More Than Ready to Bust Loose and Get Back on the Road?

More than ready to bust loose

and get backYFE on the road?

1 See page 3

Calendar

NOTE: We’re continuing to present scheduled events but, as before, strongly recommend monitoring the SLTOA web page, the webmaster’s periodic alerts and the organizing clubs’ web pages for updates. The following major Triumph-related events are cancelled:  2nd Annual Charles A Runyan Memorial Run—The Roadster Factory, Armagh, Pennsylvania, 23-24 May  29th Annual Champagne British Car Festival—Bloomington, Illinois, 29-31 May  TRA National Meet—Lexington, Kentucky, 15-19 June; rescheduled for 14-18 June 2021  VTR National Convention—Galena, Illinois, 31 August-4 September  19th Annual Brits in the Ozarks—Fayetteville, Arkansas, 10-12 September  6-Pack TRials—Richmond, Virginia, 1-3 October

We’re waiting on word concerning the Kastner Cup event at Mid-Ohio, 26-28 June. Stay tuned...

19 May 20—SLTOA monthly eMeeting, via Zoom online 5 Jun 20—Friday Nights at the Sonic, 1002 S Kirkwood meeting application. Stand by for log-in information. Rd (Kirkwood & Big Bend). Every Friday night into Octo- ber, all makes and years welcome. 16 June 20—SLTOA monthly meeting, details to follow. th th 6-7 Jun 20—20 Annual Greater Ozarks All-British 26-28 Jun 20—18 Annual Kastner Cup, in association Car Day, in Carthage, Missouri, hosted by the Greater with the Vintage Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio, Lexington, Ozarks British Motoring Club. Info to follow. Ohio. Several SLTOA members are planning on an ex- cursion to this event (only 500 miles, an easy jaunt up I- 7 Jun 20—St Louis Region SCCA Solo II/Autocross No. 70...), details TBA. 2, Family Arena, St Charles. Monitor https:// solo.stlscca.org for time/fees. 21 Jul 20—Annual SLTOA Sweat Fest! John Lam- berg’s back yard, details to follow 13 Jun 20—Kirkwood Annual Route 66 Cars & Gui- 10-12 Sept 20—Triumphest 2020, in San Diego, Califor- tars show. POSTPONED. nia. Thirty-ninth year, hosted by The Triumph Sports Car 14 Jun 20—Rescheduled BSCC Autocross No. 3, Fami- Club . Host hotel is The Dana on Mission Bay. More info ly Arena, St Charles. For more information or to get on at https://triumphest2020.com/. the emailing list, contact Racer Steve at 119 Sept 20—39th Annual All British Car & Cycle [email protected]. Show, at Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park. Hosted by 20 Jun 20—Hazelwood Baptist Church Annual Car the MG Club of St Louis, monitor https:// Show & Festival, 6161 Howdershell Rd, Hazelwood, allbritishcarshow.com/. 10 AM-4 PM. For cars 30 years and older, display your 8 Nov 20—SLTOA Veterans Run VIII, details to follow. car for free, dash plaques, trophies for class winners. Car owners sign in between 8 AM and 1 PM, online registration at www.hazelwoodbaptist.com. 24 May 20—Rescheduled BSCC Autocross No. 1, 19-21 Jun 20—SVRA Brickyard Vintage Racing Invi- Family Arena, St Charles. Show around 9-9:30, $50 for six runs. For more information or to get on the email list, tational, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, sanctioned by contact Racer Steve at [email protected]. the Sport scar Vintage Racing Association. JAGSL’s Phil Taxman will be running his E-Type FHC vintage racer and 29 May 20—Friday Nights at the Sonic, 1002 S Kirk- his club’s mounting an expedition in support. For infor- wood Rd (Kirkwood & Big Bend), sponsored by The Stang mation, contact Jim Hendrix at (314)406-2481 or email Gang and John’s Auto Body. Every Friday night into Oc- [email protected]. tober, all makes and years welcome. 27 Jun 20—18th Annual Pacific Car Show, $20 for judg- 31 May 20—Rescheduled BSCC Autocross No. 2, ing, $10 for display, 8 AM to noon. Total of 27 show clas- Family Arena, St Charles. For more information or to get ses plus 4 specialty awards, food and drinks available. on the email list, contact Racer Steve at For more info call (314)662-6718 or email pacificcar- [email protected]. [email protected]. 4-6 Jun 20—24th British V8 Meet, “Gateway to Perfor- 27 Jun 20—Caffeine & Chrome, 9 AM-12 noon at Gate- mance,.” Host hotel is the Sheraton Westport Chalet, way Classic Cars, 1237 Central Park Dr, O’Fallon, IL. For monitor https://britishv8meet.org for additional infor- info, call (618)271-3000 or call up mation. www.gatewayclassiccars.com. 5 Jun 20—Memories Car Club Cruise, aka “The Zoo,” 28 Jun 20—Rescheduled BSCC Autocross No. 4, Fami- at Faith Church, Gravois Rd west of I-270. 4-9 PM, at- ly Arena, St Charles. For more information or to get on tendance prizes, 50/50 drawing. For info call (417)770- the emailing list, contact Racer Steve at 0103. [email protected].

