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 F a l l 2 0 1 1

28th Three Models ANNUAL Celebrate 50 Years

Souvenir Programme Presented by PARts & AccEssoRiEs FREE cAtAlogs contents 16 10

From the Editor ...... 5 20 From the President ...... 7 Featured Anniversary Marques Jaguar E-Type, 50 Years ...... 10 Triumph TR4, 50 Years ...... 16 MG Midget, 50 Years ...... 20 “Keep’em On The Road”™ Featured Clubs MG Car Club of Toronto ...... 22 Quality Parts & Accessories Fully illustrated catalogs with the parts you need. Specify your make and model to get a FREE catalog. Member’s Pages Club Hub ...... 31-33 Fast Service, Simple Ordering and Convenient, Quick Delivery.

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 f a l l 2 0 1 1 29 Features TR2, TR3, TR4, TR4A Club Events: MGA 100-4, 100-6, 3000 TR250, TR6 On the Cover 26th Canadian Classic Review . . . 35-39 MGB, MGC Sprite Canadian Classic Best in Capital TR7, TR8 Midget Show winners’ Don & Judy Classic Marque My Words: GT6, Spitfire Johnson’s 1972 Spitfire Ottawa Hosts Alpine, Tiger poses in front of Ottawa’s 26th Event Wayne’s World ...... 41-46 Museum of Civilization & Parliament buildings . Bits & Pieces: www.VictoriaBritish.com Ragtop starts on page 37 Ethanol & Octane Issues . . . . . 47-51 Photos by Mike Graham Shop Online ... Fast, Simple & Safe 1-800-255-0088 Orders - Catalog Request -Status and Don Johnson Wayne’s World • TR6 Sizing • Ethanol: Good or Bad? Tire Sizing ...... 52-54 British Car Day Programme • September 18, 2011 3 VICTORIA BRITISH LTD.® PO Box 14991, Lenexa, Kansas 66285-4991 from the editor

SUBMISSIONS Format: MS Word files are preferred. Send via 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 preferred. Graphics must be in major graphics for- mats, jpeg, tiff or Photoshop files. In Person: To the Welcome to British Car Day editor at the monthly meetings. Mail: 2421 Poplar Crescent, Mississauga, Ontario L5J 4H2 E-mail: [email protected] On behalf of the Toronto Triumph Club, I want to welcome you to the 28th annual British Car Day - The largest one-day British car show in ADVERTISING North America! Contact the Club’s advertising representative for There’s lots to see and do and we hope this special souvenir programme details of dates and submissions. Submit ads as high resolution (min 300 ppi) PDF files, saved for issue of Ragtop magazine will help you find the cars and vendors you want print in CMYK format, fonts embedded, by E-mail to see during your visit. There’s a handy map on pages 8 & 9, which shows to [email protected] The advertising year is from Jan.1 to Dec. 31. A you where everything is located in the park. copy of Ragtop is sent to all paid advertisers. Celebrating 50 years, the Jaguar E-Type, Triumph TR4 and MG Midget are our main featured models at this year’s show and we are hoping for a 2011 ADVERTISING RATES large turnout of each. Examples of each will be on show in a special display, adjacent to the Rear Cover ...... $500 per year Inside Front Cover ...... $475 registration area. You can read the histories of all of our featured models in this programme. Inside Back Cover ...... $450 The Charlie Conquegood memorial award will be presented to the best Triumph TR4 at Full Page Inside ...... $305 Half Page ...... $185 British Car Day. Please note that Participant’s Choice Judging can commence as soon as you Quarter Page ...... $115 arrive and this year will finish earlier - at 1pm. The awards ceremony will also start earlier Business Cards ...... $70 Full colour ...... $115 extra at 2pm by the registration area and we encourage everyone to attend to pick up their awards. Second colour ...... $75 extra Awards that aren’t claimed on the day will NOT be mailed out, as this puts undue financial Flyer Inserts ...... $190/issue (max 4 pgs) (All rates are for 4 issues, except flyers) strain on our club, however they will be available for pick-up at next year’s show in 2012. [email protected] I would like to thank the car clubs who contributed to this program and also our main sponsors - Crescent Oil, Budds’ Imported Cars and Lant Insurance for their invaluable support. 2011 SCHEDULE Please enjoy the show and this special edition of our magazine, the regular Ragtop issue Issue Deadline Mailed starts on page 29. BCD Spring ...... April 1 . . . . .End of April Summer ...... June 10 . . . . .End of July Fall/BCD Program . . .August 12 . Mid September David Fidler, Editor Winter ...... Nov. 18 . . .Mid December Thanks to Our Sponsors General Enquiries [email protected]

Ragtop is published quarterly by the Toronto Tri- umph Club Inc. (“TTC”) and is distributed to its members as part of their annual dues. The TTC or the Editors cannot accept responsibility for the safe return of any submitted material. We will do our best, but accidents do occur.

We accept no responsibility for errors or omis- British Car Day Committee British Car Day Programme sions. Opinions expressed are those of the authors Co-Chairs: David Tushingham & Editor & Publisher: David Fidler 905 .829 .9340 Tony Grosso and do not necessarily reflect those of the TTC Ex- Art Director: Michael Cleland ecutive or Membership. Secretary: Andrew Grace Copyright © 2011 by the TTC. Volunteer Coordinator: Chris Lindsay Advertising Sales: Ian Parkhill 905 .317 .3784 Non-profit groups may reprint articles from this David Fidler Sponsorship: Frank Manning Frank Manning publication, where the author has not reserved Vendors: Ian Parkhill & rights, provided we get credited and both the au- Alistair Wallace “British Car Day” ® is the registered trademark of the Toronto Triumph thor and TTC receive a copy of the publication in Club Inc . This programme and its contents may not be reproduced or Park Liaison: Wayne McGill its entirety. distributed by any means without permission of the TTC . Most articles and photography contained herein have been supplied by various Distribution by Pillar Direct Marketing Services. Computer Services: Vic Whitmore car clubs and are credited as such, where appropriate . This material Dave Copping remains their property and reproduction is expressly forbidden, except Printed by Printwell Offset for the Toronto Triumph by permission from them and the TTC . Club. Director of Communications: David Fidler Canada Post Publications # 40022175 Event Photographer: Larry Llewellyn Printed by Printwell Offset, Brampton, Ontario . Copyright © 2011 by the TTC .

British Car Day Programme • September 18, 2011 5

from the president

Executives President ...... David Tushingham 905 830. .9124 Vice President ...... Ian Parkhill 905 .637 .2034 Secretary ...... Andrew Grace 416 763. .3824 YOU Made It Happen! Treasurer ...... Chris Lindsay 416 .233 .7360 Membership ...... Scott Douglas 905 .334 .4020 Director of Communications . . . David Fidler 905 829. .9340 It is hard to believe as I write this message, Director at Large ...... Wayne McGill 905 847. 5532. Director at Large ...... Scott Douglas 905 334. .4020 there are only 14 days left until British Car Past President ...... Johan Aaltink 705 .456 4276. Day . . where did the summer go? Ragtop Magazine Again, I must thank all of the organiz- Editor & Publisher ...... David Fidler 905 829. .9340 ers of this year’s major events . Spring Fling Distribution . . . .Rod . Jones - Pillar Direct 416 755. 9494. Celebrating Over 105 Years in Business Art Director ...... Michael Cleland 905 873. 7704. was a great success thanks to the effort of Advertising Sales ...... Ian Parkhill 905 .637 .2034 David Fidler 905 829. 9340. Don and Judy Johnson . The Annual Sum- Club Photographer ...... Larry Llewellyn 416 .245 9217. mer BBQ organized by Brian Clark and Jack Website Willekes, followed closely by the “Around Web Manager ...... David Copping 905 827. .6970 Website Classifieds ...... Vic Whitmore 905 .889 .7261 Georgian Bay Tour” successfully lead by David Copping 905 827. .6970 Clive and Jaquelynne Huizinga . The Cana- CRESCENT OIL FEATURES Club Coordinators Meeting Coordinators ...... Ian Parkhill 905 637. .2034 dian Classsic was hosted by our friends at Scott Douglas 905 334. .4020 the Ottawa Valley Triumph Club and made Interclub Coordinator ...... Tony Fox 905 632. 0479. Ambassador at Large ...... Wayne McGill 905 847. 5532. memorable by the efforts of Mike, Pat, Don, Regalia . . . . . Clive & Jacquelynne Huizinga 905 .884 2091. Historians ...... Wayne McGill 905 847. 5532. and Martin . Frank Manning 905 643. 2359. We ask a lot of the individuals who or- Volunteer Coordinator ...... Chris Lindsay 416 .233 .7360 Sponsors ...... Frank Manning 905 643. 2359. ganize these events and donate their time Motorsports ...... Simon Rasmussen 905 .853 .2514 on behalf of the TTC to the benefit of us all . Marque Coordinators The last major event of the year is the Kendall GT-1 High Performance 20W-50 Motor Oil is TR2, 3, 3A & 3B ...... Malcolm Taylor 905 .880 0079. Alistair Wallace 905 627. .2941 28th annual British Car Day . As you can TR4, 4A, 5 & 250 ...... John Lille 416 231. .3092 fortified with additional zinc dialkyldithiophosphate TR6 ...... Fred McEachern 905 .727 2987. imagine, there is a tremendous amount of Spitfire-GT6 ...... Don Johnson 705 721. .1231 (ZDDP) additive to provide enhanced wear Ron Pincoe 519 941. .0976 organization needed . The British Car Day Committee has spent many months planning to Stag ...... Tony Fox 905 .632 0479. make this a successful event . Of course, it could never happen without the support of over protection and oxidation resistance. It is particularly TR7 & 8 ...... Larry. Llewellyn 416 245. 9217. 125 volunteers from all of our fellow clubs in the area . Thank you everyone . YOU are the effective in turbocharged engines and in high- Event Coordinators British Car Day Co-Chairs David Tushingham 905 830. .9124 Champions of the Day! Tony Grosso 416 .266 .7589 Shortly, I will be putting out the call for some hearty souls to “take up the torch” of or- performance engines with flat-tappet camshafts, 26th Canadian Classic ...... Ottawa Valley Triumph Club/ ...... David Tushingham ganizing a special event for the coming year . There is no denying there’s a tremendous especially during the critical break-in period. The Spring Fling 2011 ...... Don Johnson 705 721. .1231 Around Georgian Bay Tour . . . Clive Huizinga 905 884. 2091. amount of time and effort involved, but in the end, it’s always rewarding! newly formulated oil now contains Liquid Titanium Annual BBQ ...... Brian Clark [email protected] Hardtops on if you’ve got ‘em! Jack Willekes 905 .820 0269.

which improves fuel economy and provides extra General Mail/Membership protection against engine wear. Mail P .O . Box 39, Don Mills Ontario M3C 2R6 Cheers, Ragtop Mail & E-mail: — David Tushingham 2421 Poplar Crescent, Mississauga, ON, L5J 4H2 [email protected]

