1958 Triumph Other

TR3A Roadster Convertible

4 cylinder

Manual

TS24716L

Clear

Gasoline

Presenting this stunning, 1958 Triumph TR3A In Outstanding Condition With NO RESERVE PRICE!!! The proverbial rust-free, California survivor featuring: · Overdrive · Factory Original Hardtop · White Convertible Soft Top · Rear Seat · Chrome Luggage Rack · Tonneau Cover & Top Boot · Seat Belts · Owned by Triumph Club President Since 1989 · Always Garaged & Covered · 23-Year, Meticulous Service History · Books, Literature & Records · Lots of Spare Parts · Much More! Please allow time for all 100 photos to load and inspect as exceptional automobiles such as this rarely come along. It has been over a half-century since the last TR3 left the manufacturing plant in Coventry, England. It is now estimated that only 9,500 of the original 58,000 built survive in the world today. With the average car's lifespan being about a dozen years and the attrition rate often accelerated by careless, second-hand owners, it'd be a nice surprise to find an example of the species that, despite being over 50 years old, still shines and sparkles like a late-model. The most likely place to unearth such a rare gem would be Southern California, with its mild climate and large number of open-air enthusiasts. The wonderful 1958 TR3A presented here is a true survivor. It never suffered from neglect and is original as one could ever hope for. This Powder Blue Roadster is the epitome of Britishness: it oozes character and displays a patina that is irreplaceable. Please note: Cars2K is a CA licensed and bonded eBay trading assistant and is listing this Triumph for the private owner. · We are not making warranties as to the car’s fitness or originality. · We’ve simply photographed and described it to the best of our ability. · Pre-bid inspections are encouraged. Post bid inspections ARE NOT! · PLEASE Respect eBay’s rules for the auction’s stability! This TR3A has certainly led a charmed life. For the past 23 years, the car has been owned and lovingly maintained by a retired school teacher in El Segundo, CA. A die-hard, collector and British Car enthusiast, she was elected president 6 times to the Southern CA Triumph Owner’s Association (SCTOA) from 1996-2005. Still currently active on the Board as membership chair, she has contributed more than anyone on this planet towards the preservation and pure celebration of these fine automobiles. Aside from occasional trips along the southern CA coast, to local car shows or Triumph club events, this “3” has enjoyed a covered spot in her garage next to an equally show-worthy TR4 and Morgan Plus-8. Proudly displaying irreplaceable, 6-digit, black-and-gold California license plates, front and back, this cherished TR3A has travelled less than 3,000 miles annually since 1989 and has never left the Golden State; irrefutably documented by the meticulously kept maintenance records. Let’s have a closer look now. Exterior: After over a half century on the road, the immaculate body, undercarriage and trim speak volumes about the loving care this TR received and underscores the car's Southern California provenance. In 1992, the car was professionally refinished in a factory correct shade of Powder Blue, (Paint Code 8013). Fenders, windshield and all exterior trim were removed, bumpers and brightwork re-chromed and 2-stage enamel was color sanded and buffed to ensure a show-quality finish. Two decades later, the superior quality of this work and its subsequent care is proudly displayed. Above and below are recently chromed luggage rack and windshield frame. Surveying the car's straight and smooth coachwork today, we marvel at how well the finish was preserved over the years. There are no major blems; only a miniscule ding on the upper cowl (see photos above and below). There is one tiny bubble in the paint (size of a pea) on the top of the rear boot lid. Too small to see without a magnifying glass. And a few brush-touched spots. One is on the hard top but you have to look closely here. The original exterior door handles and mirrors show pitting in the chrome (very inexpensive to replace). Otherwise, all other brightwork was triple-plated in the recent years and sparkles like new. Trunk lid-mounted, chromed luggage rack is a must-have TR3 option. Original jacking equipment is shown here with a functional engine crank which is also included but not needed to start the car! The mellow body is entirely rust-free and the car was never in any kind of accident. Overall, the finish is still very attractive and displays a rich, buttery glow. The fragile section around the front grille, which effectively acts as this low car's front bumper, appears amazingly clean, straight, and free of any filler. The lower edge of the front fenders and the notoriously rust-sensitive doglegs are cancer-free. If you know just how rust-prone these completely unprotected TR’s are, you will highly appreciate this marvelous specimen! But just to be sure, let’s take a look underneath. More important than shiny paint is a healthy undercarriage. Ol' Sherlock himself could inspect this 3's belly with his magnifying glass and, other than minor surface rust, would not find an ounce of corrosion anywhere. Even the vulnerable footwells and sills are corrosion free. The engine can and will leave its mark with MINOR oil seepage consistent