T h e M a g a z i n e O f T h e T o r o n to T r i u m p h C l u b W i n t e r 2 0 1 3 / 2 0 1 4

Final Three Framed TRs

800 Miles Home • Triumphest/VTR • Triumph Distributors The Parts You Need To " " ® contents Keep’em on the Road Winter 2013/14

® 14 18 22

28 Member Pages From the Editor ...... 5 From the President ...... 7 Club Hub ...... 9 Event Calendar ...... 10 25 Owner’s Manual ...... 13 39 Features Ye g 50 ars o TR Tales: tin f S ra p b it 800 Miles Home ...... 14 f T h e M a g a z i n e O f T h e T O r O n TO T r i u M p h C l u b W i n T e r 2 0 1 3 / 2 0 1 4 le r e e ! C Events: Triumphfest VTR 2013 ...... 18 TR Travels: Adventures in the UK ...... 22 FREE Parts & Accessories Catalogs for: On the Cover TR250, TR4a & TR6 were the Vendor Visit: TR2, TR3, TR4, TR4A, TR250, last TRs produced on framed chas- Moss Motors ...... 25 TR6, TR7, TR8, GT6, Spitfire sis. We compare them on page 28. Photo by Dave Sims Historically Speaking: Fast Service, Simple Ordering and Quick Delivery. Final Three TR4a 250 & 6 Comparison . . . . . 28 Framed TRs Triumph Distributors ...... 39 www.VictoriaBritish.com 1-800-255-0088 Tail Lites: 800 miles in an 8 • Triumphest/VTR • Triumph Distributors Bits and Pieces ...... 46 FREE Parts & Accessories Catalogs 14 Ragtop.04.05.indd 1 14-02-27 2:45 PM Also Available For: Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 3 ©2012 Long Motor Corporation, PO Box 14991, Lenexa, Kansas 66285-4991 LANT INSURANCE BROKERS from the editor (A Division of Wayfarer Insurance Brokers Limited)

SUBMISSIONS Format: MS Word files are preferred. Send via Canada’s Leader In Classic Vehicle Insurance Since 1978 email or on CD, 10Mb limit on email files. Send photos separately, do NOT embed in the text file. Hard copy submissions are acceptable, but not Enough already! preferred. Graphics must be in major graphics for- mats, jpeg, tiff or Photoshop files. In Person: To the editor at the monthly meetings. Canadians wear winter like a badge of honour. Cold? What cold? We’re Mail: 2421 Poplar Crescent, used to it, we cope well with it, some even enjoy and look forward to it! Mississauga, Ontario L5J 4H2 We scoff when ‘down south’ places like Atlanta grind to a halt with barely E-mail: [email protected] 12mm of snow on the roads (that’s a half inch in US currency) and our conversations are monopolized by it. But... enough already! ADVERTISING This ex-pat Brit gets it... Canada gets really cold in winter, so ma nature, Contact the Club’s advertising representative for details of dates and submissions. Submit ads as no need to belabour the point, Eh? high resolution (min 300 ppi) PDF files, saved for My crazy younger sister just visited me from “o’er t’pond” (that’s how print in CMYK format, fonts embedded, by E-mail we Lancashire lads say it). I say crazy, because of all the places to go for a “fortneet’s” (sic) to [email protected] The advertising year is from Mar. 1 to Feb. 28. vacation, she chose to come here in February. Even accounting for her understandable A copy of Ragtop is sent to all paid advertisers. love for her brother, the Mediterranean is only a thirty quid Ryanair flight away from where she lives and I could’ve met her there! She came here last February too, for my 2014 ADVERTISING RATES youngest son’s wedding... but that was positively balmy compared to this year’s Polar Rear Cover ...... $500 per year Vortex of a winter. She was shocked... then went home to gale force winds and floods, Inside Front Cover ...... $475 Inside Back Cover ...... $450 maybe she’s not so crazy after all. Full Page Inside ...... $305 Rosie, my poor, long suffering 1969 TR-6, remains on jack stands, bereft of wheels and Half Page ...... $185 half shafts. With only a small heater and a battery tender for life support. I think she’s dis- Offering The Quarter Page ...... $115 Business Cards ...... $70 owned me. The good news is, Philip Allen has worked his magic with her rear hubs & drive Full colour ...... $115 extra shafts and they’re ready for me to pick up. So Rosie should be back on her feet by the end Second colour ...... $75 extra of March when, hopefully, the weather will be showing some signs of spring in the air. Antique, Classic, Special Interest Flyer Inserts ...... $190/issue (max 4 pgs) (All rates are for 4 issues, except flyers) Which brings me nicely to the subject of the upcoming driving season. Please take and Modified/Street Rod [email protected] a look at our event calendar in this issue and on our website, we have a lot of really great events, monthly meetings and socials lined up for everyone this year; not least Automobile Insurance 2014 SCHEDULE of which, our very own Canadian Classic and British Car Day. Please support as many of Program Issue Deadline Mailed these events as you can. Our volunteers work hard to organize them on your behalf and Spring ...... April 1 . . . . .End of April Summer/BCD . . . .July 30 . . . Mid September they deserve your attendance and support. Don’t forget, if you have any suggestions, Fall ...... October 11 . . . November constructive comments (positive or negative), we want to hear from you. If our venues Winter ...... December 6 . January 2015 or locations aren’t to your liking, tell us. If we’re not giving you the value you expect from General Enquiries your membership, we need to know so we can fix it. This is your club and the executive [email protected] want to continue to make it the best it can possibly be. We’re fully committed to this and

Ragtop is published quarterly by the Toronto Tri- need your input and support. umph Club Inc. (“TTC”) and is distributed to its Finally, congratulations to the newly appointed executives and officers voted in at our members as part of their annual dues. The TTC or AGM last November. We appreciate you stepping up to the plate. Now, please enjoy this the Editors cannot accept responsibility for the safe return of any submitted material. We will do issue of Ragtop and let’s all look forward to lots of amazing drives and experiences with our our best, but accidents do occur. beloved Triumphs and friends in 2014.

We accept no responsibility for errors or omis- sions. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the TTC Ex- — David Fidler ecutive or Membership. Copyright © 2014 by the TTC. Non-profit groups may reprint articles from this publication, where the author has not reserved rights, provided we get credited and both the au- thor and TTC receive a copy of the publication in its entirety. Distribution by Pillar Direct Marketing Services. 37 Sandiford Drive, Suite 100, Stouffville, ON L4A 7X5 Tel: (905) 640-4111 • Fax: (905) 640-4450 Printed by Printwell Offset for the Toronto Triumph www.lant-ins.ca Club. Canada Post Publications # 40022175

Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 5 Obsolete Auto_MG&TRIUMPH AD2.pdf 19/02/2009 8:22:06 PM

from the president Toll Free Order Line: ...... 1-800-265-7437 Customer Service / Technical Advice: ...... 1-519-337-3232 Executives 24 Hour Fax Line: ...... 1-519-336-5936 President ...... David Tushingham 905 830. .9124 Website: ...... www.obsoleteauto.com Vice President ...... David Fidler 905 829. 9340. Are you tired of winter yet? Secretary ...... Alistair Wallace 905 627. .2941 Business Hours: ...... Monday to Friday - 8 AM to 5 PM Treasurer ...... John Morton 905 .823 .8154 Director of Communications . . . David Fidler 905 829. .9340 It has most certainly been a Director at Large ...... Wayne McGill 905 847. 5532. Director at Large ...... Scott Douglas 905 334. .4020 harsh one with record breaking 142 Kendall Street, Point Edward, Ontario CANADA N7V 4G5 Past President ...... Johan Aaltink 705 .456 4276. cold snaps, snowfalls and de- Ragtop Magazine structive ice storms, all thrown Editor & Publisher ...... David Fidler 905 829. .9340 into the mix. I am hoping that as Assistant Editor ...... Terence McKillen 647 202. 8243. a reward for suffering through Distribution . . . .Rod . Jones - Pillar Direct 416 755. 9494. Art Director ...... Michael Cleland 905 873. 7704. this, we will be graced with Advertising Sales ...... David Fidler 905 829. 9340. magnificent weather through Larry Llewellyn 416 245. 9217. MG & TRIUMPH Specialists the 2014 driving season. Website One can always hope! Web Manager ...... David Copping 905 827. .6970 I can tell you that the Execu- Browse the website Website Classifieds ...... David Copping 905 827. .6970 Vic Whitmore 905 .889 .7261 tive and Committee Members www.obsoleteauto.com for of your Toronto Triumph Club have not been hibernating through the off season. Patrick Club Coordinators updates on stocked parts and secure Membership Chairman . . . . Wayne. McGill 905 847. 5532. Caria, our monthly meeting co-coordinator has been working hard to find new and inter- Meeting Coordinators . . . . . Patrick Caria 416 .562 1642. esting venues and events for you to participate in. The “Winter Blues/Valentine’s Dinner” for access to online ordering. The parts Clive Huizinga 905 884. 2091. C Interclub Coordinator ...... Tony Fox Sr. 905 .632 .0479 our February monthly meeting was a great success and I hope that you were able to join us you need, any time or day. Ambassador at Large ...... Wayne McGill 905 847. 5532. M for an evening of great food and fun. Our upcoming March meeting should be of interest Regalia ...... Dion Widrich 416 464. .6057 to everyone as club member and assistant editor of Ragtop, Terence McKillen, will tell us Y Historians ...... Wayne McGill 905 847. 5532. Frank Manning 905 643. 2359. how to wake our beloved Triumphs out of hibernation and Mike Wilson from Lant/Hagerty CM BCD Volunteer Coordinator ...... Ron Etty 905 547. 2419. Insurance will present the latest policies for protecting our assets. BCD Sponsors ...... Frank Manning 905 643. 2359. MY David Fidler 905 829. 9340. Our major events co-coordinators have also been working hard over the winter. While Motorsports ...... Simon Rasmussen 905 .853 .2514 CY Spring Fling this year is being organized and hosted by the MGCCT, Dawn and Roger Elliott

CMY are well into planning an awesome Canadian Classic that will be held in Ellicottville, NY this Model Coordinators K TR2, 3, 3A & 3B ...... Malcolm Taylor 905 .880 0079. August. Dave Sims is back as our 2014 British Car Day chairman and has already been work- Alistair Wallace 905 627. .2941 ing with the BCD committee to build on the huge success of last years 30th presentation of TR4, 4A, 5 & 250 ...... John Lille 416 231. .3092 Dave Sims 905 .331 .1496 our show. Rounding out the year, we have a fabulous fall drive being planned at the peak of TR6 ...... Colin Pillar 905 .271 .5869 leaf peeping season in Haliburton, by Alex and Sharon McLeod who are being ably assisted Wayne McGill 905 847. 5532. by Clive and Jacquelynne Huizinga. Spitfire, GT6 ...... Don Johnson 705 721. .1231 Ron Pincoe 519 941. .0976 I would like to thank all of the volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to the TR7 & 8 ...... Ron. Etty 905 .547 2419. benefit of ALL club members and I would encourage you to do the same. You are what Larry Llewellyn 416 245. 9217. Stag ...... Tony Fox Sr. 905 .632 .0479 makes this club great! Request a FREE copy of the Terence McKillen 905 855. .2463 Hope to see you all out at Ancaster in April. I also hope to be driving a Triumph and not GARAGE SALES! Robin Searle 705 484. .0071 a snowmobile… Sports Car Chronicle. That’s right. Check out our annual Herald & Standard Vanguard ...... Kem Jones Call: 1-800-265-7437 or 519-337-3232 kemjones 2012@yahoo .ca Spring or Fall Garage Sales and browse Cheers Email: [email protected] Event Coordinators endless deals. British Car Day Chair ...... Dave Sims 905 .331 .1496 — David “Tush” Tushingham 28th Canadian Classic . . Dawn & Roger Elliot 905 735. 6957. Payment Options: Spring Fling 2014 ...... MGCCT Each issue is packed with super deals Annual BBQ ...... Brian Clark 905 .484 .9091 Visa, Mastercard and American Express Fall Drive ...... Alex & Sharon McLeod 705 750. 1110. on parts and accessories along with Clive & Jaquelynne Huizinga 905 .884 2091.

technical articles to help you do the job. Shipping: Canada Post and most General Mail A great resource for YOUR sports car! courier services Mail P .O . Box 39, Don Mills Ontario M3C 2R6 Membership Mail 74 West River Street Oakville Ontario L6L 3B5

Ragtop Mail & E-mail: 2421 Poplar Crescent, Mississauga, ON, L5J 4H2 ALL TO PRESERVE AND DRIVE THE TRIUMPH [email protected]

Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 7 club hub Monthly Meetings January 2014 A small group braved a cold evening to TRF Is the World’s Greatest British Sports Car Company BCD Sponsorships . . Frank Manning & gather at Jake’s Boathouse, Brampton for ...... David Fidler a social evening, hosted by meeting coor- The Roadster Factory is large enough to be a major parts Club Historians . . . .Frank Manning & dinator Patrick Caria. Thank you Patrick for manufacturer and distributor but small enough to know our ...... Wayne McGill stepping up to chair the meeting in the ab- models very well, also small enough to offer very personal Regalia Officer ...... Dion Widrich sence of several executive members who service to all of our customers. TRF is British Motor were either away or sick. A pleasant eve- 2014 TTC Model Coordinators** Heritage Approved, we are famous for high quality and ning was had by all who attended, which TR2-3B Malcolm Taylor & Alistair Wallace included a couple of new members. reasonable prices, and we offer expert engine, gearbox, and TR4-250 .John Lille & Dave Sims (TR250) rear axle rebuilds from our own shop, known as C.A.R. TR6 . . . . .Colin Pillar & Wayne McGill Components. Whether you show your car in concours November Spitfire/GT6 . Don Johnson & Ron Pincoe Welcome New Members! events, enter it in competitive driving events, or drive it to 2013 Annual General Meeting Stag . . . Tony Fox, Terence McKillen & Name Location Vehicle Our AGM was well attended at Grand Prix Aino Anto-Graham Toronto TR6 1973 work every day, you can do so with confidence, knowing that ...... Robin Searle William Carter Maryhill The Roadster Factory will always be here for you—on-line Kartways, Downsview, on Tuesday, Novem- TR7/TR8 . . .Larry Llewellyn & Ron Etty Lance Engelbrecht Toronto ber 26th 2013. Thank you to both the de- John Lane Kitchener TR8 1980 or just a phone call away. Herald/Standard Vanguard . Kem Jones* Fausto Lombardi Etobicoke TR6 1975 parting and new members of the Executive Goran Milosevic Toronto and Club Coordinators for volunteering to * Denotes newly elected or new position Ivan Muchalov Erin TR4 1962 help the Club in these important roles. ** New title “marque” changed to “model”, Kyle Paton St. Catharines approved by executive October 2013. Murray Shannon Eugenia Subscribe to TRF’s E-Mail Newsletter Lionel Wolpert Thornhill TR3 1958 Every week, twelve-thousand Triumph and MG Executive and Club Coordinators New Members from Nov. 8, 2013 to Feb. 27, 2014 enthusiasts in countries around the world receive an We have a great mix this year of current, new and returning members filling the var- E-Mail Newsletter from Charles Runyan. The ious positions within the TTC. They can be newsletter always includes wonderful offers on parts, contacted via our website by clicking the shipping deals, and other TRF news. The newsletter “Executive & Contacts” button at the top of includes links to current Web Site Specials and Weekend the screen. Features which change every week. To subscribe to the 2014 TTC Executive newsletter, please follow the simple instructions found President ...... David Tushingham on the TRF home page. Note that unsubscribing is also Vice President: ...... David Fidler easy if you change your mind later. Secretary ...... Alistair Wallace Treasurer ...... John Morton* Join TRF Car Club Director of Communications .David Fidler Hundreds of customers of The Roadster Factory Membership Chairman . .Wayne McGill* belong to TRF Car Club. The club exists to promote Director at Large . . . . . Wayne McGill Director at Large . . . . . Scott Douglas TRF Customer loyalty, and it includes $300.00 in gift certificates each year that you can use as cash to 2014 TTC Club Coordinators purchase parts. Dues are $100.00 per year, but you also Meeting Coordinators . . Patrick Caria & get a parts credit in the amount of $100.00 every year ...... Clive Huizinga February hand or travelled into town using transit, to after the first. You will receive a membership card and British Car Day Chairman . . .David Sims Our annual Valentine’s/Winter Blues Din- better enjoy the delights of Toronto! Alex & BCD Volunteer Coordinator . . . Ron Etty ner at Joe Badali’s restaurant in Toronto Sharon McLeod (Spring Fling organizers last sticker. Beautiful club logo. Great T-shirts available. Website Classified Ad Coordinato . . . . on Feb 14 was a huge success. This year year) from Peterborough, even stayed over Please join on-line, or just phone the sales line, and ask ...... David Copping we changed things up a little with a cen- in Toronto and everyone joined in the ro- to join TRF Car Club… Interclub Coordinator . . . . . Tony Fox tral downtown location and a special TTC mance of Valentine’s Day. All ladies received Ragtop Editor ...... David Fidler menu, with a great selection of appetizers, a single long stemmed red rose in apprecia- Assistant Editor . . . . Terence McKillen entrees and desserts, served to table by tion for their support of our old British car The Roadster Factory Web Manager ...... David Copping Joe Badali’s excellent and attentive staff. obsession and to celebrate the occasion. P.O. Box 332, Armagh, Pennsylvania, 15920, U.S.A. Ambassador-at-Large . . .Wayne McGill Several members took the opportunity to Our thanks once again go to meeting coor- Advertising Sales . . . . . David Fidler & visit the opening day of the Canadian Inter- dinator Patrick Caria for organizing the eve- Telephone: (800) 234-1104 • Fax: (814) 446-6729 ...... Larry Llewellyn* national Auto Show down the street before- ning and selecting a great venue. Internet: www.the-roadster-factory.com Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 9 Membership Renewal Reminder club hub (Thank you if you have renewed since press time) events Name Member # Date Rolf Langer 3157 04/18/14 Events Calendar Johan Aaltink 1878 03/01/14 Bruce Lawrence 2682 04/22/14 Geoff Anderson 2911 03/30/14 John & Joanna Lille 1527 04/22/14 For Full Event List & More Details Go To Event Agenda, Host Hotel and Registra- 29th Annual Canadian Classic, Anna Maccani 5256 03/21/14 Gail Anne Buckley Matthew Archer 5107 04/22/14 www.TorontoTriumph.com tion information is availible at www.mg- Ian Armitage 2816 04/13/14 Christopher MacDonald 5253 03/20/14 Ellicottville, NY by Wayne McGill Paul Balmforth 3201 04/21/14 Malcolm & Dorothy Macdonald 1221 04/22/14 toronto.com/springfling2.html. Friday 15, 10am onwards Eric Bapty 2615 04/21/14 Francis Mackan 2898 04/15/14 Toronto Triumph Club Stephen Belanger 3159 04/22/14 David & Carol MacLellan 2171 04/04/14 MARCH 2014 Dawn and Roger Elliott will be David Belluz 2296 04/21/14 Frank Manning 1986 04/21/14 members and execu- Timothy Body 2642 04/25/14 Dan & Debbie Maraldo 2549 04/18/14 Club Meeting - Tech Talk, Venue: Grand JUNE 2014 hosting this year’s Canadian Classic Brian Martin 5261 03/28/14 tive are sorry to learn of Leslie & Mary Bond 1217 04/13/14 Prix Kartways - Downsview 2014 Canadian Historic Grand Prix, James Broad 2623 04/22/14 Brian McNamee 2067 03/01/14 in Ellicottville, New York. Mark your the passing of Gail Anne Grant & Cheryl Buss 1460 04/01/14 Barry Mean 1271 04/01/14 Thursday 13, 7pm Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, ON calendars and plan to attend what is Peter Butler 5096 04/21/14 Richard Mielke 5184 04/04/14 Buckley on October 28, Patrick Caria 3146 04/21/14 John Morton 3148 04/19/14 Mike Wilson from Lant/Hagerty Insurance Friday 13-15, 10am onwards sure to be a wonderful weekend. The Brian Clark 2065 04/22/14 Robert Muir 2806 04/13/14 2013 in Plainfield, On- Richard Clark 3276 04/21/14 Brian Muscat 5251 03/12/14 will give a short presentation about Lant’s The 35th Annual running of the Vintage Classic will take place August 15th- John Palmer 2077 03/07/14 tario after a courageous Dennis & Nancy Clarke 2019 04/01/14 new relationship with Hagerty Insurance in Racing Festival, this year features the Geoff & Nicky Cramb 1581 03/12/14 Nick Palozzi 2691 03/09/14 17th, 2014 battle with cancer. Gail Mel & Gillian Crossfield 1793 04/09/14 Lance Pedrick 5104 04/13/14 Ontario and the new options this provides Triumph vs. MG Challenge. Our club is Please check TTC website for regular up- André de Goeij 5056 03/10/14 Marilyn Pegg 1589 03/01/14 was the wife of long time TTC member Michael De Weerd 2675 04/22/14 Lino Pessot 5046 04/08/14 for insuring your classic car. Followed by planning for this to be a big event, with dates including the Event Agenda, Host Sean Doherty 5052 02/28/14 David & Gale Pierdon 1841 04/01/14 and former Ragtop editor and photog- Rob and Elaine Draper/Heaton 2886 04/13/14 Colin & Christine Pillar 2885 04/13/14 TTC member and Ragtop assistant editor, our own marquee/viewing area, food, pit Hotel and Registration Information. rapher, Stewart Beatty. Stu and his TR-6 Tim Dubber 2870 03/27/14 Alison Postma 5276 04/22/14 Terence McKIllen, who will present “Wak- & infield passes and parade laps of the Peter John Dunlop 5060 03/07/14 Robert and Susan Ragsdale 2749 03/14/14 were a Toronto fixture for many years un- Terry & Maureen Dunne 1800 04/01/14 John & Karen Rose 2858 04/22/14 ing your Triumph from Hibernation.” As circuit. Make a weekend of it! SEPTEMBER 2014 Dawn & Roger Elliott 2495 03/01/14 Bill & Jen Ryan 2571 04/04/14 til a job change took him to Bellville, On- George Godin 2825 04/18/14 Richard & Kirstin Schwass 2304 04/01/14 we approach the new driving season, it’s Visit: varac.ca/chgp/2014-chgp 31st British Car Day, Bronte Creek Rob Selby 5237 03/22/14 Frank & Laura Gollinger 1482 04/01/14 NOTE: Club part-subsidised event tario some years ago. Despite the move, David Grant 3274 04/21/14 Richard Sharpe 1471 04/23/14 important to prepare your Triumph prop- Provincial Park, Oakville, ON Stu, Gail and their TR-6 still attended Brit- Tony Grosso 2150 04/06/14 Les Stein 1118 04/21/14 erly to prevent unecessary wear, mechani- Sunday 21, 8am (show cars), 10am (spectators) Ben Heller 5275 04/20/14 Bryan Tacoma 2787 04/21/14 ish Car Day and Brits In The Park to keep Brian Hillis 2841 04/18/14 Mauro Tersigni 5054 03/04/14 cal breakdowns and to protect your paint Annual BBQ - Date & Venue TBD Jim & Willa Hopkinson 2297 03/01/14 John Tingle 3267 03/13/14 up old friendships and make new ones Clive & Jacquelynne Huizinga 2588 04/01/14 Erik Weeks 3124 03/21/14 throughout the year. Tuesday 24, 6pm Duncan Whitelaw 5075 03/05/14 whenever they could. We will miss Gail’s Binny Jind 5092 03/30/14 One of our most popular events, burgers, Don & Judy Johnson 1298 04/21/14 John Whyte 5243 03/08/14 enthusiasm and happy spirit at future Peter Jupp 4978 04/22/14 Ron Wood 5041 03/02/14 APRIL 2014 hot dogs, pop ‘n’ all the fixin’s. Ben Kappheim 5263 04/22/14 Alf Zeller 3269 04/22/14 British car events and want to express our David Kerry 3160 04/21/14 Valid as of November 8th 2013 Club Meeting - Tech Talk, Venue TBD heartfelt condolences to Stewart. Please go to www.TorontoTriumph.com and renew today! Tuesday 15, 7pm

Ancaster British Car Flea Market, Ancaster Fairgrounds, ON Monitor BritishCarDay.com or TorontoTri- Sunday 20, 9:30am onwards umph.com/BCD for information and updates Traditional driving season starter and op- NOTE: This event replaces our regular monthly meeting portunity to find rare parts, view cars and renew your TTC membership! OCTOBER 2014 NOTE: Date and venue to be confirmed. This is a club full- Fall Drive, Haliburton, ON subsidised event, free to all members & partners. Friday 3-5, 10am onwards Alex and Sharon JULY 2014 McLeod with help from Club Meeting - Tech Talk, Venue TBD Clive and Jacquelynne Tuesday 15, 7pm Huizinga are planning a fantastic Fall drive Toll free: 188-288-0671 Brits in the Park, Lindsay, ON weekend at the peak Sunday 20, 9am All DVDs are NTSC Format of the leaf peeping Hosted by the Victoria British Car Club in and shipping is free in Canada season. Please check lovely Victoria Park our website for more for DVDs Visit: victoriabritishcarclub.ca/index.php/ MAY 2014 details when available Club Meeting - Tech Talk, Venue TBD about Now available! NOTE: This will be a club part- Tuesday 20, 7pm subsidised event International DVD Player that AUGUST 2014 plays all Regions & PAL / NTSC Spring Fling, Orillia, ON Location Change! Brits on the Lake, Port Perry, ON Club Meeting - Tech Session or Social Friday 30-1, 10am onwards Sunday 10, 9am Night, Venue TBD Contact us The MG Car Club of Toronto will be host- All British Show that takes place in pictur- Tuesday 21, 7pm For a free Catalog & DVD ing the 2014 edition of Spring Fling in esque downtown Port Perry on the water- Player information Orillia, Ontario. Mark your calendars for front of Lake Scugog. the weekend of May 30th-June 1st.