136 Cannon Street West, Hamilton

905 527 2432 • Free Delivery • 1 800 263 6483 British Car Day Programme • September 18, 2011 7 Show Vehicle Locations PUBLIC PARKING LOT Vendors Main Make Model/Years Class PUBLIC ENTRANCE Entrance AC ...... CC Bramhall Classic Autos A15, C12 Ace ...... CC For Show Aston Martin ...... BB Leatherique Canada Ltd . C7 Austin . . . . Sedans up to 1959 ...... WW British Vehicle Electric C6 Vehicles Austin . . . . . Sedans 1960 & later ...... XX Austin Healey . . . . 3000 ...... C British Cars (formerly Brit . Trains) C5 Austin Healey 100 & 3000 MK1 . . . . . D PUBLIC ENTRANCE PUBLIC ENTRANCE Crescent Oil C1 Austin Healey . . . . Sprite ...... F Austin Mini . . .Sliding Window ...... L OVER FLOW AREA Fly Away Books C8 Bentley ...... Coaches ...... JJ Hendriks Enterprises C4 Buses ...... VV REGISTRATION TREES Caterham ...... EE Dan Lawrie Insurance Brokers C9 Flea Market ROAD Area Cobra ...... CC Seven Emeralds C3 Daimler ...... SP250 ...... HH TTC Tent PATHWAY Daimler ...... Coaches ...... JJ Bespoke Off Road C10 WC Budds’ Delorean ...... YY Thomas Franks C2 A23 Jaguar & SNACKS Ford Anglia . . Sedans up to 1959 ...... WW Range rover & DRINKS ROW 5 ROW 4 ROW 1 ROW 2 ROW 3 Ford Anglia . . Sedans 1960 & later ...... XX B11 A16 Dream Cars Diecast C11 Featured Cars & Jaguar . . . . . Sedans 1988-2009 ...... LL “Meet The Stars” Awards B10 Jaguar . . . . . Sedans 1968-1987 ...... MM A15 ROW 9 Bill Brack & Presentation Jaguar ...... XK8 97-09 ...... NN C12 Craig Hill

Custom Car Posters B5 B9 A14 Location 10 ROW C11 Jaguar . . . . . XK Sports 97-09 ...... NN C10 F Jaguar ...... XJS 75-96 ...... OO FraserWood Collectibles B1 B8 A13 C9 Jaguar . . . . . Sports Pre 1961 ...... PP C8 CC Armchair Motorist B2 B7 A12 C7 WALKWAY Jaguar ...... SS ...... PP WALKWAY Jaguar . . . Sedans Pre XJ6 to 1968 . . . . . QQ

Minigrid B3 11 ROW A22 A11 Jaguar . . . . E-Type 6cyl Series 1 ...... RR Mini Mover B11 Flea Market Area A21 A10 Jaguar . . . . E-Type 6cyl Series 2 ...... SS ROW 5 ROW 4 ROW 6 ROW 7 ROW 8 Jaguar . . . E-type Series 3 1971-1974 ...... TT Vintage Sportscars/McFarling Sales B6 A20 A9 G J M WALKWAY WALKWAY Jensen ...... Y Young Imports B7 EE Lanchester . . . . . Coaches ...... JJ Vendor Area ILR Car Control School B10 U HH JJ Land Rover . . . . Post 1975 ...... A PATHWAY A19 A8 Land Rover . . . . . Pre 1975 ...... B

B D ROW 9 Dr . Doolin B9 W 10 ROW Lotus ...... Elan ...... DD A18 A7 KK Lotus ...... Esprit ...... DD

JD Auto B8 ROW 1 ROW 2 ROW 3 BB TREES Lotus ...... Europa ...... DD RB Racing B4 A17 A6 C6 Lotus ...... Exige ...... DD B6 A5 TREES C5 Lotus ...... Seven ...... EE C4 Marcos ...... HH B5 WALKWAY A4 C3 London Trading Post A1, A2 V Mayflower . . . . . Coaches ...... JJ C2 B4 A3 C1 A WALKWAY MG ...... T-Series ...... J ROW 5 British Autosports A3, A4 ROW 4 Z WALKWAY WALKWAY MG ...... Midget ...... G B3 GG II A2 11 ROW KDC Ventures A5, A6 MGA ...... K K B1 B2 A1 YY MacGregor British Car Parts A7, A8 L N MGB GT ...... I MGB Roadster Rubber Bumper 75-81 ...... E Transport Books A9, A10 WASHROOMS MGB Roadster Chrome Bumper 62-74 ...... H ROW 6 ROW 7 ROW 8 ROW 9 Q 10 ROW OAKVILLE MGC GT ...... I BMC A13, A14 WALKWAY S S T X Y AA DD FF LIONS MGC Roadster ...... I RF2 Mr . Grean A23 FOOD Mini ...... Sliding Window ...... L O P R E E H H I Mini . . . . . BMW early style ...... M ROW 2 Vintage Car Connection A16 ROW 3 TREES C ROW 1 MINI ...... BMW new style ...... M Ultimate Transportation Products A11 ROAD ROAD Misc Coaches ...... JJ Mini Collectible Wheels A17 ROAD CLOSED OO PP QQ RR SS VV Misc Sports ...... HH ROW 24 CLUB BOOTHS BUSES/COMMERCIAL VEHICLES Morgan ...... II

ROW 21 ROW 22 ROW MOTORCYCLES Formula One Images A18 UU Morris . . . . Sedans up to 1959 ...... WW British Saloon Morris . . . . . Sedans 1960 & later ...... XX Heritage Associates Dist . A12 TT Car Club of Canada Morris Mini . . .Sliding Window ...... L Citation (Meguiars) A19 WW Motorcycles . . . . All British ...... UU Transport Consultant A21 ROW 31 Nash . . . . . Sedans up to 1959 ...... WW Nash . . . . . Sedans 1960 & later ...... XX Simply British Foods A20 23 ROW WW Other Sports Cars ...... CC 4 & 20 Blackbirds A22 N WW Production Sedans up to 1959 ...... WW Production Sedans 1960 & later ...... XX ROW 32 Reliant ...... HH Kimberly Taylor Registration WW Rolls Royce . . . . All Models ...... KK TREES XX Rover ...... FF The Wandering Bean Co . RF 02 Sunbeam ...... Alpine ...... GG ROW 33 Olympic Softee Ice Cream RF 03 Sunbeam ...... Tiger ...... GG XX Sunbeam ...... Talbot ...... GG Budds’ Jaguar & Range Rover Registration Super 7 ...... EE TREES

ROW 22 ROW MM Triumph ...... TR2 ...... O ROW 21 ROW Triumph ...... TR3 ...... O Vendor denotes programme advertiser ROW 34 Triumph ...... TR3A ...... O MM Triumph ...... Herald ...... P

NN Triumph ...... Other ...... P Triumph ...... TR250/5 ...... Q ROW 35 Triumph ...... TR4 ...... Q NN Triumph . . . . . TR6 69-73 ...... R Sponsors Triumph . . . . . TR6 74-76 ...... S LL Anniversary Marques Featured Triumph ...... TR7 ...... T OAKVILLE ROW 36 Triumph ...... TR8 ...... U LIONS LL Triumph ...... GT6 ...... V FOOD Triumph . . . . . Spitfire to 73 ...... W Triumph ...... Stag ...... X Some of the Badges you will see at the show. Supplier of Kendall GT1 motor oil ROW 37 Triumph . . . . Spitfire 74 & later ...... Z Celebrating over 100 years Trucks ...... VV

TREES TVR ...... AA

8 September 18 2011 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 18 2011 9 Gil Melo’s Concours winning 1965 Featured Model E-Type Coupe – 99.96 points at the 2009 OJOA Concours D’Elégance

Great example of a Series 1 OTS at British Car Day

Sexy Cat 1961 FHC

1960 E2A by David Fidler Prototype – with help from Wikipedia and Google

Turns 501957 E1A Prototype Overview have been destroyed and two creased to 4.2 litres in October 1964.10 The Jaguar E-Type was initially designed others have been convert- All E-Types featured independent coil and shown to the public as a ed to coupé form. These spring rear suspension with torsion bar in two-seater coupé form (FHC or Fixed are exceedingly rare and front ends and four wheel disc brakes, in- Head Coupé) and as a (OTS or much sought after by collectors. board at the rear, all were power-assisted. Open Two Seater). The 2+2 version with • The “Low Drag Coupé” was a one- duction name E-Type (1): First Prototype Jaguar was one of the first vehicle manu- a lengthened wheelbase was released sev- off technical exercise which was ultimately (A): Aluminum construction (Production mule. Ownership of E2A passed to Roger facturers to equip cars with disc brakes as eral years later. sold to a Jaguar racing driver. It is presently models used steel bodies) Woodley (Jaguar’s customer competition standard from the XK150 in 1958. The Se- 1961 Autocar Magazine announcement On its release Enzo Ferrari called it believed to be part of the private collection The car featured a monocoque design, car manager) who took possession on the ries 1 can be recognized by glass-covered “The most beautiful car ever made” 3 of the current Viscount Cowdray. Jaguar’s fully independent rear suspen- basis the car not be used for racing. E2A headlights (up to 1967), small “mouth” (229 mm) longer and the roof geometry The model was made in three distinct The New York City Museum of Mod- sion and the well proved “XK” engine. had been scheduled to be scrapped. Rog- opening at the front, signal lights and tail- is different. The roadster remained a strict versions which are now generally referred ern Art recognised the significance of the The car was used solely for factory tests er’s wife Penny Griffiths owned E2A until lights above bumpers and exhaust tips un- two-seater. to as “Series 1”, “Series 2” and “Series 3”. E-Type’s design in 1996 by adding a blue and was never formally released to the 2008 when it was offered for sale at Bon- der the number plate in the rear. Less widely known, right at the end of A transitional series between Series 1 and roadster to its permanent design collec- public. The car was eventually scrapped ham’s Quail Auction. It eventually sold 3.8 litre cars have leather-upholstered Series 1 production and prior to the transi- Series 2 is known unofficially as “Series tion, one of only six automobiles to re- by the factory. for US$4,957,000.5 bucket seats, an aluminum trimmed cen- tional “Series 1½” referred to below, a very 1½”. ceive the distinction.4 tre instrument panel and console (changed small number of Series 1 cars were produced In addition, several limited-edition E2A (1960) Production versions to vinyl and leather in 1963) and a Moss with open headlights.11 Production dates on variants were produced: Concept versions Jaguar’s second E-Type concept was E2A Series 1 (1961–1968) 4-speed gearbox that lacks synchromesh these machines vary, but in right hand drive • The “’Lightweight’ E-Type” which E1A (1957) which, unlike the E1A, was constructed The Series 1 was introduced, initially for for 1st gear (“Moss box”). 4.2 litre cars form production has been verified as late as was apparently intended as a sort of fol- After the company’s success at the Le- from a steel chassis with an aluminum export only, in March 1961. The domestic have more comfortable seats, improved March 1968.12 The low number of these cars low-up to the D-Type. Jaguar planned to Mans 24 hr through the 1950s, Jaguar’s body. This car was completed as a race UK market launch came four months later brakes and electrical systems and an all- produced make them amongst the rarest of produce 18 units, but ultimately only a defunct racing department was given car as it was thought by Jaguar at the time in July 1961.10 The cars at this time used synchromesh 4-speed gearbox. 4.2 litre cars all production E Types. dozen were reportedly built. Of the brief to use D-Type style construc- it would provide a better testing ground. the triple SU carburetted 3.8 litre 6-cylin- also have a badge on the boot proclaiming Following the Series 1 there was a tran- those, one is known to tion to build a road-going E2A used a 3-litre version of the XK en- der Jaguar XK6 engine from the XK150S. “Jaguar 4.2 Litre E-Type” (3.8 cars have sitional series of cars built in 1967–68, , replacing the gine with a Lucas fuel injection system. The first 300 cars built had flat floors and a simple “Jaguar” badge). Optional extras unofficially called “Series 1½”, which are XK150. After retiring from the LeMans 24 external hood (bonnet) latches. These cars included chrome spoked wheels and a de- externally similar to Series 1 cars. Due to It is suspected that hr the car was shipped to America to be are rare and more valuable. After that, the tachable hard top for the OTS. American pressure the new features were the first prototype (E1A) used for racing by Jaguar privateer Briggs floors were dished to provide more leg A 2+2 version of the coupé was added open headlights, different switches and was given the code based Cunningham. In 1961 the car returned to room and the twin hood latches moved to in 1966. The 2+2 offered the option of an some de-tuning (with a downgrade of twin on: (E): The proposed pro- Jaguar in England to be used as a testing inside the car. The 3.8 litre engine was in- automatic . The body is 9” Zenith-Stromberg carbs from the original D-Type 10 September 18, 2011 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 18, 2011 11 Series 2 E-Type OTS

