Three Models Celebrate 50 Years

Home , Ford Dagenham, Jeremy Clarkson, Lotus Carlton, Opel Senator, Triumph 1300, Triumph GT6

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 S U MM e r 2 0 1 2

Souvenir Programme 29th ANNUAL

Sponsored by: The Parts You Need To contents " " ® Keep’em on the Road BCD14

BCD8 From the Editor ...... BCD5 From the Chairman ...... BCD7

Featured Anniversary Marques BCD20 MGB, 50 Years ...... BCD8 Triumph Spitfire, 50 Years . . . . BCD14 Lotus Elan, 50 Years ...... BCD20

Other Featured Marques

BMC 1100/1300 ...... BCD28 Ford Cortina ...... BCD34 Vauxhall ...... BCD38

Member’s Pages Club Hub ...... 3-7. T h e M a g a z i n e O f T h e T O r O n T O T r i u M p h C l u b S u M M e r 2 0 1 2 Ye g 50 ars o Speke Easy ...... 34 tin f S a p Spring r i b tf le r e e Features

! review C Fling Club Events: Spring Fling 2012 ...... 8-11

FREE Parts & Accessories Catalogs for: Marque My Words: Ode to the GT6 ...... 13-15 TR2, TR3, TR4, TR4A, TR250, On the Cover Quest for that Triumph Smell . . 17-19 Scott Douglas in his TR6, TR7, TR8, GT6, Spitfire 1976 unrestored A Pair of Sixty-Sixes ...... 20-22 Fast Service, Simple Ordering and Quick Delivery. ‘survivor’ TR6 drives Fuel Injection for the Spitfire . .24-26 away from Fern Resort during Spring Fling . Spitfire PI • The “Other” 6 • Time to Shine Bits & Pieces: www.VictoriaBritish.com 1-800-255-0088 Photo by Fern Resort 12 Ragtop.02.06a.indd 1 12-09-05 10:52 AM FREE Parts & Accessories Catalogs Time to Shine ...... 28-32 Also Available For: British Car Day Programme • September 16, 2012 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 3

from the editor

SUBMISSIONS Format: MS Word files are preferred. Send via So Many 50ths, So Little Space! email or on CD, 10Mb limit on email files. Send photos separately, do NOT embed in the text file. Welcome to British Car Day and your programme. I hope you find it enhances your show expe- Hard copy submissions are acceptable, but not preferred. Graphics must be in major graphics for- rience and provides some interesting reading. New for this year is an extra large fold-up map of mats, jpeg, tiff or Photoshop files. In Person: To the the show, which you should have received with this programme. Please use it to locate the cars editor at the monthly meetings. and classes for your Participant’s Choice Car Show voting. The ballot box is Mail: 2421 Poplar Crescent, Mississauga, Ontario L5J 4H2 in the Registration area and your votes are very important. E-mail: [email protected] Also new this year are large location maps situated around the park, to find important facilities and key areas of the show and a Lost & Found has ADVERTISING been set up at the TTC tent, beside Registration. Celebrating Over 105 Years in Business Contact the Club’s advertising representative for It must be my age, so many of the cars I remember from growing up in details of dates and submissions. Submit ads as high resolution (min 300 ppi) PDF files, saved for Great Britain are having their 50th Anniversaries in 2012. MGB, Triumph print in CMYK format, fonts embedded, by E-mail Spitfire, Lotus Elan, BMC 1100 and Ford Cortina have all hit the half cen- to [email protected] tury mark. At British Car Day we are highlighting the MGB and Spitfire The advertising year is from Jan.1 to Dec. 31. A copy of Ragtop is sent to all paid advertisers. models with special displays and expect 150 MGBs and over 50 Spitfires, including examples CRESCENT OIL FEATURES of each model year produced. We hope to have several Elans, a few 1100s and a Cortina or

2012 ADVERTISING RATES two for you to enjoy (these models are much rarer and we never know until showtime how Rear Cover ...... $500 per year many will turn up!) Inside Front Cover ...... $475 In the Ragtop section of this issue starting on page 1 (after the BCD programme), you will Inside Back Cover ...... $450 Full Page Inside ...... $305 notice a distinctly GT6 flavour. The “Other” 6 is often overlooked and, after Assistant Editor Half Page ...... $185 Terence McKillen had requested submissions from our marque coordinators, we received a Quarter Page ...... $115 great response from our owner members. Business Cards ...... $70 Full colour ...... $115 extra British Car Day is the largest British car show in North America and it gets bigger every year. Kendall GT-1 High Performance 20W-50 Motor Oil is Second colour ...... $75 extra The TTC is a small club and we couldn’t achieve such a large event without the help of other car Flyer Inserts ...... $190/issue (max 4 pgs) clubs, hundreds of volunteers and of course, our corporate sponsors. This year on behalf of the fortified with additional zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (All rates are for 4 issues, except flyers) [email protected] TTC, I’d like say a special thank you to the MG Car Club of Toronto for their Tour de force dis- (ZDDP) additive to provide enhanced wear play of MGBs, closely followed by my colleagues at the TTC for the Spitfire collection and a big protection and oxidation resistance. It is particularly 2012 SCHEDULE shout out to our new Gold sponsor - Autoglym - who have joined Crescent Oil, Budd’s Imported effective in turbocharged engines and in high- Issue Deadline Mailed Cars and Lant Insurance/Hagerty in providing their valuable support. Last but not least, I want Spring ...... April 1 . . . . .End of April to thank Exotic Car Tours and the British Car Council for their generous draw prize donations. performance engines with flat-tappet camshafts, Summer ...... June 10 . . . . .End of July Fall/BCD Program . . .August 12 . Mid September Have an amazing British Car Day! especially during the critical break-in period. The Winter ...... Nov. 18 . . .Mid December David Fidler, Editor newly formulated oil now contains Liquid Titanium General Enquiries which improves fuel economy and provides extra [email protected] Thanks to Our Sponsors Ragtop is published quarterly by the Toronto Tri- protection against engine wear. 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. British Car Day Committee British Car Day Programme We accept no responsibility for errors or omis- Chairman: David Sims Editor & Publisher: David Fidler 905 .829 .9340 sions. Opinions expressed are those of the authors Secretary: Andrew Grace and do not necessarily reflect those of the TTC Ex- Art Director: Michael Cleland ecutive or Membership. Volunteer Coordinator: Chris Lindsay Copyright © 2012 by the TTC. Advertising Sales: Ian Parkhill 905 .317 .3784 Sponsorship: Frank Manning David Fidler Non-profit groups may reprint articles from this Frank Manning Vendors: Ian Parkhill & publication, where the author has not reserved Alistair Wallace rights, provided we get credited and both the au- “British Car Day” ® is the registered trademark of the Toronto Triumph thor and TTC receive a copy of the publication in Park Liaison: Wayne McGill Club Inc . This programme and its contents may not be reproduced or distributed by any means without permission of the TTC . Most articles and its entirety. Computer Services: Vic Whitmore photography contained herein have been supplied by various car clubs Distribution by Pillar Direct Marketing Services. Dave Copping and are credited as such, where appropriate . This material remains their property and reproduction is expressly forbidden, except by permission Printed by Printwell Offset for the Toronto Triumph Director of Communications: David Fidler from them and the TTC . 136 Cannon Street West, Hamilton Club. Event Photographer: Larry Llewellyn Printed by Printwell Offset, Brampton, Ontario . Canada Post Publications # 40022175 Field Layout: Johan Aaltink Copyright © 2012 by the TTC . 905 527 2432 • Free Delivery • 1 800 263 6483 British Car Day Programme • September 16, 2012 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 5 from the chairman

