TR2/3/3A Trying to Identify Year of TR3

[RonR]

I am trying to identify the year of buid for a TR3 with the Comm. No. TS 59562 L.

Thakd in advance.
Ron

 

[Mickey Richaud]

'59

 

[angelfj1]

Ron: Let me help you get closer.
The "Gray Lady", TS58476 L "O", was born on September 1, 1959. So, based on production rates at that time, TS59562 L, was assembled somewhere around the 15th of September, give or take a few days.
How about a photo?

 

[Andrew Mace]

...and keep in mind that, in all likelihood, TS59562L would've been considered to be, and titled as, a 1960 model by the time of first sale here in the US.

 

[RonR]

Thanks for the information.
I will be looking at the car tomorrow for a possible purchase.
From photos, the car looks in good condition. It is white with a blue interior. Are there specific areas of concern I whould lookout for?

Determining a fair price is not going to be easy. And I do want to be fair considering the car is available due to a very bitter divorce (she got the car).

Thanks.
Ron

 

[GBRandy]

Hummmmm So where in MO is this car?

 

[RonR]

Since I ended up buying the car on Saturday, it is now in my garage in Kansas City, Missouri. The clutch and brake hydraulics are in need of rebuilding, with the rear brakes locked up, probably from sitting for 2.5 years with the emergency brake on. Overall the car looks good, has overdrive, two soft tops, tonnea cover, side curtains, a set of extra seats, and a hardtop which I assume is a non-factory production.

There doesn't appear to be any manuals, jack, or tools.
Any suggestion on what books to obtain would be appreciated.
It also is lacks a battery so I need to figure out what size to acquire.

Finally, I need to find out what national Triumph clubs exist and sign up, as well as join the local club here.

Ron

 

[Andrew Mace]

Ron, if the hardtop it steel, it's almost certainly "factory"; if it is fiberglass, it's likely aftermarket (although there's always the possibility it's a very, very early factory top). Beyond that, sounds as if you got a pretty nice project on your hands. Oh, and I'll assume that the OD gearbox was added later on, since there is no final "O" in the commission number you quoted. (You might want to check on that commission number plate to be sure.)

Arguably the best books would be reprints (or originals, should you come across them) of the owner's manual and factory workshop manual. Any 12v battery will work just fine for now. Original size was pretty much the current Group 27, but a Group 24 is fine (originally positive ground, of course).

National clubs include Triumph Register of America and The Vintage Triumph Register, and both have local chapters, one of which hopefully is near you!

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Congrats, Ron!

And now, the fun begins! :banana:

We need pictures...

 

[sail]

Since I ended up buying the car on Saturday, it is now in my garage

Ron

oh boy oh boy ooooh boy. congrats. quess we know who will be spending a lot of quality time in the garage this winter with their loved one.

 

[RonR]

Andrew, the hardtop is fiberglass, and in my opinion, would not look very good on the car. It lacks any design lines that would be compatible with the car. The VIN number on the title is as reported earlier, without an "O". I will order a British Hertiage certificate and see what it says. The overdrive dash switch is not original.

Thanks for the congrats, Mickey and Sail. Due to no heat in the garage, which is detached, and lack of time, the car will probably have to wait until spring for any work to occur. I will try to post some pictures at a later date.

Thanks for all your help and encouragement.
Ron