1960 Triumph TR3A ride along

[@briangraham1024]

Sweet! I had a '62 TR3 (British Racing Green) fifty years ago. Bought it in Alberta and drove it from British Columbia back to Nova Scotia in 1975. I left in early December and took three weeks to go across the country. That car never let me down and it got me back home safely to Halifax on Christmas.Eve. TR3's are special and so much fun to drive. 😊

[@jayc4562]

I had the same car. Only blue with a roll bar and wire wheels. I put an overbore kit and an isky cam and used it for ice racing in the 60's.

[@kenseal]

Thats takes me back. Thanks. Aero screens and a toldo. Your missing a trick without those. The screen comes off in a jiffy if i remember correctly. So no hassle and you just leave the aero screens fitted.

[@jamesguidry3995]

One of my favorite KZbin videos . Some of us just love to drive & shift gears & listen to that motor with the top down . No need for music or radio or even a passenger . Just you and the road and the Lord !

[@Minderbender94]

Thanks, James, glad you liked it! There are a few more drives on my channel if you want more.

[@robertcharlessceats3647]

A superb video showing the joy and exhilaration to be had driving a truly iconic British classic. Top marks !

[@geoffpace8981]

nice video ,I noticed you didn't flog the gearbox ,good driver

[@BruceBoschek]

You are living the dream of my youth. The TR3 and that road were made for each other and I love the way you drive the car, with intentionality and respect. I was a teenager when the TR3 was being produced and I was completely smitten by that car. Thanks so much for the wonderful drive, taking me back 50+ years ago.

[@williamkniesly5090]

Thanks for the ride. It has such a great sound, it's music to my ears.I could listen to it all day.

[@markbeasom5252]

Thanks! I was smiling for at least 5 minutes! Nice car!

[@TheAzmountaineer]

Thanks for posting. The sound and view brought back some great memories for me. I could almost smell the fresh air and feel the warm humid wind while driving those winding, hilly WV roads of my youth. My first car was a 61 TR3, green, purchased in May of 1970. Had so much fun driving, working and learning on that car.

[@triumphrick]

My powder blue 1960 TR3A is in it's final stages of the second restoration...hoping to have her back on the road this Spring. Thank you for giving me a taste of what I have been missing these past ten years the car has been apart!

[@miles0094]

Hi Rick - Thanks for the comment! Great to hear about your TR restoration project - be great to see some footage when she it back on the road. Cheers!

[@isaiahwilliams8608]

Hey Miles, I have a 59' TR3 and drive Glen Haven and HWY 9 as well as Big Sur often, living in Santa Cruz as I do and loving those roads. Thanks for giving me the driving experience from a different vantage point and in the comfort of my arm chair. Drive on! Isaiah Williams

[@jbx233]

Thanks for posting this video...it brought back a lot of good memories. I owned a red 1958 TR3 from 1969 to around 1979.

[@rodmclachlan9007]

Beautiful car Miles, I've really enjoyed this vid. It's inspiring me to take some footage of my TR4 here in Scotland but a combination of bumpy roads and hard suspension are making it tough! Love that open feeling that the low-cut doors on the TR3 give, and what a great route. Thanks for the vid and keep that wonderful machine running sweet.

[@miles0094]

Thanks Rod - yeah, the smoother the road the better! Let me know if you post some footage - would love to see it!

[@gerhardschemel3565]

Great looking car she sounds wonderful we have three over the years 1960, 1964 and a 1963 I share birth year. Enjoy

[@pierriebezuidenhout7526]

dude, most awesome cool drive car to have. Im sooo jealous. this and the 50s corvette are the ultimate cool factor cars

[@miles0094]

Thanks Pierrie'! Totally agree and thank my lucky stars everyday!

[@rudybellomo4865]

What a nice car. Thanks for the ride. Next trip I want to drive!!

[@TheRogerowen]

Nice! I had a '54 TR2 in 1968, and I have forgotten what the exhaust note sounded like. Awesome!

[@johntousseau9380]

Nice Triumph, and a nice drive on Glen Canyon Rd.

[@1938dmkdz]

I had a 1960 when I was in the USAF up in Maine and drove home to Chicago with the top down thru rain and everthing. Took me two days to get my hair back to normal. Loved the side curtains, but thats the way it goes. I've owned Porsches, BMW's,etc but this car was the most fun....I even chased cattle with it.

[@brianbarnes7774]

what a thrill it must be, to drive a TR3!! My Dad's first car was a Maroon 1959. Sadly, the throttle stuck, and He hit a curb and destroyed it. Thank god he wasn't on a twisty road, or I might not be typing this today! Thanks for the ride along.