Executives A Day to Remember President ...... David Tushingham 905 830. .9124 Vice President ...... Ian Parkhill 905 637. .2034 When David Tushingham, TTC President, Secretary ...... Andrew Grace 416 763. .3824 asked for a volunteer to chair this year’s Brit- Treasurer ...... Chris Lindsay 416 233. .7360 ish Car Day I said, “sure” ... then he fixed me Director of Communications . . . David Fidler 905 829. 9340. Director at Large ...... Wa. yne McGill 905 847. 5532. with his beady eye and said “Of course it’s Director at Large ...... Scott Douglas 905 334. 4020. The Toronto Triumph Club’s 29th year of putting on this highly successful show and it’s Past President ...... Johan Aaltink 705 456. 4276. THE largest LBC event in North America” … in other words don’t screw this up, Sims! Ragtop Magazine Fast forward to today … it’s been a ton of fun and a pleasure to work with a bunch of such Editor & Publisher ...... David Fidler 905 829. .9340 dedicated volunteers to bring you this year’s offering which will be bigger and better than Assistant Editor ...... Terrence McKillen 647 202. .8243 Distribution . . . .Ro . d Jones - Pillar Direct 416 755. .9494 ever, including two exciting draws; win a day with an Aston Martin courtesy of GTA Exot- Art Director ...... Michael Cleland 905 873. .7704 ics and win your classic car insurance for a year courtesy of The British Car Council. I’d Advertising Sales ...... Ian Parkhill 905 637. .2034 like to take this opportunity to say a special thank you to David Freeman who has driven all David Fidler 905 829. .9340 Club Photographer ...... Larry Llewellyn 416 245. .9217 the way from High Point, NC with his unique display of four Standard/Triumph 10s. Thank you to everyone involved in making BCD a day to remember! Website Web Manager ...... David Copping 905 827. .6970 Website Classifieds ...... David Copping 905 827. .6970 Dave Sims, 2012 BCD Chairman Club Coordinators Membership ...... Scott Douglas 905 334. .4020 Meeting Coordinators . . . . . Patrick Caria 416 562. 1642. Clive Huizinga 905 884. 2091. Important Times & Events Interclub Coordinator ...... Tony Fox 905 .632 0479. Ambassador at Large . . . . . Wa. yne McGill 905 .847 5532. 8:00 am . . . . Gates open for Show Cars Regalia ...... Dion Widrich 416 .464 6057. Historians ...... Wa. yne McGill 905 .847 5532. 9:00 am . . . . Vendor Area / Flea Market opens Frank Manning 905 .643 2359. Volunteer Coordinator ...... Chris Lindsay 416 .233 .7360 10:00 am . . . . Park Gates open for spectators BCD Sponsors ...... Frank Manning 905 .643 .2359 Motorsports ...... Simon Rasmussen 905 .853 .2514 1:00 pm . . . . Voting closes for Participant’s Choice awards . Please submit your completed ballot no later than 1 pm… Marque Coordinators and don’t forget to include your vote for Best in Show! TR2, 3, 3A & 3B ...... Malcolm Taylor 905 880. .0079 (One ballot per show car registrant please) Alistair Wallace 905 627. .2941 TR4, 4A, 5 & 250 ...... John Lille 416 231. .3092 2:00 pm . . . . Awards presentation for Participant’s Choice TR6 ...... Fred McEachern 905 727. .2987 Wayne McGill 905 847. 5532. (approx.) Judging (You must be present to collect your award) Spitfire-GT6 ...... Don Johnson 705 721. .1231 Ron Pincoe 519 941. .0976 3:00 pm . . . . Prize Draws Stag ...... Tony Fox 905 632. .0479 The reﬂ ections in this new Jaguar XKR-S represent the very best of British car care products. TR7 & 8 ...... Larr. y Llewellyn 416 245. .9217 Win your classic car auto insurance paid for a year Ron Etty 905 547. .2419 • Only Autoglym provides the necessary depth of shine to make this possible. courtesy of The British Car Council Two Prizes! For over 40 years, Autoglym has manufactured the most advanced and effective car Event Coordinators (submit a ballot at BCCI table, near registration) care products from our home in Letchworth Garden City, England. The Autoglym range British Car Day Chair ...... David. Sims 905-331-1496 is produced by a team of dedicated experts for people who know that only Autoglym 27th Canadian Classic . . . . . Clive Huizinga & Alex McLeod Win a day driving an Aston Martin and 5 other supercars, products can deliver the enduring quality they demand. Spring Fling 2012 ...... MG Car Club of Toronto • Peter Mittler pmittler@gmail c. om courtesy of Exotic Car Tours! (you must be in attendance to win this prize!) The Autoglym range does not stop with just providing the ﬁ nal shine, it will also care for Summer Tour ...... Clive Huizinga 905 884. 2091. and revitalize your whole vehicle inside and out. This is why Autoglym is acknowledged Annual BBQ ...... Brian Clark 905 484. 9091. Jack Willekes 905 820. 0269. by many of the world’s leading car manufacturers, including Jaguar, Aston Martin Lagonda Fall Drive ...... David Fidler 905 829. 9340. See You Again Next Year! and Bentley. General Mail/Membership Mail P .O . Box 39, Don Mills Ontario M3C 2R6 For more information visit www.autoglym.com. FOR OUR 30th BRITISH CAR DAY Ragtop Mail & E-mail: 2421 Poplar Crescent, Mississauga, ON, L5J 4H2 Sunday, September 15th, 2013 [email protected] Now exclusively available at Canadian Tire. British Car Day Programme • September 16, 2012 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 7

Autoglym XKRS Canada advert for British Car Day 2012 Gold Sponsorship.indd 1 31/8/12 3:53 pm Featured Model

