Detail Info for: Triumph : Other Base TRIUMPH TR3A 1959 (vin TS44593L) Great looking, Smooth running older restoration

Transaction Info
Sold On:
10/02/2013
Price:
$ 14000.00
Condition:
Mileage:
Location:
Grand Ledge, Michigan, 48837
Seller Type:
Private seller, Owner
Vehicle Specification
Year Make Model:
1959 Triumph Other
Submodel Body Type:
Roadster convertible
Engine:
2.0L 1991CC 122Cu. In. l4 GAS OHV Naturally Aspira
Transmission:
Manual 4 speed
VIN:
TS44593L
Vehicle Title:
Clear
Drive Train:
Fuel Type:
GAS
Standard Equipment:
Optional Equipment:
Vehicle Detail
This is an exceptional 1959 Triumph TR3A. It is exceptional in that nearly all of the expendable parts have been rebuilt or replaced. I will list them later in the description. It is also exceptional because it is truly a 1959 model, according to the Vintage Triumph Registry, 1959’s started with VIN TS41630 and this car is TS44593L. Many 1958’s are listed as 59 or even 60 models because someone has a state title that say it is, but it was common for dealers back then to retitle leftover models from one year to the new year, and sell them as the next year. The previous owners father started this restoration in 2003, and proceeded over the next 8 years to totally rebuild this car. All body panels were removed and repaired before reinstalling. I can find no rust anywhere on the sheet metal. The usual spots, floors, rocker panels and bottoms of fenders are all solid, and have been repaired or replaced. The car was then painted with a PPG epoxy primer and finished with PPG CONCEPT® Acrylic Urethane paint in 2007. The result is a beautiful British Racing Green finish. I must restate, this is DRIVER quality, not show quality. In my youth, we called these “15 footers” They look great from 15 ft. away, but up close you can see the imperfections. As stated above, there are some bubbles on the boot lid, and it should be repainted sometime in the future. Check the pictures.Now for the good part, in addition to a completely overhauled engine, here is a list of the repaired or replaced components.1. New brakes, calipers, hoses, master cylinder, new brake shoes on rear.2. Complete stainless steel exhaust system3. Transmission rebuilt4. High Torque starter installed from Triumphs Only5. Carburetors rebuilt by Sports Car Craftsmen, LLC of Arvada, CO.6. New fuel pump, installed by Sports Car Craftsmen, LLC7. Spin on oil filter installed. (Uses Fram FL-3600)8. New Clutch from Triumphs Only9. New water pump10. Radiator and hoses replaced by Sports Car Craftsmen LLc11. High efficiency radiator fan installed12. Rebuilt generator13. New motor mounts14. Lucus electronic ignition with correct coil15. New front and rear wiring harnesses from The Roadster Factory16. New convertible top, The Roadster Factory17. Wiper motor and wipers18. New Carpet from The Roadster Factory And here is the list of projects I have completed since I have owned the car. 1. Change engine oil and filter 10W40 and Fram Filter 2. Change Transmission oil GL4 spec. 90W Hypoid 3. Change Rear end oil GL4 spec. 90W Hypoid 4. Check and repack all front wheel bearings, replace right front outer bearing and race. 5. Replaced inner and outer tie rod end ball joints, both sides.6. Replace front springs, rubber spacers, and shocks from Moss Motors. Replaced rubber rebound pads.7. Remove, repair, and replace right side fore and aft lower wishbone. Replace all bushings and washers. 8. Replace right hand drop in steering bushing.9. Replaced all 4 tires with Kumho BSW P165/80R-15 with lifetime balance and rotation.10. Replace spare with BF Goodrich P155/80R-15 with Lifetime balance and rotation. (This is correct size for spare tire compartment.)11. Removed steering wheel hub, repaired connections, replaced all four wires from hub to snap connectors under hood.12. Had wheels aligned at Holt Auto Alignment. 13. Replaced “olive” shaped oil seal at bottom of steering shaft.14. Removed and painted center instrument panel with correct wrinkle finish.15. Repaired all wiring behind instrument panel.16. Replaced oil pressure gauge.17. Replaced choke cable.18. Repaired left rear blinker light and license plate light.19. Lubricated both tachometer and speedometer cables.20. Replaced broken wheel stud, left rear wheel. Mechanically this car is nearly perfect. The engine starts easily, and runs great! Holds 70 lbs. of oil pressure when hot, (down to 50 at idle), brakes are firm and stop the car in a straight line. The transmission shifts easily and smoothly, with no unusual noises. With the new tires and alignment, it is a joy to drive.To answer the question, “Why is he selling such a great car?” I turned 72 years old this July, and it is just too difficult for me to get in and out of the car. I had my fun this summer, but it is time to act my age! A final note. What is “wrong” with the car? Here are the things I have found. As mentioned above the seat cushions look good, new covers, but the insides need to be rebuilt, (I use a cushion on top of the seat and it is comfortable.). The heater is installed, but the hoses are not connected or present. The previous owner told me the heater core was checked and no leaks, but it is not connected. The boot lid needs a repaint. And finally, I found about an 8 inch section of the very front of the frame on the left side that has been repaired. The car aligned well and tracks well, so it does not appear it was major damage, but the repair welds are visible, and I feel obligated to mention it. Very few 53 year old cars have not had a “ding” or two in their lifetime! A bid is a contract! Do not send more than the winning bid amount and ask to to pay the shipper or refund the rest. The car will be released when the funds clear MY BANK. I can assist with loading the vehicle to a shipper or trailer. Car can be driven reasonable distances on its own. On Sep-27-13 at 06:20:13 PDT, seller added the following information: Car is available for inspection, 9:00 AM. to 6:00 PM. each day before the auction ends. Send e-mail to set up appointment. (I can pick you up at the Lansing Michigan Airport.) To clearify payment options, $500. deposit via cash or PayPal required within 48 hours of end of auction. Balance due within 7 days via money order or certified check. On Sep-27-13 at 09:44:18 PDT, seller added the following information: Forgot to mention, included with the car is a complete set of side curtains, with decent sliding glass windows/vents. They are OK for a driver, would need to be recovered for show. (Moss Motors price for these is $1195.00)On Oct-01-13 at 08:16:57 PDT, seller added the following information: Here is a question received and my response, I forgot to add it to the listing. Dear westwind6371, Are we close to reserve here? I'm about to buy another TR3 and would like to know if it might make sense to wait for yours. Thanks, ~ Dave D. Hello DD-Bay In my previous message, I made an error in math, the current price is approx. 75% of the reserve price. (Previous message said 70%) My research tells me that is a very fair price for a car in the condition of mine, especially with all the new/repaired major systems. I will post this response so other bidders have the same information. Thanks again for the interest, and good luck with your purchase. Dave- westwind6371