10 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 11 owner’s manual Getting to know our members JOHN LILLE

Name/Owner: John Lille Born: 1938 (59.35 degrees N, 26.35 degrees E) TTC Member: Circa 24 years; owner of 1967 TR4A since new OUR PARTS FINDER (I also had a ’65 TR4 which met Meet Davin, an early demise) Spouse: Joanna - we have “SEARCHING FOR HARD-TO-FIND PARTS been best friends since high school and happily married for IS A LOT LIKE PEELING AN ONION. YOU GO 49 years Residence: Since moving ONE LAYER AT A TIME AND TRY NOT TO CRY.” to Canada in 1951, I have lived in the same Etobicoke neighbourhood, except for 4 years while studying in London, Ontario and another 2 years while working in Montreal Favourite movies: Cinema Paradiso, Brylcreem Boys or any movie involving Clint Eastwood Favourite TV: British mysteries (PBS) as well as any ‘critter’ shows Favourite music: Classical and Jazz People I would invite for dinner: Julie Nesrallah, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert and David Tushingham (unlike Ron Etty, I’ll do the cooking) Hobbies: collecting and restoring canvas covered cedar strip canoes and maintaining and repairing our cars When your claim requires finding some automotive needle Current Sporting Activities: paddling, biking, cross country and downhill skiing in a haystack, Davin’s your man. He has one job here at Interests: Sports, politics, economics, music and cooking Hagerty: when a client needs a replacement part, he finds it. And though that sometimes involves hours of searching Background: While living in Sweden for some 7 years, I became many of their hockey, soccer or baseball games. and frustration – maybe even a few tears – he wouldn’t interested in various sports, music, and arts and crafts. Over the years Any day now, I shall roll out the 1914 Ford T Speedster which I trade his job for anything in the world. It’s that kind of I have done gymnastics and track and field and played basketball, have had since 1971 (last used to drive our daughter Kristie around passion that makes him perfect for Hagerty, and makes football, sculled, badminton etc., etc. After many injuries, a few bro- the block when she was an infant) and get it running again and Hagerty perfect for you. CLASSIC CAR INSURANCE ken bones and several knee operations, I have finally ‘slowed down’. then I have four canoes to refinish and then I might fix the old vi- Since retiring as a college professor and small time business olin (Cameron, our son, as a youngster used it to hit tennis balls) 800-92877-922-97012-4050 | HAGER T| Y HAGERTY.CA.COM | LOCAL AGENT Hagerty. We may sell insurance but we live classics. consultant, Joanna and I do a fair bit of relaxing and entertaining and start playing it again and then I might redo the bathroom and friends (she invites people over and Johnny does the cooking). The then…and then… Joanna in the background is heard saying… grand kids are an important part of our lives now. We don’t miss ”promises, promises, promises.” ragtop

12 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 13 TR tales Stopping a few times to let the car cool down

by: Roger Elliott800 Miles Home (translated by: Dawn Cant Elliott)

a convertible. We had (We need fluids - the car and us - and stop an absolute blast for in Wrentham, home of a Prime Outlet Mall. We he alarm went off at four in the morn- the next two days tak- spot a restaurant – Cracker Barrel – a bite also ingT (I consider this the middle of the night and ing in the sights; eat- seems like a good idea. After a few very tense know in my heart I really should be sleeping) on ing fresh lobster and hours a nice cold beer will ease our souls. Pos- July 31st, 2013 and with my wife (Dawn – Re- mussels; going for sibly, you are aware; Cracker Barrels are not cipient of Wife of the Year Award…for the past an evening sail. One licensed establishments. This day just keeps 26 years), we were off to Buffalo airport to night we went to Drag getting better! After a quick bite and a bit of catch a flight to Taunton, Mass. (In order to get Queen Karaoke at a shopping, we decide to travel into the evening to Taunton, MA, we fly Buffalo to Detroit – now local hotel. Finding a as it is bit cooler. We continue on our journey. my geography might not be the best, but I’m seat we were quickly I’m really glad this shawl is growing as I can confident MA is east and Detroit is west. Okay, Roger returns with the car grinning from ear to ear joined by “Chrissie” now use it as a bit of a blanket as the top is still so we connect to another plane which takes us who was continually down.) from Detroit to Providence, Rhode Island, BUT car is ready and Woody would come over adjusting her tight short black dress. Chris- We found a hotel in Lee, Massachutes for we’re going to Massachusetts) Roger and Woody check out the V8 shortly. Woody took me for a test drive and sie’s hands were three times the size of mine the evening, but I needed to source the prob- My last story in Ragtop was the reluc- we ended up back at his office to finalize the and her voice an octave lower. (well – what I lem. The next day I went to a local hardware tant sale of my GT6 after almost 40 years of tentions of driving it home and did he think I much car? My mind was set at ease in the cab finances. (Two seater car – wife was not present can I say…) We spent two evenings at a love- store (reflecting back on my geography I know ownership. I had a knee replacement that was crazy? He reassured me he would do the when it was announced on the radio that ef- for the financial part). ly guest house (www.innatcookstreet.com) we will not find a Canadian Tire anywhere near) didn’t go well and had left me unable to same (great – there are now two crazy people fective today, same sex marriages were now That evening we went out for dinner and which we would highly recommend. bought some wire and materials in hope drive a standard. (When one door closes, an- in this world). The deal was made. legal in Rhode Island (what the heck does this Dawn purchased a large (really large) ball of As we left “P Town” to start our venture I could rectify the problem. I conveniently other opens) I was considering a Mercedes (Since I could tell how excited he was about have to do with buying a car?). wool to knit a shawl while we were on the home, things were going well, but I had no- dropped Dawn off at a mall (I am happy) and SL series, however, after a one-on-one talk the chance to be behind the wheel of a TR once Upon arrival at The Wedge Shop we were road. Keep in mind she has chauffeured me ticed the electric fan was giving some grief, went about running a new power source for with Frank Manning (Frank now states – it again, I was determined to do what I could to greeted with open arms (actually when we ar- for the last four years (it really has only been inconsistent in operation (apparently we’ve the fan, still no luck (I am quickly reminded wasn’t him - sure Frank) at the TTC barbecue assist to make this happen. Numerous phone rived, all I see is a TR with the hood up and the four years) in her Spitfire so now it was time all been there). Dawn was knitting away, but that this is why we purchase CAA – okay, I’ll just he swayed my thought. That same evening calls between the Transport and Safety Board, backside of two men with their heads under for her to be the passenger and take in the when it came to stop and go traffic the tem- continue knitting). I discovered a TR7 with a three speed auto- Canada Customs and US Customs office; book- the hood. I get this funny feeling in my gut that highlights. She was also amazed at the size of perature gauge would climb (the car’s and We continued to Geneva, New York, (tem- matic located at The Wedge Shop in Taunton, ing vacation time; hotels… finally the details this is not the last time I am going to see the the trunk - there were several factory outlet Roger’s) and Dawn’s knitting would increase perature is a bit cooler and since we are travel- Massachusetts. Not only was it automatic but were in place. All information was printed, cop- hood up and people trying to figure out what is malls on the way home. accordingly (up to about 12 inches at this ling on the I90, we run pretty smooth – Roger was completed upgraded with a TR8 conver- ied and tucked orderly in a binder. I admit, at wrong.) Woody introduces us to the car (Roger Thursday morning we are ready to hit point). I stopped a few times to let the car is grinning from ear to ear as we move along sion. Now most sane people (oh – there are this point I’m even excited!) looked under the hood, I checked out the size of the road. Oops, slight problem, the battery is cool with the hood up (I knew I’d see that view – with an eye on the temperature gauge at all so many comments I could make here) buying Throughout the flight to Rhode Island and the trunk – hey we are in the States and I plan to dead (this isn’t a good start). A call to Woody again) and hoped the traffic would abate (up times) booked into the Ramada - beautiful a vintage car would look at it, test drive and the cab ride (which cost more than the flight go shopping). Woody mentioned he needed and he quickly shows up with a replacement to 20 inches). We finally got off the Cape and room overlooking Seneca Lake. (I’m remind- with the distance involved, look at having it from Buffalo) to Massachusetts my mind was a couple of hours to finalize the car. We had for us. We are now ready to go. Since we are onto to the Interstate (homeward bound). The ed that we are within 150km of home and our freighted home. I guess I do not fall into that in a swirl. I had not driven a Triumph in over booked a motel room a couple of miles away so close to Cape Cod, we decided this trip outside temperature had dropped and with CAA does allow 150 km of tow distance – time category (I’m biting my tongue here). I told four years (has it only been four years?). I was and Woody drove us over (stopping for some will double as our summer vacation and off the air blowing through at highway speed to relax – and knit!) That evening we enjoyed “Woody” (what type of a man would have a questioning whether I could get into this car, supplies on our way, namely beer). While sit- to the Cape (Provincetown) we go. The trip the car was fine (my knitting is coming along dinner at the hotel’s restaurant; sitting out- name like Woody?) at The Wedge Shop my in- would I be able to drive it, would it be too ting around the pool we are texted that the out to the Cape was especially beautiful in very nicely). side on their patio enjoying a bottle of lo-

14 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 15 $300 later, the car was good to continue