3 Jul 20—7th Annual Twin Oaks Presbyterian Car attendance prizes, 50/50 drawing. For info call (417)770- Show, 1230 Big Bend Rd at MO 141, Ballwin. Regis- 0103. tration 9 AM-noon, entry fee is canned goods or non- 7 Aug 20—Friday Nights at the Sonic, 1002 S Kirkwood perishable food items for the church food pantry. Dash Rd (Kirkwood & Big Bend). Every Friday night into October, plaques to the first 75 cars, raffle to benefit Twin Oaks’ all makes and years welcome. youth mission trips. Food and refreshments available for purchase. For info, call Gary (636)225-5625 8 Aug 20—MG Club of St Louis Pre-Dawn Rally, details TBD. 3 Jul 20—Memories Car Club Cruise, aka “The Zoo,” 8 Aug 20—Arnold Historical Society Car Show, at VFW at Faith Church, Gravois Rd west of I-270. 4-9 PM, Post 2593, 3201 Church Rd, Arnold. Registration 9 AM- attendance prizes, 50/50 drawing. For info call (417) noon, $20 entry fee, top 24 trophies, best of show, food 770-0103. available, rain date 15 August. Info at www.arnoldhistoricalsociety.org or call (636)375-1106. 3 Jul 20—Friday Nights at the Sonic, 1002 S Kirk- wood Rd (Kirkwood & Big Bend). Every Friday night 16 Aug 20—BSCC Autocross No. 6, Family Arena, St into October, all makes and years welcome. Charles. For more information or to get on the emailing list, contact Racer Steve at [email protected]. 10-12 Jul 20—SCCA Midwest Division Solo II and St Louis Region Autocrosses Nos. 4 and 5, 22-30 Aug Rescheduled 2020 Hemmings Motor News Family Arena. Monitor https://solo.stlscc.org/. Great Race vintage rally, San Antonio, TX, to Greenville, SC. Overnight stop in Cape Girardeau, SLTOA group drive 19 Jul 20—Jaguar Association of Greater St Louis to Cape to observe the proceedings in planning, stand by for Birthday Party. At Glen Echo Country Club, 3401 further details. Lucas and Hunt Rd. Details to follow, monitor https:// www.jagstl.com and the online Growl. 4 Sept 20—Friday Nights at the Sonic, 1002 S Kirkwood rd Rd (Kirkwood & Big Bend). Every Friday night into October, 19 Jul 20—Rescheduled 33 Annual St Louis Eu- all makes and years welcome. ropean Auto Show, proceeds benefit St Louis Arc. Scheduled for Chesterfield Mall, other details TBD, 6 Sept 20—Kansas City All-British Car Day, hosted by the monitor www.eventbrite.com/e/st-louis-european-auto- Kansas City Triumphs Sports Car Club at Merriam Market- show-2020-presented-by-stl-motorcars-registration- place, 4750 Merriam Dr. Merriam, Kansas. Info at 91816901825 or on at www.facebook.com/ www.heartlandallbritish.com/index.html/. Road trip anyone? StLouisEuropeanAutoShow. 12 Sept 20—Rescheduled Missouri Endurance 26 Jul 20—BSCC Autocross No. 5, Family Arena, St Rally/”The Triumphant Tour,” sponsored by the MG Charles. For more information or to get on the emailing Club of St Louis. Meet at the Starbuck’s, 922 S Meramec list, contact Racer Steve at [email protected]. Station Rd, Valley Park at 7 AM; drivers’ meeting at 7:15, mileage check at 7:30 and first car departs at 8 AM. 26 Jul 20—St Louis Region SCCA Solo II/Autocross No. 6, World Technology Raceway. Event fee $55, 18 Sept 20—Annual Pre-ABCCS BBQ, Creve Coeur Lake plus a $15 weekend membership for non-SCCA mem- Memorial Park, 5 PM until dark, hosted by All British Car bers; online pre-registration is $45. Monitor https:// Repair (www.themdoc.com). solo.stlscca.org/. 19 Sept 20—39th Annual All British Car & Cycle Show, 7 Aug 20—Memories Car Club Cruise, aka “The Zoo,” hosted by the MG Club of St Louis. See below. at Faith Church, Gravois Rd west of I-270. 4-9 PM,

39th Annual St Louis All British Car & Cycle Show Hosted by the MG Club of St Louis Creve Coeur Lake Park 1340 Marine Ave, Maryland Heights, 9 AM-3:30 PM This year’s featured marques/ models: the MGA and TR3 Friday night BBQ sponsored by All British Car Repair Registration at https:// allbritishcarshow.com/registration/

President’s eMeeting—Tues, 28 April 2020 Musings

By John Willerton The Covid-19 pandemic has changed our lives in many ways. We are limited to how often we see our family and friends and how close we can get to them. I have had the good fortune to talk to a few of our members and they were doing just fine with the Covid-19 social distancing guidelines. They were able to maintain an acceptable distance from others while out and have managed to either work from home or simply be happy to stay home in retirement mode. I must admit, my wife, Lyn and I, have no problem staying home. It fits our life- style quite well, although we do miss SLTOA’s first-ever eMeeting convened via Zoom at 7 PM on Tuesday, 28 April, 12 being close to our daughter and her members online. Dave Pollard set up the process (thanks Dave!) and provided initial family. Even if we can’t be physically instructions. He noted the system had a built-in delay and advised everyone take their close to our 3 year old grandson, we time in talking and responding and use good etiquette (eResponse: “Good etiquette? still can stop by to see him run around What’s that?”) the yard and show off his running and Treasurer’s Report jumping skills.  As of meeting night, the club had $2539.74 in the operating account and $720.63 I hope that Covid -19 has not been in the event account. a burden to any of you, but if you need assistance, please reach out to Old Business fellow club members. Elections – By our normal schedule, election of club officers takes place biannually in This month we will call another vir- March; they were postponed due to the cancellation of the March meeting. President tual meeting on Zoom, on Tuesday, John Willerton recommended we take this opportunity to consider staggering the offic- May 19th at 7:00 PM. Dave Pollard ers’ terms so that we won’t have a complete changeover of officers every two years. will, again, host our meeting from his The club’s executive committee will look at the proposal, with probable tie-in to the new home. We must be sure to give a club by-laws. shout-out to Dave’s employer, Conectria International, Inc., for giv-  In the meantime, following a nomination by Kevin Blume, seconded by Steve ing us the opportunity to use their Moore, John agreed to serve a full term as club president. Dave Yannayon volun- Zoom account. Conectria is an IT teered to serve as SLTOA’s vice president and Mark Morgan agreed to remain as Consulting Service and this kind of club secretary and newsletter editor. We’ll need nominations for treasurer, names meeting is right up their alley. to be submitted for a vote by next meeting. I hope everyone has had opportuni- By-Laws – Dave Yannayon’s served as the lead on the development and review of the ties to work on their “projects.” I know proposed club by-laws. A draft copy will go to the membership shortly, request every- some of the projects of our members one review and provide their comments. Following review and any revisions, the club have been things like installing light- will vote on the by-laws at a future meeting. ing or helping other members with VTR – The discussion turned to a recent phone conference between Dave Pilcher, their cars, but it is so satisfying to VTR Events Coordinator and several SLTOA members. We’d heard reports that one make progress on our cars. of the two chapters in the South Central Region announced it would not host any more The quarantine of Moss Motor did conferences. Actually, Central Oklahoma VTR (Oklahoma City) and Green Country put a cramp in my usual parts pur- Triumphs (Tulsa) have agreed to co-host future regional events. chasing habits, but I am getting ac-  Dave Massey commented on the conference call, noting the discussion covered (Continued on page 15) multiple events, including the South Central regional and national VTRLF gathering. 4