wheelbase FHC body style was discontin- ued and the V12 was available only as a convertible and 2+2 coupé. The convert- ible used the longer-wheelbase 2+2 floor- plan. It is easily identifiable by the large cross-slatted front grille, flared wheel triple SU carbs) for US models. Some Se- Late Series 1½ cars also had ribbed cam arches and a badge on the rear that pro- ries 1½ cars also have twin cooling fans covers. The interior and dashboard were claims it to be a V12. There were also a and adjustable seat backs. Series 2 features also redesigned, with rocker switches that very limited number of 4.2 litre six-cyl- were gradually introduced into the Series 1, met US health and safety regulations be- inder Series 3 E-Types built. These were creating the unofficial Series 1½ cars, but ing substituted for toggle switches. The featured in the initial sales literature. It is always with the Series 1 body style. dashboard switches also lost their sym- believed these are the rarest of all E-Types An open 3.8-litre car, actually the first metrical layout. New seats were fitted, of any remaining. such production car to be completed, was which purists claim lacked the style of the Graham Robson lists production at 15,290.14 tested by the British magazine The Motor originals but were certainly more comfort- Series 3 production numbers in 1961 and had a top speed of 149.1 mph able. Air conditioning and power steering from xkedata.com:15 (240.0 km/h) and could accelerate from were available as factory options. FHC OTS 2+2 TOTAL Production according to Graham Rob- 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 7.1 seconds. A fuel S3 0 7,990 7,297 15,287 consumption of 21.3 miles per imperial son is 13,490 of all types.14 gallon (13.3 L/100 km; 17.7 mpg-US) was Series 2 production numbers 15 Limited editions recorded. The test car cost £2097 includ- from xkedata.com: FHC OTS 2+2 TOTAL Two limited production E-Type variants ing taxes.13 S2 4,855 8,628 5,326 18,809 were made as test beds, the Low Drag Production numbers from Official delivery numbers by market and year Coupe and Lightweight E-Type, both of Graham Robson:14 are listed in Porter’s book6, but no summary which were raced: • 15,490 3.8s totals are given. • 17,320 4.2s • 10,930 2+2s Low Drag Coupé (1962) Production numbers from Series 3 (1971–1975) Shortly after the introduction of the E- xkedata.com:15 A new 5.3 L 12-cylinder Jaguar V12 en- Type, Jaguar management wanted to in- FHC OTS 2+2 Total gine was introduced, with uprated brakes vestigate the possibility of building a car S1 3.8 7,670 7,828 0 15,498 and standard power steering. The short more in the spirit of the D-Type racer from S1 4.2 5,830 6,749 3,616 16,195 S1.5 1,942 2,801 1,983 6,726 TOTAL 38,419

Series 2 (1969–1971) Open headlights without glass covers, a wrap-around rear bumper, re-positioned and larger front indicators and tail lights below the bumpers, better cooling aided by an enlarged “mouth” and twin electric fans and uprated brakes are hallmarks of Series 2 cars. De-tuned in the US with twin Strombergs and larger valve clear- ances, but still with triple SUs in the UK and the much tighter valve clearances, the engine is easily identified visually by the Series 3 change from smooth polished cam covers E-Type V12 to a more industrial “ribbed” appearance.

12 September 18, 2011 • British Car Day Programme 1962 Low Restored Linder-Nocker Low Drag Coupé, Drag Coupé originally a Lightweight model exception of the windscreen, of aluminum alloy in the body pan- Motor sport XJ13 and the XJS. JCNA concours guide referred to above with produc- all cockpit glass was Perspex. A els and other components. How- Bob Jane won the 1963 Australian GT 2. The Daily Telegraph. UK. http://www.tele- tion dates for right hand drive cars as reflected in the which elements of the E-Type’s styling and tuned version of Jaguar’s 3.8-litre ever, with at least one exception, Championship at the wheel of a “light- graph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?xml=/motor- XKEdata database at http://www.xkedata.com/ ing/2008/03/15/mfcars5.xml&page=2 design were derived. One car was built to engine with a wide-angle cylinder it remained an open-top car in the weight” E-Type.16 13. “The Jaguar E-type”. The Motor. 22 March 1961. 3. Classic Car Review 1964, article by Sean Curtis 14. Robson, Graham. A–Z British Cars 1945–1980. test the concept designed as a coupé as its head design tested on the D-Type spirit of the D-Type to which this Malcolm Sayer The Jaguar E-Type was very success- 4. New York Museum of Modern Art http://press. Devon, UK: Herridge & Sons. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3. monocoque design could only be made rig- racers was used. Air management car is a more direct successor than ful in SCCA Production sports car racing moma.org/images/press/PRESS_RELEASE_AR- 15. http://www.xkedata.com/stats CHIVE/AUTO.pdf id enough for racing by using the “stressed became a problem and, though a higher the production E-Type, which is more of a with Group44 and taking the 16. Chambers, Cliff. E-Type turns 50, Unique Cars, 5. Bonhams Auctioneers. http://www.bonhams. Issue 323, Apr 13 - May 13, 2011, page 60 skin” principle. Previous Jaguar racers performing vehicle than its production GT than a sports car. The cars used an alu- B-Production championship with a Se- com/cgi-bin/public.sh/pubweb/publicSite.r?sContin were built as open-top cars, because they counterpart, the car was never competitive. minum block tuned version of the produc- ries-3 V12 racer in 1975. A few years lat- ent=USA&screen=lotdetailsNoFlash&iSaleItemNo =3965994&iSaleNo=16133&iSaleSectionNo=2. An Important Note... were based on ladder frame designs with The only test bed car was completed in tion 3.8-litre Jaguar engine with 300 bhp er, Gran-Turismo Jaguar from Cleveland 6. Porter, Philip (2006). Jaguar E-type, the defini- You may be more familiar with Jaguar’s independent chassis and bodies. Unlike the summer of 1962, but was sold a year later to output rather than the 265 bhp produced Ohio campaigned a 4.2-litre 6-cylinder tive history. p. 443. ISBN 0-85429-580-1. most revered sports car as having the name steel production E-Types, the LDC used Jaguar racing driver Dick Protheroe. Since by the “ordinary” version. All factory-built FHC racer in SCCA production series and 7. “’69 Series 2 Jaguar E Types”. Autocar. 24 Octo- ber 1968 “XKE”. Jaguar purists insist that the proper lightweight aluminum. E-Type designer then it has passed through the hands of sev- lightweights are fitted with fuel injection. in 1980 won the National Championship 8. The Complete Official Jaguar “E”. Cambridge: 1 term is “E-Type” and all of the non-market- Malcolm Sayer retained the original tub eral collectors on both sides of the Atlantic The cars were entered in various races, in the SCCA C-Production Class, defeat- Robert Bentley. 1974. p. 12. ISBN 0-8376-0136-3. ing literature from the factory referred to with lighter outer panels riveted and glued and is now believed to reside in the private but unlike the C-Type and D-Type racing ing a fully funded factory Nissan Z-car 9. “Jaguar E-Type Specifications”. http://www. web-cars.com/e-type/specifications.php. their popular two-seater (and 2+2) as such. to it. The front steel sub frame remained in- collection of the current Viscount Cowdray. cars, they did not win at Le Mans or Se- team driven by Paul Newman. BCD 10. “Buying a secondhand E-type Jaguar”. Autocar: “XKE” has found its way into popular cul- tact, the windshield was given a more pro- bring, but were reasonably successful in References pages 50–52. 6 April 1974. ture however. It is also a fact that the factory nounced slope and the rear hatch was weld- Lightweight E-Type (1963–1964) private hands and in smaller races. 1. http://www.lboro.ac.uk/service/publicity/news- 11. See Jaguar Clubs of North America concours in- releases/2005/37_sayer.html. formation at: http://www.jcna.com/library/concours/ used the term in their sales efforts, so they ed shut. Rear brake cooling ducts appeared Twelve cars plus two spare bodies were One Lightweight was modified into a [Photo caption] The late Malcolm Sayer, who was a index.php and more specifically the actual Series can’t be too offended by its use. At various next to the rear windows, and the interior made by Jaguar. Low-drag Coupe (the Lindner-Nocker car) student at Loughborough University’s Department of 1½ concourse guide at http://www.jcna.com/library/ times, even the terms “XK-Engineering” trim was discarded, with only insulation In some ways, this was an evolution of and many were fitted with more powerful Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering in 1938, concours/2006/e-type1.5.pdf was the designer of the C, D and E-type Jaguar, the 12. Compare right hand drive VIN numbers given in and “XK-Elegence” was employed. around the transmission tunnel. With the the Low Drag Coupé. It made extensive use engines as developments occurred. The Cat’s Cradle Jaguar Specialists

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14 September 18, 2011 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 18, 2011 15 Featured Model

Triumph Meet The Stars Craig Hill by Frank Manning - Historian

TR-4 Craig, who had driven everything from stock cars to dirt track midgets, burst onto the road racing scene in 1959, when he Turns 50 won the first professional sports car race in Canada. by Frank Manning - Historian The race took place at Harewood Acres Its Life on the Track American market. The North and was billed as the CRDA 500. Craig and his In 1959 the sales department at Standard Tri- The truth was that the TR-3 was near- American dealer co-driver, Ray Carter, won the event outright umph realized they had a serious problem. ing the end of its life span. The competition network was anx- with Hill taking the checkered flag driving his The TR-3 was still doing well in inter- was now building cars with independent iously awaiting the international rally program. This ambitious XKSS Jaguar. national rallys, capable of winning their suspension, 4 wheel disc brakes, proper arrival of an all new program included the Tulip rally, the Alpine Craig’s continued success behind the wheel class in local race meets and despite its heating, defrosting and wind up windows. sports car, the TR-4. rally and the famous Monte Carlo. Not to be of the lightweight Jaguar had not gone unno- obvious shortcomings, the car was still The era of the open roadster with plastic Early in 1962, the Standard Triumph outdone, the factory entered a full team of ticed. selling well in the all important North side curtains was over. factory in England embarked on a serious highly tuned TR-4 intended to enter the Le When Standard Triumph Canada Limited Mans 24 hour endurance race in France. formed their factory backed race team, they Meet The Stars During this same period, three TR-4s were quick to sign rising star, Craig Hill to drive were sent to Kas Kastner’s North Ameri- their heavily modified Triumph TR-4, leaving can Triumph racing shop. The cars were Englishman Raymond Gray to drive the team by Frank Manning - Historian Bill Brack prepared and immediately shipped to Spitfire. From 1963 to 1969, Craig drove the TR-4 and later on, Triumph GT6 at ma- In the beginning, Bill and his longtime friend, Ted a full blooded road race car and saw action at Vancouver, Canada, where they competed jor motor sports events across Canada and the United States, achiev- Slavins opened a small neighbourhood car lot in old abandoned airport race tracks like Harewood at the Shell 4000 rally. This prestigious ing class wins at Sebring with Ludwig Heinrath as second driver. rural Oakville. They worked out of a derelict gas Acres, near Jarvis. event garnered a great deal of press and By 1969, Standard Triumph was taken over by British Le- station and a trailer, buying and selling used Brit- In its final configuration as a Cooper S, the car public interest. All three TR-4s finished yland and the competition departments were closed. Craig ish cars. was developed into a very potent racing machine re- the event, taking the coveted team prize moved on to open wheel formula cars, competing with his As they became known and their reputation portedly weighing less than 900 lbs. while develop- on their arrival in Montreal. Lotus 61 and 69 and the Brabham BT40 against the top teams grew, and with a potential deal in their back pock- ing over 130 brake horsepower. To support this rally race program, Stan- in North America. ets to carry MG, they moved east to the village of After considerable success with the Cooper, win- dard Triumph entered into uncharted wa- Craig went on to win the Canadian driver’s title twice and was Clarkson, now a part of Mississauga. ning the Canadian touring car championship in 1967, ters by running a series of very bold, hard inducted into the Motorsport Hall of Fame in 1996 by racing legend, I am not sure who came up with the name Sports Bill moved on to open wheeled formula cars. With hitting full page ads in the American maga- Dan Gurney. Cars Unlimited, however, the name stuck and the many outright wins Bill went on to win the Canadian zine, Playboy. This raised a few eyebrows I have invited Craig to join me at British Car Day, business grew. championship for 3 consecutive years and was the in conservative Great Britain, but was very the 50th anniversary of the Triumph TR-4 I believe I have the earliest known photo of Bill and Ted hand- first to be inducted into the Motorsport Hall of Fame in 1993. successful on this side of the Atlantic. to discuss preparing, building and rac- ing over the keys of a new car to a delighted female customer. I am These days Lotus is back with product that many automotive The Standard Triumph competition ing a TR-4. sure Bill will be after me for a copy for his files. critics are calling the best all round sports car available today. With department in England was now enjoying You can locate our display next to During this period, Bill purchased a Morris 850 and decided Lotus back on the formula 1 circuit, what better time for Bill to re- rally success on both sides of the ocean. the registration building. to go ice racing on frozen lakes in the Muskokas. Having gained turn to his roots and head the Lotus sales team at Toronto’s Gentry This seemed like the opportune time to es- experience at the wheel of the Morris, the car was rebuilt into Lane (Please see their ad on page 4 - Ed.). tablish a serious race program in Canada and the USA.