SO YOU WANT TO BUY A TRIUMPH IN THE US? by Dawn Elliott cal wine (Life is Good). falo and had an appoint- During our meal, the ment to cross the border To the Triumph fan, the internet has If the alternation was done less than 15 years Queenston/Lewiston is only open 8:00 am everything about the car). busboy asked if the TR7 the next morning. Every- opened an entirely new world of available ago, the vehicle is NOT admissible to Canada – 4:00 pm Monday to Friday (and closed on • The Form 1 must be stamped in two was our car (you can pic- thing went smoothly at vehicles to us. As easy as click click click (period!). I was advised that at the border, US Federal holidays). (2) places!!! ture Roger’s grin when both border crossings we can find our dream vehicle and make they notice the vehicle has been modified Once you have sent the above email, • You are provided with a Gold 8 ½ x 14 he replied YES). Turns and I now have a car that an offer all from the convenience of our they have the right to deny entry. They DO you receive a reply email. This email advis- page (with the 2 stamps on it). out he is apprenticing is the “shape of things to own home. But once we have decided to NOT explain what ‘modified’ actually means. es you that “You can present your vehicle • You are then sent to the cashier to and dreams of a career come” and it is a blast to purchase the car (that’s the easy part), we Since the Triumph Roger was purchasing had for exportation on or after 72 hours from pay the GST portion as a mechanic. I had drive. need to consider how we are going to get a major alternation, Roger spoke with Woody receipt of this email”. Print this email (and • In our case, the VIN identified the mentioned my problem (Just one ‘little’ hurdle this prize set of wheels into our driveway. (The Wedge Shop) and confirmed when the add to the binder). vehicle has having air conditioning (NOT and he suggests “Ge- to contend with – Ex- In August 2013, Roger found his new modification was done. Yes Roger’s new car We choose to cross at Lewiston due to – but we just wanted to get home and neva Foreign Imports” porting / Importing the ‘dream vehicle’ on the internet. Click click was altered (converted to V8, Automatic en- the proximity to our residence. As you pull weren’t about to dispute the $100. Air located just up the road. I left early the next vehicle. Both of us are becoming rather com- click and ta da! After a few quick commu- gine…sort of major…). Woody confirmed up towards the Lewiston Bridge the Ex- Conditioning Excise tax). morning (I ask for a late checkout; finally, I get fortable with this little girl and look forward to nications, the deal was made. Perfect – he the alternation date was Fall 1995 – we are port office is located to the left (you actu- • They accept all major credit cards for to sleep in and then enjoy time on the patio – brining her home. was excited, but now the fun began. We good! Since you (may) need to prove this, ally need to cross the lanes of the vehicles payment of GST knitting of course) and pulled into this place No sleep Monday night. Nerves are running figured people import vehicles everyday Woody provided us with a letter which he that have just entered the States from • You are good to go! parking beside a Porsche 911. I was greeted high. We just want to get home. so it can’t be THAT difficult. After many had notarized (Notary Public happens to Canada….very strange location). It is well Now when home, you must go through at the counter, explained my problem and We pull out of the parking lot (I’m now in my (many many many) telephone conversa- have their office next door to The Wedge signed “Vehicle Export Office”. the ‘usual’ channels of licencing a vehicle: surrendered my keys. The showroom has truck which we had left in Buffalo – no more tions, we figured it out (we think). In turn, Shop). We added that to the binder. When you arrive at the Export Office • Safety certification nice leather chairs and sofas and a mass of being a passenger and knitting for me) and I’m we wish to share our experience with you Every conversation I had with CBSA and you need to bring: • Change of ownership sports car magazines complete with a yellow following Roger. We arrive at Lewiston, NY (but- – our fellow members. This is only a sum- Transport Canada, they constantly refer • The vehicle • Pay Provincial Sales tax Labrador that sat beside me. I was in heaven. terflies in my stomach) and the process begins. mary of what we encountered, but we feel to “RIV Program” (Registrar of Imported • Original title or certified copy See – it’s painless. Would we do it again, In less than 30 minutes I noticed my Export Office – they verify the serial number it is a pretty broad experience and hope- Vehicles). If a vehicle is over 15 years old, • If there was a lien, a lien release sure (BUT we don’t need anymore cars!) car being driven out for a and send us over the bridge. fully this will assist others. you can import a vehicle from the United • Identification (passport) The only real problem we possibly road test, things are look- Bridge – 50 minute wait… oh First – should you find a vehicle you like States without registering it in the RIV pro- • Printed email confirming from Cus- could have faced is securing a licence ing good. I also witnessed yeah! But, at least the temper- (and want… not need, but want), don’t be gram. Perfect – we don’t need to worry tomer Boarder Patrol (the reply email you plate for the vehicle in order for us to drive the guy with the Porsche ature thingie is working and shy it truly isn’t a difficult process to import about this. received) home. We were very fortunate that Woody 911 paying his bill for rou- the car is running smoothly. a vehicle to Canada! Second – document So let the paper works begin! They will confirm the vehicle (actually graciously allowed us to use his Massachu- tine maintenance which I’m okay; I’m sitting in my air everything. I suggest keeping a binder and To import a vehicle into Canada, you look at the vehicle – mainly the VIN) and setts licence plate for the adventure home. exceeded $1,000. Things conditioned truck! have it as organized as possible. When you must first export the vehicle out of the provide you with a form. In MA, they do not issue temporary licence are not looking so good. Canada Customs – Roger come to cross the border, this will be your United States. Now cross the bridge and head to Can- plates. We couldn’t use our Ontario plate The mechanic came over goes first explaining the pur- saviour. When the Customs Officer sees you To export the vehicle, you must: ada Customs. When the Customs officer because the vehicle wasn’t registered to and explained there was a pose of our trip; pull over. I are organized, they seem to want to help. • send an email (you must give a mini- sends you into the Customs office, you will it. We couldn’t get an Ontario trip permit problem with the ground follow. Go inside. The process I’m sure they see ‘all kinds’ on their job. mum of 3 days… I recommend at least 4 need to bring: because we didn’t have an ownership. So – to the fan, he had fixed that takes about 20 minutes and Our adventure began with a telephone days) advising the border that you will be • Proof of Ownership - Title I’m still researching what you would do in and the fan was working all was totally painless. All call to Canadian Boarder Service Agency exporting a vehicle – to Custom Border Pa- • Bill of Sale the case…..Stay tuned for chapter 2!! perfectly however the ther- forms are filled out; stamped (CBSA). 1-800-461-9999 they advise that trol (their number is 1-716-843-8506) If the vehicle is over 25 years old, it is As a footnote – You will want to con- based on this photo, Dawn is not giving up mostat should be changed (in 2 places) and we are free to • email address is: buffalovinnyoffice@ duty free! (most expensive duty free pur- nect with your Insurance Broker / Agent her day job to become a model the vehicle must comply with laws before as it is still running a little go (after paying…of course). being imported and must qualify through dhs.gove chase we’ve ever made). and advise them that you are purchasing warm. I told him to go ahead and indulged Home Sweet Home. The new girl is intro- Transport Canada. OK – what laws and • this email must show: • You will need to know when the ve- a vehicle. There is coverage allotted under myself in more reading material keeping duced to her sibling (my Spitfire) and we both what qualifications? • Vehicle description hicle was manufactured. This information your existing policy for “Newly Acquired in mind the bill for the Porsche. In less take a deep breath. We’re home. Next call was to Transport Canada. 1-800- • Make can be found on the identification panel Vehicles” and you may find you have cov- than two hours I was driving the car back Following our trip I decide it is time to mea- 333-0371 I explained we are looking at im- • Model on the driver’s side door. We took a quick erage under this area for your new vehicle to the hotel with the fan working and the sure my knitting – 85 inches. Perfect. I cast off porting a ‘classic’ vehicle into Canada. I was • VIN picture of the door plate and showed the for a short time. Always call your insurance temperature gauge staying stable. The bill and now have a lovely memory of the fast, furi- asked, “Has the vehicle been altered in any- • no attachments to this email officer – an officer might come out and professional first. was under $300. Good thing I got rid of my ous, frustration knitting I did on our “Road Trip way”. If “yes”, you have to be very careful as In Ontario you have a choice of brining look at the identification plate. Porsche years ago. 2013”. they are usually NOT admissible to Canada. the vehicle into Canada at either Queen- • A “Vehicle Import Form – Form 1” will Reference: I picked up Dawn at the hotel and we My recommendation to anyone consider- If the modification was done over 15 years ston/Lewiston or Windsor/Detroit. These be provided for you to complete. You take http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5048- drove to a castle to have lunch, her knitting ing an adventure like this, “Buy lots of yarn and ago and you CAN prove to Customs that it are the only two locations in Ontario. The this to the desk (Customs) and they will eng.html slowed by now. We stayed overnight in Buf- start knitting”). ragtop was (done over 15 years ago) you are okay. Windsor/Detroit is open 24-hours, but enter the serial number (which tells them

16 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 17 events

TRIUMPHEST/VTR 2013 by Tony Fox

an Rafael, California, 2013, was my 8th oppor- Stunity to join in the fun at Triumphest. This is one of my favorite shows for Triumphs as the location on the west coast makes for a nice vacation break at the same time. The show is alternately organized by local west coast Tri- umph clubs, this year being the responsibility of the Tri- umph Travelers Club from the San Francisco area. Held at a different location each year, this event was made more interesting by Triumphest joining forces with the Vintage Triumph Register (VTR) convention. This joint venture generally brings more attendees to the event and this year was no exception, bringing out around 240 Triumphs, including some very rare models. The show brought back memories of how colourful cars from this era were, mak- ing a stunning display en masse in the parking lot and the various event venues. It is not a big Stag event but there were 6 attending, from Washington, California and Kansas on display, one of which had a ‘For Sale’ sticker on it! I met up with Dick Han- sen with his white RV8 Stag, Greg Taylor from Spokane, Kent Prather with his Corvette engined Stag, Bill Borsari with his original specification Stag, and Tim Richardson from Washington state. This was the only time I can remember seeing five Triumph Mayflowers in one place, quite remarkable. One had been converted with a stretched chassis to make a mini limo. Another was electric powered, and the owner had somehow stuffed six large batteries in the trunk and four more under the hood, somewhere there must have been room for an electric power unit. One left hand drive Dolomite was on display, not often you see a LHD version. Other rarely seen models this side of the Atlantic were two Triumph Roadsters and a Triumph 2000 four door sedan. In the lobby of the hotel was the race TR3 of Hardy Prentice who raced in SCCA from 1973 to 1998 and won 71 national races with it, not to mention other placings on the winner’s rostrum. (Must have been close getting it through the front sliding doors of the hotel lobby!)

18 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 19 Auto Hibernation

By Parkfield Motor Cars Ltd. est. 1974 Fully Insured, Free Standing 22,000 sq. ft. This event was a great time to catch up with old friends and Good Parts, The Roadster Factory, Moss Motors, Victoria British, Lit- Building with No Columns or Posts also make a few new ones, greatly facilitated by the evening Happy zUp LED lighting. Hour with free drinks flowing and mingling in the courtyard. The Long time member and past organizer Paulette Caudill received Embassy Suites proved an ideal venue for this event with the in- the Daily Driver award for having used her TR4 every day since new • CCTV-Monitored 24/7 Security at Discreet Location terior courtyard for informal gatherings, lots of spacious meeting till the present time. room and a great breakfast! I enjoyed meeting up with John and For those of our party not so enthralled with looking under • Spotless, Vermin and Climate Controlled Liz Reynolds from Houston with their concours Spitfire. They had hoods and talking cars all day, there were many activities nearby recently spent some time visiting British Car Day at Bronte park… in an adjacent park including a nice farmer’s market, a dog show, • Seasonal Complimentary Chauffeured small world. lots of walking trails, and major shopping just across the highway. As this was a combined event it meant having two concours The event organizers also arranged outings of different types, for Livery Service Available competitions: the Triumphest was held at the hotel and the instance, driving tours of San Francisco also a scenic coastline drive VTR was held at the stunningly located Marin Yacht Club, get- of around 60 miles, very nice. We added on a few days to visit the ting there via a very scenic drive along the bay shoreline. Hav- Napa Valley where we enjoyed a great trip and gourmet lunch on Closer Than You Think! ing made this scenic drive, you can see why convertibles are so the Wine Train and then moved on to the beautiful Russian River popular in California. area, before spending our last two days in San Francisco. Very nice Contact Chris Sas at 416-720-4133 or 905-833-4336 A number of events were held at the nearby Sonoma Raceway; with perfect weather and last but not least, a very nice stop over email: [email protected] here we saw the Autocross and the Le Mans 100-yard sprint as well with our good friends Mike and Connie Moore in Morgan Hill. as the Funkhana. This is a neat old racetrack with ample bleachers Next year, Triumphest is being held in Santa Maria CA on Sep- to view the track, seems like it was an Audi day out on the track tember 25th thru 28th. The VTR is going ‘Back to the Blue Ridge’, www.autohibernation.ca while we were there. Dobson SC on Sept. 9th thru 14th. Strong sponsorship was provided by HVDA Transmissions, Happy Motoring, keep the shiny side up! ragtop

Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 21 TR travels IN THE

by Tony Fox ADVENTURESbutUK have not made it as yet. colour webbing for the belts too. Although As the Inter-club Coordinator I get For those members not fa- not original, I chose to match the colours to visit with many different clubs around miliar with the Heritage Trust, with the upholstery of the tan interior of North America and the UK. One of my fa- you can purchase a Heritage my Stag, a very pleasing look as they don’t vourites is joining in with the Stag Owners Certificate for your classic car, stand out as much as the black webbing Club (SOC) UK at the National Exhibition a nice piece of history relating did. It is a personal choice thing. Centre (NEC) Classic car show in Birming- specifically to your vehicle. I also got the chance to visit my friend ham in November. Each year, this show If you plan your route cor- Russell Lewis, part of Tate & Lewis that do continues to get larger and in 2013 it occu- rectly you can have your eve- the Stag ZF automatic transmission con- pied 10 halls (plus one more for motorcy- ning meal (or lunch) at the versions. Russell has a very unique Stag, cles) in the NEC sprawling facility. The SOC Stag Inn on the north side of one of two modified by GKN in the early have always had a presence there and this Austin Somerset barn find Stratford on Avon, a nice old 1970’s with 4-wheel drive and anti lock year had four beautiful cars on display to- hostelry featuring, naturally, brakes. They made a number of conver- gether with a hospitality area, for which I’m the Monarch of the Glen. sions to Fords and Chryslers at that time to always grateful to rest my bones and have I passed by the factory showcase the system designed originally refreshments. They constantly ply you with where I did my apprenticeship by Harry Ferguson and Ferguson Research. coffee, tea and biscuits. The display is tire- (a few years ago), at the Aus- They took two Stags and built in the sys- lessly organized by SOC President, Leslie tin Motor Co. Works in Long- tem, one with 4-speed manual and one Phillips and her husband Roger, who with- bridge. I had quite a shock, all automatic transmission. Russell has the out fail make you feel very welcome. the South Works offices and automatic one and naturally has converted Although all four Stags on display were factory buildings had been de- it to his own ZF overdrive auto box, mak- spectacular, one in particular stood out. It molished and houses built in ing this truly one of a kind. He has totally was the 1970 pre-production, signal red place. The West Works (where refurbished the car making it much nicer car, numbered LD 10. Obviously the tenth Part of the Stag Owners Club display my office was) has been gone than the original conversion which had a car built, it is currently owned and was re- some time, also the Service few rough edges; Russell has totally refin- stored by Mike Nixon and Malcolm Bryan usually an example of one make or an- lights and other chrome fittings, an undue Department buildings. All that ished the body to a higher level of finish. after many years of searching for an early other at the show. number of these vendors still survive. remains of the old sprawling In addition to the ZF transmission, he has production car. This particular car was used A recent feature at the NEC show is the Although a large portion of the Classic Longbridge factory is the Car added a few other touches of his own such as the press launch car in Belgium 1970. It ‘Dream Rides’ area sponsored by Sporting Car show is made up of car club stands, Assembly Buildings (CAB 1 as electric power steering, cruise control. was also road tested by Bill Boddy for the Bears Dream Ride where you could pick probably 50% of the area, there are a var- and 2) which is the home of If you have never visited these venues magazine ‘Autocar’. It has been meticu- from a line-up of vehicles for a brief ride ied number of other attractions such as the Chinese company, MG then I highly recommend you put them lously refurbished in very accurate detail around the show area. Rides varied from tools, carpets, car care products, polishes The Stag Inn, near Stratford-on-Avon Motors UK. This is where the on your agenda. Of course there are many befitting its heritage. Being that early in a D-Type Jaguar to a McLaren MP4 with accessories, etc., as well as cars for sale and MG6 saloon is assembled. I say more motor enthusiast places to visit such production often means it had unique others such as a pickup truck and an Aus- auction. The usual larger classic parts sup- ple of years have seen a large display of ‘assembled’ as most of the car comes in a as the Morgan Car Company in Malvern, parts, some hand made before large-scale tin 1300. One is asked for a donation to a pliers were in attendance such as Rimmer Aston Martins used in James Bond mov- crate from China and has very little local the classic bus museum in Wythall (mostly production parts were available charitable cause. Bros. with Triumph and MG parts. ies; this year there were a couple from the added value. double deckers), the Coventry Motor Mu- Sitting next door to the SOC stand I’ve noticed in the last couple of years Any trip to the UK Midlands is not com- latest, ‘Skyfall’ movie - one of which is the While in the UK I took the opportunity seum, which has free entry. The other bo- was the Austin Counties stand with some the rapidly diminishing flea market area plete for me without a visit to the Heri- DB5 beautifully restored. Alongside this to get my Stag rear seat belts refurbished nus is that for those not interested in peer- of Austin’s finest on display. One car of (Auto Jumble as it is called there). This year tage Motor Centre at Gaydon. Each year facility is the Land Rover off-road course by Quickfit Safety Belt Service in Stanmore, ing under the hoods of vehicles, there is so interest was a Somerset ‘barn find’ – it is there were virtually no older used parts they have a varied display of British cars where one can pay for an off-road ride. Middlesex. They will refurbish your old and much to visit in the Midlands from Shake- amazing how these cars still come out on sale, with the exception of some shiny- on display and they also have a nice caf- Also nearby is the Aston Martin engineer- worn belts with new webbing and what- speare Country, to the Cotswolds to Cad- of the woodwork and each year there is chromed parts such as mirrors and spot- eteria to break up your day. The last cou- ing facility which I keep promising to visit ever else is required. They provide different bury’s chocolates. ragtop