Due to COVID-19, COVTR has cancelled this year’s re- Projects gional but agreed to host the 2021 national, in association with GCTR.  Dave Pollard’s TR3 is at It’s Alive, electrical/wiring work. He said The Dreaded Previous Owner did electrical re-  Creig Houghtaling recommended we should follow up with pairs on the car using commercial twist-ties (!). the two host chapters post-event and get information on funding requirements, activity/event recommendations,  Dave Massey installed a new top on his TR6 and is con- etc. Dave made a similar recommendation, suggesting tinuing work on putting his TR8 together. The latter is everyone make an attempt to attend the regional and if getting a Rover 3.9L manifold along with fuel injection. possible this year’s national confab in Galena, talk with the organizers and get good information, lessons learned,  Mike Marshall, 38-year owner of a 1976 TR6, noted one etc. of the reasons he joined the club is to get some help with his car, adding “for the first time in my life, I have a prob-  As to VTR’s original request that SLTOA consider hosting lem I can’t fix.” The car starts fine, runs fine (initially) but the ’01 national – now resolved – the executive committee once it heats up, it starts missing. Kevin told Mike to buy a case of beer, announce a tech session and he’d get RP instead agreed to host the 2024 South Central regional. Steve Moore noted they usually occur in April or May. plenty of help. Dave pointed out that by the end of the session (and the beer), either the car would run better or  Kevin Blume agreed to put together an event outline as a “…you won’t care anymore” starting point. He stated the main thing was to get the host hotel set up about 18 to 16 months in advance of the  Stephen Paur commented on the windshield installation event: “It takes quite a while to identify the rooms, ser- in his TR6, covered in March’s Notes. vices, food arrangements.” In addition he recommended the establishment of a steering committee of four to six  Dave Yannayon said he was doing all of the regular people. Kevin said he could have the initial outline ready spring stuff with his TR6: replaced the clutch master, by next meeting. changed all the fluids.  YFE said his TR8 was in good shape and running well, but still needed suspension work (primarily, new bushings New Business and most likely a thicker front anti-sway bar) as well as the Events – Welllll…all events cancelled or postponed through at replacement of the power steering pump. He had the new least the end of May. Members should keep an eye out for pump, just needed to get it installed which, typically for a alerts from the webmaster and monitor the club web page for TR8, could be a major effort. updates.  Chris Kresser said his red TR3 required a “major heart  We expect we’ll resume driving at some point, just don’t transplant” – ie, engine rebuild – and he was putting the know when exactly…again, watch for notification, most car back together. “Anyone who’s changed an engine in a likely of the short-fuse variety TR3 knows it’s not an easy job. You have to remove body panels, most of the interior…”  As for the next meeting – scheduled for 19 May – it’ll most In response to a question, Jeff Homsher’s maintaining “pretty likely also take place online via Zoom. Watch for addition- much” regular hours at It’s Alive. Kevin said he’d learned IA al information including meeting night, log-in info and start now had a vapor blasting machine, if you need work done, time. DF give Jeff a call. Newsletter – The editor announced he had enough material Finally, Prez John said he was continuing work on his TR3 for May’s issue but could always use more. If events don’t with help from Stephen Paur, Steve Moore, Dave Yannayon resume any time soon, June’s issue could end up a tad thinner and others, thanks to all. He hopes to get the car running – for than usual. the first time in 42 years – soon.  Prez John thanked the editor and reminded everyone to The eMeeting concluded at 7:52. Stephen Paur thanked send in material: stories, tech tips, info on projects, any- Dave Pollard for setting it up; Dave said he’d make the thing. Steve Moore responded he had an article in the “meeting room” in Zoom permanent, so that the club members works. can use it any time. All-British Car & Cycle Show – Still a go, MG club is holding regular planning session. Stephen Paur said this year a Boy

Scout troop would handle the concessions. SM Speaking of Projects… Zits by Jerry Scott & Jim Borgman