16 September 18, 2011 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 18, 2011 17 Standard Triumph, based in Toronto, driving your car to the track, remov- high speed hill climb. My last outing was Canada, put together a race group known ing your license plates, taping up your the Vintage Auto Sprints at Christie conser- as Team Triumph, led by Craig Hill driv- vation area in 1995. While the car ran very J.D. AUTO SERVICES headlights and trying very hard to keep ing the TR-4. When Craig required a your car on the track. This was all im- poorly, due to a malfunctioning fuel pump, it backup or second driver for long distance portant as, in most cases, you had to was a real thrill to be involved and to spend endurance events such as Sebring, Porsche drive your car home and to work on the time with Mr. John Surtees, a Formula 1 star driver, Ludwig Heimrath was brought in Monday morning! and one of my boyhood heroes. to complete the team. In this motor sport era, even the big In 1995, I made the decision that the A similar race program was undertaken Can-Am and Formula 1 stars drove to the car deserved a full sympathetic restora- in the USA by Triumph North America track in a pickup truck, towing a race car tion, undertaken by Martin and Steve who appointed Kas Kastner as their tech- in an open trailer. The official tow vehicle Beer of Reg Beer Coachbuilders in Bolton nical race manager and featured motor of Team Triumph was a Ford Ranchero. (please see their ad on page 24 - Ed.). sport ace, Bob Tullius. This team became That was the curious half car, half truck Their impeccable workmanship and great known as Group 44. that Ford built to compete with the Chev- attention to detail has seen the car in the Both teams enjoyed great success on rolet El Camino winner’s circle at prestigious events like both sides of the border. Never forgetting that this was my daily the Vintage Festival at Watkins Glen. My own TR-4 was one of the first to be driver, requiring a substantial (at that time) This year the TR-4 is the anniversary shipped to these shores, purchased in 1963 payment every 30 days to Trader’s Finance model. My car will be on display with the at Standard Triumph Canada in Toronto. Corporation, I restricted my motor sport ac- other anniversary models, next to the regis- Club racing in those days meant tivities to weekend rallies and an occasional tration building. Drop by and see us. BCD

Sports Cars Unlimited Josip (Joe) Dukova by Frank Manning - Historian In the early days, I worked for Standard and distributor of Lotus. IMPORT, DOMESTIC & SPORTSCARS Triumph in Toronto. These were the Models available from Lotus were 301 Rexdale Blvd . Unit C, Etobicoke, Ont . M9W 1R8 days when Triumph stood alone and the diminutive Super 7, the mid en- Tel: (416) 746-1048 • Fax: (416) 746-9935 MG and Jaguar were rivals. gine Lotus Europa and the Lotus Elan. Later on, I worked with the larg- Special orders were taken to supply est BLM group in the country, first in single seat, open wheel formula race sales and then in sales management. cars shipped directly from the factory This group consisted of BUA, Brit- in Norfolk, England. ish United Automobiles, Coventry I am always amazed when attend- Motors in Toronto and our flagship ing a British car gathering, how many BRITISH CAR See Frank’s TR-4 by the registration building location, Sports Cars Unlimited in the people tell me that they drove or even village of Clarkson (Still a car sales lot today - Ed.). hitchhiked for miles to visit this British car Mecca. Sports Cars Unlimited were the quintessential dealer for Brit- This became a favourite destination for the arts community in REPAIR SHOP ish built classics. We the market for a British vehicle. I had the pleasure of doing busi- sold and serviced the ness with some of the top singers, songwriters and musicians of • TRIUMPH Rexdale Blvd . complete line of Tri- that era, people like James Taylor and Carly Simon. Although they umph, MG and Jag- didn’t purchase anything, they spent the morning photographing • MG uars as well as being some of their favourite exotics. • LOTUS the exclusive importer During this period, a number of us went motor racing and two 301 Frank in his beautifully of our own, Bill Brack and Craig Hill, went on to become part • JAGUAR Rexdale Blvd . restored race prepared of our motor sport history (See “Meet the Stars” on pages 16 & Martin Grove TR-4 17 - Ed.). • SAFETY & E-TESTING

18 September 18, 2011 • British Car Day Programme Featured Model

1974 Mk111 from Joseph Minkowitz

MGby John Burrows Midget at 50 - President MGCCT

he MG Midget name has been dard, but wire-spoked ones Taround since the 1930s, but the story of remained an option. US-spec the modern MG Midget really starts in cars received several safety 1958 with the introduction of the Austin additions: a padded fascia Healey Sprite Mk1 known as the Frogeye (dashboard) with smaller in the UK and the Bugeye in North Amer- Julian Andrews’ 1978 Red Mk4. Rubber Bumper main gauges; collapsible ica. From the outset, the Sprite had been steering column, scissor-type designed to be of unitary construction, and torque to 65 lbf·ft at 3500 rpm. hood hinges, a third windshield wiper, ad- with the floorpan and body being built as A total of 26,601 were made. ditional side marker lights, and anti-burst one strong, rigid structure. Stiffness was door latches. The rear axle gear ratio was provided by box-like sections sills and MG Midget MKIII (1966–1974) increased in 1968 to 3.9:1, giving 16.5 mph crossmembers, a deep transmission tun- The engine now grew to 1275cc using the for every 1000 RPM. The increased gear nel, the scuttle, and the box shaped boot. development seen on the Mini-Cooper ‘S’. ratio gave the 1275cc model slightly better At the front, the crossmember for the sus- Enthusiasts were disappointed that this was fuel economy than the 1098cc model. pension and steering was carried on a pair a de-tuned version of the 75bhp @ 5800 In August 1971 the compression ratio of chassis legs which projected forwards rpm Cooper ‘S’ engine, giving only 65 hp on North American engines was reduced from the scuttle bulkhead. at 6000 rpm and 72 lbf·ft at 3000 rpm. A re- to 8.0:1. Engine power output fell to 54.5 The suspension was the same as the duced compression ratio of 8.8:1 was used bhp @ 5500 RPM and 67 lb-ft of torque Austin upon which it was based, with instead of the 9.75:1 employed on the Coo- @ 3250 RPM. John Peter Smit’s 1979 White Rubber Bumper Midget converted to Chrome Bumper. double wishbones and coil springs where per S engine. The Midget used the 12G940 The square-shaped rear wheel arches the upper wishbone was provided by the essence this body style continued through In October 1962 the engine was increased was recorded. The test car cost £689 in- cylinder head casting that was common to became rounded in January 1972. Also in lever arms of the dampers. The Austin’s until production ceased in 1979. The man- to 1098cc, raising the output to 56 hp at cluding taxes on the UK market.1 other BMC 1300 cars, whereas the Coo- this year, a Triumph steering rack was fit- steering was replaced by a rack and pinion agement of BMC thought that there was an 5500 rpm and 62 lbf·ft at 3250 rpm and disc per ‘S’ had a special head with extra-large ted, giving a gearing that was somewhat set-up as used in the Morris Minor. The opportunity for a deluxe version of this and brakes replaced the drums at the front. Wire- MG Midget MKII (1964–1966) valves: however, these valves caused many lower than earlier Midgets. A second ex- Minor was also the source for the hydrau- called it the MG Midget. spoked wheels became available. Externally the main changes were to the ‘S’ heads to fail through cracking between haust silencer was also added in 1972. Al- lically-operated rear brakes, although the The doors had no external handles or doors, which gained wind-up windows, the valve seats. The detuned engine was ternators were fitted instead of dynamos rear axle was from the baby Austin. The MG Midget MKI (1961–1964) locks and the windows were sliding Per- swiveling quarter lights, external handles used for reasons of model range place- from 1973 onwards. For 1974 model year, axle was mounted on stiff quarter-ellipti- The first version was essentially a slightly spex side-screens. A heater was an op- and separate locks. The windscreen also ment - with the Cooper ‘S’ spec engine rubber bumper extensions were added to cal springs controlled by lever arm damp- more expensive badge-engineered version tional extra. gained a (slight) curvature and was retained the Midget would have been faster than the chrome bumpers to meet the first US ers. The Sprite was noted for having the of the Austin-Healey Sprite MKII and Production was 16,080 of the small- in a more substantial frame. The hood (US the more expensive MGB. The hydraulic bumper impact regulations. headlights mounted on top of the hood retained the quarter-elliptic sprung rear engined version and 9601 of the 1098. – soft top), though modified, continued system gained a separate master cylinder Many consider the round-arch Midgets (bonnet) and no trunk lid (boot) but you axle from the original Sprite. The engine A car with the 948cc engine was test- to have a removable frame that had to be for the clutch. The soft top was now per- with chrome bumpers produced for model 1 could actually carry a third person curled was a 948cc A-Series with twin 1 /4” SU ed by the British magazine The Motor in erected before the cover was put on. The manently attached to the car, with an im- years 1972 and 1973 to be the most desir- up in the trunk, so long as the police did carburetors producing 46 hp at 5500 rpm 1962 and had a top speed of 87.9 mph rear springs were replaced by more conven- proved mechanism making it much easier able. These round-arch cars started leav- not spot you! and 53 lbf·ft at 3000 rpm. Brakes were 7” (141.5 km/h) and could accelerate from tional semi-elliptical types which gave a to use. There were minor facelift changes ing the Abingdon factory in late 1971. In 1961 the Sprite Mk11 was introduced drums all round. A hard top, heater, radio 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 18.3 seconds. A better ride. The engine block was strength- to the body in 1969, with the sills painted Between 1966 and the 1969 face lift with a more conventional body style, fend- and luggage rack were available as factory fuel consumption of 40.2 miles per impe- ened and larger main bearings were fitted, black and a revised recessed black grille. 22,415 were made, and a further 77,831 er mounted headlights and a trunk lid. In fitted extras. rial gallon (7.03 L/100 km; 33.5 mpg-US) increasing the power to 59 hp at 5750 rpm Rubery Owen “Rostyle” wheels were stan- up to 1974.

