1962 Triumph TR3 Manual Convertible

It’s manufacture to 1960. It was sold and thus titled in 1962. At one point the engine and transmission were removed and one from a TR4 was installed. So now it’s got the larger bore engine and fully synchronized 4 speed transmission. It’s also got Stromberg carbs instead of SU, which were rebuilt and polished. The engine runs great and pulls strong. Transmission is smooth and engages pretty well. The throwout bearing makes a little noise at idle, but it has made that noise for 20+ years and it hasn’t gotten any louder. The rear end is quiet, though axle seals need replacing as grease leaks out a bit and gets in drum. All gauges work. Horn and turn indicators work, though indicators don’t cancel and have recently begun to spin around so must have lost a lock ring or something. Oil pressure is great, 40-50 pounds at warm idle. Brakes are so-so: They stop but are a bit mushy. Hydraulics were rebuilt during restoration and fluid switched to Dot5 synthetic, so no need to worry about losing paint during a leak. Temperature holds fairly steady at cruising speed. Stop and go traffic on 80+ degree days gets it running hot, so that should be addressed. Radiator is original and has inadequate original fan also.

Car is still positive ground with generator, regulator, points and all that. Generator discharge light on dash stays on most of the time and has been getting worse so generator needs a rebuild. I just put it on trickle charger while stored. Battery is around 10 years old, but still hold a nice charge. Tires are over 20 years old, but still lots of tread and not much visible dry rot. This is a testament to low miles and garage storage. Still, I wouldn’t trust the tires for long trips. Wheels are standard steel with shiny TR3 hubcaps.

Interior was fully freshened during restoration: New carpets, leather seat kit installed, including rear jump seat and new door panels. It still looks great and is a pleasure to sit in. Convertible top is quite old, clear plastic has yellowed, and the leather cracked over the years and was patched with press-on mastic. Tonneau cover fits drivers side, but has shrunk over the years and doesn’t quite snap in some of the passenger side studs. Side curtains have decent fabric but there is a crack in clear plastic panel on drivers side. It has a brand new black vinyl hood stick cover.

The steering and suspension is a weak area of this car. The steering box has quite a bit of play and the front shocks are worn. Rear leafsprings need freshening and lever arm shocks are worn out.

Judging by paint chips it seems like this car was originally yellow, repainted light blue then painted the now color of single stage (not clearcoat) British racing green. The paint is presentable, glossy with some swirls, checking and chips. The lower section of rear drivers fender was damaged around 10 years ago. I unrolled and hammered it back out and tried to match the paint but my repair job ended up with lots of waves and a bit darker than surrounding paint. A good body guy could probably smooth it out and paint it proper, but it might almost be easier to get a new rear fender. Overall though, body is straight and rust free. Good floors, good trunk, solid chassis. Chrome is decent but definitely not perfect.

Summed up: This is a good looking car that can get you around town with a smile on your face. With just a bit of work, it could be a nice driver for longer country drives.