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TR2/3/3A TR2, 3, 3A
- Thread starter GaryBeu
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sail
Darth Vader
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TR4nut
Yoda
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Hi-
Not an expert, but here's some decent places to get background information
US Vintage Triumph Register Resources:
Triumph Model Descriptonis
Buyers Guide
UK TR Register Resources:
TR2 model
TR3 model
TR3A model
Buyers Guide
TR Register of Australia (dedicated to sidescreen TRs)
Pictures, Pictures, Pictures.
Randy
Not an expert, but here's some decent places to get background information
US Vintage Triumph Register Resources:
Triumph Model Descriptonis
Buyers Guide
UK TR Register Resources:
TR2 model
TR3 model
TR3A model
Buyers Guide
TR Register of Australia (dedicated to sidescreen TRs)
Pictures, Pictures, Pictures.
Randy
Geo Hahn
Yoda
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No one here is likely to claim the title of 'expert' but there are certainly many enthusiastic owners among us.
Your choice among those models (and the exact car sought) will depend much on how you plan to use it and whether you want a project or a finished car.
If you are somewhere that has a local TR club or British car club then joining now before you find a car coule be helpful both for guidance and because nice cars still sometimes change hands by word-of-mouth.
<span style="font-style: italic">Just looked at that VTR 'models' page and recognize both the TR2 and TR3 examples shown as Forum members' cars. So yeah, this is a good place to ask.</span>
Your choice among those models (and the exact car sought) will depend much on how you plan to use it and whether you want a project or a finished car.
If you are somewhere that has a local TR club or British car club then joining now before you find a car coule be helpful both for guidance and because nice cars still sometimes change hands by word-of-mouth.
<span style="font-style: italic">Just looked at that VTR 'models' page and recognize both the TR2 and TR3 examples shown as Forum members' cars. So yeah, this is a good place to ask.</span>
prb51
Luke Skywalker
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All old Brit cars have personality and I support Geo's suggestion to locate a local Tr club to experience the cars first hand..drive or take a drive...visit with owners etc.
The great thing about the TR line is the availability of parts at reasonable prices, something that cannot be said of all older/classic cars.
Good luck on your quest...I suggest a smallmouth TR3 or a TR2 but I'm biased!
The great thing about the TR line is the availability of parts at reasonable prices, something that cannot be said of all older/classic cars.
Good luck on your quest...I suggest a smallmouth TR3 or a TR2 but I'm biased!
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One thing to consider is that there is little fundamental difference among the TR2, TR3, TR3A and TR3B variants. Also, 50-60 years after they left the factory, there's often even less difference, since many older cars have been "updated" with newer engines and gearboxes, replacement sheet metal, etc., etc. Original or "correctly restored" cars arguably still have the most monetary value, but "personalized" cars (those modified and/or updated by a present or previous owner) have existed almost since the cars were new, and more seem to come about all the time as owners update gearboxes and brakes and go for big-bore pistons and liners.
This and more rambling that I'll skip for now is a way of saying that, basically, get the one you like best in terms of appearance. Many prefer the wide-mouth 3A/3B look; others the "small mouth" earlier cars. The 3As are probably the easiest to find, though!
This and more rambling that I'll skip for now is a way of saying that, basically, get the one you like best in terms of appearance. Many prefer the wide-mouth 3A/3B look; others the "small mouth" earlier cars. The 3As are probably the easiest to find, though!
vivdownunder
Jedi Warrior
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If you have a look at our Australian TR Register website as copied above, you will see that the main visual difference between the "sidescreen" models is the small mouth front apron on the TR2 and TR3. These cars are now very rare.
In 1957 the wide mouth TR3A's were introduced, and this shape continued to 1962 as the TCF series TR3B. Many survivors remain, and parts are readily available.
I've had most of them over the years and found the TR2 was the most economical with smaller carbies, but the later wide mouth models were more sought after and easier to sell.
My current car is on the Austalian gallery - surname beginning with P.
Viv.
In 1957 the wide mouth TR3A's were introduced, and this shape continued to 1962 as the TCF series TR3B. Many survivors remain, and parts are readily available.
I've had most of them over the years and found the TR2 was the most economical with smaller carbies, but the later wide mouth models were more sought after and easier to sell.
My current car is on the Austalian gallery - surname beginning with P.
Viv.
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Great cars, of course. I restored a '57 and had a great time with the restoration. All the proper sounds and feel of classic British motoring. Still, driving it was not what I expected, and my wife only tolerated it. The engine has to work pretty hard to keep up with highway traffic, unless you have overdrive or a five-speed conversion. No rollup windows, drafty, hard to keep rain out, etc.
