1963 Triumph TR3B Roadster - Georgia Car From New - Excellent Survivor 63 TR 3 B

  • Location: Canton, Georgia, United States
  • Condition: Used
  • Make: Triumph
  • Model: TR3
  • Type: Roadster
  • Year: 1963
  • Mileage: 39,158
  • VIN: TCF1973L
  • Color: Powder Blue
  • Engine size: 2.2
  • Number of cylinders: 4
  • Fuel: Gasoline
  • Transmission: 4 Speed All Syncro Non Overdrive
  • Drive type: RWD
  • Interior color: Midnight Blue
  • Drive side: Left-hand drive
  • Options: Convertible
  • Vehicle Title: Clear

1963 Triumph TR3 Description

SEE MY OTHER AUCTIONS FOR MORE VINTAGE CAR PARTS AND ACCESSORIES

Further cleanout of surplus vintage cars and parts: This is a no reserve auction and the TR4A will be sold regardless of price, on or off auction.

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THE STORY:

Am 76 and it's time to let go of my British car collection. Started about 50 years ago and the main objective was to buy one owner, original paint, rust free cars for pleasure and investment. Tough job. True original survivors were few and far between and the majority of the leftovers were pummeled to within an inch of their lives or were "weekend restored" junk, rusty beaters, money pits or overpriced trailer queens with a dubious history. An unrestored original, even though it may have faults, gives an accurate assessment of it's overall REAL condition along with plenty of time honored character (or the nauseating word "patina"). A 59 TR3 was my first car and I love them. This TR3B has been with me for 25 years and I bought it because it is a rust free last year model with the best TR4 drive train. It was sold new in Georgia, has never been out of Georgia and still has the original first 1963 Georgia title. My intentions were to have a show paint job done and take it to some local car shows for fun. So I disassembled the car in preparation for a thorough painting and took it to the paint shop. 4 months later I got the car back and although the paint job was expensive and they used Sikkens paint the job itself was only driver quality. After a futile conversation with the paint shop I got disgusted and pushed it back into the warehouse, still all apart, about 15 years ago. This past Winter I decided to put it back together and sell it to someone who will drive and appreciate it. Time to move on. A rock solid last year model TR3B that is a perfect upscale driver and smart investment. (For the Austin Healey folks, I will be auctioning off a gorgeous California rust FREE one owner 1958 Austin Healey 100/6 semi project that has been in a garage since 1965 - stunning car that needs mechanical work only). VALUE: As of this writing Hagertys classic car values the 1963 Triumph TR3B at $10,600 fair, $21,600 good, $35,600 excellent and $52,500 concours. NADA Classic car value guide lists the TR3B as $16900 low, $34700 average and $62900 high. The condition of this Triumph in my opinion is certainly well above average bordering excellent. It is also a good investment as the value will more than likely increase over time.

NEW PARTS OR REBUILT ORIGINALS USED IN REASSEMBLY:

1. All of the original parts were used during reassembly with the exception of obvious mechanical parts such as hydraulic cylinders, etc or parts that were no longer serviceable. Parts listed are not in any particular order. 2. Complete new interior

3. New Robbins convertible top

4. Rebuilt original AC fuel pump

5. New W/S Washer bottle

6. New Starter Solenoid

7. New Voltage regulator

8. New 60 amp Smiths ammeter

9. New Timing cover seal & gaskets

10. New Clutch disc

11. New Clutch pressure plate

12. New Clutch throw out bearing

13. New Clutch master and slave cylinders

14. New Motor mounts

15. New Clutch lines

16. New oil flex line

17. New oil filter

18. New Speedo cable

19. New Tach cable

20. New Choke cable

21. New Water hoses

22. New Fan belts

23. New Brake caliper pistons and seals

24. New Brake pads and shoes

25. New Brake lines

26. New Brake master cylinder and wheel cylinders

27. New Fender mounting kits, bolts, etc

28. New Glovebox

29. New Defroster & heater hose

30. New W/washer jets

31. New Seats

32. New seat rails

33. New carpeting and underlayment

34. New Tires (5).

35. New battery.

36. Many other items I can't think of and don't want to - nuts, bolts, grommets, boots, inner fender splash panel seals, fuel tank panels, carb kits, seals, blanking plugs, O rings, inner splash guards, baffle plates, door seals, bumper supports, on and on and on.