20 September 18, 2011 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 18, 2011 21 Active since 1955 the MG Car Club of Toronto is one of the oldest MG Clubs in North America and supports all models of the MG marque .

The club meets on the 2nd Tues- day of each month (September - May) at the Canadian Air & Space Museum in Downsview Park . Visitors and new members are always welcome . For more information and a complete schedule of club events, please visit our website at www .mgtoronto .com Mike Payne’s Blue 1962 Mk1 Midget. No door handles

MG Midget 1500 (1974–1980) umph Spitfire and a modified Morris Ma- to increase the body strength.1 The last To meet US federal regulations, large black rina gearbox with synchromesh on all four car was made on December 7, 1979, after plastic bumpers (usually called rubber gears. The increased displacement of the 73,899 1 of the last version had been made. bumpers, despite not actually being rubber) new engine was better able to cope with the The last 500 cars were painted black. There were added to the front and rear and the increasing emission regulations. Although was no Austin-Healey Sprite equivalent. A ride height was increased. The increased the horsepower ratings were similar (65bhp limited number of MG Midgets were titled ride height impacted handling, and a anti- - home market) the 1493 CC engine pro- in 1980, and appear as 1980 models. roll bar was added to help with higher duced more torque. The increased output center of gravity. The A-Series engine was combined with taller gear ratios resulted in Mini-based concept. replaced by the 1493cc unit from the Tri- faster acceleration, (12 seconds 0-60 com- ADO34 was the name of a project active pared to 13 for the 1275cc version) and between 1960 and 1964 that aimed to de- top speed of just over 100mph. In the US velop a Mini-based roadster to replace the MG Midget market struggled to keep MG Midget and Austin-Healey Sprite. It

Manufacturer BMC engine power at acceptable levels, as the was not proceeded with. Today that proto- Production 1961–1979 engines were loaded with air pumps, EGR type is at the Heritage Motor Centre Mu- 226,001 produced Predecessor MG TF valves and catalytic converters to keep up seum at Gaydon, Warwickshire, UK. Class Sports car with new US and California exhaust emis- Body style 2-door roadster sion control regulations. The home mar- Today Layout FR layout Engine ket’s dual SU HS4 carbs were swapped for Originally designed by Donald Healey and 948 cc A-Series I4 a single Zenith-Stromberg 150 CD4 unit, his team, the car may have started life as 1098 cc A-Series I4 1275 cc A-Series I4 and the power fell 1493 cc Triumph I4 to 50 bhp at 5000 Wheelbase 80 in (2,032 mm)[1] RPM and 67 lb-ft of Length 137 in (3,480 mm)[1] Width Mk I and II 54 in (1,372 mm [1] torque at 2500 RPM. Mk III and 1500 55 in The round rear- (1,397 mm) Height 48 .5 in (1,232 mm) wheel arches were (before springs enlarged f now square again, or 1974 Rubber Bumper cars) Curb weight 735 kg (1,620 lb) (approx) Tom Hall’s Green 1965 Related Austin-Healey Sprite Mk11 Midget. Door handles added.

22 September 18, 2011 • British Car Day Programme an Austin-Healey Sprite, but was always national race series for MG Midgets and many of the original press tools, makes manufactured by the MG Car Company Austin Healey Sprites (built 1956–1979). body panels and complete body shells, and at its factory in Abingdon, Berkshire. MG The championship is run at all major UK is backed up by a small army of suppliers of developed and improved the Sprite to the circuits, with the occasional visit to Spa- parts, both new and used. BCD point where they felt it was fit to be known Francorchamps in Belgium, and has been as the first post-war MG Midget. running since 1977. References Over the years, the two models came Spridgets are also still highly popular 1. “The M.G. Midget”. The Motor. March 28, 1962. to be given the joint soubriquet ‘Spridget’, in the US and elsewhere for vintage rac- 2. Sedgwick, M. (1986). A-Z of Cars 1945–1970. and from their inception, Spridgets became ing. All Sprites and earlier model Midg- Devon, UK: Bay View Bookz. ISBN 1-870979-39-7. popular cars to use in ‘grass roots’ motor ets are powered by the very common A- 3. Sports Car Market, October 2007. sport events all over the world, because of Series engine which is very tunable for 4. Robson, G. (2006). A-Z of British Cars 1945– their predictable and entertaining handling higher output. 1980. Devon, UK: Herridge. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3. characteristics and the ready availability of Today, MG Midgets are increasingly be- 5. Projects ADO34, 35 and 36. tuning parts, both from the manufacturer ing restored to a high standard, helped by Sources BMC and from independent tuning con- the excellent availability of re-manufactured • Terry Horler (1993). Original Sprite and Midget. cerns – particularly Alexander Engineering parts. This made easier because many of Motorbooks. ISBN 1-870979-45-1. and Speedwell Performance Conversions. the components used are common to other • Ray Bonds (2003). The Illustrated Directory of The UK still has a race series dedicated Austin and Morris models, and many body Sports Cars. Motorbooks. ISBN 0-7603-1420-9. to the MG Midget which is run by the MG fittings on the later cars are common to the • John Heilig (1996). MG Sports Cars. Motor- Car Club. The MG Midget Challenge is a MGB. British Motor Heritage, which owns books. ISBN 0-7603-0112-3.

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RAGTOP 45 Membership Renewal Reminder events (Thank you if you have renewed since press time) Welcome New Chris Barnett ...... 2791 . . . . .10/02/11 Jim Irwin ...... 3196 . . . . .09/26/11 Allan and Jean Beattie . . . 1993 . . . . .11/01/11 Samuel R./ Teresa Dinnigan Members! Paul Boyd ...... 2773 . . . . .09/16/11 James ...... 1874 . . . . .09/13/11 Sandi and George Brown . . 1990 . . . . .10/01/11 Paul Kelly ...... 2348 . . . . .11/01/11 Events Calendar Name Location Vehicle Year Malcolm Bull ...... 2680 . . . . .09/19/11 Gary Kristjansson . . . . . 3225 . . . . .09/28/11 Frank Bunn ...... 2372 . . . . .09/19/11 Andre Langlois ...... 3226 . . . . .09/28/11 Warren Beech . .Mississauga ...... Dave Butters ...... 2896 . . . . .09/13/11 Bruce Lawrence ...... 2682 . . . . .11/01/11 Mark Dineen . . Hamilton ...... Guy & Janice Ian Marlatt ...... 2678 . . . . .09/19/11 Caswell Campagnaro . . . . 2285 . . . . .09/19/11 Joe McGarrity ...... 2765 . . . . .09/19/11 George Harris . .London . . . Truimph Spitfire . 1978 Bill Clark ...... 2714 . . . . .09/19/11 Scott and Leslie Derek & Heather Costello . . 2407 . . . . .11/01/11 Millson-Taylor ...... 2852 . . . . .09/19/11 John Luxon . . .Newcastle . .spitfire 1500 . . 1973 Wayne & Peggy Dickey . . . 2933 . . . . .09/20/11 Dennis & Gloria Munn . . . 1224 . . . . .09/19/11 Samuel R./ Teresa Gordon and Martha Peters . 2275 . . . . .09/19/11 APRIL 2012 Dinnigan James ...... 1874 ...... 09/13/11 Chuck and Gail Phillips . . . 2209 . . . . .09/19/11 Sunday, 22nd, 9:30am - 3pm become a tradition with both Clubs and is Cindy Douglas ...... 3223 . . . . .09/26/11 Ruth and Arthur Pierce . . . 1650 . . . . .10/01/11 31st Annual Ancaster Flea Market one of the first events of the driving sea- Scott Douglas ...... 2939 . . . . .10/30/11 Bruce & Caroline Pinch . . . 3233 . . . . .10/10/11 Ross E. Duncan ...... 2410 . . . . .11/01/11 Paul Pittson ...... 2867 . . . . .10/12/11 British car flea market and car show . This son where we get to share our love of LBC’s and have some friendly rivalry with the Ronald & Heather Figueroa . 1187 . . . . .11/01/11 Simon & Mary Rasmussen . 1813 . . . . .09/19/11 traditional season opener is celebrating Anne and Ed Gaizutis ...... 1827 . . . . .10/01/11 Arlene and David Roeder . . 2038 . . . . .10/01/11 “other” marque . This year, the MG Car Club its 31st year and it’s 4th at the new show Allen Gallant ...... 2779 . . . . .09/19/11 John Sotnick ...... 2940 . . . . .10/24/11 grounds. 630 Trinity Road, Ancaster, ON will host the event . Be sure to check back Corey Gaucher ...... 3228 . . . . .09/28/11 Neil Stewart ...... 2780 . . . . .09/16/11 L0R 1R0. Adults $7, vendors $30-$35. for updated location and event details . Kymm Gosselin ...... 3230 . . . . .09/28/11 Raun Troyan ...... 2790 . . . . .10/01/11 Wayne and Doreen Graham . 2857 . . . . .09/21/11 Steve Van Beers ...... 3227 . . . . .09/28/11 MAY 2012 Michael & Debra Hale . . . 2408 . . . . .11/01/11 Tony van Kessel ...... 3224 . . . . .09/27/11 JULY 2012 Carl & Beverley Heinlein . . 2929 . . . . .09/20/11 Peter and Denise Warren . . 2711 . . . . .09/19/11 Friday, 25-27th (TBC) Lenore and Gary Hogan . . 1658 . . . . .10/01/11 Bryan Watkinson . . . . . 2827 . . . . .09/19/11 November 2011 Spring Fling 2012 Dates TBC Evelyn Susan & Jim Paul Watkinson ...... 2921 . . . . .09/19/11 TTC Annual General Meeting Come and support your club, hear about Each year, the Toronto Triumph Club and 27th Annual Canadian Classic Holubeshen ...... 2721 . . . . .09/19/11 Chris & Sheila Weekes . . . 2139 . . . . .10/01/11 Tuesday 15th - 7pm new things for 2012 and vote for officers! the MG Car Club of Toronto alternate host- For location and dates (when decided) Paul & Deb Hughes . . . . 2932 . . . . .09/20/11 please visit www .TorontoTriumph .com Canadian Aerospace Museum, Downsview . Free pizza & pop . ing the annual Spring Fling Event . This has Please go to www.TorontoTriumph.com and renew today! Valid as of September 5th 2011

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32 www .TorontoTriumph com. Ragtop I Fall I 2011 Ragtop I Fall I 2011 www .TorontoTriumph .com 33 Pssst! club events Want Some Great Advice? Capital Classic by Mike Graham - OVTC

reat weather, great cars, and 40 greatG friends … that about sums up the 15– 17 July weekend in Ottawa for the 26th Ca- nadian Classic . This year the Ottawa Valley Triumph Club (OVTC) co-hosted the Classic You could search big catalogues for the best price with the Toronto Triumph Club (TTC), an idea that had its genesis at the 6-PACK mini- You could buy parts from various suppliers TRials held last year in Kemptville, ON . It was in 1996 that the Classic was last held in Ot- You could pay huge shipping and crazy broker fees tawa and, over a few cold beverages, it was decided that the 2011 event should come You could be returning the parts back to the Nation’s Capital and be held in conjunction with the OVTC’s All British Car You could... Day (ABCD) . The weekend was blessed with fantastic 1565 Hwy 5 West, RR#1 ...but why would you? (although very hot) weather . Friday night Troy, Ontario, L0R 2B0 kicked off with registration at the Travelo- dge Hotel in Ottawa, where participants We are your local source for quality parts and only stock “Plenty of room on top” Toll Free 1-888-485-2277 received their “goodie” bags and tickets for Familiar faces enjoy Local: 905-627-9995 the best. When you consider the benefits of friendly local the weekend events . Befitting a British car double-decker bus 24hr Fax: 416-410-6479 service, no quibble exchanges, next day delivery or same event, we were treated to a tour of major sightseeing in Ottawa... E-mail: britishautosport@bellnet .ca Ottawa and Gatineau sites on a double- day pick-up, plus great advice and customer service, decker bus . Our tour guide provided a run- British Auto Sport is hard to beat. ning commentary as we passed many local attractions that included — the National Art Gallery, Royal Canadian Mint, 24 Sussex Try us for your next project! Drive, Governor General’s Residence, Muse- um of Civilization, the Byward Market, and great views of the Ottawa River . The eve- ...and a ning was capped with a stop at the Royal pub dinner British Auto Sport Oak Pub in downtown Ottawa for dinner afterwards Toll Free 1-888-485-2277 Ragtop I Fall I 2011 www .TorontoTriumph .com 35 TRF Is the World’s Greatest British Sports Car Company The Roadster Factory is large enough to be a major parts manufacturer and distributor but small enough to know our models very well, also small enough to offer very personal service to all of our customers. TRF is British Motor Heritage Approved, we are famous for high quality and reasonable prices, and we offer expert engine, gearbox, and rear axle rebuilds from our own shop, known as C.A.R. Components. Whether you show your car in concours events, enter it in competitive driving events, or drive it to work every day, you can do so with confidence, knowing that The Roadster Factory will always be here for you—on-line or just a phone call away.