The low door line is sexy, but can be scary tooling along next to SUV's and pickups, let alone 18-wheelers.
However, if those issues aren't concerns for both of you, they are a bunch of fun.
Mickey
The low door line is sexy, but can be scary tooling along next to SUV's and pickups, let alone 18-wheelers.
However, if those issues aren't concerns for both of you, they are a bunch of fun.
Mickey
ekamm
Jedi Warrior
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Driving an open car like the tr3 is an awesome experience. Best for good weather,but Properly equipped can be driven regardless. Probably not the best daily driver unless you have the climate to make the season a moot point. All in all the price is right and I love the looks and questions as you go by. Nothing like seeing your reflection in a store window as you drive by.
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Hey, Drew -
Not sure if I can put my finger on it completely. As I mentioned, there's the vulnerability factor. Partly psychological, but also real. It's also not the most comfortable riding car, and if I'm going to an event, I'd rather drive than trailer the car. It just seemed more "fragile" than I was comfortable with.
Also, entry into the car with the top up was a pain, and I'm only 5'9", and 160#. Kinda like crawling into a pup tent!
Further, I had restored an MGB for Janet, and was looking for another project. Ever since riding in a TR8, I had been hooked on getting one. Saw one on ebay, and decided to go for it. One of the cars had to go, and since I really wanted a cruiser rather than the sidescreen, figured it was time to let it go. I enjoyed it for several years, but guess I "outgrew" it.
As I said, it's all subjective; not easy to articulate.
Got one more restoration in me, and am looking to reconnect with an Alfa Giulietta Spider. Someday...
Mickey
Not sure if I can put my finger on it completely. As I mentioned, there's the vulnerability factor. Partly psychological, but also real. It's also not the most comfortable riding car, and if I'm going to an event, I'd rather drive than trailer the car. It just seemed more "fragile" than I was comfortable with.
Also, entry into the car with the top up was a pain, and I'm only 5'9", and 160#. Kinda like crawling into a pup tent!
Further, I had restored an MGB for Janet, and was looking for another project. Ever since riding in a TR8, I had been hooked on getting one. Saw one on ebay, and decided to go for it. One of the cars had to go, and since I really wanted a cruiser rather than the sidescreen, figured it was time to let it go. I enjoyed it for several years, but guess I "outgrew" it.
As I said, it's all subjective; not easy to articulate.
Got one more restoration in me, and am looking to reconnect with an Alfa Giulietta Spider. Someday...
Mickey
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deadair said:
You've an advantage: so many Spiders in your neck of the woods! Slim pickin's in Tennessee!
Moseso
Jedi Knight
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I think a dissenting opinion is called for here. I LOVE driving my TR3!
I came to the TR3 from 28 years of riding a '65 BMW R69S motorcycle. In regards comfort, weather protection, impact protection and the simple concept that a 4-wheeled vehicle won't fall over on me at the drop of a hat -- the TR3 is vastly superior on all counts. Yet it retains the open-air, agile, quick and sporty driving experience.
I use it as a daily driver whenever the roads are salt-free, roughly late March through November. I have to dress right for chilly weather, but that's no different than the cycle was. I guess, deep down, I like primitive rides.
Gary and Carla: welcome to Triumph country. I hope you derive as much enjoyment from a TR2/3 as I have!
I came to the TR3 from 28 years of riding a '65 BMW R69S motorcycle. In regards comfort, weather protection, impact protection and the simple concept that a 4-wheeled vehicle won't fall over on me at the drop of a hat -- the TR3 is vastly superior on all counts. Yet it retains the open-air, agile, quick and sporty driving experience.
I use it as a daily driver whenever the roads are salt-free, roughly late March through November. I have to dress right for chilly weather, but that's no different than the cycle was. I guess, deep down, I like primitive rides.
Gary and Carla: welcome to Triumph country. I hope you derive as much enjoyment from a TR2/3 as I have!
Geo Hahn
Yoda
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GaryBeu said:
In my recent experience helping a friend with a TR3A search -- those can be the hardest examples to find.
Many really rough ones available and also quite a few restored ($$$$) cars -- not so many that are sound cars but unrestored or older restorations.
That said, they're out there if you're patient and persistent.
The suggestion to drive one is a very good idea. I've driven one all my adult life so I forget that some people do not care for that experience the way I do. It's not your father's Oldsmobile.