ENGINE:

Engine number CT32857E. According to the numbers the engine is not original but is a period correct 1963 Triumph TR4 2.2 engine. It was completely rebuilt years ago with some minor horsepower modifications and was put in storage shortly thereafter - so it probably has low miles. Compression is #1:151. #2:149. #3:148. #4:151 - readings taken cold. No recollection of exactly what was done to the engine but I think it had a very mild street camshaft and some head and valve work - can see that the valve keepers are obviously aluminum alloy items. Starts easily with the key and runs fine on the original fuel tank, which was flushed, cleaned and refinished. Runs nice and cool. The oil is clean and clear. Excellent oil pressure, even when warm on idle - way above average. No smoke. Rear seal will drip oil - they all do - if you don't like it get one of the new lip seal conversions Moss motors and others sell - I prefer to live with the leak. May need a tune up from sitting in storage - may not.

TRANSMISSION/CLUTCH:

Transmission is the period correct mate to the above 1963 TR4 2.2 engine. It is the Triumph TR4 4 speed all syncro non overdrive unit. Shifts excellent through all of the gears, exactly like these transmissions normally function. Clutch disc, pressure plate, throw out bearing, clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder are all new. Transmission sometimes will jump out of gear in reverse only. No noises - just pops out - can be held in place and used that way. Probably an adjustment that I overlooked in installation but it feels and sounds fine. Should be able to adjust it without removal. Transmission number is CT56784.

ENGINE COMPARTMENT:

Excellent condition. Solid and straight. No rust, no damage. New battery. Stock factory unmodified original. Original serial and body plates are intact. Original carburetors have been cleaned, rebuilt and adjusted. Original AC fuel pump was cleaned and rebuilt. Has a brand new 4 core aluminum radiator. Water hoses and fan belts are new. Generator charges perfectly - new 60 amp ammeter and new voltage regulator. Everything works. Original wiring is in excellent condition.

TRUNK COMPARTMENT:

Solid, nice and straight with no rust or damage. Correct 60 spoke original spare wire wheel and new spare tire/tube are in the spare tire compartment.

SHEET METAL BODY PANELS:

Very straight. Damage and rust free original panels throughout. Including front and rear valances. The doors are excellent with no rust or damage and they open and shut solidly with no sagging. The door bottoms are solid. The inner rockers are solid. Fender bottoms are solid. Outer rockers are solid. Solid original floors. There may be a few very minor places where body filler was used for dings but that's all.

EXTERIOR BODY PARTS:

Everything is original and in good condition. Bumpers, bumper guards, bumper brackets, tail lights, grille, headlight assemblys are still original. New stainless fender beading was used in reassembly.

GLASS:

The windshield is original, good and clear but has a very minor 1/4" crack on the passenger sides - hardly worth mentioning - it never had one and I probably did it somehow while working on the car. The original side curtains are included. They are complete but will need new plexiglass. The scruffy original vinyl covering can be used as is with a bit of a cleanup. (Have had TR3's for many years and never used the sidecurtains - nothing but a pain) At least they are solid and not rusted. Convertible top is a brand new Robbins top and of course so is the rear window.

CHASSIS:

The frame is in excellent, straight, unrotted condition as shown.

INTERIOR/Upholstery:

The interior is all brand new. I had it done in the original midnight blue cloth backed vinyl with cream piping. A brilliant combination. White piping, in my opinion, is too bright and stark and gives the upholstery a cheaper look. The dash is all new midnight blue also. The old seats were lost and were replaced with new thicker than stock steel seats with new seat runners, all new padding, midnight blue upholstery, etc, etc. and they are both adjustable. New medium blue carpeting.

DASH AREA:

Dash board is the excellent original that has been reupholstered with the correct cloth backed midnight blue vinyl. Working are the following: Speedometer (shows 39158 miles), tachometer, all lights, turn signals, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge, water temp gauge, ammeter, carburetor choke, fresh air center vent, windshield wipers, dual horns, variable speed heater fan. Original wiring is in excellent condition.

TOP:

Brand new Robbins black vinyl top and hardware with cloth backing.

PAINT:

Car looks stunning even up close. I completely disassembled the car about 15 years ago to ready it for paint. The paint job was expensive. Ironically they used the best Sikkens paint materials but the quality of the application was disappointing. It has some trash in it, some orange peel and a couple of thin spots in the middle of both doors - no idea why. (hardly noticeable in the photos). Can be buffed out for a better quality finish or just use it as is and have a great time or have it repainted to your satisfaction. I personally would use it as is.

AIR CONDITIONING:

None. Aftermarket air conditioners can be installed if need be - the new units are excellent, compact and very efficient.

