Minneapolis Street Sighting: Triumph TR3

One knows I try to feature rare or exciting cars on this blog; while these old Triumphs aren't rare in the summertime, owners certainly can't enjoy them year-round-- at least not in the snow. Yes, I have featured quite a handful of classic Triumphs before, but I can't help it; cars like this TR3 are a budding interest for me, just like the other little roadsters in this category.
Cars like this TR3 excite me greatly. No, they're not overly powerful; no, they don't enjoy the same modern conveniences a Porsche Boxster does, and no, they won't require extreme service intervals. What they do require, however, is dedicated skill. Why? Is it because they break down? Is it because they're supposedly not built up to par with the latest luxury-oriented sports convertible? Is it because they're often seen as "not important enough" by the general car crowd? No; it's none of these. Triumphs like this one require the skill of love-- the passionate involvement you get merely from the act of driving this little British roadsters. There is no ABS to ease your fears if you screw up in the rain; there are no power windows to quickly adjust to changing weather conditions-- either you have to enjoy getting a slight bit soppy when the rain starts, or you find a carport; power steering won't help you navigate tight switchbacks-- it's not offered here. To enjoy the art of what makes a Triumph (or any other classic roadster) so great, one has to take pride in the art of driving.
Only then will the true meaning of a driver's car be discovered; so get to it. Buy that little TR3 you've been wanting, and invest in a set of metric tools, and hit the road; it's a great way to not only get exercise (the steering isn't quite light, nor is the clutch take-up), and have fun at the same time. After years dawdling along in that silver Honda Accord to and from work, you deserve something better. And what better way to treat yourself than get a great sports car for chump change. Although, if in fact you do have a silver Accord, a car is merely an appliance to you, and chances are you wouldn't understand a great drive if it were right in front of your face.