For Sale: 1960 Triumph TR3 in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1960 Triumph TR3 Roadster

A classic British roadster is the ultimate way of getting your thrills, and Triumph TR3 is one of the prime examples of this sort of car. Despite a cute appearance, the car is one of the more sophisticated sports cars of its era. With multiple racing victories in the 1950's and 60s, these cars retain a steady fan base and are still raced in vintage competitions around the world and enjoy an enthusiastic following in Triumph clubs and British car shows worldwide. Total production between 1957 and 1962 was 58,236 cars.

For consignment, a 1960 Triumph TR3 Roadster with a title verified 9,635 actual miles This car received a frame off restoration more than ten years ago, and our consignor has owned it for the past 10. According to Hagerty, "Triumph executed a visual freshening in 1957, and the cars are now referred to as the TR3A, though the company never officially named this evolutionary model as such. Most significantly, the car's grille grew wider and became less recessed."

Exterior
The car makes an eye popping appearance with its two stage Signal Red paint, but it's the size, shape, and stance that really warrants closer attention. Take for example, the impossibly low door top that slopes dramatically from the cowl and places the handle about 18-inches from the ground. The rest of the car is not much higher with the slightly rounded hood being the pinnacle of the body work matched in height by the arching fenders. While the rear view is somewhat conservative and basic, the front end is dramatic, especially as this one has grille badges and rally lights below headlights that wear rock guards. 15-inch chrome wire wheels with polished knock offs dress up the car even more and the black canvas top with three windows provides clean cover when needed, and we note a tear by one of the snaps. Beyond that, the metalwork, paint, and body are in exquisite condition and we could find no glaring exterior flaws.

Interior
Typical for a British roadster, the door panels are fairly simple with black vinyl as the cover, while bomber style buckets are stitched and augmented by white piping. This same configuration covers the package shelf in back, which is the platform for two external speakers. Up front, it's all tidy with the three spoke steering wheel fronting the black vinyl dash housing round gauges that flank the column, and smaller dials found in the center stack along with switchgear and indicator lights. Under the glove box, an AM/FM/CD unit with XM capability has been installed while a grab handle is provided to the passenger and the handbrake also happens to be on their side of things. A very simple shifter rises from the transmission tunnel over black loop carpet and Triumph rubber mats. The boot, or trunk as we say, is spotless and topped with a fitted mat as well as housing tools, a CD changer, and a jack.

Drivetrain
The engine bay is wonderfully clean and home to the 1991cc inline four cylinder, putting out 95 horsepower and fueled by 2 rebuilt HS6 SU carburetors. A 4-speed manual with overdrive sends the car into motion with the simple transfer of power to the rear axle and 3.70 gears.

Undercarriage
Still looking good after the frame off restoration, the underside is a rust free and mostly dry environment, with just a drop or two of oil on the transmission and rear differential and surface rust reserved for the leaf springs. Their counterparts up front are coil springs. A single exhaust runs through a gleaming stainless steel muffler and maintains that stainless shine all the way through the straight tailpipe. Brakes are configured as disc up front and drum in back.

Drive-Ability
Well, we're chuffed to bits to be able to take this cracking little roadster around the test loop. But first, we have to get in. Once the door is open, it's not as bad as you'd suspect, especially as you anticipate the final position well within reach of the road, comfortable and somewhat reclined. The nimble red flyer delivers a spirited ride with good handling and more than enough power to elicit fun. We note the brakes dragging a bit so we're perhaps not experiencing full potential here. The right turn signal does not work but all other functions operate as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

This is a well sorted and attractive British roadster and amazingly, only the fourth one we've represented in eight years. Yes, the other three sold in short order so we would encourage impulsive free but hasty action on this special car.

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!