TIRES & WHEELS:

The five 60 spoke wire wheels are in excellent condition. All 5 tires are brand new 1:65 X 15's.

EXHAUST:

Most all of the exhaust system is new old stock in basically unused excellent condition.

SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:

All original suspension and braking mechanisms are intact. Nothing missing. The brakes are new. New master cylinder and new wheel cylinders. Emergency brake assembly is intact and works fine. Needs to be driven to bed in the brakes.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Car starts, runs, drives and stops. It has not been taken on the road due to no insurance/license plates for a shakedown cruise and may need some minor adjustments. And may not. It has been driven up and down my driveway, which is about 1/10th mile long and drives fine but should be properly road tested, sorted if necessary and just driven. Also comes with the original top boot and tonneau cover, which are in decent useable condition but are missing a few snaps. Side curtains are included - needing plexiglass - otherwise useable (who uses them?).

PAPERWORK:

The ORIGINAL 1963 Georgia title is included. It has the original owners name on it and it was reassigned to another gentleman on the back in 1966 - who I purchased the car from. I am the 3rd owner. The title was not turned in for a new one when I bought the car - I prefer to keep all titles original - not needed in Georgia anyway. Georgia never issued titles on these old cars years ago and a title is not required to register, license and drive a classic car in these and most other States nowadays and they have reciprocal agreements between States for classic cars. Check your local regulations - they do vary. Also, most States will issue a title upon having the local police inspect the VIN on the car. I have had this done by the Georgia Sheriffs department for confirmation and a copy of the inspection goes with the car. The car was titled in Georgia in 1963 under the engine number - which was a common thing to do back then. So the title has the original engine number (TCF2026E) on it instead of the VIN number. Just need to mention that this is NOT a problem - the Heritage certificate clearly shows the original engine number on it (TCF2026E). Includes the British Motor Industry Heritage certificate. The car was built on September 11, 1962 and shipped on September 18, 1962 to Standard Triumph Motor Inc, Jacksonville, Florida. All of the bills for parts, etc are also included.

FACTORY ID PLATES: The Vehicle identification ID plate, body plate and engine number are intact and correct as discussed and shown. The vehicle serial number is TCF1973L. Engine number is CT32857E.

INSPECTION OF CAR: It is difficult at best to describe something as complex as a vehicle and it is highly recommended that you personally inspect the car or have a 3rd party inspect it for you. I can accomodate anyone to show them the car. If you elect not to do this you will have one of three outcomes after purchasing the car. #1. The car will be exactly as you thought it would be from the auction description and photos and you will be happy. #2. The car will be less than you thought it would be and you will be unhappy. #3. The car will be more than you thought it would be and you will be more than happy, and I will be the same in each case. It is described to the best of my ability along with many good photos but it is the bidders ultimate responsibility to ensure that what he thinks he is getting is indeed one in the same and something he will be happy with. I have purchased and sold roughly 25 autos through ebay over the past 18 years and also many more over the telephone and have always had excellent results and complete satisfaction from the buyers but I do my due diligence and suggest you do the same.

SHIPPING: I have shipped many cars to all parts of the world over the years and can assist the buyer with transport. The car is in a secure place at my home and you can collect the car there. I can assist with loading. The car can stay here for up to 30 days from the close of the auction.

PAYMENT & BIDDING: Contact me if you have less than 5 feedbacks or your bid WILL be cancelled. A $1000 non refundable deposit via Paypal is due immediately after the auction closes. The balance is due within 5 days via priority or overnight mail with a bank cashiers check or cash. No Paypal for the balance. Payment is to be made IN ADVANCE of collecting the car. IN ADVANCE, BEFORE YOU COLLECT THE CAR - This is an auction and you have plenty of time to inspect the car personally or have a 3rd party inspect the car - inspections are welcome and encouraged. Full payment is due BEFORE the car is collected. Winning the auction does not mean that you now have the privilege of coming to inspect the car to see if you like it - if that is your intention, please do not bid on the car. If you cannot trust me, my reputation, the description and the extensive photos then it is your responsibility to inspect the car yourself or have a third party inspect it for you. When the auction is over payment is due at the close of the auction per these instructions. I have sold approximately 25 cars and motorcycles on ebay and they all have been a bargain. This one certainly is. No Paypal for the balance. If the car has not reached what I consider to be a fair price the auction will be cancelled before the 12 hour end mark.

SEE MY OTHER AUCTIONS FOR MORE VINTAGE CAR PARTS AND ACCESSORIES

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Triumph TR3B BLUE
click to enlarge