with the bread but most importantly, body, frame, sills and floorboards are SOLID and there is absolutely NO evidence of major collision repair that would cause the enthusiast sleepless nights. Reflecting on the fact that this British gem is 54 years old, we dare to pose the question: can it get any better than this (unless you'd keep a car in a vacuum-sealed bubble, perhaps)? Factory Original, Steel Hardtop... ...was the option that every dyed-in-the-wool sports car enthusiast would have checked on the TR3 order form, if it wasn't for the exorbitant price. It is among the most appreciated options today on almost any period sports car. It looks spectacular and lends the car that incomparable British charisma. One of the most comprehensively documented Triumphs you'll ever find, the file contains a plethora of interesting material including a 1-inch stack of receipts totaling over $12,000 in meticulous maintenance and reconditioning over the past quarter century. Nearly all of the work was performed at Britiala Import Auto Service in Fullerton, CA. For 40 years, Triumph clubs nationwide have raved about Britalia’s outstanding Master Mechanics and the quality service. Near new Dunlap 165/SR/15 tires were recently installed on the factory correct, powder coated steel wheels. With hand painted, original chrome center caps, wheel detail is amazing. Speaking of detail, let us stress how straight the body is, how shiny the bumpers, how glossy the paint: if you wouldn't know differently, you'd think to be looking at a 4-year old, not a 54-year old car. This one is that clean! This splendid Californian turns heads everywhere and can be proudly exhibited at the most prestigious British Car Shows here in the Southland or anywhere in the World. We'll inspect the interior next, shall we? There is no substitute for originality, and this TR3 proves the point. The Navy Blue interior is immaculate. The carpet is 100% wool. Matching rear seat cushion and back rest are a rare option. The cool, solid feel of the Bakelite steering wheel and push-pull knobs on the dash are far superior to the creaky, plastic interior appointments on modern day cars. Viewing the fascinating array of beautifully preserved JAEGER gauges with silk screening in the instrument dials, one is transported back in time. Please note the horn button was relocated. See the white button located just below the dash in photo above. The tactile pleasures are markedly increased by the knowledge that everything actually works… In addition to the navy blue, snap-on top boot, there’s a full tonneau cover (not seen in photos but also included) with a zipper down the middle; both covers are fully functional and remain excellently preserved. The carpeted trunk is surprisingly large and very clean. Some very useful manuals and vintage reading material are included. Matching spare tire/wheel resides in a separate compartment below. Be assured, you'll find zero corrosion in this critical area as well. Finally, a white convertible top and side curtains were recently installed. With the exception of only one small crack in the Plexiglas seen in the photo above, the factory correct, vinyl top and frame are flawless. In short, everything looks and operates as if the car was delivered yesterday, not 54 years ago. Engine & Mechanical: Engine compartment is as clean as the TR's exterior and has all the original, factory correct ancillaries. The recently replaced wire harness looks fantastic and the car always runs cool. The TR3A is powered by a rock-solid, 1991cc pushrod engine that has earned its reputation of being unbreakable. The 4-cylinder power plant inhales through dual SU carburetors. It sounds crisp and runs smoothly, like a turbine, with superb oil pressure, cold or hot. It may come as a revelation to many, but all you ever need to keep this strong 4-banger going is a screw-driver, a hammer, a set of pliers, and maybe a little wire. For anybody who's paying his or her own bills, it surely provides peace of mind to know there are no black boxes, injectors, electronics, and fancy stuff like that. Similar to Porsche Speedster and Lotus Super Seven, the TR3 is a minimalist car designed to deliver maximum fun! The service records reveal that the car's owner religiously adhered to the factory-prescribed schedule of oil changes, tune-ups, and tire purchases. Apart from the usual replacement of consumables, extracurricular work was limited to preventative maintenance mainly to the engine, its ancillaries, suspension and braking systems. Over the recent years, hoses, belts and switches have been replaced, brakes, have been changed, carburetor was tuned, plugs renewed, water pump and battery replaced. Yes, any TR3 can be a very tough and reliable automobile with a bit of preventative maintenance! No wear item has been left unattended; as a result, this TR3 is mechanically as strong as it is cosmetically. Speaking of cosmetics, let us stress how immaculate the body is, how sparkling the chrome, how glossy the paint: if you wouldn't know differently, you'd think to be looking at a 4-year-old, not a 54-year-old car. This one is that clean! Drivability: Invigorating is the word that best describes this TR3 experience. This Roadster begs to be driven! Set the choke, turn the key and push the starter button and the motor comes to life almost instantly. With