were shipped to North America whereas a chrome or rubber bumper?” Of course only 38% of GT production crossed the there are endless dialogues about which pond (only a few after 1974, i.e. 1247 is better. Rubber bumpered cars unfortu- rubber bumper GTs in the second half of nately get saddled with the identity that 1974, then nothing from 1975 on). Only includes many of the less popular changes a measly 13% of all the MGB roadsters after 1974 such as higher ride height and produced at Abingdon were sold less horsepower, however their aesthetics in the UK market. Talk about and lines are more appealing to some. an export based economy! Chrome bumpers were installed on cars Another interesting stat is for from 1962 through part of 1974. Mostly HAPPY BIRTHDAY cars fitted with V8 engines. the year-to-year differences were changes 2591 of these babies were to the overriders. Originally overriders produced (all GTs) but only 8 were all chrome. Rear overriders were By Dave Burns made it to North America! You always included from the beginning and (MG Car Club of Toronto) would think that the appeal for eight cyl- incorporated the lighting for the license inder cars would have been the great- plate. Overriders had black rubber buf- est in the US – home of the fers fitted for North American cars in muscle car, but per- 1970. In the 1970 model year only, rear haps the new US quarter bumpers with rubber inserts were This year marks 50 years since the first MGB!body that achieved its strength and rigidity safety regula- fitted. These are the so called “split bum- MGB rolled off the production line at from the unitary bodyshell itself. This was tions kept them per” cars and the license illumination was Period MGB ad Abingdon, England on May 22, 1962. a particularly difficult design challenge from being sold in the inside end of the bumpers. Then in The weekend after this year’s British for a roadster. If you look sideways at an abroad. 1974, due to mounting pressure to provide Car Day, on September 23, the MG Car MGB roadster with the doors off you see The bumper better low speed impact resistance, North Club and the MG Owners Club in the the front and rear sections of the car joined style on our American cars were fitted with large rub- UK will be joining forces to stage a huge by the floor that is only a few inches thick. little British ber overriders that had internal springs charity event at Blenheim Palace, in buggies is the and were dubbed by many as “Sabrinas”. Oxford, England, to celebrate the golden most common de- These were only produced for the first anniversary of this iconic British sports scriptor used to iden- part of 1974 and then in September the car. Blenheim Palace was used by the tify which model of MGB first rubber bumpered cars arrived start- Abingdon factory on many occasions for that we own – as in “I’ve ing with car #360301. Although they are their press and brochure photo shoots got a ‘73B chrome bumper” or “is yours commonly referred to as rubber bum- and so is a perfect venue to recognize pers, they are actually made of poly- the joy that this little British car has pro- urethane, not rubber at all. They helped vided over the last half century. There cope with the American 5mph impact re- will be a variety of attractions such as a quirement and blended in with the lines timeline of MGBs from 1962 to 1980, a The main strength holding the front and of the car. They were black semi-gloss self-judging concours, ex-factory work- rear sections in a torsionally (twisting) stiff when they left the factory and were not ers, MGB race drivers and personalities package came from the design of the sills designed to be painted. and a large variety of trade stands. (longitudinal, internally reinforced boxes) Fortunately we had a variety of wheel and from the central tunnel joined by cross Rubber Bumper styles to choose from between 1962 and In the early sixties, after a very successful members that physically overlapped. This 1980. In the 1960s Bs had basically two Chrome overriders run of 100,000 MGAs – MG was search- design gave MGB excellent rigidity for an choices of wheels – discs or wires. The ing for a new look. Several design proto- open car and was lighter than the frame standard wheel was the simple four-stud types resulted in the new MGB with clean- and body system allowing more creature They are generally classed as Mark I, II disc wheel, painted silver with 12 oval er straighter lines, small fins, scalloped comforts to be added. It also helps us to and III with 27% being Mark I (1962-67), ventilation holes capped with a plain headlights, roomier space, more comfort, understand why corroded sills are such a 10% Mark II (1967-69) and 63% Mark chrome hubcap. The roadster wheels were windup windows and more power under ‘must repair’ item, if one is to avoid drag- III (1969-80). Chrome bumper cars made 4Jx14” and the GT had 5Jx14”. You could the bonnet. First designs were based upon ging ones bum along the road. up 70% of the total and rubber bumpers get centre lock, 60 spoke wire wheels the separate frame and rail system used 512,243 MGBs were produced over 30%. Other interesting statistics show (4.5Jx14”) as an optional extra and they on earlier MGs, but were eventually dis- the 18 years from 1962 to 1980. 75% of that almost 300,000 roadsters, i.e. 80% were usually painted aluminium colour. carded in favour of the lighter monocoque them were roadsters and 25% were GTs. of all the MGB roadsters ever produced Chromed wires were generally available Split Bumper Sabrina front BCD 8 www.BritishCarDay.com September 16, 2012 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 16, 2012 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 9 Wheels through the MGB Engine and production range engine cutaway Join a club main bearing version, but were quickly From 1963 a Laycock de Normanville D changed to a five bearing crank. They type overdrive was available and later the after 1965 and were offered to 1971, but on other exports until 1976. The painted were similar to an earlier version engine Laycock LH type. From 1967 to 1973 a painted wires were available throughout Rostyle was standard equipment until the used in MGAs bored out to 80.26mm with Borg Warner 3-speed automatic gearbox the entire lifecycle of the MGB. The wires end of production. a stroke of 88.9mm that provided 1798cc coupled to a hydraulic fluid torque con- were fastened to the hub with two-eared The V8 cars, very few of which made it of displacement. The earlier cars devel- verter was an optional extra on MGB and knock-ons and after 1968 with an octago- to North America, had a cast alloy 5Jx14” oped 95 horsepower with a top speed of MGC models. They were mostly Active since 1955 the MG Car Club of nal nut. The knock-ons and the octagonal wheel that was made by Dunlop. The about 105mph, but by the mid`70s they sold in the home market. Toronto is one of the oldest MG Clubs nut had the words ‘Right Side’ or ‘Left wheel centres were cast but the rims were were down to 65 hp as more emissions Worldwide, there are hundreds in North America and supports all Side’ and ‘Undo’ with an arrow to identify chrome-plated steel. These wheels had ten equipment was added. They were fueled of events and runs being held to models of the MG marque. which side of the car to use them on as square ventilation holes surrounded by by two SU carburettors, at first HS-4s and celebrate MGB’s 50th anniversa- the threads were opposite to provide for a a bright alloy finish and special chrome later HIFs and then after December 1974 ry. The MG Car Club of Toronto The club meets on the 2nd Tuesday of tightening action as the car rolled forward. plated nuts with captive washers. The last by a single Zenith Stromburg all supplied has profiled MGB at the Cana- each month (September - May) at the In the 1970 model year the standard type of MGB wheel was a cast alloy with by an SU electric fuel pump. About 9000 dian International Car Show in Grand Prix Kartways in Downsview disc wheel was replaced with the Rostyle five spokes in a pentastar design. It was six-cylinder cars were produced from February, at the Yorkville Exotic Park. Visitors and new members are wheel. Rostyle stands for RO-style or found on the 1979-80 North American LE 1966 to 1969, designated as the MGC and Car Show in June and on Sep- always welcome. For more informa- Rubery-Owen style, after the manufac- roadsters, on all GT LE models and on a 2591 GTs were produced between 1972 tember 16, at British Car Day in tion and a complete schedule of club turer of the wheel. They had a four quarter few of the roadster LE models. and 1976 with the Rover V8 engine. Bronte park, you will see a spe- events, please visit our website at design with four painted spokes and eight The original plan was for MGBs to be Power was supplied to the rear wheels cial display of MGBs of different www.mgtoronto.com ventilation holes. They were painted silver powered by a 2000cc V4 engine that was via the 4-speed manual gearbox that did years. Take the time to look at all and black. Chrome plated Rostyles were under development, but was eventually not have synchromesh on first gear un- of the different production varia- available (and they retained the four black scrapped for the reliable B-Series 4-cylin- til late 1967, when a fully synchronized tions and join in the celebrations Reference: painted quadrants) from 1970 to 1972 for der inline power plant. For the first three model was introduced requiring an en- for 50 years of enjoyment of this Original MGB with MGC and MGB GTV8 North American cars and were available years of production these were a three largement of the transmission tunnel. great little car. BCD By A.D. Clausager DARBY The Cat’s Cradle AUTO ELECTRIC Jaguar Specialists Repairs to all

Makes & Models Nello Aimola Complete Electrical Manager Mike Lenard Queensway Analysis & Service Master Technician Royal York Royal Lawn Park Owned & Operated by Rick Meade Islington QEW Gardiner Evans Manitoba of building)

Lake Shore (Entrance at south side (Entrance Toronto, ON M8Y 2R8 Toronto, 905-842-1820 [email protected] Road York 431 Royal 1033 Speers Rd. Unit 3, Oakville, ON L6L 2X5 431 Royal York Road, Toronto, ON M8Y 2R8 Tel: 416.236.7524

BCD 10 www.BritishCarDay.com September 16, 2012 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 16, 2012 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 11 Join a club Ontario MG T Register

The Ontario MG T Register was founded in MGAs and in doing so, ensure these beauti- 1969 by two MG T Series owners who met by ful and quaint vehicles keep on going, provid- chance at an unrelated auto event. Member- ing driving pleasure to their owners. A very ship and vehicle registrations in the Ontario important part of that pleasure comes from club grew rapidly as other owners discovered meeting other owners at club events through- GARY’S the objectives and benefits of being associ- out the year and especially during the driving ated. As with most special interest car clubs, season, as most members like to get out into AUTOMOTIVE membership can provide the opportunities their cars and drive them. to learn from others; to obtain technical as- Membership is open to all persons in- est.’83 sistance often required and freely shared; and terested in furthering the objectives of to learn about suppliers who cater to our need the organization. The annual membership for replacement parts and services that can no dues are $40.00. longer be obtained at your corner garage. T: 905.827.3771 1435 WALLACE ROAD, The Register’s objective is to preserve and Please visit our web site for further information: E: [email protected] OAKVILLE, ONTARIO, L6L 2Y1 maintain pre-1956 MGs and all models of www.omgtr.ca.

