• Hey Guest!
    British Car Forum has been supporting enthusiasts for over 25 years by providing a great place to share our love for British cars. You can support our efforts by upgrading your membership for less than the dues of most car clubs. There are some perks with a member upgrade!
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Upgraded members don't see this banner, nor will you see the Google ads that appear on the site.)
Tips
Tips

TR2/3/3A Possible pursuit of a TR3A

Share this page

drooartz

drooartz

Moderator
Staff member
Gold
Country flag
Offline
So my rusty TR4 is freshly sold, and I'm just starting to look into a less rusty replacement when I hear from a friend in the local British Car Club of a possible British car sitting at a local BMW dealer's used car lot. I followed up and it turns out it is a 1961 TR3A. Described as a "ground up" restoration done back in the 70s. Black with red interior, no overdrive, wire wheels. I went and gave it a quick look after work today, and it does seem to be quite solid. A quick check showed no rust I could find, and the outer panels seemed straight. Would need to get it up on a lift with a Triumph expert to know more.

I've got to follow up with the owner still (it's on a sort of consignment deal with the BMW place) to get more history, but it looks interesting. Asking $13k, which seems rather high to me for that old of a restoration. I was figuring no more than about $9k if it is really as rust free as it looks--I'm a rust-o-phobe now after my TR4!

Does that seem in line? I looked at my price guide, and it seemed to show from $7 - $12 in this shape, depending on the specifics. Wasn't looking for a TR3, since they always seemed too expensive, but hard to pass up an opportunity for a local car.

-Drew
 
Cool! Did you get to drive it? It's certainly not a sprite. Picture your TR4 with harder steering but with the added bonus of feeling like you're going 20mph faster with those beautiful cut-out doors. Wind-up windows are for sissies anyway.
 
Drew-

I thought you had determined you lusted for a Bugeye - are you still thinking of staying with us Triumph nuts?

I'm not a rust fan either, so if the old TR4 was a rust bucket I certainly can understand moving on from it. However, I'm not sure a TR3 will cure the Bugeye lust if that is what is driving you.

Cost wise, not an expert, though in the south here I will hazard the comment that the price quoted for you is a little high - I've seen at a distance anyway some pretty reasonable 3's for less than 10k.

If you do get that 3, hope you don't regret parting with that overdrive you had, that would have swapped in nicely!

Cheers,
Randy.
 
I do still lust after a Bugeye, but I like the TR3 as well--just something about side screen cars that look right to me. I always figured they were too expensive, so I've stayed away (I'd like a Healey 100 as well...). I might prefer a Bugeye to a TR3, but it's a close call, and there is the proximity effect. Being able to actually test and look over a car before buying is a real plus for me, makes me much more comfortable spending this kind of money.

Had a nice chat with the owner tonight, and the car's history seems good. I may try to set up a test drive in the next couple of days. First, I've got to figure out what I would reasonably offer for the car, because I don't want to waste anyone's time if I'm not really serious.

And, as you mentioned, it's not a Bugeye. I'm still deciding what I think about that. Sure is a pretty car, though. And I wouldn't miss the overdrive, because it never worked on the TR4 so I wouldn't know what I was missing. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
I shouldn't have picked on you about the overdrive, I just remembered you had one because of that good website you set up. After 5 Triumphs without overdrive, I just had to have one. Now I do, and yes it is neat to flip that stalk on the steering column and see the revs go down but as yet I've really not exercised it on long trips to justify the search. But it is cool!

I won't talk you out of a TR3, either, because they are also neat cars and I think certainly a good Bugeye alternative. But since you just picked up that last Triumph and its gone now, it might be worth really driving and going over every nook and cranny on that 3 before you take the plunge again. Dang, I sound like I'm lecturing like my parents used to - I guess I am, but I have also felt that bug and bought early and now wonder why I have two triumphs but only one running and the other just costing me money..

Good luck!
 