22 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 23 Pssst! vendor visit Want Some Great Advice? Moss Motors by Larry Llewellyn

You could search big catalogues for the best price You could buy parts from various suppliers

You could pay huge shipping and crazy broker fees Moss Motors factory You could be returning the parts division. I wanted to drop in as a representative of the Toronto Tri- You could... umph Club as a good will gesture (and be nosey to boot). 1565 Hwy 5 West, RR#1 ...but why would you? I got a hold of an old high Troy, Ontario, L0R 2B0 hile on a recent trip visit- school buddy in Ajax, Peter Gilbert, ingW my son and his family in Virginia, I was who got back to me with a definite We are your local source for quality parts and only stock advised by Fred McEachern of British Auto Toll Free 1-888-485-2277 address. Wouldn’t you know, it was Sports, that I would be in “Moss” country, only an hour past my final desti- Local: 905-627-9995 the best. When you consider the benefits of friendly local and they have a great display of British cars nation of Stafford, Virginia. I had 24hr Fax: 416-410-6479 service, no quibble exchanges, next day delivery or same in their show room. It was only on my 8th about three hours to fill in, as my E-mail: [email protected] day pick-up, plus great advice and customer service, hour of the drive, I decided to punch into son wouldn’t be home from work Moss’ staff examining Ragtop British Auto Sport is hard to beat. the GPS the Moss Motors address. I pulled till 16:30 (that’s 4:30pm in civilian off somewhere in Pennsylvania to get the no response. I got a hold of David Fidler time, as he is a Major in the USAF, catalogue with the address, only to dis- who wasn’t certain if the company still working at the Geospatial Intelligent Agen- Try us for your next project! cover in my haste to pack, I had brought maintained a parts division on the east cy in Washington D.C. Pretty cool Huh!) the Victoria British one! They are in Kansas, coast, as all his contacts were in Califor- I arrived at the Moss Motors plant, under wrong state. nia. Though he wasn’t aware of any new sunny skies and temperature of 33ºC late in Great technology, we are roaming with address, he gave me a few names that September, above the seasonal norms. The British Auto Sport a cell phone. I tried to contact Fred but may be of help, if I was able to locate the grounds are a giant expanse whose lawns Toll Free 1-888-485-2277 Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 25 TR6 in the Moss showroom

Moss show room

our 2013 program; that’s how serious they are and impressed with our event. “Copy were long ago burnt to a crisp! I found out employees at the moment involving stock- is the greatest form of flattery” something during my tour, that it originally was built room personal, sewers, packagers, and like that! as a Nissan wiper blade component manu- sales staff. The most interesting part of the I had my copy of the 2013 BCD souve- facturing facility. tour was the sewing area. nir program with me to give to my son. I I was greeted by a young lady, Cindy Moss Motors manufactures, from origi- showed them and promised to mail a copy. Mayton, (Administrative Assistant) who nal Leyland templates, all the floor, trunk After a quick photo session with the after finding out I was from Toronto and a and consul mats, which are made to order. folks, I was introduced to, I said my good Member of the TTC, made an announce- I was advised the leather comes from Bra- byes. Left Moss Motors knowing, if I or any ment to the two other employees in the zil and Argentina, then shipped to Italy for other Triumph owner needed support they vicinity; Mack Murr (Sales) and Daniel “DJ” specific detail stamping, as were the origi- were there to help us. “All to Preserve and Romero (Sales), who were busy looking nal patterns. Then, the patterns are cut by Drive the Triumph” ragtop after customers. They welcomed me like modern state of the art laser machines an old friend. Right away Cindy qualified maximising the material and minimizing They are in the planning stages (as of a me as a guy from the club that puts on the scrap. All hand/machine sewn again made week before my arrival) of holding a “Brit- “big British car show up in Canada!” So, our to order. Very precise in their approach to ish Car Day” of their own and June 16th ENGINE OILS GEAR OILS FUEL ADDITIVES event has really achieved notoriety. The fabrication of seats/ribbing and head lin- 2014 was a tentative date set. This after event has become the envy of many a Brit- ers. All British car models. Convertible tops some folks from head office in California ish car enthusiast down south. are next on their agenda. attended our 2013 30th Anniversary. They We chatted about the facility, its growth The plant was too large for me to walk were very impressed with what we’ve done and plans for the future. I was given a tour its length. What I saw was rows and rows to date. They advised they will be in contact by DJ of the plant. First went through a of shelving, units waiting for stock and/or with our planners, to pick our brain and large cafeteria, meant for a huge work stocked. I was privileged in being made expertise. Cyndi even showed me a photo- force, population. The Moss Plant has 30 aware of an exciting time for Moss Motors. copy of our Marque layout as supplied in

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CM-Millers Ad.indd 1 10/23/13 7:55:15 AM 26 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 27 historically speaking TR4A-250-6 Comparison We look at the similarities and a few of the differences between the last three chassis based TR Roadsters. by Terence McKillen photography by Dave Sims and Terence McKillen ough examination of each car, document- ing the evolutionary changes over the model years and have relied on contempo- rary road test data of the day to compare the technical specifications of each model. ver a fifteen year period from O1961 to 1976, Triumph chose to carry out periodic modernization of the TR design – first with a new chassis, then with a new en- gine and finally with a different body style. This was in contrast to the choices made at both Abingdon (MGB) and Ryton (Sun- beam Alpine) where the models varied lit- tle throughout their respective production runs. Although there are some significant differences between the three featured Tri- umph roadster models, the similarities are TR4A - note the non-standard turn signal repeater light far greater and reflect a gradual evolution on front wing of design. All three models have the trailing arm The TR4A independent rear suspension and in Fed- When the TR4 was introduced in 1961, the eral specification, despite the engine difference from its predecessor, the TR3A, change, there was little between them in was quite remarkable, although it contin- terms of performance and comfort level. ued with a similar steel chassis, frame and The TR4A and TR250 are almost identical body construction. The TR4 was a radical in external body shape and the TR6 car- departure from the side-screen TR3 in out- ried over the same chassis, frame, internal ward looks. It has been said that Giovanni body panels and central external panels Michelotti sketched out the TR4 de- from the TR250, keeping the same external sign in a little more than 30 minutes. In dimensions and wheelbase and really only addition to a complete body rebuild that differing by a few extra pounds in weight included frameless, winding glass side and most significantly, by changes to the windows, the compression ratio of the Left to Right – 1968 TR250, 1973 TR6 and 1967 TR4A front and rear external panels, hood, trunk 4-cylinder engine was raised to 9:1 and lid and rear valence. A driver used to one of the displacement increased to 2,138 cc these models would feel fundamentally ‘at Our test cars were provided by three TTC an accident. The car is currently a metallic 2010 and Terence McKillen has owned his equipped with overdrive. from 1,991 cc. Everything else on the TR3 home’ behind the wheel of any of them as members. John Lille acquired his TR4A new red, somewhat reminiscent of Triumph’s partially restored, 1973 sort of metallic Ta- So, how do they compare today some was left alone, such as the stroke mea- the seating, cockpit layout and dash panel, in August 1967 when he handed over the Carmine red but it started out Conifer hiti blue (originally Sapphire blue) TR6 also 40 to 46 years on? We didn’t feel that it surement, carburettor sizes, port shapes, with minor variances, remained consistent princely sum of $3,120 to Eglinton Motors green. Dave Sims has owned his beauti- since 2010. All of the cars remain relatively was appropriate to subject the cars to any cam form and head design. The TR4 was across the period. to replace a TR4 that had been wrecked in fully restored 1968 Signal red TR250 since original with the TR4A and the TR250 being stressful tests. Rather we completed a thor- given an all-synchromesh gear box and

28 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 29 an optional Laycock-de-Normanville A- (165x15), John has run his car for the past type overdrive on 2nd, 3rd and top gears ten years on a set of Michelin 185HR15 XAS as well as rack and pinion steering to re- fitted to Dunlop 72-spoke 5½ J wire rims place the cam and lever steering. The TR4 (built in India). He also discarded the two had a four year production run between SU carburettors along the way replacing 1961 and 1965 when it evolved into the them with 2-barrel Webers. Other notice- TR4A which provided a further two years able refinements on John’s car comprise of production from 1965 to 1967. a non-standard polished walnut veneered The TR4A received only mechanical facia panel and trim, European-style or- changes including a redesigned and wider ange turn signal lights on the front wings chassis and, most significantly, indepen- and at the back, as well as a dealer installed dent rear suspension (IRS) using trailing wood trimmed steering wheel. arms and a differential, and a number of The TR250 was a 13 month stop-gap between the TR4A and the TR6 small styling changes and refinements, The TR250 otherwise the two models appear nearly TR4A dash panel has been replaced by a custom walnut panel. Note passenger grab handle. The TR250, together with its UK sibling It acted as the perfect development plat- out of sight, with the most significant im- identical. The suspension design was simi- the TR5, were essentially a stop-gap im- form in the UK for the new fuel injected provement being the engine and the fuel lar to that used in the Triumph 2000 saloon provement of the TR4A, pending the de- six cylinder engine which came with an delivery system, particularly on the TR5 which had been introduced two years ear- velopment of the TR6. Triumph decided extra main bearing (4), larger front discs models. The new 2.5 litre in-line six cylin- lier. Unlike the saloon which had telescopic on using a larger six cylinder engine to and a slightly smaller fuel tank. The Lucas der engine had a 8.5:1 compression ratio dampers, the TR4A used Armstrong lever- keep up with burgeoning U.S. emission C40 generator of the TR4A was dropped in derived from the unit powering the Tri- type dampers which arrangement was control regulations. Triumph only built favour of a 28 amp alternator. umph 2000 saloon. carried forward to the TR250 and TR6. For the TR5/250 over a 13 month period be- The TR5/250 was visually identical to In order to keep pricing competitive in North American delivery only, the live rear tween August 1967 and September 1968. the earlier TR4A. The main differences were the U.S. as well as addressing emission reg- axle continued to be available by dealer demand and about a third of the TR4A im- ports came without IRS. t t We p i The 4A was powered by the same 2,138 ee R cc, 4-cylinder engine, the long stroke giv- K TOYOTA TO TRIUMPH ing this engine much of its torque. Chang- es in the engine brought the power up by 5–Speed Transmission 4 bhp to 104 bhp (78 kW) at 4,700 rpm and maximum torque from 128 lb. ft. to 132.5 Flat Tappet & Ethanol fuel problems Solved! Conversions lb. ft. at 3,000 rpm. New induction and TRIJET FUEL TREATMENT exhaust systems were fitted to assist with John with his TR4A in 1974. • Will not degrade rubber, hoses, o-rings. TR-2 through TR-6 better aspiration. The service interval was • Lubricates & cleans rings, valve recession, injectors. • Combats effects of Ethanol – phase separation. increased to 6,000 miles. facia was changed to polished walnut and Externally, the TR4A’s front grille lost • Retards corrosion & oxidation. Inside, the TR4A got face-level fresh air the array of instrumentation was nicely off- the vertical plated bars and used smaller • Passes Digitron tests – racing. ducts, seemingly a first in a British car. The set with chromed bezels. The handbrake overriders on the bumpers. New side lights • Increases compression. lever was shortened and moved from the were fitted in the edges of the wings where • Elimates gum, varnish & sludge. • Reduced emissions. passenger side of the transmission tunnel they were combined with the turn signal • Fuel savings. to a position on the tunnel between the indicators. Stainless steel trim ran from the • Application rate – 1oz. to 55L./ 15 US gallons. seats. Moulding and a padded console side lights back to the rear of the doors. • Mix in fuel first for 2 cycle for best results. were added around the gear lever and the The TR4A displays an interesting anach- Day Distributing headlight dip switch, turn signal and OD ronism – namely, a hole at the base of the TOLL FREE 1-888-808-3185 176 Victoria Street controls moved to the steering column. radiator grille where a crank handle could OFFICE 905-898-3185 Newmarket, ON Switches were of the push-pull type pass through to engage the front of the CELL 416-697-0891 L3Y 4E1 but John has replaced his with toggle crankshaft. The TR250 comes with the Day Distributing Day DistributingHerman van den Akker switches. The seating was improved over same hole but it is partially blocked off by www.daydistributing.caTOLL FREE 1-888-808-3185TOLL FREE 1-888-808-3185176 Victoria Street P.O.176 Box Victoria 6812, Pine Street Mountain Club, CA 93222-6812 OFFICE 905-898-3185 Newmarket, ON the TR4 with more padding and leather the lower edge of the grill, presumably on OFFICE 905-898-3185 Phone:Newmarket, (661) 242-1253 ON • E-mail: [email protected] CELL 416-697-0891 L3Y 4E1 covers were retained as an option al- the assumption that no one was going to CELL 416-697-0891 L3Y 4E1www.hvdaconversions.com The original SU carburettors have been replaced with though stretched leathercloth was fitted hand crank a six-cylinder engine. Although www.daydistributing.ca twin Webers. as standard. the TR4A came shod with Goodyear G800s www.daydistributing.ca