Join a club The Ottawa MG Club The Ottawa MG Club is a proud group year-after-year and, for this 2012 of people who have a clear and com- driving season, in celebration mon interest in MGs. There are over 130 of the 50th Anniversary of the members and 170 vehicles in the club MGB, we have several special and we draw members from a 50 mile ra- things happening, including driv- dius around Ottawa. Our event calendar ing around the Calabogie Track is chocked full of great opportunities to (see picture), a commemorative drive and gather at many local and far- event depicting the 1st MGB off flung venues to celebrate our passion for the line at Abingdon (see picture) MGs and MG people. Even in the off complete with a special birthday season, we gather for monthly meetings. party & cake and a special Fall We are very proud to say, we have a great balance between the social and technical needs of the group. Our regular monthly meetings are Colour Run in September. never boring and our technical ses- The Ottawa MG Club is now in its 22nd sions are inspiring. Club executives and year and assistance is only a phone call COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE FOR BRITISH CARS members are usually right in the thick or an E-mail away, if members need help of things that relate to MGs and the with their MG. Newsletters are issued sea- people who own/drive them. sonally, 4 times a year, and electronic notes SAFETY INSPECTIONS & APPRAISALS, Events conducted by club members are are delivered at the speed of the internet, FUEL & AUTO ELECTRIC SPECIALISTS, a great mix of traditional gatherings and when activities and important information TUNING, BRAKES, SUSPENSION, newer ‘current topic’ events. For example; need to be broadcast. STEERING, TIRES, ALIGNMENTS our annual Gumball Rally and Cheapo- Cheapo events have been great successes You can visit us at: www.omgc.info www. GARYSAUTO .ca BCD 12 www.BritishCarDay.com September 16, 2012 • British Car Day Programme Featured Model 1963 Spitfire 4 (MKI)

head and two valves per cylinder fed by twin SU carburettors. The rack and pinion steering and coil-and-wishbone front suspension and the single transverse-leaf swing axle at the back came from the Her- ald, although the latter ended up being the TRIUMPH SPITFIRE – most controversial part of the car and its Achilles Heel. As with the Herald and Vi- tesse models, the rear wheels would tuck in and cause violent over steer if pushed too hard. The Spitfire was given a completely welded body, attached to the frame by just twelve bolts rather than separate- models. The new Spitfire was very similar 50TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR ly bolting the body panels to the frame.3 to the Mark I but featured a more highly Mark III, Mark IV and 1500 (sometimes The Herald chassis was shortened by 8.5” tuned engine, including a revised cam- informally called the Mark V). Although (216mm) and the outer rails and the rear shaft, a water-cooled intake manifold, and Definitely Not A Bomb not marketed as Spitfires, Triumph also outriggers were removed. Structural outer tubular exhaust manifold, which increased developed a fast-back coupé variant which sills were used to stiffen the body tub. The power to 67 bhp (50 kW) at 6000 rpm. The and platform. Triumph went to appeared from 1966 to 1973 as the GT6 in windshield and frame came from the TR4. coil-spring clutch was replaced with a Borg By - Terence McKillen great lengths to ensure the Mark I, Mark II and Mark III models. The Spitfire was marketed as an inexpen- and Beck diaphragm spring clutch. The ex- Spitfire was a better car The Michelotti prototype styling car- sive small sports car with a very basic level terior trim was modified with a new grille The Triumph Spitfire was first introduced than the rival Sprite/ ried over to the initial production car with of trim which just about extended to in- and badges. The interior trim was improved at the Earls Court Motor Show, London, Midget.1 There was clude rubber mats. The early cars with redesigned seats and by covering most in October, 1962. It provided Triumph more legroom, wind were referred to as the “Spitfire of the exposed surfaces with rubber cloth. with a small two-seat sports car to com- down windows rath- 4” (for the 4-cylinder engine, lat- The original moulded rubber floor cover- plement the larger TR4 roadster and was er than side screens, er also known as the Mark I), not ings were replaced with moulded carpets. designed to compete directly against the a wider cockpit, to be confused with the later Spit- Top speed was claimed to be 96 mph existing and already successful Austin storage space be- fire Mark IV. In UK specification (154 km/h) and its 0-60 mph time was Healey Sprite and MG Midget. There is hind the seats, space the in-line four produced 63 bhp 15.5 seconds. The factory claimed that at no question that the Spitfire was an out- for an overdrive unit, an (47 kW) at 5750 rpm, and 67 highway speeds (70 mph (110 km/h)) the standing success when measured against opening boot (trunk), sleek ft·lb (91 N·m) of torque at 3500 car achieved 38.1 miles per imperial gal- its sales achievement over its rivals and body styling and ease of main- rpm. This gave a top speed of 92 lon (7.41 L/100 km; 31.7 mpgUS). from its record breaking eighteen year tenance due to the large forward Early 1960s Mk I Spitfire mph (148 km/h), and it would In early 1967, the Mark III was intro- production run. hinging bonnet (hood), which included Triumph found itself once again in finan- achieve 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) duced providing the first major facelift for The ten day long 1962 show occurred the wheel arches, giving full access to the cial difficulties, and unable to put the new very little change, although the full-width in 17.3 seconds. Average fuel consumption the Spitfire. The front bumper was raised in over one of the the most eventful peri- engine and front suspension, similar in car into production. It was not until after rear bumper was dropped in favour of two was 31 mpg. For 1964 an overdrive option response to new U.S. crash impact regula- ods in modern history - the Cuban Mis- concept to that of the E-Type Jaguar. the merger with Leyland was completed part-bumpers curving round each corner, was added to the 4-speed manual gearbox tions. The front end looked somewhat dif- sile Crisis - when the world came to the At the beginning of the 1960s, Standard- that funding became available and the car with over riders. Although the mechani- to give more relaxed cruising. Wire wheels ferent despite much of the bonnet pressing brink of nuclear war. The fate of millions finally launched. Prior to cals were basically stock Herald, con- and a hard top were also available.4 being carried over. The rear lost the over hinged upon the ability of two men, U.S. adopting the “Spitfire” sideration was initially given to building In early 1965, the Spitfire Mark II was riders from the bumper, but gained revers- President John F. Kennedy and Soviet name, the development the body panels in fibre glass rather than launched to maintain Triumph’s edge over ing lights as standard and the interior re- Premier Nikita Khrushchev, to reach a project was referred inter- pressed steel. The engine was the 1,147 cc its BMC rivals following the introduction ceived a wood-veneer instrument panel. compromise. Fortunately they did, and nally at Triumph as “the 4-cylinder with a pushrod OHV cylinder in 1964 of the improved Sprite and Midget For most of the Mark III range, the instru- on a lighter vein, in the same month, “Dr. Bomb.”2 During its 18- ment cluster remained centre-mounted (as No”, the first James Bond film, premiered year production run, the Model name Engine Year Number built in the Mark I and Mark II) so as to facilitate in UK cinemas and The Beatles released Spitfire underwent several Triumph Spitfire 4 (Mark 1) 1147 cc inline 4 Oct 1962 – Dec 1964 45,753 both right-hand and left-hand drive ver- their single “Love Me Do”. updates in engine and me- Triumph Spitfire 4 Mark 2 1147 cc inline 4 Dec 1964 – Jan 1967 37,409 sions. Other changes included larger front Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti chanical components and a brake callipers, a larger 15-inch steering Triumph Spitfire Mark 3 1296 cc inline 4 Jan 1967– Dec 1970 65,320 who had already designed the successful couple of major changes to wheel, as used on the TR4, a wood-veneer Triumph Spitfire Mark 4 1296 cc inline 4 Nov 1970 – Dec 1974 70,021 Triumph Herald saloon, was commis- body styling. Five models instrument panel, better seats, and a change sioned in the late 1950s to produce a small were developed as the Spit- Triumph Spitfire 1500 1493 cc inline 4 Dec 1974 – Aug 1980 95,829 over from positive to negative grounding 1974 Mk IV Spitfire - the forward hinging hood included the wheel arches giving roadster based on the Herald power plant fire 4 (or Mark I), Mark II, for the electrical circuitry. full access to the engine and front suspension Table from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_Spitfire) BCD 14 www.BritishCarDay.com September 16, 2012 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 16, 2012 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 15 Join a club

