1957 Triumph TR3 Small Mouth Roadster Restoration Project

1957 Triumph TR3 Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY: Time to let go of our car collection. This is a no reserve auction and the Triumph TR3 will be sold, on or off auction. Started collecting about 50 years ago and the main objective was to buy the best one owner, matching numbers, rust free cars for pleasure and investment. Here are a few examples of our 100 percent positive feedback. None of these buyers physically saw the cars they bought until they arrived at their homes:

#1. 1970 Cougar Eliminator - "Car was exactly as advertised, maybe even better - THANKS Richard". #2. 1971 Jaguar XJ6 - "Great car - honest seller". #3. 1960 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite - "Car was exactly as described, I would buy from him again". #4. 1966 Austin Healey 3000 - "Awesome - Exactly as described - fully trust this seller." #5. 1974 TVR 2500M - "Great deal, fast shipping. Thank you sir". #6. 1972 Jaguar XKE - "Perfect car from a perfect seller - thank you my friend". #7. 1964 1/2 Mustang Convertible - "Car is in unbelievable original condition - very happy".

This particular auction is for a matching numbers, non running, non driving restoration project 1956 Triumph TR3 small mouth roadster with the British Motor Heritage certificate of authenticity. We bought it in December of 1989, along with two other TR3's from the owners estate. The original owner was an officer in the Air Force in Spain and the Heritage certificate notes that it was indeed sold as a personal delivery to the gentleman in Spain. It, along with others in our collection are being sold due to the owners age/health. Scroll down for more photos.

ENGINE: The engine is the correct numbers matching original and is not stuck, turning over easily with the starter jumping the solenoid to engage the starter. The original owner removed the head for reasons unknown, so when we got it we put the head back on just so it wouldn't get lost and would work on it "later". 30 years have passed and of course and we did nothing to it. The head is just lightly bolted to the block and I don't believe we even used a head gasket so the engine will no doubt need to be rebuilt. Nothing appears to be missing in the engine compartment. Engine number is TS12422E.

TRANSMISSION/CLUTCH: This is originally an overdrive car from the factory but for some reason the transmission was removed years ago and there is a standard 4 speed non overdrive transmission in it at this time. Shifts fine sitting still, no idea of condition past that. I have spare overdrive transmissions and can sell one reasonably to go with the car if that is a necessity for you.

ENGINE COMPARTMENT: Nice straight compartment with no apparent damage. Everything looks to be there and intact. It was painted black eons ago when black spray can paint seemed to be the holy grail for all engine compartments. (Car is originally Pearl white).

TRUNK COMPARTMENT: Some holes in the bottom as shown.

SHEET METAL BODY PANELS: Looks pretty straight but has the typical rust here and there. Door bottoms are solid. Floors were replaced years ago and have holes in them now. Fenders look to be pretty decent. There doesn't seem to be any, or much of, body filler anywhere.

GLASS: Windshield unbelievably is not cracked or otherwise damaged. Side curtains come with the car but they need to be restored.

CHASSIS: The frame and chassis are a surprise - very solid and straight/undamaged.

INTERIOR/UPHOLSTERY: What little there is left - Seats are not bolted down but are solid and good candidates for recovering. It does have the top frame.

DASH AREA: Not too bad - Original gauges - The tach looks like the needle fell off - probably around 15000 rpm. Odometer shows 45,421 miles and is probably close to correct although I cannot guarantee that. One original pedal rubber is still on and it could pass for 50k miles.

PAINT: See the photos for what is left of the paint. Repainted red 200 years ago. Car was originally Pearl White with a black leather interior.

TIRES & WHEELS: Wheels are the old original wires - tires are junk.

SUSPENSION AND BRAKES: Everything appears to be there - of course there are no "working" brakes.

PAPERWORK: Free and clear title. British Motor Heritage Certificate of Authenticity. The certificate has a typo for the engine number. It has a 0 where should be a 2. I called the British archives and they said it was their fault and they will issue a new certificate - whenever they go back to work due to the Chinese virus. When I receive it I will send it along to the new owner. May take awhile. In the meantime the original (with error) dated January of 1992 will come with the car.

FACTORY ID PLATES: The Vehicle identification ID plates are intact and correct. The vehicle serial number is TS/12371-LO - correct matching numbers.

REVIEW: A complete non running, non driving restoration project Triumph roadster originally delivered to a USA Air Force officer in Spain.

VALUE: As of this date Hagerty Classic Car values lists the 1957 Triumph TR3 at: #1 - $45,800. #2 - $28,300. #3. $16,900. #4. $8,500.

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 accommodate anyone to show them the car. I have sold roughly 30 autos and motorcycles through ebay over the past 20 years with a solid 100 percent buyer satisfaction feedback. I give buyers an honest description, a better product and a better deal than they expect.

SHIPPING: Having shipped cars to all parts of the world over the years I can assist the buyer with transport or completely arrange it, only if necessary. However the cheapest and most efficient method is for the new owner to call a transport broker in their area and have them put out bids for the job. The car is in a secure place at my home and it can be collected there. I can assist with loading.

PAYMENT & BIDDING: Contact me prior to bidding if you have less than 5 feedbacks or your bid WILL be cancelled and you will be barred from any of my auctions. A $1000 non refundable deposit via Paypal is due immediately after the auction closes. N0 Paypal for the remaining balance and the balance is due within 3 days via wire transfer or express 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 collecting 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 the color. If you cannot trust me, my reputation, the description and the good 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, it is your car and payment is due at the close of the auction per these instructions. No Paypal for the balance.

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