Backwards Glance: The Standard 10/Triumph 10

SLTOA’s a great club with a great 1948. As described by writer Robert Leitch, the new car would assortment of Triumphs (and a lot of be “…unpretentious, functional, pleasant to drive and efficient other interesting vehicles), owners and in its use of fuel and raw materials.” club members. However, we are lack- Reportedly, early proposals included a rear-engined design ing in a few specific types of Triumphs, similar to the Renault 4CV. What actually resulted was your particularly 1800/2000 roadsters, basic four-door, four-cylinder sedan styled by Vic Hammond TR250s/5s, Stags and, in particular, SLP and fabricated by Fisher & Ludlow at Castle Bromwich, Bir- sedans. Yeah, I know, a lot of us buy mingham. In an effort to get the car on the street at a price the famous Triumph two-seat, drop-top below comparable Morrises and Austins, it offered minimal sports cars because, well, we all want- content: no grill, sliding windows, only one windshield wiper ed a sports car, right? and no trunk lid; owners had to stow their luggage through the Yet, over the years Standard-Triumph made an effort to rear doors, over the folded rear seats. serve as a broad-based manufacturer, offering up a number of On the plus side, the car – designated the Standard Eight – sporting family cars. The 16-valve Dolomite Sprint (1972- featured unit body construction, an all-new 803cc overhead 1980) fittingly served as the ultimate in Triumph sedan produc- valve engine generating 26 bhp and a new four-speed trans- tion. Yet, the Sprint’s post-World War II predecessor, Stand- mission, synchronized in the top three gears. The suspension ard-Triumph’s first all-new design following the global conflict, was surprisingly capable for a smallish, inexpensive family is not as well known or as well regarded. vehicle, with double wishbones, coil springs and telescopic That car was the Standard Eight/Ten/Triumph Ten series… shocks (in a British car, what a concept…) up front and a live and for starters, we’ll get this next point out of the way early: axle on leaf springs in the rear. the Standard Ten never formally received the designation TR10, although reportedly even Standard-Triumph used “TR10” as shorthand for the car, including its use in shop man- uals and marketing materials. If you stumble across one of these now nearly 70-year-old cars in a show, you may very well see “TR10” posted on informational material. Ah well… Postwar, British industry struggled to shift from wartime production of aircraft, warships, engines, weapons and other mili- tary equipment back to commercial products, such as cars. Fuel rationing was still in effect, taxes were on their run up- DF wards and raw materials were hard to come by. Most auto manufacturers, when they resumed production, put prewar designs back on the assembly line with minor changes, if any. Standard resumed production Standard Eight (photo via Barn Finds) and interior: sliding windows of the Eight – which and door pockets (Standard-Triumph via AROnline) dated to 1936 – and JMthe Twelve (1934); on the Triumph side of the house, the new 1800 Roadster debuted, along with the Renown saloon and the Mayflower small saloon. While the Tri- umphs were new designs, they most definitely incorporated pre-war styling. In any event, in late 1950, Sir A 1947 Standard Twelve (photo: Car & Clas- John Black and sic) and 1953 Mayflower (BringJM A Trailer). the Standard- Triumph leadership authorized £6 million for the development of a brand new Standard-Triumph put the car on sale in September 1953; at design. Designated the SC project (for “small car,” natch), the £481, it came in at a lower price than the Austin A30 and Mi- vehicle would employ up-to-date styling and serve as a re- nor sedan. The automotive press gave the Eight positive replacement for the older Standards as well as the Triumph views and the public happily bought them. Mayflower, which had not proven particularly successful. In addition, the car would hopefully give Standard-Triumph a Improvements and upgrades followed, starting with the strong competitor against the Morris Minor, introduced in March 1954 introduction of the more upscale Standard Ten. 6

Produced as competition for the Ford Anglia, Morris Minor and Standard Tens, including a fifth place in the 14 April 1956 Brit- Austin A30/A35, the car went for £580 (about $1627) came ish Auto Racing Club (BARC) event at Goodwood, behind a with a grill, roll-up windows, more upscale interior materials, a Morris Minor, Renault 750, Aston Martin DB2 and Jaguar second windshield wiper, sun visors and hubcaps; options XK120; not bad company. The following September, again at included a heater, radio, chrome wheel rings and a windshield Goodwood, Jacobs finished fourth with A.B. Fifth in a Standard washer. Probably more importantly, the Ten also introduced a Eight. new, overhead valve 948cc engine which produced 33 bhp, capable of 40 mpg, 0-50 in 18 seconds and a top speed of about 70. The 984 mill later served as the first engine for the Triumph Herald and with mods – including additional cylinders – powered the Spitfire, Vitesse, GT6, Triumph 2000 and the TR5/250 and TR6. Over the following years, additional variants debuted, including the Companion four-door estate/station wagon, in October 1954, followed by 1956’s Super Eight and Super Ten, with

Stirling Moss wrings out a Ten at Oulton Park, 1955. Below, Cana- dian Fred Hayes in his Triumph 10 (photo by Rob Slater)

upgraded trim. Also in 1956, Standard- Triumph started offering the “Standrive” semi- automatic Standard Tens also showed up on tracks in North America. transmission, At the 18 June 1955 Canada’s Sports Car Classic 5th Annual with clutch Edenvale Sports Car Races (how’s that for a mouthful?), Fred actuator switch J. Hayes drove in the Touring Car race, won by American Wil- on the shift liam S. Mitchell in a Siata 300BC Spider. knob. The And there were the rallies, particularly in Europe. A number Laycock de of teams competed in the 1955 Monte Carlo Rally, run be- Normanville tween 17 and 20 January, although regrettably most failed to overdrive be- finish. Conversely, the small Standard saloons did quite well came available in the 8-13 March Royal Automobile Club (RAC) International- the following ly. Despite the cold weather, 240 vehicles entered the 2000- year as a £63 mile event, which included “driving tests” at several race option. In ad- tracks, including Cadwell Park, Silverstone, Chilton Park, Has- dition, 1957 tings and Goodwood. As recorded by MotorSport, James H. saw the intro- Ten Estate (top; photo via Triumph Owners.com) “Jimmy” Ray and Brian Horrocks took first place – a duction of and Standrive (Standard Triumph via AROnline) “convincing victory – in their twin-carb Ten, ahead of Harold new grills, Rumsey and Peter Roberts in a Triumph TR2; Ken Richardson improved seats and interior trim for all sedans (save for the and Kit Heathcote, also in a Ten, finished in fifth place. Fur- loss-leader Eight variants) and “Gold Star” engines with a thermore, as described by the editors of Motorsport, higher compression ratio, higher-lift camshaft and bigger carb. Standard-Triumph also introduced the Ten Pennant in 1957, …the 1955 R.A.C. Rally results emphasizing, with com- with upscale dash, tailfins, two-tone paint, a remote gear plete clarity, that the modified Standard Ten is Britain’s change and 37 bhp engine. The Pennant targeted the Wolse- outstanding small car and the Triumph TR2 our leading ley 1500, Riley One Point Five, Ford Anglia and Ford Prefect. moderately priced sports car….the Standard Motor Company of Coventry is to be congratulated on the Both the Eight and Ten featured in British and continental success of its products. saloon racing during the mid-to-late 1950s. On 14 May 1955, at the National Crimond Production Handicap race, Ecurie In 1957, Standard-Triumph, in an attempt to broaden sales Ecosse driver John M. “Jock” Lawrence placed second in a in North America above and beyond the TR3, slapped a Tri- Standard Eight, behind an Austin 90 and ahead of a Ford umph badge on the Ten and started shipping the cars across Eight. J.B. Jacobs had some reasonably good luck running (Continued on page 8) 7