The 1147 cc engine was replaced was reduced to 29 mpg.8 Toronto with a bored-out 1296 cc unit (the The North American mar- bore increasing from 69.3 mm ket Spitfire 1500 is eas- (2.73 in) to 73.7 mm (2.90 in), ily identified by the big Triumph Club & stroke retained at 76 mm (3.0 in)), plastic over-riders and as fitted on contemporary Triumph -Her wing mounted reflec- British Car Day ald 13/60 and Triumph 1300 saloons. In tors. The US specifi- SU twin-carburettor form, the engine put cation models up to by Glen Donaldson out a claimed 75 bhp (56 kW), and 75 1978 still had chrome ft·lb (102 N·m) of torque at 4000 rpm, and bumpers, but on the The Toronto Triumph Club was Also added for the model’s final years were a wood dash made the Mark III a notably more agile 1979 and 1980 mod- A UK Registered 1973 Mk IV Spitfire and reclining seats founded in October 1982 when car. Popular options continued to include els these were replaced by Bill & Nancy Gray (Of Gray wire wheels, a hard top and a Laycock than the earlier models (75 bhp), it black rubber bumpers with built-in over-riders. Chassis extensions were also Tool fame) gathered a small overdrive. The Mark III achieved 60 mph was not detuned, but rather the num- fitted under the boot to support the bumpers. The Spitfire proved very popular and very enthusiastic group, (97 km/h) in 14.5 seconds, and reaching a bers reflected a change in the method in North America with total sales of more than 45,000 cars, making the Spitfire for a meeting in T.O. They had top speed of 95 mph (153 km/h). Average of measuring power output, which an important member of the Triumph export range.9 done this by spreading the word fuel consumption was improved slightly for the Mk IV was recorded accord- Detail improvements continued to be made throughout the life of the 1500, and leaving notes on car wind- at 33mpg.5 By 1969, export models had ing to the DIN system.6 and included reclining seats with chequered brushed nylon centre panels and shields, sticking flyers up in re- to be changed to comply with new U.S. The Mk IV Spitfire was somewhat head restraints, introduced for UK domestic market cars early in 1977 along pair shops etc. - long before the safety/emission regulations. The changes slower than the Mk III due to it be- with a new set of column stalk operated minor controls (as fitted to the TR7) Internet and Crackberries. The original concept of the included a slight decrease in horsepower ing heavier and came with a taller replacing the old dashboard mounted knobs and switches. Also added for the club was a source of fun and fellowship - for social (68 bhp) due to emissions controls. final drive (3.89:1 as opposed to model’s final years were a wood dash, hazard flashers and an electric screen outings and drives. Plus the exchange of information The Mark IV was introduced after the 4.11:1) to improve fuel economy. A washer. Options such as the hard top, tonneau cover, map light and overdrive and parts, as well as recommending shops for getting 1970 Earls Court motor show, becoming new gearbox, inherited from the To- continued to be popular, but wire wheels ceased to be available. repairs done properly. The president of British Leyland a 1971 model for the North American ledo, came with synchromesh on all It is reported that Triumph planned to keep the Spitfire in production until Canada had even approached the new TTC to see if market. It comprised an almost complete gears. Peak power was recorded at 1982, however the last Spitfire rolled off the assembly line at Canley in August they could help move some new old parts stock. re-skin executed by Michelotti. It fea- 63 bhp (47 kW) at 6000 rpm, and the The North American Spitfire 1500 is easily identified by the big plastic 1980, shortly before the factory closed and one year after the demise of the MG The TTC grew on the strength and enthusiasm of its tured a re-designed cut-off rear end based peak torque was 69 ft·lb (94 N·m) at over-riders and reflectors on the front and back wings Midget. Over the 18-year manufacturing run 314,332 Spitfires were built plus members and their desire to get out and have fun and use on the Triumph Stag design, giving it a 3500 rpm. The overall weight in- through the continued use of three main a further 40,926 GT6s with the majority of the total production being exported their old British sports cars. “All to Preserve and Drive strong family resemblance to other con- creased to 1,717 lb (779 kg) and the 0 to 60 bearings for the crankshaft. While the rest outside the UK, mainly to the U.S., although the Spitfire also proved to be very the Triumph” has been our Club’s motto, because the temporary Michelotti-designed Triumph mph (97 km/h) time was 16.2 seconds with of the world saw 1500s with a compression popular in Europe. Like its WW2 namesake, the Spitfire turned out to be one hard working people who built our cars back in England, models including the Stag, the 2000/2500 the top speed of 90 mph (140 km/h). The ratio of 8:1, the compression of the North of Triumph’s resounding success stories. BCD built them for driving and sporting pleasure. and Dolomite/1300 saloons and allowing overall fuel economy dipped to 32 mpg. American model was reduced to 7.5:1 and The TTC and its members continued to build many for new and larger tail lights. The lines By far the most significant change, how- fitted with a single Zenith-Stromberg car- events with their enthusiasm - Spring Fling, The Ca- 1http://www.ridedrive.co.uk/classic-triumph-spitfire.htm of the front end were improved with a ever, was to the rear suspension, which burettor to allow the use of lower octane 2Triumph Cars – the Complete Story, Robson, G. & Langworth, R., 1979-2004, MRP Publishing, ISBN 1 899870 72 5 nadian Classic and of course British Car Day - now in new bonnet and removal of the weld was de-cambered and redesigned to elimi- unleaded fuel. After adding a catalytic 3http://www.triumphspitfire.nl/spithistory.html it’s 28th year. The Father of the TTC’s first British Car lines on top of the wings. Recessed door nate the over steering tendencies of the converter and an exhaust gas recirculating 4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_Spitfire Day is none other than our own Harold McQueen - an handles were fitted. The interior was also original swing-axle design. The GT6 and system, the engine only delivered 53 bhp 5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_Spitfire original owner of a 1960 TR3A. The first few years improved: a full-width dashboard was Vitesse had already been modified by this (40 kW) with a 0-60 time of 14.3 seconds. 6http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_Spitfire of British Car Day saw us gathering at the McQueen provided, putting the instruments in front time, finally resulting in safe and progres- The notable exception to this was the 1976 7http://www.ridedrive.co.uk/classic-triumph-spitfire.htm homestead in Kendal, Ontario - where every Septem- of the driver rather than over the centre sive handling. Triumph also introduced a onwards model year, where the compres- 8http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_Spitfire ber about 125 to 150 British Cars would gather for a console. It was initially black plastic, but new detachable hardtop design.7 sion ratio was raised to 9:1. 9http://www.ridedrive.co.uk/classic-triumph-spitfire.htm picnic, car games and fresh roasted corn. was replaced by a wooden one in 1973. The Spitfire 1500 was introduced to the In the UK models, the 9:1 compression In 1988 a brave group of TTC Members headed by References: Pop-up headlights, part of the original re- North American market in 1973 in order ratio, less restrictive emissions control Stu Beatty, now of Belleville - grew BCD into a bigger http://triumphspitfire.nl/spithistory.html design, were dropped because of fears of to recapture some of the torque and power equipment and the Type HS2 SU carburet- venue and took us to Bronte Creek Provincial Park - http://www.triumphspitfire.com/History.html them being banned by U.S. regulations. lost to emission controls on the 1296 cc, tors replaced with larger Type HS4 mod- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_Spitfire and the rest as they say is history and we now enjoy els, led to the most powerful variant of the The engine continued at 1296 cc, but in but was only introduced to the non-U.S. http://triumph-spitfire-cars.blogspot.com/2010/04/history-of-triumph-spitfire-classic.html over 1,000 cars per show, at what has become the larg- 1973 was modified with larger con rods and market in 1975, when it was quickly la- Spitfire producing 71 bhp (53 kW) at 5500 http://www.ridedrive.co.uk/classic-triumph-spitfire.htm est North American, one-day, British Car show. Con- big-end bearings to rationalize production belled by the public as the Spitfire Mk V. rpm, and 82 ft·lb (111 N·m) of torque at Triumph Cars – the Complete Story, Robson, G. & Langworth, R., 1979-2004, MRP Publishing, ISBN 1 899870 72 5 grats to those who religiously pack up and make the with the six-cylinder engines being used in Torque was improved 20% by increasing 3000 rpm. Top speed was 100 mph (160 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_GT6 pilgrimage to Bronte in September - without you we the TR6. Although the quoted power output the cylinder stroke to 87.5 mm (3.44 in). km/h), and 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) was http://www.vtr.org/GT6/GT6-history.shtml could not stage such a grand event. of the Mark IV (63 bhp) appeared to be less Some engine problems were encountered reached in 13.2 seconds. Fuel economy http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/kitcar/kb.php?aid=185 Website: www.TorontoTriumph.com