[@mazdamps]

Seriously good video and have to say I would feel very comfortable as a passenger with you. I came into TRs much later and had a TR6 in'71. Tears of nostalgia for me, with my beautiful wife, and her sheepskin coat and hat, out with the top down on those beautiful crisp, blue sky days that we sometimes get in Jan/Feb....

[@miles0094]

Rio Gordini Thanks for the comment Rio - there is something to be said about Triumphs and all older British sports cars for that matter - glad you liked the video!

[@mazdamps]

Yeah, it wasn't all about raw power and speed back then. but the cars were right for the time and loved. even if they did break down!! I wanted to post some pics of mine but can't figure how to do it on here!!!!

[@mazdamps]

I had a TR6 in '71 followed by my Ginetta G 15 and then my E-Type in '72/3

[@pbrucpaul]

Beautiful sound

[@peterschlosser7605]

Well, that was fun. I had (almost) the exact same auto in 1970; a 1959: red, steel wheels like yours, side curtains. The floor pans had already rusted out (road salt in MN). Driving in the rain, my GF would have to lift her feet up to avoid getting wet. No syncho's in first gear, but the little beast could easily take off in second when needed. 13" steering wheel right in your chest, elbows flared out for the proper British driving style.

[@fxorr1599]

Magnifique ! From France, i wish i had this jewel in my garage ! ❤

[@normastanley5853]

Good video ! A fun watch...

[@1147cc]

Nice! Its been so long that Ive forgotten what it feels like to drive a 3. Cant wait to finish the projects I have now.

[@patwalker9890]

After crashing my motorcycle in '73 I decided to buy something with 4 wheels and more metal around me. My Tr3 started my love of British cars. So rudimentary by today's standards, but so much character. Thanks for the run down memory lane.

[@ramblingadventures]

I had a TR4 and always liked TR3s. Recently I was in my truck and pulled up behind a beautiful TR3 at a left turn. He clearly had his left indictor on and his right turn signal was flashing. Oh Triumph.

[@simonscillio8125]

Thanks for the reply Miles, great setup. Mine will be more crude, I will try an external mic, and see if I can get it to work.

[@gregghorner6534]

Sold my TR3B in the late 70s because I wanted roll up windows.That tractor engine was indestructible and had incredible torque.

[@cheftush]

Thanks for the ride Miles

[@ScottyBr4700]

I can smell the leather! I remember those days!

[@patwalker9890]

….and the gas fumes :)

[@pbrucpaul]

I remember back then the owner a friend of my Uncles said" want to go for a ride skip?" I got in and that engine growl fired up and he took me for a ride in upstate New York. Man did the TR3 hold the road in the turns. It was totally a road experience.

[@thomasjellifer214]

I had one just like yours. It even sounded the same. I sure did like that car. Some people complained about the electrical system, but I never had any problems. I also mounted 2 Lucas "Flamethrowers" behind the grille. Unfortunately, I had to sell the car when I got married. You can't carry a baby in the jump seat. Thanks for the vid.

[@Furbywan0815]

wirklich sehr coooles Ding. wunderschön!

[@skipsherv]

Damn! I lived on Merced Ave on the Westside and had the green '58 TR3A. I retired in 2015, moved to Florida and sold it to a guy in France. I miss SC and my TR3! We just missed each other. If you are still around, join Triumph Travelers Sports Car Club...a lot of great guys!

[@miles0094]

Thanks Skip - I'll check out TTSCC!

[@kimhorton6109]

A friend of mine in 69 had an old, very used TR3 in Pendleton. Wonderful exprience to ride in. You really felt involved in the car even though it wasn't fast, the shifter was clunky, the suspension was brutally rigid but it was fun.

[@drspaseebo410]

Whatta car !! The TR3A was the gintiest !!

[@gentlerowdy]

what a beautiful ride- by the way i hope the glass if effective enough to protect you enough from the wind- too much of it irritates but just about a moderate is the pleasure- i wish you all the best & safe riding your Triumph- from a fellow triumph lover in India !!!!!

[@miles0094]

Thanks Rahul and greetings from Santa Cruz, California! The wind is perfect - the side windows flaps really help!

[@brandonbentley8532]

My first car was a 59 TR3A, British Racing Green. I bought it when I was 15 and used all my own farm money and restored it. Even learned how to lead fill the body and everything. Sold it when I was 20 and was in college etc. The guy I sold it to took it out to a concours event and won first place with it, bet he claimed he did all the work and not some country kid he bought it from. Regret terribly that I sold it. Great cars!

[@kenster865]

Ahh, the value of decent car covers when you can't garage your prized vehicle. Yes!!