30 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 31 BACK THEN WE WERE THE EXPERTS AT INSURING ‘57 CHEVYS

Front wing turn indicator detail TR250 has black bevelled surrounds black bezels. The instruments and controls to the gauges but were labelled with international symbols Dave’s car has a high rather than lettering. The speedometer dial gloss non-standard was extended to 140 mph. Also new to the dash panel. TR250 were swivel action, circular fresh air ducts at face level on the dash and in the footwell and the passenger grab handle The ‘new’ in-line 6 was discarded. cylinder engine with Standard equipment in the TR5/250 alternator. models included slightly larger servo- assisted front disc brakes, independent rear suspension, rack and pinion steering and a four speed all-synchromesh, manual AND WE STILL ARE. gearbox. The available optional extras in- cluded a Laycock-de-Normanville A-type overdrive on 2nd, 3rd and top gears, wire wheels and a hard top with detachable roof panel – known as the ‘Surrey Top’. The TR250 came shod with Goodyear 185 SR-15 or comparable Michelin Xs. Dave has retained the classic look with a set of A LOT OF INSURANCE COMPANIES SAY THEY KNOW CLASSIC AND ANTIQUE CARS. B UT WE BELIEV E NO ONE KNOW S THEM Coker 185R15 redlines on Dayton 72-spoke BETTER THAN STATE FARM. A FTER ALL WE WERE INSURI NG MANY OF THESE CARS LONG BEFORE THEY BECAME CLASSIC S. 5J wire rims. He admits they are pretty use- AND AS THE WORLD’S LARGE ST CAR INSURE R, WE CURRENTLY INSURE WELL OVER 120,000 OF THESE UNIQUE MACHINE S. less on a wet road surface. WITH STATE FARM YOU ’RE ALWAYS SURE OF GETTING COVERAGE THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU --- AND YOUR CAR. AT SOME OF THE MOST COMPE TIVE RATES AVAILABLE. P ERHAPS THAT’S WHY SO MANY CLASSIC AND ANTIQUE CAR OWNERS INSIST ON ulations, the TR250 being fitted with twin As it turned out, the TR250 offered no The TR6 INSURI NG THEIR AUTOMOT IVE TREASURE S WITH STATE FARM THAN WITH ANY OTHER COMPANY . Zenith-Stromberg carburettors rather than performance gains over its four-cylinder The Triumph TR6 was the ultimate manifes- SO CALL YOUR STATE FARM AGENT TODAY AND YOU ’LL LEARN THAT JUST LIKE SOME CARS, SOME INSURANCE COMPANIES the Lucas PI system. Additional anti-pollu- predecessor. However, power was deliv- tation of the chassis-based roadster series ONLY IMPROVE WITH AGE. tion gear was attached and a lower com- ered more smoothly and the occupants that had begun back in 1953 with the TR2. pression ratio selected. The final drive ratio benefited from a more civilised interior Many saw the ‘Six’ as the last of a breed was 3.7:1 in the TR250 compared to 3.45:1 and the extra torque from the six cylinder of macho British sports cars, and as such ZENON KOLTALO in the TR5. The power output was 111 bhp improved drivability at low speeds in the was a fitting replacement for the likes of the Austin Healey 3000, which had ceased AGENT (81 kW) and the TR250 took 10.6 seconds intermediate gears. One notable styling to get to 60 mph (97 km/h) and had a top feature was the transverse ‘racing’ stripes production in 1968, a year before the TR6’s 702 BURNHAMTHORPE ROAD EAST, SUITE 7 STATE FARM (CORNER OF CAWTHRA ROAD) speed of 110mph (176km/h). In UK format across the front of the bonnet. release. The TR6 followed hard on the heels INSURANCE COMPANIES MISSISSAUGA, ON L4Y 2X3 the in-line six cylinder engine came with a Internally, Triumph improved the pad- of the TR5/250 and had a seven year pro- CANADIAN HEAD OFFICES 905-276-2440 FAX: 905-276-2450 : Lucas designed, mechanical fuel-injection ding and contouring of the seats although duction run from 1969 to 1976. Triumph [email protected] AURORA, ONTARIO system which delivered about 150 bhp they were now vinyl clad rather than leath- broke with the Michelotti studio on the (112 kW). The TR5 could accelerate from 0 er. Additional padding was added around TR6 design, assigning it instead to Wilhelm to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds with a reported the facia which was finished in a matte Karmann GmbH in Osnabrück, Germany. L IKE A GOOD N E IGHB OUR S T A TE F A R M IS T H ERE. top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h). walnut and the gauges were finished with The TR6 retained the basic chassis and

Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 33 There are no winners or losers here. As with beauty or colour, it is really all in the eye of the beholder. These three variants of the long-running Triumph roadster range have their own distinct charms that will appeal to an aspiring owner. There is no doubt that the scarcity of survivor numbers gives the TR4A and the TR250 an edge when it comes to collectible value. In good mechanical order all three cars can operate comfortably among modern traffic. The TR250 and the TR6 are noticeablyFront headlight smoother and have better torque at lower speeds, however detail on the TR6 overdrive 2nd in the A-type unit gives a very flexible ratio for in-town driving so the TR4A

engine and added a front anti-roll bar and doesn’t suffer significantly in thisextra regard. weight gain, more complex bumpers ternator was upgraded to 38 amp output wider (5½ J) wheels, the latter giving the and door inserts and yards of rubber tub- otherwise the engine compartment of the car a lower, leaner look. The contemporary According to the respective owners,ing being the added three along cars the seem way. quite happySix closely to trundle resembles along that of all the day TR250. at advertising by Triumph claimed that the 90-100 km/h (55-60 mph) althoughContemporary the TR6 would road testfeel numbers more comfortablefor Some ofif the it hadprogressive an OD changes unit madeto “TR6 beats any previous TR for road hold- the UK TR6 indicated a zero to 60 mph (97 to the TR6 included the change in 1970 of ing. And that’s really saying something.” drop the engine revs from 3000 rpmkm/h) totime 2500 of 8.2 rpmseconds. Dave and a topand speed John indicatethe windscreen that onframe a longfrom bodytrip, colour The TR6 was restyled by Karman. A front In the cockpit, the facia and trim fol- using OD, they can achieve low toof mid119 mph-30s (190 mpg km/h), (8.3 while L/100km) the federal while to theblack, non regardless-OD TR6 of body tops colour out atand anti-roll bar, air scoop and headlights on lowed that of the TR250 except the am- 28-30 mpg (9.8 L/100km) with 24cars-26 achieved mpg (12.1 0-60 mphL/100km) in 10.7 secondsachievable a change on shorter in cooling runs. hoses All from three ‘bumble the wings together with wider wheels meter became a voltmeter and the instru- and a top speed of 110 mph (177 km/h). bee’ black-yellow to green colour as well bhp output at 5500 rpm. The correspond- gave the car a lower, leaner look ments changed from the needle hanging owners use premium (91 octane) gasolineThe TR6 lost, still all traces managing of the hand to crank achieve- as orthe betterair intake the flap reported on the cowl fuel being ing North American models, the CC series down to being upright, once again bezels ing mechanism on the earlier cars. To assist replaced with a plastic grill. In 1972, the frame design with bolted on body pan- redesigned the TR6 to utilise many of the (twinconsumption carb) had a nominal of the output contemporary of 106 road tests. went back to being chromed. The ignition with more efficient cooling, ducting was compression ratio was dropped from 8.5:1 els similar to the construction of the TR4 existing TR4A/TR5/250 body pressings. bhp at 4900 rpm. The 1973 to 1976 UK key migrated from a central position on added between the back of the front grill to 7.75:1, in the UK cars and in 1973, the and TR5 as well as the earlier TR roadster The external boot and bonnet shapes were modelsAccording (with PI) to had the the Ha powergerty output Price Guide (www.hagerty.ca/valuationtools/HVT/VehicleSearch) the the facia to the lower side of the steering and the radiator and an air scoop was in- Union Jack decal replaced the TR6 logo models. A contemporary road test noted changed significantly resulting in more reduced to 125 bhp at 5000 rpm to meet column as a steering lock was added. Seat- average prices (as of August 2013)stalled for beneatha 1967 the TR4A, front valance.a 1968 The TR250 al- andon the 1973 rear wingTR6 ofare the Federal models. “the protesting creaks and groans from a luggage space, however, the existing scut- emerging European emissions regulations ing was improved with contoured and ad- chassis which still does not feel completely tle, doors and inner panels were retained. whilerespectively the corresponding US$25,244, fed- US$24,894 and US$15,169. It would appear that the variance narrows justable bucket seats with headrests pro- rigid on really rough roads.” The front and back had a more squared- eral cars had 104 bhp at 4500 vided in the Federal specification models. when considering a car conforming somewhere between condition #2 and condition #3 (i.e., Although the Karman designed body off look with a matte-black rear valance rpm. To Triumph’s credit, they For some reason, the fuel tank got smaller, was different, it cleverly was not as differ- and with the headlights moved out to the attemptedbelow exceptionalto keep the Federal concours condition) which would respectively average US$31,000, with only a 43 litre capacity compared to ent as first appearances might suggest. The wing edges, resulting in a more aggres- model’sUS$30,700 power output or US$27,700. consis- the 53 litres of the TR4A. TR6 essentially received new front and rear sive appearance and finally shedding the tent throughout which they The UK CP series (with PI), produced sections while the centre section remained rounded design of the earlier TRs. Triumph almost achieved despite some as the old TR4/5/250. The German studio retained the 2.5 litre in-line six-cylinder from 1969 to 1972, had a nominal 150 [INSERT TABLE]

TR4A TR250 TR6 (Federal Spec) Engine Inline 4 cast iron block Inline 6 cast iron block Inline 6 cast iron block Bore x stroke 3.4 in (86.0 mm) x 3.62 in (92.0 mm) 2.9 in (74.7 mm) x 3.7 in (95.0 mm) 2.9 in (74.7 mm) x 3.7 in (95.0 mm) Displacement 2,138 cc 2,498cc 2,498 cc Compression ratio 9.0:1 8.5:1 8.5:1-7.75:1 Horsepower DIN @ rpm 104 @ 4,700 111 @ 4,500 106 @ 4,900 Torque lbs/ft @ rpm 132.5 @ 3,000 152 @ 3,000 142 @ 3,000 Main bearings 3 4 4 Valve train push rod OHV with rocker arms push rod OHV with rocker arms push rod OHV with rocker arms TR6 dash panel was very Ignition system Lucas 22 D6 single contact breaker Lucas 22 D6 single contact breaker Lucas 22 D6 single contact breaker similar to the TR250 Carburetion 2 x Stromberg 175 CD with SUs after 2 x Stromberg 175 CD SE 2 x Stromberg 175 CD2 SEV except that chromed CT 62191 Electrical Lucas C40/I generator Lucas 15AC alternator Lucas 18ACR alternator bezels were reinstated Transmission 4 speed manual all syncro 4-speed manual all syncro 4-speed manual all syncro A-type OD (optional A-type OD (optional) A-type or J-type OD (optional) Differential 3.7:1 3.7:1 3.7:1 Steering Rack and pinion Rack and pinion Rack and pinion Brakes Girling 10 in disc front, 9 in drum Girling servo-assisted 10 ⅞ in discs Girling servo-assisted 10 ⅞ in disc rear front, 9 in drums rear front, 9 in drum rear Chassis/body Separate steel chassis, frame and Separate steel chassis, frame and Separate steel chassis, frame and body body body Seating 2 2 2 Front suspension Independent, upper and lower Independent, upper and lower Independent, upper and lower wishbones, coil springs and wishbones, coil springs and wishbones, coil springs and telescopic damper telescopic damper telescopic damper, anti-roll bar Rear suspension Independent, Armstrong coil springs Independent, Armstrong coil springs Independent, Armstrong coil springs and semi-trailing links and semi-trailing links and semi-trailing links Wheels Pressed steel 4.5J x 15 or 60-spoke Pressed steel 4.5J x 15 or 48-spoke Pressed steel 5.5J x 15 or 48-spoke wire wire or alloy wire Tyres Goodyear GP, Michelin X or Dunlop Goodyear G800 or Michelin X | 185 Michelin X or Goodyear G800 | 185 SP | 165-15 x 15 x 15 Wheelbase 7 ft 4 in 7 ft 4 in 7 ft 4 in The TR6 engine compartment is almost identical to the TR250 except for the air intake Overall length 12 ft 11 in 12 ft 11 in 12ft 11in Overall width 4 ft 10 in 4 ft 10 in 4ft 10in cowl at the front of the radiator and some additional rubber vent hoses Overall height 3 ft 10 in | 4 ft 2 in 3 ft 10 in | 4 ft 2 in 3 ft 10 in | 4 ft 2 in