BCD 16 www.BritishCarDay.com September 16, 2012 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 16, 2012 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 17 Join a club Club Automobile TRIUMPH Canada

The Club Automobile TRIUMPH Canada, In May 1978 our Club was sions and social and other unofficially known as the Montreal TRI- officially registered as a Not- meetings UMPH Club started in 1976 and was offi- For-Profit organization under 5. To afford Members such cially founded in June 1977. The two found- the name of the “TR CLUB benefits and privileges as ers were John Maycock (our first President) CANADA”. The stated it may be possible to ar- and Tom Swinchisky (first Vice President) goals of the Club are: range. along with Victor Nobel as Treasurer. Pub- 1. To preserve the Marque Over the years, the mem- lic Service announcements in the media in of Triumph TR bership has kept steady at 45 July 1977 resulted in a number of new and 2. To further interest in motoring to 50. Most members are from the future member meetings at the Maples Inn and motor sport Montreal area, but we also have several on Lakeshore Road. Events followed and 3. To provide Members with informa- from the USA. Today our Club consists of the membership grew at a steady rate, by tion, advice and assistance on maters TR2s, TR3s, TR4s, TR6s, TR7s, TR8s, August 1977 it reached 29; consisting of 1 x connected with motoring Spitfires, GT6s and one Herald. TR2, 15 x TR3’s, 1 x TR4, 3 x TR4A’s, 1 x 4. To further interest in the Marque by TR250, 7 x TR6’s and 1 racing TR7. arranging competitions, tours, discus- Please visit us at: www.triumphmontreal.com.

Join a club Ottawa Valley Triumph Club The Ottawa Valley Triumph Club (OVTC) other Ottawa British car is dedicated to the preservation and pure en- clubs and has hosted the joyment of owning and driving Triumph au- Canadian Classic in col- tomobiles. Formed in the spring of 1989, we laboration with the Toron- now have a membership of about 65 from the to Triumph Club on three Ottawa-Gatineau area and throughout East- occasions. We are also ac- ern Ontario. The current line-up of cars in- tive in the organization of cludes most of the popular “TR” series (TR3, Ottawa’s premier British 4, 250, 6, 7, and 8), as well as Spitfire, GT6, car event, the All British Stag, and Herald. You do not need to own a Car Day, held each July Triumph to become a member and the club at Britannia Park. Our tries to offer something for everyone. Best website provides access of all, however, is the spirit of friendship and to technical articles, pho- camaraderie shared between enthusiasts of tos of club events and a the Triumph marque. All our events are open complete archive of our to non-members, so come join us — we’re newsletter Overdrive (ac- looking forward to meeting you. cessible in our members-only area). The OVTC holds regular monthly meet- Our strength is in our membership. We in- ings, fun runs and tours, technical semi- vite you to join our club to experience the fun nars and various social events throughout and excitement. the year and provides help and guidance to If you have any questions or would like more information, members. The club holds joint events with please visit our website at www.ovtc.net.

British Car Day Programme • September 16, 2012 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 19 Featured Model