sport mufflers, a healthy exhaust note alerts the senses. Select first gear, release the clutch, and off you go. Though over 50 years old, this TR3A with factory front disk brakes still maneuvers comfortably in today's bustling traffic. Overdrive Unit: Certainly the most appreciated option today on almost any period sports car is Overdrive. When cruising at highway speeds, just pull the switch on the dash and the transmission automatically shifts into an engine relaxing, 5th gear. What a treat for those who still enjoy cross-country travel in a vintage roadster! The wind-in-the-hair fun quotient is tremendous, to say the least! Dogs bark, kids point, and girls swoon wherever you go, and a brisk drive in the Roadster is not only a feast for all senses, but also instant relaxation for the mind. You feel what you drive. It's almost as if you are a part of the machine. In any climate, the powerful 4-cylinder engine starts every time, idles, revs and pulls effortlessly through the gears without unusual noises or hesitation and accelerates strong and smooth leaving no smoke in your rear-view mirror. Warmed up, the oil pressure ranges from about 55 lbs. at idle to a reassuring 70 lbs. at speed. Coolant temperature remains absolutely stable, with no hint of overheating even after extended runs in busy LA traffic on a hot summer day. Throwing this TR through the curves, the strong engine emanates throaty, lusty sounds. The 4-speed transmission with overdrive shifts very smooth and precise. The disk brakes anchor the car securely, in a straight line, and without any hint of fading. Aided by newer Dunlop tires, handling and braking are simple and superb with no rattles, shakes, shimmies or pulls. All in all, this Triumph is a thoroughly convincing performer and a joy to drive! In fact, this TR’s steering makes a mockery of the rubberized, over-assisted control mechanisms that pass for most modern cars' guidance systems. The chassis inspires with its unsophisticated charm; its transparency is convincing. Everything works on this "3", from the lights and switches to the heater fan. Despite its age, the car definitely is ready to be driven anywhere, even across the Country, if that's where you live. Pound for pound, the TR3A is one of the finest, most fun post-war British sports cars ever. Being a highly collectible Classic with fantastic appreciation potential, this one can easily serve as a reliable daily driver. To make things even better, reasonably priced spares and affordable, classic car insurance are readily available. Looking back, you realize that, somewhere in time, the chapter of the true British Roadster has ended. It has ended with the introduction of engine management systems; it has ended with the worldwide popularity of power steering, power windows, power tops, and power-assisted thinking, even in Her Majesty's Kingdom. It has ended with the Triumph. This Triumph TR3A however is up to any task imaginable. It could serve as a show car, a "new" old car to relive the good old days, or simply as a reliable, fun daily driver during ANY time of the year. At the very least, no matter where you go, you’ll see a smile on everyone’s face, including your own. To state it succinctly: It delivers on its promise! There's but one stumbling block on the way to TR3 heaven: Original CA rust-free, examples that are restored to show quality are very hard to find. All the more reason to watch this one closely; Presently, we have a clear, California Title. CA tax, license and registration fees have been pre-paid through August, 2012. Local sales tax and DMV transfer fees apply to residents in CA. All questions must be answered and all inspections must be completed PRIOR TO BIDDING. Proof of insurance will be required for a test drive. Because this is a 54-year-old, antique car, it is being sold in AS-IS CONDITION and comes with absolutely NO WARRANTIES EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. We are proud to have 100% POSITIVE FEEDBACK. Bid with confidence, knowing everything represented in this auction is accurate. BIDDERS WITH ZERO OR NEGETIVE FEEDBACK MUST EMAIL US FOR APPROVAL PRIOR TO BIDDING OR THEIR BID WILL BE CANCELED. So here it is: a rust-free, Southern California, disc-brake TR3A with Overdrive and Factory Steel Hardtop; lovingly preserved and in outstanding working order. Almost impossible to match in the sum of its traits, this motorcar also possesses something only few others can lay claim to: a soul! An irreplaceable artifact straight out of the past, it is a reminder of the merry old days. It will put a smile on your face every time you look at it, make you a happier person every time you sit in it, and will fill you with joy every time you drive it. This Triumph’s present condition and buying terms have been described as accurately as possible. If you have ANY questions or want to bring a mechanic to inspect, please email us. You will receive a prompt response. This is certainly one of the finest Triumphs in the nation. Appreciating daily, the car is offered here with No Reserve. What a great opportunity to purchase a prime, surviving example of one of the World's most acclaimed fun Roadster, the immortal TR3A which is sure to remain an outstanding investment for the winning bidder and a joy to drive for many years to come. Thank you, good luck and HAPPY BIDDING