34 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 35 In 1974, new interior trim included centre air conditioning. Michelin 185 SR-15s or the three cars seem quite happy to trundle door pulls while in 1975 rubber bumper Goodyear G800s were the standard tyres along all day at 90-100 km/h (55-60 mph) overiders were introduced to the Federal of the day but our test car was running on although the TR6 would feel more com- British Car ¼ page ad 2012 models and the front bumper raised. The Toyo Extensa 205/70R15s on standard 5½ fortable if it had an OD unit to drop the en- Editor's choice: horizontal or vertical layout. front indicator lamps were then moved J steel rims which very closely replicate gine revs from 3000 rpm to 2500 rpm. Dave under the bumper and an air injection the circumference of the original tyres. and John indicate that on a long trip, using system introduced. OD, they can achieve low to mid-30s mpg 7.5”x2.4375” The TR619.06cm also featured x 6.27cm the four-speed Conclusion (8.3 L/100km) while the non-OD TR6 tops all-synchromesh manual transmission with There are no winners or losers here. As out at 28-30 mpg (9.8 L/100km) with 24-26 optional overdrive initially using a Lay- with beauty or colour, it is really all in the mpg (12.1 L/100km) achievable on shorter cock-de-Normanville A-type which was re- eye of the beholder. These three variants runs. All three owners use premium (91 oc- placed by the J-type unit for 1973. The TR6 of the long-running Triumph roadster tane) gasoline, still managing to achieve or www.transportbooksalso continued with the semi-trailing arm range have their own distinct charms.com that better the reported fuel consumption of independent rear suspension, rack and will appeal to an aspiring16 Elrose owner. ThereAvenue the contemporary road tests. Transportpinion steering, 15-inch Books wheels, pile carpet is no doubt that the Toronto,scarcity of survivor Ontario According to the Hagerty Price Guide Cars, bikes,in both boatscockpit and and trunk planes… which was now numbers gives the TR4AM9M and the2H6 TR250 Canada an (www.hagerty.ca/valuationtools/HVT/Ve- hicleSearch) the average prices (as of Au- trucks, tractors,fitted with a courtesy tanks light. and Braking trains. was ac- edge when it comes to(416)744-7675 collectible value. complished by servo-assisted disc brakes In good mechanical order(800)665-2665 all three cars gust 2013) for a 1967 TR4A, a 1968 TR250 Canada's largestat selection the front and drum of brakes motoring at the rear. bookscan operate & comfortablymotorsport among modern videos and 1973 TR6 are respectively US$25,244, In addition to overdrive, options in- traffic. The TR250 and the TR6 are notice- US$24,894 and US$15,169. It would appear British Car bookscluded aa steelspecialty: hardtop, vinyl historical, tonneau ably pictorialsmoother and have & technical.better torque at that the variance narrows when consider- Mon-Sat 10am-5pmcover, AM or AM/FM - push-button free parking radio, lower – free speeds, mailinghowever overdrive list 2nd in ing a car conforming somewhere between wire wheels, cigarette lighter, luggage the A-type unit gives a very flexible ratio condition #2 and condition #3 (i.e., below rack, driving/fog lamps, rubber floor for in-town driving so the TR4A doesn’t exceptional concours condition) which mats, walnut gear shift knob, Koni adjust- suffer significantly in this regard. would respectively average US$31,000, 3.75”x 4.9375” 3 ¾ x able4 15/16 shocks, striping9.53cm kit, and x in12.55cm the U.S., According to the respective owners, US$30,700 or US$27,700. ragtop

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Canada's largest selection of motoring books & popular British Classics Global Parts & Car Logistics motorsports videos. TR2-8 Spitfire Herald British Car books a specialty: Stag GT6 Vitesse historical, pictorial & technical Dolomite 2000/2500 Mon-Sat 10am-5pm Visit our website free parking – free mailing list for prices All the parts and accessories and availability: you will ever need www.transportbooks.com ering www.rimmerbros.co.uk ee Ord 16 Elrose Avenue Toll Fr Free Toronto, ON M9M2H6 Canada tel: 01144 1522 568000 Catalogues (416)744-7675 (800)665-2665 fax: 01144 1522 567600 8.30am - 5.30pm UK Office Hours Mon - Fri Parts service for Land Rover, MG Rover and Jaguar also available email: [email protected] [email protected] LAND ROVER from 1998 to 2011 36 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 Ragtop I WInteR I 2013/2014 www.TorontoTriumph.comTriumph House, Sleaford Road, Bracebridge Heath, Lincoln, LN4 2NA. 17England

14 Ragtop.04.01.indd 17 14-01-14 11:28 AM historically speaking TRIUMPH DISTRIBUTORS Terence McKillen takes an historical look at the Standard-Triumph and British Leyland Distribution Network in Canada and discovers how his 1973 TR6 eventually made the journey to Toronto via Vancouver.

by Terence McKillen Mid- to late-1960’s Sports Cars Unlimited advertisement y S ale y y J erem y , b ,

year or so ago I ordered a in the country. Anyone with an B rack

certified copy of the Factory Record for my interest in sports and racing cars B ill

A and TR6 from the British Motor Industry Heri- would stop by the dealership for tage Trust in Gaydon, Warwickshire. My cu- the chance to hear a high perfor- M inis , riosity was piqued as to how Triumph cars mance engine running or just to U nlimited

made their way to Canada from the facto- savour the smell of hot Castrol R. ars C ries in Coventry and Liverpool. Frank was a sales representative website

After a bit of sleuthing and several and later sales manager at SCU for anada y 2010) S ports 2010) y C conversations with some knowledgeable many years. He recently showed a of (M acer ex-Standard-Triumph/BL Canada folks, I me a photograph taken in 1972 C lub R ar was able to add some further pieces to of the sales lot at SCU in Clarkson C the puzzle and figure out pretty well how and I like to think that my TR6, S aloon ): V intage a ):

most Triumph cars were transported to which is of the same vintage, may (01 top Canada and then distributed to various very well have been one of those (01B): B ritish (01B): dealerships across the country from the cars pictured on the lot. source B ottom port of arrival. I spoke with club Historian/ SCU was initially a BMC deal- I mage Archivist and Sponsorship Manager, Frank sissauga Auto Centre (MAC) on Lakeshore ership, adding Triumph to the mix after Manning, who has spent a lifetime in car Road West had formerly been a British car the corporate mergers in the UK. As well and automotive product sales. Philip Allen, dealership but I wasn’t aware that Sports as the existing MAC building and lot, SCU former Retail Service Manager for Leyland- Cars Unlimited (SCU) was one of the larg- also occupied a building on the east side Triumph Motors in Toronto and now owner est Triumph, MG, Jaguar (plus Austin, Mor- of Clarkson Road South, now home to Mc- of BritCar Service in Woodstock and Gra- ris, Lotus, Jensen and Volvo) dealerships Cleary’s Animal Hospital, which was used ham Phillips, former Service Technician at The former SCU sales lot is Gulliver Motors Limited in Burlington and today occupied by MAC later Service Manager at Budd’s British Cars in Oakville, kindly gave of their time and generously shared their knowledge base on Standard-Triumph and British Leyland sales and service issues during the 1960s and 1970s. I was not aware until recently that the

town of Clarkson where I have lived for the aps M past 25 years, used to be the Mecca for Brit-

ish sports car aficionados in the Toronto G oogle :

area during the mid-1960s to late-1970s. I source

knew that the premises of what is now Mis- I mage

Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 39 ook JENSENMERCEDES TRIUMPH AUSTIN-HEALEYAUSTIN ALVISJAGUAR ASTON BMW MARTIN C search / y M ichael y b ca . BENTLEY ROLLS-ROYCE SUNBEAM LOTUS CORD TVR as a showroom for the high end models. merica google A DAIMLER MG RALEIGH VAUXHALL . SCU continued in business more or less in www ars C BRISTOL PORSCHE ANGUS-SANDERSON ALLARD MORGAN until the demise of BL imports. Frank re- :// L R calls that for a time there was a separate https LANDROVER WOLSELEYNE RELIANT T riumph Standard-Triumph dealership (Laurentian from AUDI ARMSTRONG-SIDDELEY LANCHESTER STRAKER-SQUIRE Motors) at the eastern end of Clarkson lo- I nternet : source TROJAN INVICTA MORRIS ARGYLL cated in the dip of Lakeshore Road West at I nternet :

Johnson’s Lane. I mage Mk 1 Triumph Spitfires being transported to port TR6s being offloaded in Halifax from M.V. Laurentian source Cars destined for export would leave 905-953-0052 www.lnerautomotive.ca by Canley Car Deliveries Forest. I mage the Coventry or Liverpool factories on 9-car road haulage transporter units com- end up at the Wainwright Brothers docks Forest - each with a capacity of 2,250 cars prising lorry and trailer. The main port on the Solent. were in service for British Leyland on the destinations were Liverpool, Southamp- A number of independent car transport North Atlantic run from 1972. They were ton and Dagenham. If one considers the companies were used and I have found ref- operated by the Federal Commerce & Navi- number of finished units being moved to erence to James Car Deliveries Ltd. trans- gation Company Limited of Montreal ply- the various ports and the movement of porting TR7s from Solihull to Southampton ing between British ports and Montreal or semi-completed bodyshells between pro- in the early 1980s, and in the photograph Halifax, making a twice-monthly crossing. duction facilities to say nothing of the in- above, Canley Car Deliveries Limited’s Later, Atlantic Container Line (ACL) oper- bound delivery of component parts and transporter is taking a load of new Mk 1 ated Ro/Ro vessels delivering TR7s. supplies, there must have been tens, if not Spitfires for export (note white sidewall On the return, east bound voyage, the hundreds, of transport trucks plying their vessels would pick up a mixed cargo of pa-

tyres and LHD). Other transport companies aps way to and from Canley (Coventry) and engaged in the business included Mor- per products, asbestos and aluminum in- M

Speke (Liverpool) every day. tons of Coventry, Brady Transport, Mousley gots, primarily sourced from Quebec, for de- G oogle : In communication with Simon Gold- Trucking, Cartransport, Furness and Parker, livery to British or Northern European ports. source sworthy, Editor of ‘Triumph World’ maga- Motor Packing and Ellis Greaves. Frank recalls that some vessels may I mage zine in the UK, I have been able to confirm One of the reasons often that although the Canley and Speke plants advanced for the success of were located adjacent to mainline railways, Japanese car manufactur- it is to quote Simon, “unbelievable to most ers was the fact that their people that one of Britain’s biggest mass car plants were established producers of cars did not have any form of in coastal areas, adjacent to rail transportation.” The reason for the lack deep water ports and didn’t of rail transportation according to Simon have the same logistical is- can be attributed solely to cost. Everything sues faced by British manu- was done as cheaply as possible largely facturers whose production because the company rarely had access to sites were generally some capital for investment. distance from suitable ports The export delivery route would have and efficient production was European Classic Car Specialists used the newly built M1 motorway to Lon- further hindered by the as- Maintenance and Service don and on to the docks at Dagenham or sembly process often being northwards on the M6 motorway to Liver- split between plants several Complete Mechanical Repairs am pool, possibly using the back-haul capac- hundred miles apart. Dre ity of carriers that had transported semi- Regardless of the port of ur Complete Electrical Repairs o completed bodies between Speke and departure, the destination for Y Canley. Completed production units from cars entering Canada and the Parts New and Used s U the Speke 2 plant, mainly TR7s, would have northeast USA was either Hal-

Parts Fabrication g been taken along the A561 to the nearby ifax or the port of Montreal. n

i docks on Merseyside. The other port of ex- Interestingly, two Cana-

r Restoration of Body and Interior B port was Southampton which did not have dian-built (at St. Catherine’s) a major motorway link with either Coven- Roll-on-Roll-off (Ro/Ro) ves- try or Liverpool and transports would have sels – the M.V. Laurentian to wend their way along the A423/A34 to Forest and the M.V. Avon Samuel Williams Wharf at Dagenham - adjacent to the Ford (UK) assembly plant

