 years later it's still not done.)
 
Pythias said:
(As a side note, when I bought my sprite and was told it was 95% complete. I've had to rebuild the engine, replace the tranny, fix the brakes, sort the electrical, and 15 years later it's still not done.)
Click to expand...

So you're up to about 96% done now!

:jester:
 
I'd rather push a Midget than drive a TR3.
But, that's just my preference.
:devilgrin:
 
Bugeye vs TR3 would cause me some thinking time. Midget vs TR3 though requires no thought for me. I'd pick the TR3. It really seems to be a bird in hand vs 2 in bush quandary though...
 
I think I might get the TR3, finish it, drive both, sell one.
 
AN5Sprite said:
Bugeye vs TR3 would cause me some thinking time. Midget vs TR3 though requires no thought for me. I'd pick the TR3. It really seems to be a bird in hand vs 2 in bush quandary though...
Click to expand...


A Spridget on the road is worth two TR's in the garage. :laugh:
 
Morris said:
All it needs is a few hours of work to be a car 4 times the value of what I am selling it for. I am just too bored to make an extra $10,000" ... Really!? .
Click to expand...

Yep, you'd be surprised. :wink:
 
Having owned several TR3's over the years. Both drivers, both got used a lot. Now the owner of a Bugeye (which I realise) is not your exact question.
My thoughts are, I'll go to my my grave wishing I still had my TR's.

In terms of handling the Spridgets kill the Trumpies, most especially in cornering but in all other ways the Tr's are imho way superior.

You can travel serious distances easily in the TR, their ergonomics are better, their instruement layout is more complete, they came with front disks brakes well before the big Healys or Spridgets. Their cutaway doors are way cool.

I enjoy my Sprite but I loved my TR.

Mike
 
JPSmit said:
I think I might get the TR3, finish it, drive both, sell one.
Click to expand...

And I might be able to do just that if I can buy this car right.

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!!
 
For $6000 I say go for it. I has had some body damage and I would check the car out further. I also has some non stock paint and trimming, but all the tough sstuff has been done and can easily be put right. Lots of help can be found on the BCF to put the car back together.

Paul
 
I agree - there is more than 6k in paint and parts - looks like an easy resto.
 
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