Historic Le Mans gathering 2012, France

50 Year Anniversary: Technical Features: Backbone Chassis The backbone chassis was pressed out of sheet steel and was shaped like a tuning fork at each end. The front forks were formed to accept the twin cam engine and to 1962-1974 mount the front double A- arms and coil spring inde- LOTUSby Iain Thomson (Elan) and The Lotus Elan was the first LotusELAN sports pendent suspension (some David Funnell (Elan Plus 2) car to be produced in high production vol- components derived from umes, replacing the technically advanced, Triumph). The rear forks beautiful, but money-losing Elite. Intro- carried the independent duced at the Earls Court Motor Show in road cars in order to fund Team Lotus, his engineers intimately evaluated two Elans rear suspension, which used coil-sprung October 1962 and designed by Ron Hick- Formula 1 racing team. To offset the rela- before designing the Miata and it shows: Chapman (MacPherson) struts on lower man, later the inventor of the even more “It is an incredibly safe car, tively high cost of the Elan compared to lightened backbone chassis, front mount- A-arms, along with a cross beam to sup- famous if less glamorous, Black & Decker forgiving and vice free and mass produced sports cars, most Elans in ed twincam engine, rear wheel drive, and port the Ford-based differential unit. The Workmate, the two-seat roadster rapidly the UK, up until the early 1970s, were as- a rounded, cute, aerodynamic look. driveshaft ran through the core of the so obviously comes from gained a reputation for agile road holding, sembled from kits, often by their owners, Following is a listing of the launch dates backbone. This gave a high centre hump a parenthood of racing a compliant ride, strong acceleration and to avoid purchase tax. of the various Elan and Plus 2 models**; in the cockpit, but allowed low seating boundless fun factor. knowledge; it is essentially The Elan S1 roadster evolved into sev- and a low centre of gravity for less body From the start the motoring press was a sports car, and as Colin Avengers character eral other versions, including the hard- S1 convertible 1500 October 1962 roll in corners. The chassis was reinforced enthusiastic, even fulsome in its praise. Emma Peel and her Elan top (Fixed Head Coupé) in 1963, the S2 S1 convertible 1600 May 1963 in the centre sections and drilled for light- Chapman says, it is a fun Take for example a few period comments (1964), the 26R (1964) racing version, the S2 convertible November 1964 ness. It was extremely rigid compared to car. It is not cheap, but to from the prominent motoring magazines: S3 fixed head coupe September 1965 S3 Coupe (1965), the S3 Convertible and a conventional chassis, weighed only 75 S2 convertible SE January 1966 anyone contemplating buying SE versions (1966), the long wheelbase lbs., and contributed greatly to the Elan’s “To say that driving the Elan S3 convertible & SE June 1966 exceptional handling. a cheaper two-seater sports is immense fun is almost an derivative Elan Plus II with extra seating S3 F/Head coupe SE July 1966 car, and there are many of understatement. It is a car which capacity for young children (1967), the S4 DHC,FHC, SE opt. March 1968 them, I would say ‘Sell the keeps young men young and S4 (1968), and the final incarnation in the Elan Plus 2S October 1968 makes old men younger and is one form of the Sprint, introduced in 1971. Sprint October 1970 television set, the washing of the few cars which can average The Elan also gained fame in the classic The last Lotus Elan was produced at the Elan Plus 2S 130 December 1970 machine, the wife’s car, give 69 without exceeding 70…” 1960s British TV Cult classic The Aveng- Lotus plant in Hethel, Norfolk, England Elan Plus 2S 130/5 October 1972 up smoking, even give up – Motorsport ers. Driven by the exquisitely formidable in August 1973, after a total of approxi- Elan prodn. ceased August 1973 drinking, but scrimp and save Mrs. Emma Peel, played by Diana Rigg, mately 9,150 cars had been produced. In Elan Plus 2 ceased December 1974 Elan backbone chassis “Just occasionally one comes ** Source; “Lotus Elan” by Duncan Wherrett- Osprey Classic and buy an Elan, you won’t no villain, regardless of how ingenious addition to the ‘baby’ Elan, it is estimated belonging to Keith across the car which is the or twisted, ever stood a chance against that some 3,300 Elan Plus 2’s were pro- Marques Marshall be disappointed” ultimate in its chosen field; Emma Peel as she raced across the Eng- duced, with the final 130/5 version being the Elan, in performance and lish countryside in her sporty Elan! built in December 1974. – Denis Jenkinson, Probably the best driveability, is way ahead of all Some Performance Data:* In addition to becoming a successful The story doesn’t quite end here howev- known motorsport journalist of the day, opposition in its class - the field road car, the Elan did very well in club rac- er. While the Lotus Elan introduced in the Model S2 S3 SE S4 Sprint Plus 2S/130 ‘Jenks’ was Stirling Moss’s navigator on of the true practical ‘fun car’. ing and was chosen as a personal road car early 1990s bore no relation - it had a front 0-60 mph 8.6 sec. 7.5 sec. 6.9 sec. 7.5 sec. arguably Moss’s greatest drive, the 1955 It handles as it should with its by several top racing drivers of the time, wheel drive Izuzu engine and no back- 0-100mph 26.7 sec. 21.0 sec. 20.7 sec. 21.7 sec. Mille Miglia in a Mercedes 300 SLR. thoroughbred ancestry, leech- like, predictable and always including Jim Clark and Graham Hill. It bone chassis - there was a successor, the ¼ mile 16.5 sec. 15.7 sec. 14.9 sec. 15.5 sec. Max. speed 115 mph 123 mph 125 mph 120 mph comfortable. with an outstandingly has often been said that Colin Chapman, highly successful Mazda Miata introduced Fuel cons. 27.5 mpg 30.0 mpg 26.5 mpg 24.5 mpg good ride for a sports car...” founder and driving force of the Lotus in 1989. Proving the old saying ‘Imitation *Source; Graham Arnold, Lotus Cars Sales Director 1963-1971 (Elan & Plus 2 Buyers Guide) – Motor organization, charged high prices for his is the sincerest form of flattery’, Mazda’s

BCD 20 www.BritishCarDay.com September 16, 2012 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 16, 2012 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 21 Lotus Elan S4 drop head coupé Fibreglass Body The Elan’s fibreglass body was basically formed in two moulds, one for the floor and wheel arch pressing, and the other for the upper part of the body. The two parts were bonded into one piece and finished during the - cur ing process. Metal inserts were bonded into the fibreglass to attach items such as was quoted as the doors, the battery and seats, and there 126bhp. This engine were 16 bobbins moulded in to attach the was noted for its gen- body to the chassis. The body sits on the erous torque output and chassis much like a saddle. Since the fi- linear power curve and breglass body is rot-proof many Elans still was mated to a close ra- survive as restoration projects. tio all synchromesh Ford four-speed gearbox. This Lotus Twin Overhead Cam Engine – a power plant combined classic power plant with the Elan’s light The 4 cylinder block and 5-bearing bot- kerb weight (about 1,500 tom end in all Elan engines came from lbs), produced a high the Ford 1600E Cortina. Lotus made this power-to-weight ratio engine special by adding an aluminum and breath-taking perfor- twin overhead camshaft head designed mance. Over 25,000 of by Harry Mundy. Initially the head was these engines were pro- designed to accept 2 twin-choke Weber duced for Lotus cars, the Lotus Plus II at Mossport carburetors, with the intake manifold Lotus Cortina, and for many racing and there was the E-type 2+2. So there was cast with the head. Later, to meet emis- sports cars between 1962 and 1974, and it precedent behind Lotus’s decision to offer sions requirements and likely as a cost- is recognised as a classic power unit. a 2+2 Elan. But the decision to build the control measure, heads were also cast larger Elan could have been influenced by with intake manifolds for two Zenith- Brakes Colin Chapman’s expanding family. We Stromberg carburetors. Girling disc brakes were provided on all don’t know. All that can be said for certain Except for the very early 1498cc (1500) four wheels, providing exceptional brak- is that there was sound financial pressure unit, engine displacement for production ing well matched to the cars high perfor- to build the Plus 2. was always 1558cc (1600). Beginning mance capability. Later models such as The Lotus Elan Plus 2 came out in June, with a standard output of 105bhp, power the SE, Sprint and the Plus 2 were fitted 1967. The engine and drivetrain were output rose to 115bhp in the Special Equip- with servo boosters to reduce braking ef- shared with the Elan, but the backbone ment (SE) models. In the so-called “Big fort. chassis, body, and interior were unique. Valve” engine fitted in the Elan Sprint and The Elan’s backbone chassis for example Plus 2 130 models in 1971, power output Steering was lengthened 12” and the track increased The rack and pinion steering system and 7” and to maintain rigidity, triangulated steering column were Triumph compo- steel side members were added in the door nents suitably tuned for the Elan. The sills, even though the Plus 2’s fixed roof pin-sharp steering is geared for 2 ½ stiffened the car compared to an Elan road- turns lock-lock, contributing greatly to ster. This, along with greater size, increased the exceptional road holding and fun of the Plus 2’s weight to 1975 lb, compared to driving the Elan. 1580 lb for the standard Elan. To offset the extra weight, Plus 2’s were The PLUS 2 Part of the Story initially fitted with the 118 hp version of 2+2 sports cars were very common in the Lotus Twin Cam engine, the SE en- the 1960s and sold well. The 2+2 Fer- gine. It came with redesigned pistons, raris outsold their 2-seaters, and of course larger exhaust valves, a different distribu- Lotus twincam engine BCD 22 www.BritishCarDay.com September 16, 2012 • British Car Day Programme Elan S2 Cosworth Elan Plus II at 2011 British Car Day owned by Rob Szakonyi tor, re-profiled camshafts, and re-jetted urious Plus 2S, which arrived in 1968 and Weber carburetors. Four years later, in offered plusher seats, more instruments 1971 came the 126 hp Big Valve Twin and standard fog lights. The Plus 2S was Cam: larger intake valves and a distribu- also the first Lotus to be offered only fully tor cut out raised from 6500 to 6800 rpm. assembled, moving Lotus further upmar- Two Zenith-Stromberg carbs replaced the ket, away from their kit car origins; the Webers in the American and Canadian base Plus 2 was discontinued a year later. markets. Unfortunately, the era of emis- A 5-speed transmission was introduced sions controls had arrived and clawed back any gains. Horsepower on the Big Valve engine dropped to 113. The Plus 2’s long, sleek body was one of the first production cars to be developed in a wind tunnel. The claimed drag coef- in October of 1972, adding a much Contemporary road tests said that the were claimed to reach 0-60 in 7.3 sec- the relatively low prices, Hagerty Insur- ficient was 0.3 despite many parts sourced needed overdrive for more relaxed Plus 2 handled even better than the onds. Road & Track’s test of an emis- ance recently set the Plus 2 as number 3 from contemporary, pedestrian, English highway driving. Early 5-speed shift- Elan due to the wider track, although sion limited Plus 2 however, took 9.8 on their list of top British cars to buy right cars. Front bumpers came from the Ford ing was reported as heavy and impre- the extra weight slowed acceleration. seconds 0-60. Car and Driver achieved now. BCD Anglia, rear bumpers the Wolseley Hornet cise, but this was quickly corrected With typical Lotus salesmanship this a 0-60 time of 8.8 seconds in an identi- (two halves joined together), windshield and the 5-speed was well received by decrease in acceleration was masked in cal car. “May well be the prettiest col- from a Ford Capri, steering and interior the press. The 5-speed version was early magazine road tests by fitting a Today, the 2+2 versions of 60s cars are lector car you can buy for under from the Ford Cortina, Triumph Herald sold as the Plus 2S 130/5. Production much modified engine from the Lotus generally less valuable than the 2-seater $25,000… one of, if not the only and Rover 2000. ended in December 1974. Sales Director’s personal car resulting versions and this is also true of the Plus case, of a 2+2 coupe being prettier The Elan Plus 2 was more expensive Elan Plus II owned by in a 0-60 time of 8.2 seconds and a top 2 compared to the regular Elan. This may than the roadster.” than the roadster, especially the more lux- Hugh Sutherland speed of 125 mph. Big Valve Plus 2s change in the future. Perhaps because of – Hagerty

