As we approach the 25 year mark since the restoration of this example we can confidently say this car has held up well. It is not without some flaws to note, but overall the paint finish is consistent and even remains show worthy, the panel fitment excellent and the door gaps good (but not perfect). It is for all intents and purposes a well presented example. However, we have noticed a handful of issues which we will note in the “Notable Flaws” section and that have also been photographed.

The windscreen is a reproduction Triplex unit by Pilkington, otherwise the car has no other glass. However the weather gear, specifically the side curtains show to be completely restored with new plastic and clear vinyl. Same goes for the rear soft top window, it also shows as nearly new but perhaps with some minor scratching here or there. The trim is all present, a mixture of stainless steel and brightwork that shines beautifully with no issues to note on either. With the exception of the gas cap which shows some signs of age.

While the BMIHT certificate shows that this car originally came with solid wheels, today it has painted wire wheels that appear to be in excellent condition and upon use feel straight and true. They do however show some minor chipping in places around the outer edges.

Please see photos for flaws, but the major items to note are some oxidation and lifting in the paint on the passenger side rocker, some minor peppering on the stainless wheel arch cover. A light scratch on the hood, and chipped paint around the hood latch releases. Align with a few spots that have been touched up over the years. Remember, this car was driven post-restoration the total mileage seen on the odometer! There are some flaws, but they are minor and not worth refinishing.

The interior remains in excellent restored condition overall. The driver's seat bottom gives away that there has been some significant use, but otherwise the car benefits from a brand new carpet set and rubber mats. The kick panels, door panels, and various aspects of the interior and related trim are all in excellent condition overall with no real issues to note. The top bows show some chipped paint and the side curtain chrome inserts are less than perfect but overall it requires no attention and can be enjoyed as is.

Upon testing the spartan interior functions we found that everything appeared to be in correct working order. All lighting (exterior and interior), fan motor, wipers, and any other knobs, pulls and switches seemed to function properly. Upon starting/driving the car all of the gauges also work correctly.

The engine bay is of course the recipient of a total rebuild and restoration many years ago, but more recently received a refresh in preparation for sale. Upon close inspection we can see that the engine bay is quite fresh, serviced, and attention to detail and correctness are evident. All clamps, coatings and finishes are correct and present nicely. The engine bay on this car remains excellent and show worthy with nothing out of place.

The trunk is of the same consistency and caliper of the engine bay. Tidy, nicely restored and without any issues to note.

The underside is as expected, representative of a total restoration but perhaps with some signs of use. We see straight frame rails, nicely refinished surfaces, correct coatings etc… and still attention to correctness and detail with no issues to note.

The engine starts with some choke and a few turns of the key, once warm it settles down to a nice idle with no choke holding appropriate oil pressure and temperatures. The engine makes strong power throughout the rev range. Has no smoking, knocking, or unwanted noises and otherwise feels strong and reliable.

The 4-speed transmission shifts smoothly with accurate clutch action and easy gear changes with the overdrive coming in and out with the flick of the switch.

The brakes have all recently been rebuilt and feel tight, strong and operate as intended. The suspension is tight and firm, if not a touch bouncy and may need to see some attention after a few more miles.

The tires are Dunlop SP20 A/S 165R15, they do not show date codes, but we suspect they are older, feel a little hard and should see replacement for safe and consistent use for the next owner.

The TR3 is a unique experience, it is one of the only cars where you can practically touch the ground with your hand while you drive! You're really wrapped in a sports car when you sit in the TR3 and even though power is limited, the open-air, low slung positioning creates a visceral experience one won’t soon forget. This example is no exception as you can be confident in a well restored and certifiably correct experience, as intended when this car left the factory in 1957. A car that is inviting to be both driven and shown by its next care taker.