1961 Triumph Other

Roadster Convertible

4-Cylinder

4-Speed Manual

STC61TS68886L

Clear

This is a very attractive Triumph TR3A roadster, in the most desirable color of Signal Red. It is an original red car. The TR3 series really put Triumph on the sports car map in America, as it was versatile enough for daily commuting as well as sports car racing, in which it had considerable success. Its contemporaries in this class, the MGA and Sunbeam Alpine never achieved the level of devotion the beloved TR3 did, even though the Triumph was more a carryover of earlier, crude postwar technology (if you could even call it that). The Triumph had the swoopy and swank looks of the more expensive Jaguar XKs, and those appealing lines turn heads today like few other classic cars. The torquey 4-cylinder engine pulls strong and hard and can be throttled down to walking speed in top gear with nary a complaint. This example was apparently restored many years ago (long before my tenure). It's complete and authentic, featuring its original steel wheels and hubcaps with cloissonné Triumph globes, period AMCO windwings and luggage rack, as well as correct bumpers, grille and original British Triplex windshield glass. Included are the rare top frame along with a very good top skin. The rear plastic windows are fogged and need a new set sewn in. Also included are the side curtains, which require restoration. A tonneau cover is included as well. I would call the car a "10-footer." From 10 feet away it appears as it does in these photos. But upon closer examination, the old paintwork appears to be lacquer checking in places, with cracks here and there, and a few bubbles down low, forward of the passenger door. The only damage is the area where the right rear bumperette bolts onto the rear, which appears to have been shoved in then pulled back into place. Some old filler in that spot has cracked. It's not visible unless you bend down to inspect. The chassis is solid and not rusted, apart from the very minor surface corrosion one would expect. The interior is very clean, with newer black carpets accenting the off-white seats. If I was keeping the car, I was planning on re-dying the upholstery black, an easy job, and a matter of personal preference. The dash is very nice, although a previous owner painted the centre section red to match the car...again, a matter of taste and easily changed if preferred. The switches and knobs are all very nice except for the high/low switch on the left side of the dash, the lever for which is missing. The original steering wheel is in very nice condition. The car starts right up on the button, idles nicely and pulls very strong, with excellent oil pressure and cool running. The gearbox shifts nicely, the clutch works well and the brakes are firm. The engine compartment is very clean. There's an oil leak from the pan and in typical Triumph fashion, it marks its spot after sitting a while. I purchased the car for both enjoyment and investment purposes, hoping to hold onto it for a long time (I have some classic motorcycles in my collection I've had over 30 years). But storage issues have compelled me to sell the TR3A. Bear in mind that the Jag XKs are well over $125k and double that in many cases; big Healeys are $50k-$85k, also out of reach for most of us. How much longer can these wonderful Triumph classics remain so cheap? Already, restored examples are creeping into the $30,000+ range and above. Now's the time to buy one! This is an extremely attractive roadster that will bring pride and joy of ownership for years to come. I have a clear California title in my name. I will accept a deposit via PayPal, and wire transfer or cashier's check for the balance (or an immediate wire transfer will preclude the need for a deposit). Or cash in person. Shipping is the buyer's responsibility, although I will coordinate my schedule to accommodate your shipper and supervise loading. Good luck! ~ Dave