Triumph 10 (Continued from page 7) and the Baby Austin appear like a bad case of malnutri- tion… the Atlantic; they also went to Australia as the Cadet. Two The SC family did not catapult Standard-Triumph into years later, the Ten Estate came over as well as the the top league of British manufacturers as hoped. The “performance model.” The latter featured a shaved head company was customarily included in the British “Big which increased compression to 9.5:1, performance cam, dou- Five” but usually as a poor fifth. Yet the small Stand- ble-wound valve springs and dual SUs on a new manifold, ards served the firm well, selling consistently in sizea- replacing the stock Ten’s single Solex. The engine pumped ble numbers through a six and a half year production out 50 bhp at 6000 rpm – an improvement of 10 bhp – for a life, and despite low sales prices, turning a decent prof- top speed of 72 mph. Sports Cars Illustrated noted, it. The car remains the same economical machine that

it was before. But instead of taking more than a half a minute to get up a head of steam on entering parkway Sources: Adam Clarke, “Parked in 1986: 1955 Standard 8,” or thoroughway, the power-kitted version charges up to Barn Finds, 5 May 2020; “History of the 1954-1960 Standard 60 mph in 22 seconds. The little buzz-bomb will 10,” Hagerty, https://www.hagertyinsurance.co.uk/price- charge along a reasonably level road at an indicated guide/1959-Standard-10, n.d.; “Q-Ship TR-10,” Griff Borgeson, 82 miles an hour which means an actual 78-plus. “ SCI Road Test: TR 10 Wagon,” Sports Cars Illustrated, May 1959;”The Standard 10,” Vintage Triumph Register, https:// vintagetriumphregister.org/10-2/, n.d.; Phil Hetherington, “Phil’s Classic Car Page,” www.948cc.com, 4 February 2007; “Triumph 10,” Triumph’s Most Popular Cars, http:// users.belgacom.net/triumph/Triumph%2010.htm; Racing Sports Cars; “Standard’s convincing success in difficult R.A.C. Rally,” MotorSport, April 1955; Robert Leitch, “The cars: Standard Eight, Ten and Pennant development story,” AROnline, 25 September 2011.

Two-tone and tailfins: Standard Ten Pennant (photo via Classics World) With the introduction of the Triumph Herald in 1959, the Standard/Triumph Ten sedan/saloon went out of production. According to VTR, only 9907 sedans and 7351 wagons received the Triumph badge. Standard-Triumph did continue turning out Ten Estates through 1961’s introduction of the Herald’s estate version and commercial van production continued at a low level through 1964, with the later production vans receiving the Herald’s 11147cc engine. How many Standard and Triumph 10s remain on the road? There’s undoubtedly a list or registry out there somewhere but whatever the number, they do periodically come up for sale via various automotive web pages. For example, in early May a Standard Eight showed up on the Barn Finds web page (https://barnfinds.com); it was available in Queensville, Ontario, for $12,000. In February 2017, Bring A Trailer (https://bringatrailer.com/) posted a 1959 North American market (ie, left-hand drive) Triumph Ten project car, only $1800, in Sacramento, California. Mike Menezes of Simi Valley, California, owns a 1958 Triumph 10 converted to an Withelectric vehicle, Special with eight 12Mention-volt marine-grade to: batteries and a GE DC 133 amp motor, good for 20 miles of zero emissions driving. Overall, the Eight/Ten series proved reasonably successful for Standard-Triumph. Writing about the type in AROnline, Robert Leitch summarized, …the cars are remembered as a “lowest St Louis Triumph Owners Association common denominator” offering in a field of more charismatic. Yet, at the time, they made the Minor look distinctly dated, the Ford look flashy and profligate, Proud member club, St Louis Sports Car Council www.stlscc.org

Patty’s TR6

By Stephen Moore When Patty Williams first posted photos of her 1971 Triumph TR-6, on Facebook, it had several comments about what was done to the car. Some of the comments were very complementary and others were very negative, thus is the nature of a car club, from the purist to the creative. I am not a purist when it comes to these cars, but even a purist who believes that these cars should be as original as possible, and as they came from the factory, must admire the work and craftsmanship that this particular TR-6 dis- plays. Patty’s husband, Johnny, is an automotive machinist and has his own shop, which pro- duces some very nice engines for his custom- ers. He has over the years built numerous vehicles, from show cars, race cars and 4X4 trucks. After selling a really nice 1968 Cama- ro, Patty wanted a convertible and Johnny told her, “If you want a convertible, then go buy one”, so she started looking for a reasonably priced car that would meet her needs. A friend of Johnny’s had a 1971 Triumph TR-6, that someone had started to work on and then giv- en up on the project. The price was right, $1000.00 dollars and an old trailer. She now had her convertible, a rusty dumpster green TR-6 with engine and transmission in boxes and lots of boxes. With other projects and customer work ahead of the TR-6, it sat for several years before Johnny began to work on the TR-6, but during that time much planning was done in deciding the direction to take the car in. Being a Hot Rodder at heart, it wasn’t a difficult choice. When a customer of Johnny’s had a 62’ Buick 215 cubic inch all aluminum V8 for sale, Johnny had found the engine he needed and mated it to a Tremec T-5 five speed transmission. The little 215 was test fitted to the car and determined to be a nice fit for the Triumph and was then rebuilt and warmed over with a Crower cam, Edelbrock Performer intake /carburetor combination and then blueprinted and balanced. Getting the power to the rear wheels, is a Tremec five-speed transmission connected to a Nissan R200 rear end, conversion from Goode Parts. Additional suspension modifications include heavy duty half shafts and Ratco sway bar, turning five lug rear hubs, mounting American Racing Wheels. The front wheels received similar attention, to detail. Prior to painting, both the body and frame were media blasted to remove all rust and expose any needed repairs. The body was in reasonably good condition with needed repair to the floor pans, while the frame was reinforced and modified to accept the new V8 power plant. Body modifications were subtle and well executed with changes to turn indicators and side marker lights.

