No matter what brand it is, the sight of a forlorn and rotting car pulls at the heartstrings. At one point in the vehicle’s life, it was loved, appreciated, and in a way a member of the family. They went on vacation, brought home newborns, and helped raise the kids. However like most things, when something gets old and broken, we often just tuck it away and forget about it, or simply throw it away. We have all shared this thought, simply because those of us who appreciate the automobile as more than just a tool, feel real emotion with our vehicles. This little Triumph TR3 found here on craigslist for $1800 is one such car that has seen much better days.

The Triumph is located in Arundel, Maine and the ad is short and to the point. This is either a parts car or a total restoration. The year isn’t even mentioned, and only three photos are provided which show the car parked in the weeds, a shot of a partially disassembled engine, and the last showing a rather odd group of three loose parts. Let’s face it, an old English car parked in knee-high grass is a recipe for completely rotted floors and more worryingly, frame damage. As no photos are shown of the underside, it may be safe to assume Fred Flintstone would have no trouble driving this. There appears to be no top or even a tarp over the exposed inside, and as Maine is a very harsh climate, we can be sure that several feet of snow has probably taken a liking to the driver’s seat over the years. It would be a miracle if anything was even worth salvaging if this is the case. Two doors are shown, however it is unclear if these are simply spares or if they are the ones that were originally with this car. I do like the loose piston and wrist pin situated neatly on the windshield cowling, perhaps an engine problem is the reason for this TR3 being parked.

The engine is present, however, it looks as though the thermostat housing may be missing. If this is true then water has probably gotten in and frozen all the moving parts that once powered this TR. To say a total tear down is needed is an understatement, and there is a chance that is it so corroded internally that the block may be best used as a boat anchor. The twin SU carburetors are there, as is the radiator, albeit removed from the car. The third photo is of a brake rotor, a bumper over rider, and possibly the center to a steering wheel.

These TR3’s are fantastic cars when put right. This particular example may need more than a normal restoration, and the buyer will have to take a serious look at how much to put into it. At least the seller appears to have some affection for Triumphs. The TR7 parked alongside it may be for sale as well, and in the one photo in the upper left corner, there is another wire wheeled car parked in the weeds. Who knows it may be a second TR3 that needs a savior.