There are several TR3s currently listed for sale for three or four thousand dollars. This one at least shows the true extent of the rust, especially underneath. This one listed on eBay is described as “a fairly straight, original, and complete car” Except for the rust and the bits that have rusted away, it just might be complete. Wisconsin winters were not kind to this car. I had a 1957 TR3 in this same color in the 1960s. It’s hard to imagine what time and salt have done to this sad Triumph. Is there enough left to justify the $3,950 BIN? There is a better frame included in the auction. It’s for sale at a dealer in Santa Ana, California.

Most of the interior and instrument pieces are there. The showroom floor isn’t quite visible through the floor of the car, just a little daylight, but there’s likely not much metal left in those footwells supporting the rust.

The engine turns and things look complete under the hood. Hopefully, some of the parts are usable.

This view really makes one appreciate the California climate. On the positive side, somehow there’s enough left of the frame to hold the car up.

Here’s the spare frame. Hopefully, most of it would come back after a trip to the media blaster.

From this angle you can almost imagine this TR3 returned to its former glory. Parts are plentiful and inexpensive, but is this project a reasonable place to start a restoration? Would one be better off spending a bit more money and buying a TR3 in much better condition? I expect to see lots of exclamation points used with variations of the word “junk” in the comments, but it will be interesting to see what those knowledgable of the breed will have to say. Is there any hope for this rusty bucket?