(Continued on page 10) 9

Patty’s TR6 (Continued from page 9)

Most notable additions are the ’81 Cama- ro hood scoop, twin hoop ’08 Corvette roll bar and custom made rear spoiler. The whole underside of the car and hidden sur- faces were sprayed with Spray-on bed liner. Some areas are black and in the areas that are visible, they were done with bed liner in the same color as the exterior of the car, Viper Red. The original wood dash and gauges were replaced with a custom made Zebra wood dash with Classic Instruments gauges installed along with an IDIDIT tilt steering column. The ignition switch, along with other electrical switches were relocated to allow for the Vintage Air AC unit to fit behind the dash. Initially, the plan was to have a glove box, similar to what was in the original TR6 dash. Due to the space required for the Vintage Air AC unit, there was only enough room to fit the Clarion quad speaker sound system. The interior and heated seats are uphol- stered in Cashmere and Champagne Ultra leather, with the controls for the seats in a custom center arm rest. The pistol grip shifter, between the seats is from an early ‘70’s Chrysler. The upholstery also wraps around a custom made box, at the base of the roll bar, that contains a glove box and two of the four Alpine speakers, for the stereo system, with the other two speakers mounted in the foot well sides of the inner fender. A top has been fitted to the car that closely matches the Cashmere interior.

The fit and finish of this car is exquisite, in Viper Red. If you have an opportunity to see this car, slow down and take your time looking at all of the details, it is well worth your time. Oh, and don’t forget to thank Johnny for giving you such enjoyable eye can- dy. Photos courtesy of Patty and Johnny Williams

Mudders!

Submitted for your consideration: more proof that multi-decade old, extinct British sports cars are still suitable for modification and uses in areas never dreamed off by their designers. Steve Moore turned these up (well, we think it was Steve Moore) on Facebook. If anyone in SLTOA thinks they’d like to do something similar, let the officers know and we’ll stage an interven- tion. Counselors are standing by...

Quotable

To race a car through a turn at maximum possible speed when there is a great lawn to all sides is difficult, but to race a car at maximum speed through a turn where there is a brick wall on one side and a precipice on the other – ah, that’s an achievement! - Sir Stirling Moss 11

TR Tech

Mounting the temperature switch in the 3.9 Rover manifold. By Dave Massey I am adapting the Rover 3.9L manifold to a TR8 application. The problem is the high temperature switch, which is mounted on the intake manifold on the TR8 manifold is mounted in the thermostat outlet elbow on the Rover manifold and this elbow angles away from the manifold in the wrong direction. I want to use my TR8 elbow so I need another place to mount the switch. Fortu- nately, the manifold has a nice, flat spot next to the thermostat and in the coolant passage where I can mount it. All I have to do is drill and tap a hole. Right. Easier said than done. This switch is big and the threads are metric. Using my digital calipers and some strong reading glasses I figured it was M22 X 1.5. That is it has a nominal diameter of 22mm and a thread pitch of 1.5mm. Not a common tap. McMaster has them and one could be mine for only $75 plus shipping. But while chatting with a TR8 buddy on the internet I was offered the loan of the tap needed. So now it is just a question of doing it. Step 1: Locate the center of the hole. Using my calipers (again) I determined the center of the flat area for the location of the switch. Step 2: Drill the pilot hole. Easy-peasy

Step 1: Locate center of hole. Step 2: Drill Pilot hole.

Step 3: Enlarge the hole using a series of larger and larger drill bits. The recommended tap drill size for an M22 x 1.5 tap is 20.9mm. Not a common drill size. But a 13/16 is 20.6mm. Close enough. This may be a good time to comment that drilling and tapping the hole for the switch so that it is very close to 90 degrees from the flat surface is important since the switch has straight threads and the sealling action is done solely by the copper washer. If the threads are canted at an angle one side will bottom out before the other side seals up and it will leak. For this reason it is advisable to use a drill press.

Step 3: Drill out hole. Untapped Hole

Step 4: Tapping the hole. As mentioned earlier, keeping the threads normal (at 90 degrees) to the flat surface is para- mount. For this reason I fabricated a tap guide to ensure the tap was perfectly vertical at all times. The first cut is the most important since it sets the trajectory for the tap and the rest of the threads. I used a scrap piece of square tubing and I find that a 15/16 hole makes for a tight fit with just a little filing. Drilling the hole on the drill press ensures the vertical clearance of the guide.

Tapping the hole. Note the tap alignment tool I created to ensure the threads were square with the flat surface on the manifold to optimize sealing the switch.

Tapped hole Switch installed.

