1961 Triumph TR3A

1961 Triumph TR3 Additional Info:

This auction is for my son’s 1961 Triumph TR3A. He is an aviation mechanic and was looking for a project to work on. After looking at a number of British sports cars with most of them either being rusted out or butchered by the previous owners he remembered this car. The story of how he came to own this particular TR3 started in 2001, when he was 10 years old. On his way to go fishing one day at a friend’s house, they cut down a road along the river. One of the houses along this road had a particularly run down, detached garage. Being 10-year-old boys they peered into the garage and spotted the windshield post of a roadster. For the next dozen years, he remembered this unknown car. As he grew up, he would check on the car from time to time and it never moved. Fast forward to 2013 and he had just graduated from aviation mechanics school and was looking for a project car. Again, remembering the roadster along the river, he took the drive and knocked on the door. An older man answered and they started talking. Over the course of his life, this gentleman had owned a number of classic sports cars; including a rare Lightweight Mercedes 300SL Gullwing. This roadster was his final one; a 1961 Triumph TR3A that he had purchased in 1987 from the original owner. He recalled how he and his wife enjoyed driving the Triumph over the rolling PA countryside and occasionally competing in local hill-climb events. Over time though, the car developed carburetor issues and was parked for the final time in 1992. After some negotiation, my son found himself the proud owner.

During his time as owner of his TR3, extensive restoration has taken place. The engine has had a full professional rebuild including the installation of all brand-new components. Including, but not limited to, he installed a new clutch assembly and resurfaced the flywheel; along with a new throw out bearing and pilot bushing. The valvetrain is entirely brand new, with new intake and exhaust valves and hardened O.E.M. rockers and new hardened seats to match. The rocker shaft, spacers, and springs are a high quality re-manufacture of an O.E.M. unit. The camshaft and lifters are also new. All bearings, including the camshaft bearings are new. 87mm liners and pistons were chosen and installed. Machine work included polishing of the crankshaft and milling of the cylinder head. Also, a new style single lip Garlock rear main seal was used; this is a particularly good seal in that it did not require the deletion of the factory type seal mechanism nor any machining of the crankshaft. To top it off, carburation is handled by a pair of re-manufactured SUs, from a respected re-builder, that perform flawlessly.

The brakes have been completely gone through with all new parts, from the master cylinder to the shoes and the car stops very well. The steering box was topped off with lube and new tie rod ends and Delrin drag link bushings installed. Every piece of copper in the car’s electrical system has been replaced with a new harness and sub-harnesses from British Wiring Co. He installed a new alternator conversion from Triumph Rescue; as a result, every electrical assembly works much better than new and the car charges fast. Included in the sale is a rebuilt stock generator and belt. All the gauges were cleaned, adjusted and work well. All four tires have been replaced with Coker wide white walls and the wheels were blasted and checked for damaged then painted with epoxy paint.

The original interior was meticulously cleaned and turned out very nicely. The only thing I would do to the interior is replace the bottom seat inserts. All carpet was replaced. The center dash was repainted with the correct crinkle paint. The body is remarkably solid with the exception of the trunk pan; this has very minor pitting with a couple small holes, I’m guessing from water being trapped under the trunk mat. The frame and underside is perfectly solid and clean. I believe the car was repainted at some point in the past and it still presents very well for a driver. There is a Becker Europa II Radio and a speaker that works well and sounds great and is mounted in the glove box. It also comes with its original matched set of side curtains and tonneau cover.

The car runs and drive great. It will idle all day at 800 RPM while maintaining 50 PSI of oil pressure, 75 PSI at cruise. It runs and drives smoothly and pulls very hard even just off idle. It also retains a period correct full Stebro exhaust, that the original owner installed in the 70s, giving it a wonderful sound. He has never hesitated to enter the car in shows, and with its iconic shape and color combination it commands tons of attention wherever it goes.

His goal with this car was to try to address the most common issues associated with these cars, while at the same time maintaining the “barn find/survivor” character. He loves this car but now with a new house and their 1st child on the way he and his wife figures it is time to sell it. This car is a blast to drive and is now very dependable and enjoyable, you will not be disappointed. Thanks for looking and if you have any questions do not hesitate to ask.