[@spurrclassiccars1530]

What a lovely car

[@rogerk2049]

The best a man can travel in a civilized world 🌎

[@56squadron]

What I'd like to know is who are the 3 idiots who gave this a thumbs down, and WHAT is their problem? Do they hate life? . BTW, I'm 6' and have an Austin Healey Sprite and I (almost) cannot get in with the top up. In fact even with the top down it would be easier with a quick release for the steering wheel. . Hope you love her, enjoy her, and take care of her. Some kid who isn't born yet will own her one day :^ )

[@melindamanthey2757]

To answer your question..... Likely because they believe the car is cool, the video is boring.

[@davidforeman8347]

Congratulations on a wonderful car. I'm from the great white north and have had many sport cars throughout the years and I still have one as a senior. You might enjoy your drive a bit more if the driver's back of the seat was squared up with your body and the sound of the exhaust was repaired to give the wonderful Triumph a chance to sing! . . Just suggesting; it's a wonderful automobile!

[@randallfrank5682]

Music is not bad, it was nice. The ride was fun!

[@MrRobster1234]

This is motoring in the tradition of the Stutz Bearcat or the Mercer Raceabout.

[@roskoeusa]

Hi Miles. Love your film. I have the same car except mine is a '57 smallmouth. We drive similarly. Mione is getting a much needed servicing by my mechanic. We are converting to rack and pinion. If anyone else has done this I would be curious if anyone else did this

[@BigWolf10001]

... nice video and car!

[@elicash315]

Some would say that’s when the music starts

[@grahambull9418]

Wonderful, love the sound as you lift off. One serious question, how tall are you and can you get the roof on when you are over 6 foot?

[@miles0094]

Hi Graham, I'm 6'1" and can get in no problem. These cars actually have amazing leg room and I've never hit my head on the top while driving. That said, the top is rarely up!

[@grahambull9418]

Hi Miles, thanks for the helpful info. I must confess, I bottled out on the TR3 and got it's grandaddy, a 1946 Roadster last weekend instead.

[@umamifactor451]

I've actually driven that road in a red 1958 TR3 with overdrive. Branciforte Drive and Granite Creek to Scotts Valley?

[@miles0094]

Hi Umami, close - actually Glen Canyon, I do have another video of Granite Creek but it's pretty bumpy!

[@peterbrown9662]

At last I've seen him change up into top fourth gear, what the Hell took him so long, having the car screeching along for miles in third, is he scared of fourth gear

[@RADThird1]

Peter Brown I thought the same thing at first but look at how narrow those roads are! All kinds of driveways and cars parked right at the edge of the road too. Probably smart to be careful and avoid a shunt.

[@peterbrown9662]

Yes the roads were narrow with lots of bends, but he was still hoofing it a bit too much for third gear, he should have been in top at that speed, the TR3A also had overdrive on, the same as the 1964 TR4 that I used to own, Hell what am I talking about overdrive, the young petrol heads of today wont know what I'm talking about, the swinging 60s were the best time to drive around the Uk in your sports car, no motorway speed limit, no satnav, no cruise control, no heated seats, no seat belts, no boom box in the boot and you drove by the seat of your pants, Those were the days of real driving, and four gallon of petrol for £1.

[@richardbutterfoss2353]

Thanks! RWB ❤

[@Wellpinit]

lovely

[@tomjellifer4140]

I had one. I drove it off the lot in 1960. I loved it. It was one of the most fun cars I ever owned, but I just have to say, Miles that you need to get a tuneup and a muffler. There is nothing like a well tuned TR-3a with Abarth muffler. I had that car until the wife got pregnant, the we had to sell it and get some American black iron.

[@miles0094]

Thanks Tom - tune up is in the works...muffler upgrade may take a bit but actually after this vid I noticed a loose muffler bracket that you can hear as a slight rattling sound in the vid. Tightened it and it does sound much better. Planning a trip down the Big Sur coast in the spring - hopefully with a better sounding TR-3a!

[@richardprince5758]

Does this one still have points ? if so where do you get replacements ? Love the MG Midget too

[@miles0094]

Hi Richard, thanks for the comment. I did change out the points for the Pertronix electronic type. Still have the old set and I see you can buy them at Moss Motors for under $10 mossmotors.com/kit-points-condenser Cheers!

[@pietrocalcioli8169]

Spettacolare

[@stateservant]

What a cool car.... Anyway i would like to buy one as a birthday present for my GF, would i be exagerating if i say Triumph TR3 is on par with Aston Martin DB4 and Jaguar XK150?

[@tommyschemes2051]

My father has one identical to this. Quite uncanny actually; memories

[@joer3481]

fix the seat back... excellent video

[@robertdavies7698]

we have a tr4 engine in a morgan 1956 super car...thank you more please..

