Super low mileage, restored, rebuilt WITH overdrive

  • Location: Stratford, Connecticut, United States
  • Make: Triumph
  • Model: TR3
  • Type: Convertible
  • Year: 1959
  • Mileage: 91000
  • VIN: XXXX
  • Color: Primrose
  • Engine size: 2 liter
  • Number of cylinders: 4
  • Fuel: Gasoline
  • Transmission: Manual
  • Drive type: RWD
  • Interior color: Black
  • Drive side: Left-hand drive
  • Vehicle Title: Clear

1959 Triumph TR3 Description

An interesting history.......purchased in California in 1976, driven to Wisconsin, stored in a climate controlled garage for the next forty years, disassembled, restored, rebuilt, finished off and then driven 1,000 miles since then.
And it looks the part.........went over the edges of the body on both sides with my trusty refrigerator magnet, stuck perfectly. NO SIGN of plastic filler anywhere. Floors look perfect. The last owner didn't like the look of the front bumper BUT I acquired a new front bumper and overriders and can install them for a buyer.
Don't have details on the engine rebuild but it has (and you can see the photo) factory 'as new' oil pressure at operating temperature, 150-160 psi compression in every cylinder, no smoke, quiet rockers and valves, it really doesn't get any better.
Transmission is quiet, has excellent synchromesh, overdrive clicks 'in' and 'out' quickly, back axle is silent, disc brakes work perfectly, all original gauges work properly, has a new top top and side curtains, the entire interior appears to be new as does the cowl surround. Engine bay is very clean as is the trunk compartment.
Down the road, has far better than average steering (some worn out TR3s are frightening to drive), excellent ride, the 100hp 2 liter engine pulls very strongly and it really doesn't miss a single beat. And, compared to the contemporary MGAs and other small sports cars, this TR is quick. PLUS (not to forget) the advantages of having overdrive, a 'fifth' gear for quiet highway cruising.
Other details....new clutch, new starter, new radiator, rebuilt suspension, all new brakes, distributor rebuilt, wiring looks very good.......a very nice car.
BUT, room for improvement? If wanted by a buyer, can discuss some improvements and updates....install new chrome bumper and overriders, paint engine bay to match exterior, convert to wire wheels, install a stereo/CD under the dash, wet sand and buff the paint to a show finish....you name it and it can be done.
Absolutely rust and bondo free, most of the key elements new or rebuilt, very few miles (91k over 60 years....1,500 miles a year), all new weather equipment, as nice a TR3A as one might hope to find. And available for immediate sale.
I have tried my best to describe this car accurately and have gone beyond the norm in doing a compression test, going over the body with a kitchen magnet, and testing it very thoroughly, even to the point of offering a photo of the oil pressure AT operating temperature. All to make a sight-unseen buyer comfortable in his purchase. And how many other eBay sellers are that thorough? (also note current NY inspection sticker...this is NOT some old, rusty, seized barn find that barely starts and wobbles on the road)
Terms: 20% deposit upon sale and within 48 hours, balance paid within 7 days, can accept a personal check or wire transfer, can store the car until a buyer makes shipping arrangements and assist with shipping anywhere, Can even install a powerful supplemental heater for Winter use (a lot of fun to take a sixty year old sports car out for a comfortable drive on a dry Winter's day as I have done countless times with my '51 Morgan). There is a reserve, the car is not being 'given away,' but a new owner will get a genuine gem. And having had problems, in the past, with eBay e mail inquiries, I suggest calling: 203-377-6746 weekdays 9-5.