Negative Camber By the Editor

As many of you who regu- larly attend meetings know, I from the mid-50s into the 60s, primarily included Sports Cars invariably show up with a Illustrated and The Autocar, with a couple of issues of other bunch of car magazines to pubs thrown into the stack, including Car Life (anyone else give away. I rely on month- remember Car Life? The last issue published in October lies like Classic & Sports 1970, with subsequent merger into Motor Trend). Car, Thoroughbred & Clas- One of the pubs is a true collector’s item: the third issue of sic Car (titled Classic Car in Sports Car Illustrated, dated September 1955. The magazine the UK), Checkered Flag first published in July 1955, owned by Motor Publications, and Octane to keep up with Inc., with editorial offices in Washington, D.C. A gentleman what’s going on in the auto- named Henry Scharf – publisher of Car Life, interestingly motive world as well as a enough – served as the first editor but within a year the leg- great source of information on the classic LBCs we love. I endary John Christy, later of Sports Car Graphic, Motor Trend have subscriptions to Car & Driver, Classic Motorsports, Hem- and a number of automotive books, assumed the duty. mings Classic Car and Road & Track (and had a subscription to the late, great, Autoweek…SOB!), but in order to get the So, where am I going with this? Well, with my normal other mags I make a point of stopping at Barnes & Noble eve- source cut off, I spent a lot of time going through these old ry couple of weeks. magazines. I’d already planned doing a feature on the Standard 10/Triumph 10 for the “Backwards Glance” column Ah, but like a lot of businesses hereabouts, B&N is closed in this issue of the Notes…and how ‘bout that, in the pile of right now. As I write this we’re three days into Governor Par- pubs I found three road test articles on the Triumph 10. You son’s lifting of the stay-at-home order and it is my hope they can read the results elsewhere in this issue but in the mean- reopen soon so I can replenish my supply of published auto- time, thanks again John! You made the process of putting motive resources. BUT, in the meantime, John Lore to the this issue together a lot easier for me. rescue! Otherwise, from my editor’s perch, I do hope you and yours About a year or so ago at Cars & Coffee John approached have managed to dodge the virus. Also, with the weather me, said he had a number of “really old” car magazines in the improving, I hope some of y’all have taken your Triumphs out back of his car and asked if I’d be willing to take them off his for some exercise. hands? Sure, whatever, why not…and when he opened his trunk, holy cow, what a treasure trove! The magazines, dating I have managed to get the TR8 out almost every weekend in and around doing some minor work with my stepson (major work to follow!) and this upcoming weekend’s looking pretty darn promising. In and around that, I’ve also started putting a new route together. I haven’t mentioned it or cleared this with the club leadership (yet), but sooner (preferably) or later, St Louis County’s leadership will decide it’s safe for a group of British car owners to get out on the roads as a group (social distancing at 60 mph, anyone?). I am working up a possible tour with an intended end point of some dive where we can toss down cokes, burgers and fries while maintain six feet of separation. For now, I’ll call it the “Breakout Tour;” stand by for further.

SLTOA’s on Facebook! Www.facebook.com/home.php? sk=group_134416339926824&ap=1

Musings (Continued from page 4) BSCC Autocross Series customed to the catalog for The Roadster Factory. TRF has done a fair job of keeping up with demand even though they are probably experiencing a greater volume of orders while The revised schedule for 2020 is out, nine events total, start- Moss was closed. ing with back-to-back weekend runs at the end of May. Here are the dates; the Slow Roller Racing Team will take to the Luckily for me, our network of knowledgeable Triumph en- tarmac again this team. The requirement remains the same: thusiasts is still available to answer my questions about how run an autocross with your LBC and you’re on the team. to wire an electric cooling fan, or best practices for bleeding hydraulic lines, etc. My questions keep coming, but I have always been able to benefit from the help of our friends. I am Event 1—24 May Event 2—31 May so thankful for their encouragement and experience. Event 3—14 June Event 4—28 June With the slow, but persistent “opening” of St. Louis County, Event 5—26 July Event 6—16 August there is hope that some fall car events will be able to take place. It appears The Great Race is scheduled to start Au- Event 7—26 September Event 8—11 October gust 22 in Temple, TX and come through Cape Girardeau, Event 9—1 November MO on August 25th. I’m counting on the All British Car and Cycle Show in September. Let’s stay connected and up-to- date on these events and hope our community continues to do well with regards to Covid-19 so the later shows can go on. Take Care. Stay Safe. - John More TR Tech...

Go to this YouTube site for a neat little sand blaster tool that you can make for “pennies.” I am presently trying to clean some real cruddy multi-pin connectors which is difficult to do and I am going to try this simple blast tool.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLCdZFXVI14 Simon Dix photo

Become a VTR Member The Vintage Triumph Register has its benefits. A national club of Triumph enthusiasts spanning the globe needs you as a member. Affiliate club membership is not automatic membership with VTR. Some of the benefits: The Vintage Triumph Magazine, our award-winning, bi-monthly color publication. 2020 VTR National Convention in Galena, Illinois. Access to a large number of local clubs. Website with reference material and members-only sections Record Trace Certificates TR2/TR3/TR3A/TR3B Factory trace documents on other Triumph models no longer available Clothing, regalia, exclusive items Specific vehicle consultants and experts Sign up at https://vintagetriumphregister.org

Rescheduled for 22-30 August

Rescheduled for 12 September

Admit It, You Want This Car...and Track...

tracks via a seven-speed transmission and differential steering system…and it is street legal. The Alvis sold for $55,000 on 24 April. Pity, as it would’ve definitely dominated the field at the ABCCS...

Hey there, are you in the Triumph parts business? Have you ever had a desire to get into the Triumph parts business? Have you been looking for a vehicle with which you can follow SLTOA drives and pick up parts? Well, this British rarity, a ’59 Commer advertised in “Barn Finds” the last weekend of March, might provide the answer. The vehicle, a 1959 Commer commercial van, showed up in Barn Finds (https://barnfinds.com) last month. On sale in Chicago, Illinois, the asking price was $2900 OBO. SLTOA Blog: News, commentary, events, opinion Commercial Cars Limited incorporated in September 1905 in and seasoned immaturity. Www.sltoa.org/blog/ Biscot, Lutton (north of London) for the purpose of building, well, commercial cars, buses, fire engines and industrial vehicles. In 1931, it became a subsidiary of the Rootes Group, later Chrysler Europe. During the mid-1970s the Commer name gave way to Dodge and, in 1978, ownership passed to Renault. This vehicle’s an “Express Delivery Van,” based on the Hill- man Minx sedan/saloon. Per Barn Finds, ...it has one spartan interior; two seats, minimal dash, driver’s side only sun visor and what looks like a ply- wood storage box on the driver side rear. And that’s it. The rubber floor mat in the driver’s compartment looks tattered but it’s not possible to get a good look at the floors. A 1.5L four-cylinder, 40hp diesel provided the power. The seller claims that the engine starts and runs and all electrical components operate (except the left side headlight). Gear changing is handled by a four-speed manual, floor shifted transmission. Interestingly, re- search indicates that the Express Delivery Van would have been equipped with a column-mounted shift lever (quad on the column?) but that’s clearly not the case with this example. According to the seller, this was one of only two or so Com- mer Express Delivery vans in the United States. But wait, you say that (obvious restoration requirements aside) this vehicle’s not versatile or tough enough for you? How about this Alvis Sabre, offered in Monroe, Georgia (about an hour east of Atlanta) via Bring A Trailer in mid-April for only $42,000. The Sabre is a light reconnaissance tracked vehicle devel- oped during the mid-1990s with a 30mm RARDEN cannon, coaxial L94A1 7.62mm chain gun and smoke grenade launch- ers. A 4.2L Jaguar (yes, Jaguar) six provides power to the 20