40 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 Ragtop I Fall I 2013 www.TorontoTriumph.com 41 y J. S tein J. y 1946-1981 b 1946-1981 merica A

in have discharged cars in TR7s being loaded ing up a few extra miles on its odometer as take a few of the lads from the sales Sales of Triumph and MG cars in ars

C Toronto. Although I have it moved from ship to shore to train! floor or workshop over to Fairview the U.S. and Canada during the peak been unable to defini- After 1968, cars destined for the Toronto Street to drive the new cars back of the British export success (1962- S ports tively verify this, Philip Al- area were off-loaded and stored at British to Clarkson. High jinks aside, he 1977) were quite impressive. Among B ritish len also recalls that cars The MV Avon Forest, one of Leyland’s Burlington premises which had says they never lost a car en-route, the best sellers were the MGB as well from destined for the Standard- two Canadian vessels on the its own rail siding branching off the main although on at least one occasion as the MG Midget, the Triumph Spit- Triumph dealership on Eg- Halifax run from 1972 CN rail line. According to Philip, the stan- British Leyland management with- fire, the GT6 and the TR Roadsters : I nternet : linton Avenue West may, dard procedure at the time would have drew the warranty coverage from with the Jaguar XKE also adding to source

on occasion, have landed jpg been for Standard-Triumph/BL personnel some of the cars because they had the mix (up to 1974). MG car sales al- I mage at the Toronto docks. to inspect the cars and remove the cosmo- observed the lads roaring off in a ways held a slight edge over Triumph Once offloaded, the line rust preventives from the paint work cloud of dust and burnt rubber as and by 1969 BL was selling more than 41,000 vehicles a year in North cars were stored in a com- /09/54/0954507702. while checking for any shipping damage. If they conducted a drag race down to

pany compound in the necessary, North American lighting was fit- Lakeshore Road! America. A report in the Montreal aps M archives port of arrival before fur- / ted and the battery inhibitors which were Frank also mentioned that on Gazette newspaper (April 10, 1969) org . ther distribution across fitted for transportation were removed and one occasion, probably in 1972, ten reports that combined British Ley- G oogle :

Canada or into the north- returned to the UK for reuse. Repairs, if nec- TR6s arrived unexpectedly in Burl- land car sales in Canada in 1968 was source navsource .

east U.S. From Halifax and essary, would be carried out and the fluids ington equipped with the Lucas PI 13,500 vehicles and that the target I mage www Montreal, cars destined to : topped off. In Graham’s mind this work was fuel injection system rather than the The former British Leyland HQ at 4445 Fairview Street, Burlington for 1969 was set at 17,000 vehicles,

the Atlantic Provinces and source referred to as pre-PDI with the final PDI, Stromberg aspirated federal mod- which could have represented up to Quebec would be delivered by truck trans- Montreal from Ottawa with his father to including installation of accessories being els. They were LHD models but likely des- to be accepted in the U.S. with the federal a 33% share of the North American market. porters while those bound for Toronto and pick up a TR3A from the dockside. By the carried out by the local Triumph dealership tined for mainland Europe and were either emission regulations, so were retained in I have seen a reference to Triumph only points west were likely loaded on to rail time a car reached British Leyland Motors as part of the delivery/warranty service. placed on board the wrong ship or were Canada. Apparently, he had no difficulty car sales for 1973 in North America estimat- cars for their westward journey. TTC mem- in Vancouver for example, it would have Frank recounts that because Burlington not off-loaded prior to the North Atlantic selling these 150 bhp beauties to waiting ed at 20,000 vehicles. Other than reported ber, Kem Jones, remembers travelling to travelled over 6,000 miles but only clock- was so close to Clarkson, he would usually crossing. They were obviously not going buyers! above, separate sales figures are not read- Ragtop distribution provided by: J.D. AUTO SERVICES

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42 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 43 In ‘Triumph Newsletter’ BL’s car division had become the Austin (Jan-Feb 1978 issue), British Rover Group, marking the end of the Tri- TM Leyland’s North American umph marque (except for the Honda-based President, Graham W. White- Acclaim which would run on in UK markets EST.1989 head, reported that Triumph for another two years), and the end of all BL Klear Kustoms sports cars set new sales re- imports to Canada and the U.S. cords in 1977 with a total of Could one of those TR6s in Frank’s 29,258 cars, a 4% gain over photograph of the SCU lot back in 1972 1976, the previous record year. actually have been my car? I doubt it, as Out of this total 9,463 were I have discovered that my car was actu- Spitfires (up 38%), 18,068 were ally delivered to British Leyland Motors TR7 coupés, with the balance in Vancouver and it appears to have re- Ontario, Canada represented by the run-out of mained in BC for thirteen years before be- Late model Spitfires awaiting export the TR6 models. The company expected to ing brought eastwards to Ontario in 1985. ily available for the Canadian market but improve its leadership position in top-down It didn’t reach the GTA until I purchased it a reasonable rule of thumb, confirmed by cars for 1978. “We are the largest supplier of in 2010 from its previous owner who lived both Philip and Graham, is that the Canadi- convertibles in the U.S. market and have the in St. Catherine’s, some 38 years and 72,000 Classic Car Restoration an market place represents approximately widest range of sports cars,” commented miles later. ragtop 10-15% of the U.S. market, so in ‘round’ Whitehead. Unfortunately that lead and numbers, approximately 3,000-4,500 Tri- sales growth did not survive much longer. REFERENCES umphs would have been sold in Canada By 1980, the MGB and Midget were gone, www.google.ca www.navsource.org during the better years of the 1970s and and by August of the same year, so was the www.detroittriumph.org perhaps somewhere between 1,500 and Spitfire. By October 1981, the TR7 and TR8 British Sports Cars in America 1946-1981 by J. Stein 2,500 cars a year in the 1960s. production runs were over. By early 1982, Full or Partial Restorations ULTIMATE Car Care London Trading Post TRANSPORTATION Award Winning Custom Paint Classic British Countrywear PRODUCTS Langka - Professional In House Powder Coating www.londontradingpost.ca Paint Chip Repair Spencefield House SY LANGER 189 County Rd 49 In House Polishing 23 Markwood Lane Bobcaygeon, ON K0M 1A0 Manufacturer Approved Thornhill, Ontario L4J 7A6 Convertible Care Pre Purchase Inspections Tel/Fax: (705) 738-1956 Phone: 416-580-7327 Open most weekends Web: www.wheelwax.ca Appraisals DIY Power Bleeder for Sat. 10am-3pm Sun. 11am-3pm or by appointment Email: [email protected] Brakes/Clutches Engine Detailing Classic Car General Maintenance

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44 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014 tail lites by Terence McKillen YOU PAID HOW MUCH?

It seemed like we had a significantly slower prize, choose a red colour, WD-40 (238); PB Blaster (214); Liquid Wrench start to the classic car driving season last year followed by green and (127); Kano Kroil (106); AFT-Acetone mix (53). If you don’t mind paying too much with road salt still being applied well into then blue. Forty-four It could be worth a try next time you encoun- March and the record rainfall in May and June entrants came from the ter a stubborn bolt, stud or nut. for your parts, there is no need to certainly putting a damper on early summer United States with an ad- driving. The season was then abruptly cut ditional four cars from out of read any further. If you would like short in mid-November, not so much by the province. The top five car clubs represented This winter, I am planning to remove the light skiff of snow that fell on the 20th, but included in descending order, TTC, British original soft top from the Stag and replace by the copious amounts of salt that the city/ Saloon Car Club of Canada, MG Car Club of it with a new mohair top that I acquired ear- to buy your parts at the best prices region transportation works crews doled out Toronto, Hamilton Sports Car Club and the lier from Aldridge Trimming Ltd. of Wolver- on to the roads. I did nip out in early Decem- Austin Healey Club of Southern Ontario. The hampton, West Midlands. Aldridge’s is a in Canada, read on. Drakes’ British ber to fill up the Stag’s tank before sealing up breakdown in numbers of each model for family run business, founded in the 1930’s the garage doors. My classic driving totaled Triumph cars registered was: TR6 (82), Spit- to provide a local general trimming service 2,400 miles during the season, about equally fire (48), Stag (18), TR7 (16), TR3A (13), TR8 for cars of the 20’s and 30’s era. Over the Motors can supply any part from divided between the TR6 and the Stag, but (11), TR4 (8), GT6 (7), TR250 (5), TR4A (3), TR2 years, the business has evolved and ex- down 15-20% on the previous two years. Be- (1), TR3 (1), TR3B (1) and Herald (1). Lest you panded and has gained a world-wide repu- the Moss catalogs at the most side formal club outings and solo drives, I en- think Dave is a bit of a korinthenkacker – and tation for quality British made interior trim, joyed many regular impromptu drives with I’ll leave it to you to trace the etymology and to original standards. Aldridge’s focuses on reasonable cost to you. But, don’t other Triumph and MG friends. I even tagged meaning of the word – much of the informa- Jaguar (from the 1950s onwards), Austin along with North American classic car own- tion collected is useful in planning for future Healey, Triumph, Mercedes (from 1964 on- ers – is there no shame? If you want to get BCD events. wards) and British Ford cars (from the 60’s take our word for this. The next out and about and derive maximum benefit and 70’s). I’m looking forward to some ex- from your Triumph, why not team up with pert assistance from Tony Fox who has done time you need something, send us 1969 Triumph TR6 other like-minded aficionados in your area, the job “more than once before.” This is the 347th TR6 ever built that we brought back from California. The TTC members or not, and keep those wheels early 1969 TR6’s offer some unique features that set them apart from other turning. In the words of the late John Zachary an email for a quote. We will get TR6’s. We got the car from a fellow who intended to restore the car and DeLorean, “Live the Dream.” In August last year, as part of the general im- got as far as disassembling it all and painting the body (a few small flaws). provements planned for the Stag, I had Mario right back to you with a price. including the complete underhood detail. Being a California car for all its life Radice of Apple Auto Glass on Speers Road, (see the original license plate) has helped the car in that it has never had n order to encourage the fullest use of clas- Oakville take out the windscreen and dis- I any rust. We did a full rebuild on the engine with all the parts you would sic British cars, the British Car Council, of which card the old, hardened rubber surround and normally replace as well as oversize pistons, and the head rebuilt with stel- the TTC is a member, offers an annual “Long then re-fit the existing glass in a new rubber lite valves and hardened valve seats for unleaded fuel. The gearbox and Distance Award” for those who achieve 3,000 TR6 model co-coordinator, Wayne McGill, seal that I had sourced from Rimmer’s in the Many TTC members are already miles/5,000km (individual vehicles or combi- shared the results of a study done by “Ma- UK, also replacing the chrome finish strip. differential were also rebuilt, and a stainless steel exhaust system was fit- nation of vehicles) during the driving season chinist’s Workshop” magazine and reported Although Mario hadn’t tackled a classic car believers. Get in touch for a quote – ted. The complete brake system and suspension from front to back were all of April 1st through October 31st. Each partici- in their April-May 2007 issue which looked windshield in some time, he undertook the rebuilt and new tires fitted. It runs and drives great! The complete interior pating automobile must have the odometer at different penetrating oils to see which one task with confidence and achieved an excel- [email protected] including seats, carpets, top, panel kit, dashboard and dash pads were all read by a member of the club executive at the did the best job of removing a rusted bolt by lent looking result. However, he confessed to replaced with new correct parts. A new wiring harness was also installed. start and end of the contest. The award is a measuring the pounds of torque required spending quite a few more hours than antici- A nice wood rim Motolita copy steering wheel was fitted and the original specially struck dash plaque. to loosen the bolt once treated. A home- pated. Apple Auto Glass, regular advertisers unique 1969 steering wheel is also included. During the restoration we also made mixture comprising 50:50 automatic in the BCD programme, can also assist with replaced most of the chrome and trim as well as all the other small bits and transmission fluid and acetone was the clear seat rebuilding, interior trim, carpet installa- We are also a Canadian distributor for body rubbers that you would expect to replace in a restoration. Very fairly British Car Day Chair, Dave Sims, reports winner, beating out all of the well-known tion and soft top replacement and repairs. priced at $19,400 $17,900 that the number of Triumph’s present at the propriety penetrating oils. The ATF seems to Dayton Wire Wheels. 30th running of BCD was 236, making Tri- form an emulsion with acetone under mild umph the winning marque with 19 more agitation and upon standing, the liquids Readers are invited to forward contribu- than the rival MG marque. Dave also pro- will separate out. Some people report that tions for inclusion in TAIL LITES to AssistantE- vided me with a number of other interesting adding a small amount of diesel oil to the [email protected]. Topics can cover Drakes’ British Motors Inc. statistics relating to BCD. For instance, if you mixture helps reduce the emulsion. The re- any aspect of Triumph or other British classic (250)763-0883 Ph., (250)861-8051 Fax, email [email protected] want to have the best chance at winning a sults were as follows: no oil (516 ft lb torque); cars or general motoring trivia. ragtop 2286 K.L.O. Road, Kelowna, B.C., V1W 3Z7 WWW.DRAKESBRITISHMOTORS.COM 46 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Winter I 2013/2014

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