At that price, don't forget the extras... top (tops), sidescreen curtain condition, etc.
Of course, just this past weekend, an old car place a few miles from me had a '61 BRG TR3A for $28.9, and 2 '67's, a '4 and a '4A, for $14.5 each. The 3 was nice, but not THAT nice, and the 4's were waaay overpriced...
Good luck!
Kevin Browne
'59TR3A #58370
 
[ QUOTE ]
Dang, I sound like I'm lecturing like my parents used to

[/ QUOTE ]

That's quite alright. I'm trying to be more patient this time around, since the TR4 didn't quite turn out like I had hoped. The lecture is good for me--it's part of why I posted this here. Outside voices (as opposed to those in my head) are very helpful to me. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Andrew,
Consider the comparison between a Bugeye (Frogeye) and a TR3. The Sprite's interior is truly spartan in comparison to the TR. It is a VERY small car. On any kind of trip, the Bugeye is simply torture to drive. At least the TR3 is slightly more comfortable. Bugeyes are cute and unique, more of a cult car. And, you will probably get your money back down the road. The TR3 will appreciate in value at a much higher rate, however. Bang for the buck - go with the Triumph, you won't regret it. A solid TR3 even in Louisiana, where few even know what they are, will go for 10K and UP....

Bill
 
Tr3, really are kinda bug eyed-- O O ! You'be be getting bug eyes and the fun/savvy of a Triumph!
Without seeing what you have located and not knowing condition of the big stuff like engine, transmission, paint, etc, it's pretty hard to say what the price should be. But if it's rust free, looks good and works, the price may not be too far off. I looked for about 2 years for mine and although I got it for less than that, I will have that amount in mine by the time I get it in the condition I want anyway-- and that is just a nice clean, reasonably reliable rust free driver.
 
[ QUOTE ]
...1961 TR3A. Described as a "ground up" restoration done back in the 70s. Black with red interior, no overdrive, wire wheels. I went and gave it a quick look after work today, and it does seem to be quite solid. A quick check showed no rust I could find, and the outer panels seemed straight....Asking $13k, which seems rather high to me for that old of a restoration. I was figuring no more than about $9k if it is really as rust free as it looks....Does that seem in line? I looked at my price guide, and it seemed to show from $7 - $12 in this shape

[/ QUOTE ]Which guide are you using? According to NADA, a car as you describe seems to fit their "Average Retail Value" category: "This vehicle would be in good condition overall. It could be an older restoration or a well-maintained original vehicle. Completely operable. The exterior paint, trim, and mechanics are presentable and serviceable inside and out. A '20-footer'." The value they quote is $14,500 (their "Low Retail" is $9,100 and their "High Retail (not '#1' vehicle) is $25,400. I'm not sure that the NADA guide is the most accurate, but frankly it seems better than some others out there.

Of course, that said, I'd still want (as you do) to look very carefully at every bit of the car. Who knows what constituted "ground up restoration" for the person who commissioned or performed same? Depending on exactly when it was done, it could have been done at a time when most original bits were no longer to be had and quality restoration/reproduction bits were not yet available, so there could have been and and all sorts of compromises. Or it may have needed little more than a quality repaint and some detailing. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Regardless, definitely worth pursuing; I think the sidescreen cars still have a good ways to go (upwards) in value before they level off. I also think they're a wonderful bridge between "then" and "now" cars: old and possibly cantakerous, but modern enough to still be capable in most modern traffic conditions. (And they can give you about the same physical workout as some home gyms, and a lot more fun while you're exercising! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)
 
I subscribe to Collector Car Market Review and their price guide seems to be reasonably close with what I see cars going for.

I'm going to try to set up a more complete inspection/drive for Saturday morning. The owner claims that he's not done much other than maintenance since he bought the car in 1982 (restoration was before that), but does say that the maintenance was done. I'm most worried about the various wear parts, wire wheels, tires, that sort of thing that don't age well. Also, I didn't really get a very close look at the interior bits. All that stuff adds up and quite frankly, if the car is indeed perfect, I probably can't afford it. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

At this price level, I need a car that doesn't need too much to make it a safe driver, as there won't be much funding left afterwards for big fixes.