SLTOA Classifieds

1966 TR4A—Non- put my hands on that's Spitfire related GOES. $1000. running project, one No Dickering. ?'s call (636) 248-7466 Craig Madsen previous owner. Has (1906) been sitting for many For Sale—I have a years, engine will not collection of TR4A turn. Original paint, parts which include a some rust, good solid frame, rolling chassis, frame and clear title. some fenders, mis- $4500, in Raytown, cellaneous parts and MO (KC), call (816)215-1822 for details (Craigslist) a parts car with full (2004) engine bay. I can 76 TR7—In pretty bad supply details and cosmetic condition, photos. Willing to solid parts. Body has move this out at almost no rust, the some very good prices, will deliver within 300 miles of transmission’s out of Dallas-Fort Worth. Further delivery distance is negotia- an MG Midget, the ble. Contact Mike Sabelhaus (214)284-3971 or engine runs smoot and [email protected] (2005) drives great, brakes Wanted—TR4/TR250 fenders, TR4 tubs, TR4A IRS, work. The bad: head- TR250 and TR6 frames. Contact Jeff Homsher at It’s lights don’t work, interior in rough shape, parking brake Alive Automotive, [email protected] or call (314) doesn’t work, turn signals and horn don’t work, wipers 348-5774 (1911) don’t work. Vinyl top removed and roof painted black. In Rolla, $2500, call (573)327-0045 (Craigslist)(2005) For Sale—Falcon stainless steel sports exhaust sys- Best of CraigsList tem for the TR6, “lightly used,” $100. Contact Dave

Massey at dave1mas- [email protected]. For Sale— These batteries were sold several years ago by The Roadster Factory 62 TR4—Solid axle project. Driver side floor re- for a premium price to placed, needs pass side, all sheetmetal (floor, rockers) people who wanted a genuine Lucas battery for their included. Has good set of clean factory fenders, hard classic British car. So, the battery is old, but it has nev- to find. Two engines and 2 trans, all parts from one car er had acid in it so it is functionally new. Ellis Battery in and many parts from stripped parts car. One engine Arnold can fill the battery and charge it overnight for supposedly in good condition, the other is apart. Some $10. About 5” deep, 8” tall and 12” wide. $50, call Creig new parts, head gasket, etc. Solid frame. Clear title. (314)401-7817 or email [email protected] (1911). Can help deliver. $1800 OBO, in Sycamore, IL (north of DeKalb), email: ef- For Sale—Spitfire, everything must go! 40 over 1500cc [email protected] motor (assembly required) w/ 1.5" SU carbs, manifold, (Craigslist) (2004) stainless heat shield, bearings, gaskets etc. Bonnet project (GT6 look), new punched louvered side panels (assembly required), have all support brackets & headlight buckets (& duplicates). Anything & everything I can 22

Membership Information

We certainly hope that you will want to join the ranks of other proud Triumph owners, or for members, use this page to renew your membership of the St. Louis Triumph Owners Association (SLTOA). An annual membership fee of $20.00, due each January, covers your membership dues the calendar year. As a member, you will received the SLTOA monthly news letter Exhaust Notes, which includes:  Articles about SLTOA drives and events, both planned and past  Schedules for regional and national Triumph and British car events  Technical tips and tech sessions  Feature articles on Triumph vehicle, personalities and competition history  For sale / want ads, free to members of SLTOA You and yours will be able to participate with other SLTOA members in:  SLTOA touring drives  Monthly SLTOA club meetings, held every third Tuesday evening at selected, area restaurants  Local, regional, and national British car shows and conventions  The SLTOA Annual Picnic Meeting  The annual SLTOA Holiday party at a club subsidized rate  The club-sponsored web site, with event and activity details and access to the club’s private email list for quick communications with other SLTOA members You will receive the SLTOA Membership Directory, updated annually and made available following the close of the annual membership drive. Also, members are included in a blanket auto insurance policy covering certain club sponsored activities. Members using Facebook also have access to the SLTOA Facebook site.

Join or Renew your SLTOA Membership today! Payment for dues may be made by mail, at meetings, or by using the Paypal option on the club web page. Dues including email delivery of Exhaust Notes every month are $20 annually. Payment by Pay- Pal will include a processing fee. Be advised, we can no longer offer to mail newsletters to new members via the US Postal Service. Cur- rent members who have been receiving the newsletter via U. S. Mail will grandfathered and will continue to receive the newsletter via mail, however the membership rate will increase to $35.00 annually.

Send payment to: SLTOA . 100 Hilltop Court Washington, Missouri 63090 Attn: Membership

For the directory, upon joining/renewing, please provide your address, contact information including email and number and year/model of your Triumph, or Triumphs (feel free to list any other special interest/collectable vehicles you may have in your possession). If you have any questions about membership, please contact SLTOA treasurer Maria Moore at de- [email protected]. We’ll see you out there!

Next Meeting Tuesday, 19 May Online eMeeting Via Zoom

7 PM Watch for more login information from the webmaster and via the ...now who’s the character with the palm trees, beach and sunny skies? SLTOA web page

And Finally...

If all else fails, at least right now we have more time to catch up on our hobbies and other pursuits, eh?