TR3A

1959 Triumph TR3A, in dry storage from about 1978 to 2015. Original car down to spare tire, jack, engine crank, TR3 owner's manual and service receipts dated mid-1970s in glove box.

Many new parts from Moss Motors and/or NOS are included in this sale. (see list)

I started with Triumph TRs in the 1970s and today own several restored TRs. I did not need another TR. I almost passed on this car because the engine had not run in 36+ years and would not turn by hand. However, the transmission shifted freely and clutch linkage worked. So considering this nearly 60 years TR was NOT a weathered, run-down basket case missing parts, I took a chance.

What did I buy, a restoration or "parts car"? Answer: The car is a very good candidate for restoration.

EVALUATION OF CAR

Engine: The front apron removed, engine/trans pulled. Engine disassembled: one piston frozen to sleeve, easily fixed. The engine turns freely and was reassembled "finger-tight" ready for rebuild (Note: Piston rod bearings/pushrods/tappets/pressure plate/clutch saved but not in engine at this time)

Frame: A visual inspect shows frame to be ok. However, unless I pull the body off the frame I can not speak to the complete condition of the frame. The frame looks ok, a bit rusty with no observed issues.

Body: Yes rust in the normal areas for British sport cars: floors, rockers, fenders. The interior, gas tank, dash and old wiring harness were also removed to get a complete picture. Conclusion: normal rust considering age and type of car, can be repaired. I have seen worst.

Lessons learned from previous restorations: ALL PARTS, including nuts and bolts, were tagged and organized. The new owner will NOT receive large, jumbled "boxes of parts" to search.

Interesting Find: Early hot rods were referred to as "lead sleds" because of lead repairs in the body. The chrome piping over each fender was removed and a "lead-sled fix" was used to spot braze the fenders to the body, then bondo was applied. The brazing was/is easily removed with a Dermal tool.

No rubber hoses/seals, carpets or wheel well trim could be saved. All gauges in good shape. Leather seat covers dry/ brittle to the touch. One seat spring is bad, the other is just ok. Generator mount broken. Side curtains are ok. Windshield has small crack at bottom corner. Convert top shows age.

This TR3A has sat in my garage/workshop since 2016. Now retired, the TR restoration I was working on at the time of this TR3A purchase is nearing completion.

Reason for selling: A 1960 MGA was acquired a few months ago. Either the MGA or TR3A must move to off-site storage simply due to workshop space issues. I decided if I get the price I want, the TR3A will be sold. I would like to sell and not store. (Perhaps my days with TRs have ended !)

NEW PARTS included in this sale – (a lot of parts, all new from Moss Motors)

Floors and rockers, exhaust head pipe and gasket, engine mounts.

Pistons & Liners (set of 4) including piston rings, set of pushrods and tappets, complete head gasket set, camshaft sprocket, crank sprocket and shims, timing chain, chain tensioner/pedestal, tension anchor, timing cover oil seal, oil deflector, tab washer set.

Wiring harness, generator, hi-torque starter, rear shocks, missing front apron "TRIUMPH" letters. Brake and fuel metal pipe set (bend to fit), brake/clutch fluid reservoir and lines. Also an extra front fender, drivers side, comes with the car.

TERMS/Pick-Up

I can not deliver the car, pick-up only, however the car is 1 mile off I-71 near Mason, Ohio just north of Cincinnati. Very easy access to car for loading / I will assist with loading if needed.

Payment by certified bank check ONLY, no cash, no personal checks or MO of any kind. A $400 non-refundable deposit is required within 24 hours after the end auction, no exceptions.

I have a clear title for this car. I will work with buyer regarding possible installation of engine, trans, radiator, front apron/grill and steering wheel. Wiring harness/gauges will be buyer's responsibility.

Finally, I am here to sell this car in a professional business transaction, not to play games. Email me with questions, but being retired, I no longer "live on email".

On Apr-11-18 at 09:30:47 PDT, seller added the following information:

UPDATE: I am adding a set of 4 wire wheels to this car, they are USED and might be usable or not, the new owner can use they, sell them or recycle them. The wheels now on the car, as seen in the pictures, stay on the car, you get a set of used wire wheels inaddition

On Apr-11-18 at 09:34:29 PDT, seller added the following information:

I have received a couple email asking if the car is road worthy. My answer is, IT WILL be when restored. Think of it this way, you buy a 60 year old airplane and expect to fly it without restoration. Or you build a new house and install a 60 year old heating/air system. Well you could, I guess. At the end of the day, the best road to take is repair/restore the car once and drive many years.
Or drive a few weeks, repair the car, drive a few weeks, repair the car, etc ............ right?

On Apr-11-18 at 09:36:54 PDT, seller added the following information:

Oh yes, one other email asking about the title. Yes I own the car, the title is in my name. There is no bill of sale or lost title, I own the car and have the title.