-Drew
 
FWIW -- whether a comparison point or a car of interest... the following is listed in the Craigslist for the Tucson area:

https://tucson.craigslist.org/car/135114128.html

I am not familiar with the car -- I know of four red TR3As in town and this isn't one of those (unless one of them has been very recently restored) -- but if anyone is seriously interested and if it is in the Tucson area, I'll be willing to take a look at it. Not to do a valuation or inspection but just to verify it is more or less as described, take some photos, etc.

No financial interest & no chance I would be buying it.
 
Geo--thanks for the tip. I've got an email into the seller right now. Interesting as comparison, and possible bargaining point. In fact, with the overdrive, it might even be a better car... we'll see. Choices, choices, choices...
 
I ventured down the slippery slope recently and now own #TS65408, a TR3A born in January 1960. You can check out my car for comparison at:
https://www.raysmg.com/rays_mg_midget_60_triumph_tr3a.htm
I have NO intentions of selling so I don't mind telling you the purchase price was $11,000. I was prepared to go to $13K but knocked off for new interior (seats, panels, carpet), minor mechanicals (tune up parts), tires (new Vregensteins from Coker being put on today), and a few creature comforts such as a new tonneau.

I did my research by printing off every TR3 ad on eBay for months. Threw out the anolomies (super high, super low) and then focused on the 10 - 12 cars that fell in my budget $10K - $14K.

I'm new here and hope this helps,

Ray (who also has a couple Midgets)

PS - I went for the TR as a Bugeye (which I also coveted) was too close to my Midgets.
 
Ray you need to fill us in on you fuelie, I don't beleive I seen a 3 with FI.
 
Well, I've got an appointment to drive and paw over the TR3 on Saturday morning. I'll take lots of pictures, and post a link up on Saturday night. I'm doing furious research on TR3s right now so I can be educated before Saturday. My plan is to drive and look as much as I can, then if still interested try to make a deal with the owner. If we could come to an agreement, I'd have the car inspected by a local mechanic as a last check to make sure I didn't miss anything. Mostly I'm just excited to finally get to drive one, and see what it really feels like.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Mostly I'm just excited to finally get to drive one, and see what it really feels like.

[/ QUOTE ]

Like your TR4 with harder steering and the added bonus of feeling like you're going 20mph faster because of the road zipping by those cut-down doors. Certainly more ballsy than a sprite to be sure.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Like your TR4 ...

[/ QUOTE ]

Except that this one has seats that are attached to the car, a non-broken steering wheel, and a non-see-through floor. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif This will be the nicest LBC I've driven by far, so I'm really interested to see what one is supposed to be like when all the bits are in place.

I've really been enjoying all of the comments and advice, and am taking them to heart. Sure is nice to have this handy British Car Support Group right here!

-Drew
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Like your TR4 ...

[/ QUOTE ]

Except that this one has seats that are attached to the car, a non-broken steering wheel, and a non-see-through floor. -Drew

[/ QUOTE ]

So, with the cut-down doors, no windows, rain pouring under the windshield, etc., etc. of the TR3, I'd say they're just about even! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Good luck with the quest. I enjoyed my TR3, but decided to go for the creature comfort of a TR8. (That aluminum 3.5 didn't hurt, either!)

Mickey
 
I purchased my TR3aA this past December and I'm in love. I just returned from a little drive around town and it just gets better every time.. I totally hooked. I paid 12k for mine and I looked around for about 3 months. Some looked good but ran bad, some did not have the wires I wanted, some had rust. One in Houston sold for 10k with rust everywhere, didn't run and needed a lot of work. I had a Bugeye when I was In the Air Force and it was really small. I really envied my friend that had a TR3A at that time (1965).. Here's a link to mine...
https://www.capt-roys.com/triumph.htm
Good luck and I hope you find what you want..

Capt Roy
61 TR3A TS71469L
 
Back
Top