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Join TRF Car Club and drinks . After dinner it was back on the Don & Judy Johnson receive “Best in Show” Hundreds of customers of The Roadster Factory double-decker for a ride back to our hotel . from TTC president, David Tushingham Saturday presented a very full sched- belong to TRF Car Club. The club exists to promote ule . After (and in some cases before) a buf- TRF Customer loyalty, and it includes $300.00 in gift fet breakfast, many keen souls could be certificates each year that you can use as cash to found doing some last minute detailing of purchase parts. Dues are $100.00 per year, but you also their cars . The day’s events dawned with a get a parts credit in the amount of $100.00 every year scenic drive along the Ottawa River Park- way, where we stopped at the Deschenes after the first. You will receive a membership card and Rapids for pictures of all of the cars in our sticker. Beautiful club logo. Great T-shirts available. convoy . The drive terminated in picturesque Please join on-line, or just phone the sales line, and ask Britannia Park on the Ottawa River, the site to join TRF Car Club… of the ABCD . Canadian Classic participants were parked in a special section, but there was ample opportunity to ogle most British The Roadster Factory marques, including this year’s featured car, the E-Type Jaguar, which is celebrating its P.O. Box 332, Armagh, Pennsylvania, 15920, U.S.A. 50th anniversary. The Canadian Classic Con- Telephone: (800) 234-1104 • Fax: (814) 446-6729 cours judging and Participant’s Choice vot- Internet: www.the-roadster-factory.com

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Browse the website www.obsoleteauto.com for updates on stocked parts and secure access to online ordering. The parts C you need, any time or day. M ing took place at the ABCD . After a BBQ meet at next year’s Classic . Y lunch, we were off for an afternoon Evan Wallace receives The weekend was well planned and CM drive West of Ottawa . This drive culmi- his guest speaker everything ran smoothly thanks to the MY thank you gift from nated in a stop at the Diefenbunker, work of my fellow members of the local OVTC Chairman, Don CY Canada’s Cold War Museum, and a Na- organizing committee (Pat Mills, Don LeBlanc CMY tional Historic Site . The tour was infor- Leblanc, Martin Burtt, and Jim Martin)

K mative, and the underground facility and the collaboration and guidance of was a nice cool respite from the heat David Tushingham from TTC . It was a of the day . Our drive continued along fun weekend and we are looking for- rural roads and led us back to our ho- ward to the opportunity to have more tel in time to freshen up for the awards fun with our Triumph friends again banquet… and to ensure that our fluid next year . ragtop levels were fully replenished! The keynote speaker for the evening’s Request a FREE copy of the GARAGE SALES! banquet was Euan Wallace of the British Concours Participants Choice Sports Car Chronicle. That’s right. Check out our annual High Commission, who regaled us with tales TR2-TR3B: 1st Louis Boucher TR4/TR4A: 1st John and Joanna Lille Call: 1-800-265-7437 or 519-337-3232 of his youth and his lust for British sports 2nd Frank and Pauline TR250/TR6: 1st David Tushingham Spring or Fall Garage Sales and browse cars . Both entertaining and witty, Euan’s talk DeCarlo 2nd Mike and Marjorie Email: [email protected] endless deals. was a great introduction to the festivities . TR4/TR4A: 1st Brian and Pat Mills Graham Don Leblanc presented Euan with a special TR250/TR6: 1st Scott and Dawn 3rd Jim Onions Each issue is packed with super deals Payment Options: drawing that was also given to all Classic Douglas TR7/TR8: 1st Jim and Emma Martin on parts and accessories along with Visa, Mastercard and American Express participants . After a full buffet dinner, the 2nd Wayne and Debbie 2nd Robert and Dorothy winner of the concours judging and partici- McGill Corbin technical articles to help you do the job. Shipping: Canada Post and most pants’ choice voting were announced and TR7/TR8: 1st David J Huddleson Friends of A great resource for YOUR sports car! courier services congratulated . 2nd Bob Thomas and Fran Triumph: Jon Rosenthall Sunday morning saw many of the TTC Wright Best in Show: Don and Judy Johnson participants head off early in the morning 3rd Jeff Patterson for the Brits in Park Show in Lindsay. Those Stag/Other: 1st David Huddleson ALL TO PRESERVE AND DRIVE THE TRIUMPH not off to Lindsay enjoyed a leisurely break- Spit/GT6: 1st Don and Judy Johnson fast and said their farewells and promises to

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75,000 SQ FT OF SPACE FULL RANGE OF PARTS & ACCESSORIES Great prices! Great service! PARTS PICKED FROM 1000’S OF LOCATIONS WANT A PROFESSIONAL PARTS SERVICE SALES OFFICE AT THE RIGHT PRICE? COME TO THE EXPERTS We stock MG Rover and Land Rover parts too. STAG . TR2-8 . SPITFIRE . GT6 . HERALD VITESSE . DOLOMITE . 2000/2500 Rimmer Bros tick all the boxes:- I Competitive prices I AUTHORISED PARTS DISTRIBUTOR Great customer service listening repeatedly to the lovely Original Parts & Accessories synthetic voice of my GPS cheer- ROVER SD1 . ROVER 75/45/25 I Efficient mail order anywhere MGF/MGTF . MG ZT/ZS/ZR fully say “recalculating” . I finally ROVER 200/400/600/800 I World’s largest Triumph stock called the shop, explained where I METRO/MINI . MAESTRO/MONTEGO I Free catalogues was and that I couldn’t find them . LAND ROVER Unbelievably, they told me to stay AUTHORISED PARTS DISTRIBUTOR I Trade enquiries welcome where I was and an employee, Da- Original Parts & Accessories vid, would walk over to where we RANGE ROVER CLASSIC/P38A/SERIES 3 I Easy to use website DISCOVERY 1 & 2 . FREELANDER were (Debbie was still with me as DEFENDER . ROVER V8 ENGINES I had driven past the museum and now couldn’t figure out how to get PARTS SALES & ENQUIRIES back to it) and guide us in . Now that is beyond anything I would Nigel displayed obvious pride as he Tel: 01144 1522 568000 SALES COUNTER VISITORS WELCOME have ever expected . In a very few showed Debbie and I through every facet Trade Enquiries: 01144 1522 567111 & VISITOR We are open:- MON – FRI; 8.30am to 5.30pm, Fax: 01144 1522 567600 CENTRE SAT; 8.30am to 1pm. minutes we arrived with David’s of the business and the surprisingly youth- E-mail: [email protected] instructions from the back seat of ful looking employees . There is an unbe- BROWSE OUR our car and were introduced to Ni- lievable amount of hand work that goes CATALOGUES www.rimmerbros.co.uk ON YOUR PC gel Parker, the current owner, who into each piece . From the time a decision Rimmer Bros. Triumph House, Sleaford Rd (A15), All our purchased the company from John is made to produce a new model until the Bracebridge Heath, Lincoln, LN4 2NA, England. Catalogues & current Price Guides Hall in 1998 . first finished piece is produced takes at are available on one CD. Small charge is made to cover burning & postage. Ragtop I Fall I 2011 www .TorontoTriumph .com 45 bits & pieces Ethanol &

Octaneby Terence M cKIssuesillen

Flying Air Reliant While cruising the canal from Alveschurch to Stratford Upon Avon, I was surprised to see this low flying Reliant had been snagged by some fast growing vegetation. I believe it might be a Triffid! least a year . They try to locate an example of the “real” car and take copious measure- ments and detailed notes . The measure- ments need to all be scaled down to 1/43rd and Nigel let us in on a little secret . Colour also needs to change with scale . That is the reason that the chrome parts on their models are actually nickel plated, rather than chromed . The chrome is too bright and does not look quite right on a 1/43 scale model . The paint colours also need to be “dulled down” a couple of shades to look right . He also let us in on a Canadian connection to the business . They only use and recommend Weldbond adhesive to assemble their models . It goes on white, n June 2008, the Federal Parliament ern Canada and another from Montreal . line should have the right octane level to dries clear, and can be wiped off with a passedI Bill C-33, an Act to amend the Cana- Currently, Ontario refiners have the choice prevent knocking, strong cleaning power cloth while wet and does not damage 100,000 Mile Man dian Environmental Protection Act (1999), of running Canadian or imported crude oil . to prevent carbon build up, deliver more paint . Only in Canada! ragtop Monday, June 27th. 10:30am just south of Port Elgin, Ontario. After a mere 38 years we arrived at 99,999 miles. allowing the government to regulate re- More than 60% of the crude oil processed kilometres per litre and be of the correct newable content in fuels with a require- in Ontario is either conventional light, volatility to ensure a vehicle accelerates ment for an average of 5% renewable con- sweet crude oil or high quality synthetic smoothly and starts easily . tent in gasoline by 2010. This is regulated crude oil . Ontario also has access to sup- Some of the gasoline suppliers in On- as an average per brand, so 5% of the over- plies of finished product from the U .S . mar- tario (Shell, Sunoco and Petro-Canada) have ULTIMATE Car Care TRANSPORTATION all gasoline volume must be ethanol, not kets and can also bring in products from joined an auto industry Top Tier certification PRODUCTS 5% content in all gasoline sold under that the Montreal refinery . Product is shipped system to provide a new class of fuel meet- Langka - Professional brand . Although these are federal regula- from these refineries primarily by pipeline, ing the detergent standards of six major Paint Chip Repair SY LANGER tions, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, although some product is moved by rail auto manufacturers (Audi, BMW, GM, Hon- and Saskatchewan already had similar reg- and on the St. Lawrence Seaway. da, Toyota and Volkswagen) that exceeds 23 Markwood Lane Manufacturer Approved ulations in force provincially . Retail gasoline is actually a blend of the requirements of the Canadian General Thornhill, Ontario L4J 7A6 Convertible Care Phone: 416-580-7327 Crude oil is refined at four refineries in several hundred different chemical com- Standards Board (CGSB) for such additives . Web: www.wheelwax.ca Ontario , three of which are located in Sar- pounds . Because the composition of the Most of the major gasoline suppliers in DIY Power Bleeder for Email: [email protected] Brakes/Clutches nia and one in Nanticoke . Crude feedstock chemicals can vary widely, the quality of Ontario currently appear to have excluded is delivered by a single pipeline from West- gasoline can also vary . High quality gaso- ethanol from their premium grades (refer