[@Minderbender94]

Thanks Robert, I'm working on improving my camera rig for this car but if you check my channel I do have some other cool videos of the Triumph. Cheers.

[@simonscillio8125]

Hi Miles Well done your video is awesome and captured the sound well.I've just restored a 1956 tr3 and tried to do a ride along video only my video has atrocious sound (all wind noise)what camera are you using and mic? Advice would be appreciated.

[@miles0094]

Hi Simon, thanks for the comment! For this I used a GoPro 3 for video and for audio I placed a Shure PG56 mic by the tailpipe recording into a Tascam DR-60DmkII. I think I put a wind screen around the mic to reduce wind noise. Good luck - let me know when you get a video of your TR uploaded!

[@TRRehab]

Love the red steel wheels. Do you still have the TR3?

[@Minderbender94]

Hi TR Rehab! Yes, still driving it (almost) daily to work and back and cursing around Santa Cruz on the weekends. Still having a blast - Thanks for the comment!

[@TRRehab]

I’ve had my 57 TR3 finished for going on 3 years now. A real conversation peace. Continue to enjoy.

[@mattness615]

Hey Miles, How much would a car like yours in that condition costs someone today if they wanted to buy one?

[@miles0094]

Hi Matt - I'm guessing between 12k and 20k depending on your level acceptable 'character'. www.hemmings.com/ is a good resource - or Craigslist.

[@mattness615]

Miles Stiler Thanks Miles, beautiful car, don't ever sell it.

[@wdmd11]

Hey Miles Beautiful car. Curious …..how tall are you?..

[@Minderbender94]

I’m 6ft 2inches. Plenty of leg room in these cars!

[@wdmd11]

@@Minderbender94 Thanks Miles. I’ve always admired these,but have never sat in the cockpit, and I’m 6’3”. Going to look at a1961 to purchase later this week. Any tips on problem areas I might look for with her??

[@Minderbender94]

@@wdmd11 Rust is a big concern with these older cars so I would def get under the car and check the frame and bottom fenders/door jam. It's pretty common for these cars to leak some amount of fluids so don't be too alarmed when/if you see some oil. I'd checked the engine compression and make sure all lights work. 5 speed transmissions are desirable so if the car you are looking at has one, that is a bonus! Good luck!

[@ianedmonds9191]

I know it's an old car and you don't want to stress it but it sounds like you're short shifting way early. My Dad had a tr3a back before I was born. I'm 40 now and have owned a few sportscars. What's the redline at on a TR3?. The engine sounded good but I kept waiting for a power band. I guess down tuning and not overevving is why these engines are still with us... Luv and Peace.

[@Minderbender94]

Hi Ian, thanks for the comment, red line is only about 5k on the Triumph - most torque seems to be between 1500 and 2000rpm. This video was taken after only about 6 months of drive time and I can say that 1.5 years later, I do drive her a bit more aggressively as I find her comfort zone and on the occasion, limits. It's been a great ride and still enjoy the daily drive up the hill!

[@ianedmonds9191]

@@Minderbender94 Ended up back here six years later. Isn't it interesting we're all accustomed to 7000+ redlines nowadays? I guess that sort of tech was out of reach or at least very expensive in the 50s. The engine in the TR3A sounds like an aero engine from ww2 fighter. Beautiful car. Luv and Peace.

[@peterbrown9662]

I had a 1964 Triumph TR4 which had four forward gears as did the TR3A in this video, but this driver only goes up to third gear

[@RADThird1]

Peter Brown You know the older I get the slower I go!

[@peterbrown9662]

RADThird 1 I agree with you as far as the older you get the slower you go, my going fast in my Spitfire and TR4 days were in the first half of the 70s, and five years ago I bought a BMW Z3 to get back into the swing of driving with the top down, when ever the weather permits, and when I have the top up I feel so enclosed and uncomfortable I like all round vision with the top down, and when you have the car like mine with my own personal number plate there is no need to go fast in the towns making as much noise as possible, I just glide around the towns with style, and enjoy the drive.

[@jd3552]

It is wonderful, but you are going way too fast for that road. Just a deer has to jump out? Great Falls, Va.

[@ltjoseph9042]

A cat

[@casaamaril]

Sympathetic....

[@Hithere-ek4qt]

Why have music at all? It ads nothing and some people do not share your taste. Nice car though.

[@Minderbender94]

Totally agree. Wish I hadn't added it, but can't take it out now. Thanks for the feedback!

[@jimclappe7320]

Great memories my first car was a 1957 tr3

[@ZEZERBING]

Need a better driving hat.