46 www .TorontoTriumph com. Ragtop I Fall I 2011 Ragtop I Fall I 2011 www .TorontoTriumph .com 47 JENSENMERCEDES TRIUMPH AUSTIN-HEALEYAUSTIN ALVISJAGUAR ASTON BMW MARTIN DAIMLERBENTLEY ROLLS-ROYCE MG RALEIGH SUNBEAM LOTUS VAUXHALL CORD TVR table Page 50) but in order to maintain the and type of motoring and could take many ly leading to the premature destruction of BRISTOL PORSCHE ANGUS-SANDERSON ALLARD MORGAN 5% (E5) brand average, the ethanol content years before the effect is noticed on a car fuel lines, pumps, gaskets, O-rings, rubber LANDROVER WOLSELEYLNER RELIANT of Regular grade gasoline could be as high that is driven only a few thousand kilome- seals and diaphragms but can take sludge as 10% (E10). The introduction of E15 fuel tres a season . Some people use lead sub- and other varnish like material from the AUDI ARMSTRONG-SIDDELEY LANCHESTER STRAKER-SQUIRE may not be far off, although many of the stitute additives at each gasoline fill up but bottom of a gas tank into solution allow- TROJAN INVICTA MORRIS ARGYLL largest car makers have cautioned drivers the only real permanent solution against ing them to be ingested further down the that filling up with E15 fuel could void their VSR is to install hardened valve seats and combustion chain . 905-953-0052 www.lnerautomotive.ca new vehicle’s warranty . The ethanol con- valve guides . Currently, research is being conducted tent of gas can also vary by region within The detergents present in modern un- at the University of Kettering, in Flint, MI the Province, allowing some consumers, leaded gasoline offers benefits for all cars, to compare the use of E10 and E0 fuels in depending on their location, to have ac- no matter how old . Ignition timing and/or classic cars . Preliminary results of the study, cess to E0 regular gasoline and up to E10 in carburettor adjustment may be required to published in Hagerty Insurance Agency’s some Premium gasolines . deal with changes in gasoline composition magazine found that fuel lines didn’t leak, Gas stations selling ethanol-blended and octane rating . carburettors didn’t disintegrate and fuel gasoline are supposed to place a label on pumps did not fail with E10 fuels. However, the pump indicating which grades of gaso- Ethanol there was minor build-up and corrosion in line may contain up to 10% of ethanol. In Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, has the chemi- the carburettors and fuel pumps when using practise this labelling does not seem to cal formula C2H5OH . It is the same alcohol E10 as opposed to gasoline with no ethanol. be uniformly adopted . Despite its higher found in alcoholic beverages, but ethanol The preliminary conclusion is that E10 octane rating, Petro-Canada’s Ultra 94 (for- also makes an effective motor fuel . Ethanol can be used in older vehicles, although merly Sunoco Ultra 94) is an E10 gasoline. has a lower energy content than gasoline . the owner is likely to be faced with addi- Consequently, those Petro-Canada gas sta- That means that about one-third more eth- tional costs associated with sealing fuel tions selling Ultra 94 will have some etha- anol is required to travel the same distance tanks and cleaning and rebuilding fuel nol in all their gas grades . as on gasoline . But other ethanol fuel char- systems more frequently than previously . acteristics, including a high octane rating, Minor updates and maintenance should Using Unleaded Gasoline result in increased engine efficiency and include draining fuel out of the carburet- in Vintage Cars performance . Ethanol does burn cleaner tor fuel bowls and changing fuel filters The tetraethyl lead additive in the older than gasoline and does reduce the toxicity more frequently and ensuring that the fuel gasoline formula acted as a lubricant for of car exhaust but it can also be somewhat tank is completely clean with no sediment the inlet and exhaust valves . With unlead- corrosive inside the engine block, fuel sys- or sludge . It may also be wise to consider ed gasoline, the lubrication component tem and gas tank . replacing seals, gaskets and fuel lines with has been removed, and this can result in Ethanol is hygroscopic, meaning that modern replacement materials since older valve seat recession (VSR) . it readily absorbs water, leading to phase fuel system components are often incom- Simply put, unleaded gasoline can burn separation and water contamination . It is patible with ethanol blended fuels . out the valves and their seats, particularly also an excellent solvent not only capable The federal government expects the on the exhaust side . The rapidity at which of dissolving plastic, rubber, fibreglass and regulations to lead to a total reduction of this might happen depends on the amount other materials and compounds, potential- greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 23 .8 European Classic Car Specialists Maintenance and Service Joerg Hess Complete Mechanical Repairs m Drea ur Complete Electrical Repairs o Y Parts New and Used s U

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TRADING LOGISTICS 48 www .TorontoTriumph com. Ragtop I Fall I 2011 Mt over 25 years, or an average annual re- Octane Rating a knocking noise . Using a method estab- rather than exploding in an uncontrolled RON, however there is no direct link be- petrol grades . Today, premium gasoline in duction of 0.99 Mt. To put this estimated The octane rating is a measure of a fuel’s re- lished in 1929, gasoline is rated on a scale manner . Where the octane number is tween RON and MON . Normally, fuel speci- Canada has a minimum octane rating of reduction in perspective, the average an- sistance to knocking . Knock, also known as of 0 -100. In the 1920s gasoline had an oc- raised by blending with ethanol, energy fications require both a minimum RON 91 while regular gasoline has a minimum nual reduction is about 0.13% of Canada’s ‘pinking’, occurs during combustion when tane rating of around 50 to 60. Octane rat- content per volume is reduced . and a minimum MON and it is important octane rating of 87, which would be the annual GHG emissions in 2008 - a very the fuel-air mixture detonates ahead of ing does not relate to the energy content The most common type of octane rat- to note that the octane rating displayed at equivalent of about a 96 RON and a 91 RON “small step for mankind ”. the compression stroke rather than burn- of the fuel . It is only a measure of the fuel’s ing worldwide is the Research Octane the pump for a particular gasoline in North rating respectively . In effect, therefore, if ing smoothly (pre-ignition), thus causing tendency to burn in a controlled manner, Number (RON) . RON is determined by run- America, is the average of the two octane it wasn’t for the ethanol issue, our North ning the fuel in a test engine with a vari- ratings (i.e., (R+M)/2). American TRs should be quite comfortable Premium Gas Brands Octane Ethanol Comments able compression ratio under controlled Gasoline grades available in Ontario running on regular gasoline – unless that (Ontario) (R+M/2) (%) conditions, and comparing the results have the following octane ratings: is, you have increased the compression ra- Shell V-Power Premium 91 None with those for mixtures of iso-octane and Super Premium 94 (only Petro-Canada tio of your motor! ragtop Beaver Premium 91 None Same as Shell n-heptane . There is another type of oc- or Sunoco Ultra) Husky Premium 91 ≤10% All Husky gas grades in Ontario contain ethanol Pioneer Platinum 91 ? Pioneer did not respond to query for information tane rating, called Motor Octane Number Premium 91 1 Environmental Protection Act Ontario - Regulation Petro-Canada SuperClean 91 None to 10% at Petro-Canada branded gas stations from Windsor to Beleville and north (MON), or the aviation lean octane rating, Mix/Blend 89 535/05 - Ethanol in gasoline to Muskoka, not selling Ultra 94, the Premium 91 Octane gasoline does not which is a better measure of how the fuel Regular 87 2 Canadian Refining and Oil Security November 2008 – contain ethanol . In Northern Ontario, North Bay, Sudbury, S .S . Marie, behaves when under load, as it is deter- The fuel recommended in the Triumph Natural Resources Canada - www .nrcan .gc .ca/eneene/ Timmins, Thunder Bay areas and in Eastern Ontario for the Ottawa area, mined at 900 rpm engine speed, instead Handbook for use in TR6s is a 97 octane sources/petpet/refstrarafsur-eng .php including Pembroke, Cornwall and Brockville, both Regular and Premium gasoline currently do not contain any ethanol . When Ultra 94 is sold then of the 600 rpm for RON. MON testing uses rating . This refers to the RON method used 3 Hagerty Insurance - http://www .hagerty .com/life- ALL gas grades contain ethanol, including Premium. a similar test engine to that used in RON in the United Kingdom and was meant for style/hobby_article.aspx?id=55960 Sunoco Super 91 ≤10% All Sunoco gas grades contain ethanol testing, but with a preheated fuel mixture, the higher compression PI engines deliv- 4 Canada’s Federal Renewable Fuels Regulations: An Esso Supreme 91 None higher engine speed, and variable ignition ered there . The recommended fuel grade example of poor decision making . Wood .J ., Fraser Fo- Canadian Tire Premium 91 None timing to further stress the fuel’s knock re- for the lower compression, carburettor rum March/April 2011 Ultramar Supreme 91 None sistance . Depending on the composition models exported to North America was 91 5 Repair Operation Manual, Triumph Motors British Data in table is based on information received from the oil companies and/or from internet sources and is believed to be correct as at July of the fuel, the MON of a modern gasoline RON . These octane ratings were equiva- Leyland UK Limited, Pub. Part. No. 545277/E2 31, 2011. Readers are advised to check pump stickers or confirm with the station manager for the actual ethanol content of a selected fuel. will be about 8 to 10 points lower than the lent to the old British 4-Star and 2-Star

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Winslow Delaney | Creative Solutions 9 Forster Park Drive Oakville, Ontario Canada L6K 1Y5 • Vehicle Services • Cylinder Head Porting & Flow Testing 416.871.2358 [email protected] Phone: 416-822-0096 or 905-616-0421 www.winslowdelaney.com Toll Free: 1-866-532-3630 2338 Wyecroft Rd., Unit K5-7, Oakville, Ontario L6L 6L4 Email: [email protected] Tel: 905-825-2045 Fax: 905-825-0208 Web: http://www.a-professional-appraisal.ca Your source for all your repairs

50 www .TorontoTriumph com. Ragtop I Fall I 2011 Ragtop I Fall I 2011 www .TorontoTriumph .com 51 Coker 185R- bits & pieces 15 Classic Redlines

Nexen Tire Sizing 205/70R-15s For the TR6 by Terence McKillen Andrew Grace’s Modern Redlines, recently checked the date of manu- models would have been even worse from high speed cornering but regular driving with white lines painted red Ifacture of the on my 73 Six – one pair a performance perspective . would be more hazardous as potholes, was 9 years old while the other was ten . Current tire sizes are based on an alpha- speed bumps, kerbs, etc . would become the speedometer and odometer . Despite having lots of tread wear remain- numeric code which is generally moulded potential hazards and the improved per- The OEM Goodyear G800 or Michelin-X ing, it was nevertheless, time to consider a into the sidewall of the tire . This code spec- formance would be offset by a harsher ride . Redline 185-15 tires were known as 70 or 80 change of rubber as, after careful inspec- ifies the dimensions of the tire, and some The low profile tires would also alter the fi- series profile tires, which is to say that the tion, I had noticed some cracks had devel- of its key limitations, such as load-bearing nal gear ratio of the car, making highway sidewalls were roughly 80% of the width of this particular combination will lower the oped in the sidewalls, particularly on the ability and maximum speed . Sometimes driving more tedious . On the other hand, the tire (actually 78-82%). The aspect ratio ground clearance and slightly change the inside walls, hidden from normal view . the inner sidewall contains information acceleration would be greatly improved . was not recorded on the sidewalls of pre- overall gear ratio . There is a great deal of comment on not included on the outer sidewall, and On the 5 .5 inch wide J-type steel rims 1990 tires. The dimensions of the original Some enthusiasts3 have recreated a good various on-line forums, regarding the cor- vice versa . The code has grown in complex- fitted as standard on North American Sixes tires were 185mm in width or 7 .28 inches approximation to the original Michelin X rect size of replacement tires for our classic ity over the years, as is evident from the (I believe UK cars may have had a 6J wheel (section width) and a sidewall height of Redline look using modern Michelin Sym- cars. Leaving aside, for the moment, any mix of metric and imperial units, and ad- option), the maximum tire width is prob- 5.68 inches (7.28 x 0.78). With a rim diam- metry White Stripes (not available in Cana- considerations relating to aesthetics, tread hoc extensions to lettering and number- ably limited to a P205 radial. Some people eter of 15 inches this resulted in an overall da) and hand painting/spraying the white pattern, quality of ride or ground clear- ing schemes . Most tires sizes currently are do report fitting up to a P215 (i.e. 215/70R- wheel diameter of 26.36 inches (2 x 5.68 + stripe with red vinyl paint . ance, it is a relatively simple exercise to cal- given using the ISO Metric sizing system 15) on standard rims but the side wall will 15), a circumference of 82 .82 inches (π x Finally, some aesthetics need to be culate which modern tire size most closely which consists of a string of letters and bulge out considerably as this tire is better 26 .36) and a total of 765 wheel revolutions considered . Assuming the car is equipped resembles the 185SR-15 Michelin-X Red- numbers, as listed in the sidebar . suited to a 6 to 7 .5 inch rim . The combina- per mile (63,360 ÷ 82.82). There may have Pirelli 205/75R-15s - a lot of rubber in the wheel arches with standard suspension, the 205/75R-15 lines or Goodyear G800s that came as stock Although not specifically required un- tion of rim size and tire size/profile chosen been some minor variations in dimensions with its higher sidewall will fill up the en- on North American TR6 deliveries back in der the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, the will also have an impact on the accuracy of between different manufacturers for the of 85 .16 inches and 744 revolutions per tire wheel well and will look, as some have the 1970s. They were a very good looking MTO Safety Standards Certificate seems to same size of tire . mile (-2.75%). observed, somewhat like a dune buggy . tire when fitted on the TR6 and by all ac- require that tires not be older than six or ISO Metric Sizing Codes There are three tire sizes in the 15 inch If you are after high performance tires, On my particular car this translated into a • An optional letter (or letters) indicating the intended use or vehicle class for the counts provided a smooth ride . Because of seven years at the time the inspection is tire: diameter range that are almost perfect one option is to consider changing to a clearance between the fender edge and the relatively high aspect ratio and the nar- carried out . This seems a reasonably sound P: Passenger Car as replacements for the original TR6 tires . larger diameter wheel rim, to 16 inches for the tread of the tire (freeboard) of between LT: Light Truck 3 1 row section width, these tires were of little decision and appears to be in keeping with These are 195/75R-15, 205/70R-15 and example, and fitting lower profile tires in /4 inch (19mm) at the front to 1 /4 inches ST: Special Trailer use as performance tires . The 165HR-15s recommendations by some manufacturer’s T: Temporary (restricted usage for “Space-Saver” spare wheels) 205/75R-15. All have an overall diameter order to maintain the same overall wheel (31mm) at the rear . The 195/75R-15 will fitted as standard to the 150bhp PI British not to use a “new” tire that has been sit- Use of the letter P indicates that the tire is engineered to Tire and Rim Association that is very close to the original which will diameter . However, changing rim size leads look more authentic, closely matching the ting on the shelf for more than five (TRA) standards and absence of a letter indicates that the tire is engineered to The ensure that the speedometer/odometer to other considerations such as rim width, European Tire and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO) standards. In practice, the look of the original G800/Redlines. Some or six years . Tire life is shortened by standards of the two organizations have evolved together and are virtually inter- remains reasonably accurate (within +2%). wheel offset and issues such as suspension people are happy with a 205/65R-15 tire exposure to UV light as well as to im- changeable. A 205 will provide a greater amount of and wheel-well clearances, but does open and like the aesthetic appearance, but proper inflation, long-term storage, • 3 digit number: The “nominal section width” of the tire in millimetres; the widest rubber footprint on the road over a 195 up the possibility of using higher perfor- point from both outer edges. with a diameter almost one inch less than driving habits and a myriad of road • /: Slash character for character separation. with its narrower profile. The 205/70R-15 mance tires such as a 205/60-16,2 although the original, the ground clearance will suf- hazards . As Glen Donaldson1 wisely • 2 or 3 digit number: The “aspect ratio” of the sidewall height to the total width of has a sidewall height of 5 .65 inches, a to- the tire, as a percentage. recommended in an earlier Ragtop tal diameter of 26.30 inches (-0.24%), a • An optional letter indicating construction of the fabric carcass of the tire: Type Section Section Aspect Sidewall Rim Total Difference Circumference Rev Difference article on this subject, “when they B: bias belt circumference of 82 .62 inches and 767 Width Width Ratio Height Diameter Diameter (%) (in.) /Mile (%) start to go hard, it is game over ”. D: diagonal revolutions per mile (+0.24%) while the (mm) (in.) (%) (in.) (in.) (in.) R: radial The type and size of the wheel if omitted, then it is a cross ply tire 195/75R-15 has a sidewall height of 5 .76 185-15 185 7.28 78 5.68 15 26.36 0 82.82 765 0 rim will have a considerable impact • 2 digit number: Diameter in inches of the wheel that the tires are designed to fit. inches, a total diameter of 26 .52 inches 205/70-15 205 8.07 70 5.65 15 26.30 -0.24 82.62 767 +0.24 on the size and type of tire that can • 2 or 3 digit number: Load index. (+0.58%), a circumference of 83.30 inches 205/75-15 205 8.07 75 6.05 15 27.11 +2.82 85.16 744 -2.75 • 1 or 2 digit/letter combo: Speed rating. 195/75-15 195 7.68 75 5.76 15 26.52 +0.58 83.20 761 -0.58 be considered . Other considerations • Additional marks: Including DOT marks with date of manufacture (two digits for and 761 revolutions per mile (-0.58%). The include the overall ground clearance, week of the year plus two digits for year; or two digits for week of the year plus one 205/75R-15 has the highest sidewall height 215/70-15 215 8.46 70 5.93 15 26.85 +1.85 84.35 752 -1.82 gearing and aesthetics. A 50% aspect digit for year for tires made prior to 2000). of the trio, at 6.05 inches, a total diameter 205/65-15 205 8.07 65 5.25 15 25.49 -3.30 80.09 791 +3.41 After: Wikipedia – the Free Encyclopedia - //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire_code Michelin ratio tire might be a great choice for of 27.11 inches (+2.82%), a circumference 205/60-16 205 8.07 60 4.84 16 25.68 -2.90 80.68 785 +2.55

52 www .TorontoTriumph com. Ragtop I Fall I 2011 Ragtop I Fall I 2011 www .TorontoTriumph .com 53 Panasport, Minilite or KN replicas make excellent replacements for TR6 or Spitfire wheel rims YOU PAID HOW MUCH ? A Toyo 205/70R-15

pared by Dan Masters4 which will calculate and graph road speed vs . engine speed If you don’t mind paying too much 1974 Triumph TR6 data, for any car model . Be sure to input the Southern California car, appropriate gear ratios, final drive ratio as only a few miles since a fer. The 215/70R-15 tire is also a possibility well as your tire details . for your parts, there is no need to complete bare shell res- with an excellent match in terms of total di- I inherited the 205/75R-15s on my Six toration by us. Finished ameter, but it is pushing beyond the limit but I didn’t like the full-rubber look of the read any further. If you would like in high quality Pimento for a 5 .5 inch wheel rim . wheel wells . My money has recently gone red paint on a nice, As far as driveability is concerned, us- on a set of five 205/70R-15s which provide pattern, speed rating, comfort of ride, straight, rust-free, body. to buy your parts at the best prices All of the body rubbers, ing a 205/70R-15, the overall gear ratio a nice balance between the traditional availability, wearability, performance rat- soft trim, and most of the chrome was replaced, the engine and changes only very slightly . To figure out look but giving a little more freeboard gap ing, redline, white sidewall, black, for sum- in Canada, read on. Drakes’ British transmission, the suspension, brakes and all other mechanical systems were new overall gear ratios and speedometer of about 2 .5 inches (63mm) while provid- mer driving or all season, or just plain value rebuilt. Falcon SS exhaust to original TR6 design. Chestnut brown interior was readings after changing tires, the following ing an excellent footprint and minimal for money . ragtop all replaced. This is a stunning car that is show and driver ready. $21,600 formula can be used: - highway speed at change to the speedometer and odom- Motors can supply any part from a given RPM (say 3,000 rpm) = overall tire eter settings . This choice is confirmed in an 1 Tired Tires. Glen Donaldson, Ragtop | Winter 2010 1974 Triumph TR6 circumference (inches) times engine rpm informal survey of owners conducted by 2 Tire & Wheel Plus Sizing . Kelvin Dodd, Moss Motors - the Moss catalogs at the most Californian TR6. No acci- times 60 (# minutes in an hour) divided by triumphowners .com5 suggesting 25% of British Motoring, Winter 2005 dents, no rust, paint is nice the differential gear ratio (3 .7) times the respondents had chosen the same tire size 3 Modern Michelin Redlines . Andrew Grace, Ragtop | with only minor defects, on a beautiful, straight body. New selected gear ratio (4th gear is 1.0) times as a replacement for their Sixes . Fall 2009 reasonable cost to you. But, don’t front & rear bumpers, stain- 63,360 (#inches in a mile). Now that the choices in tire size are 4 www .buckeyetriumphs .org/technical/Calculator/road_ less trim rings and tires. Tan The Buckeye Triumph Club website con- clearer, you are free to select the tire of speed_vs_engine_speed_calcu .htm take our word for this. The next interior has new seats, panel tains an Excel spreadsheet calculator pre- your choice based on manufacturer, tread 5 www .triumphowners .com kit, dashtop, sunvisors, tan time you need something, send Robbins top, retractor seat- belts and windshield and seals. Engine is strong with electronic ignition and the overdrive transmis- us an email for a quote. We will sion was rebuilt two years ago. 4 tip Ansa exhaust system. Front end rebuild including bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, and steering rack boots & at the rear new differential mounts and trailing arm bushings. Hydraulics all re- • Diesel Engines • Parts Store get right back to you with a price. done with new clutch and brake master, slave cylinder and hoses. $16,600. 27 Erinville Dr. • Gasoline Engines • Complete Engine Machine Shop Erin • Marine Engines • Gasoline Injector Service 1973 TR6 • Race Engines • Engine Balancing & Blue Printing

Ontario Winslow Delaney | Creative Solutions 9 Forster Park Drive California car in good Oakville, Ontario Canada L6K 1Y5 • Vehicle Services • Cylinder Head Porting & Flow Testing 416.871.2358 [email protected] Canada www.winslowdelaney.com shape, the paint is 2338 Wyecroft Rd., Unit K5-7, Oakville, Ontario L6L 6L4 N0B 1T0 Telephone: (519) 833-COAT (2628) Many TTC members are already older, but still looks Tel: 905-825-2045 Fax: 905-825-0208 Fax: (519) 940-9798 good. Comes with factory hard & soft www.fireballcoatings.com Your source for all your repairs believers. Get in touch for a quote tops. Engine runs well, brakes redone, all – [email protected] suspension bushings Ragtop distribution provided by: replaced and new tires fitted. The interior is in good serviceable condition and a new door panel kit has just been installed. Drive and enjoy a clean We are also a Canadian distributor for bodied car at a reasonable price. Reduced $8,900 Dayton Wire Wheels.

(416) 755-9191 • Bulk Mail Service • Letter Shop Services Drakes’ British Motors Inc. • List Management • Order & Product Fulfillment (250)763-0883 Ph., (250)861-8051 Fax, email [email protected] 2286 K.L.O. Road, Kelowna, B.C., V1W 3Z7 WWW.DRAKESBRITISHMOTORS.COM 54 www .TorontoTriumph com. Ragtop I Fall I 2011