Join a club Join a club Georgian Bay British Car Club “Dedicated to the Preservation and Enjoyment of British Cars” Established in February 2006, to, etc. when they have visited we have filled a need for a and cruised in this wonderful British car club in the south- area. We always look forward ern Georgian Bay area from to welcoming and participating Owen Sound to Barrie that with other clubs. includes Midland, Colling- We have monthly club meet- wood, Meaford and the Blue ings, cruises that last from a Mountains. Many of our couple of hours to all day af- nearly eighty members have fairs, we attend car shows, relocated to this beautiful clean a section of an adopted four-season recreational area highway twice a year, partici- as a result of retirement and pate in local events (Canada they now enjoy a wide variety Day parades, Farmers’ mar- of events here. We have mem- kets, shows, etc.) and our an- bers who own multiple British nual party makes a donation cars and most British marques are repre- the region. We have helped other car clubs to a local charity. We meet on the second sented within our club. like the Hamilton British Sports Car Club, Monday of every month at the Swiss Cha- We are blessed with many fine cruising Headwaters British Car Club, Niagara let in Collingwood. country roads here that show the beauty of British Car Club, MG Car Club of Toron- Check us out at www.gbbcc.com

BCD 24 www.BritishCarDay.com September 16, 2012 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 16, 2012 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 25 Join a club Ontario Jaguar Owners Association

The Ontario Jaguar Owners Association Montgomery’s Inn, an old coach- uar engine and chassis parts, quiz (OJOA) was, by Letters Patent, issued a ing inn dating from 1840 situated programmes, etc. Charter by the Lieutenant Governor of On- on the S.E. corner of Islington o Annual Awards Night. tario; the document was given under the hand Avenue and Dundas Street West. In addition to regular month- and seal of the Provincial Secretary in the Meetings typically include brief ly meetings, several outdoor City of Toronto on December 17th, 1959. reports from the Club Executive events are held during the year. Today the club lists over 200 Jaguar enthu- Committee, a short intermission with They include: siasts on its membership roster. Its aims and refreshments followed by the evenings pro- o Annual Concours d’Elegance - essen- objectives are: gramme, examples of which are: tially a car show at which Jaguars from our o To stimulate and encourage interest in o Guest speakers on automotive subjects own and other clubs are judged for cleanli- the ownership, operation and preservation of e.g. tires, fuel, oils, paints,anti-freeze, ness, originality and state of preservation, Jaguar automobiles. brake fluid, etc. followed by a dinner and prize giving. o To act as a source of technical informa- o Jaguar oriented films/videos. o Club runs to points of interest around tion and assistance to members in connec- o Technical panel to answer member que- Ontario with luncheon at destination. tion with the above. ries on maintenance, repair, restoration of o Attendance and picnics at various o To promote motor sporting events, club various Jaguar models. events, e.g. Polo matches, Races, British runs and social activities for owners and o Speakers on insurance, safety, legal Car Days, Car Auctions, Concours events of drivers of Jaguars and persons interested in matters. other Jaguar Clubs. the marque. o Automotive flavoured competitions o Fun type road rallies involving route fol- The club holds meetings on the second such as recognition of makes/models lowing, time keeping and observation. Wednesday of the month at 8:00pm in from photographs, recognition of Jag- For more information, visit us at www.ojoa.org

Join a club Morgan Sports Car Club of Canada

An inaugural meeting of 18 Toronto-area gan clubs, forming a world-wide network Morgan owners in 1962 did not result in of clubs and owners. the formation of a Morgan club. Seems the In 1994, the Morgan Owners Group be- Morganeers were satisfied to stay with their came the Morgan Sports Car Club of Can- current multi-marque clubs and were con- ada, to better reflect both its history and cerned that a Morgan Club would become its mandate. We have about 80 members elitist. Five years later, a chance meeting of and many friends. Our members come 3 Morgan owners had more positive results. from all parts of Canada, with most liv- Those three owners, along with nine others, ing in the Southern Ontario area. A small, met at the home of Al Sands and formed the but active group live in British Columbia, built by Frank Lloyd Wright-and some won- Morgan Owners Group, usually shortened where they interact with Morgan owners derful sports car roads to MOG. MOG’s early association with To- in Washington and Oregon. Our club is now 45 years old, and we are ronto, or Hogtown, resulted in the informal We are predominantly a social club, but are looking forward to celebrating our 50th an- acronym HOGMOG. Many a HOGMOG also an active touring club, enjoying Sun- niversary in 2017. You don’t need a Morgan Morgan was graced by the group’s mascot... day drives to locations in Southern Ontario, to join us. We meet the first Sunday of the a pig, often Miss Piggy herself. as well as weekend runs to Collingwood, month at noon at the Queen’s Head Pub on The number of members doubled by Prince Edward County and Bayfield. Other Brant Street in Burlington. Everyone is wel- 1968, joint meetings were arranged with weekend runs have been to Watkins Glen, come. Enjoying the marque and good com- a sister group in Detroit and the club be- Washington D.C., Auburn and Philadelphia, pany are the only prerequisites. came an affiliate of the U.K. based Morgan India. The latter may not be familiar to you, Contact: John Roden at [email protected] or visit the Sports Car Club, as have many other Mor- but the attraction is two homes in the area website: www.morgansportscarclubofcanada.com

BCD 26 www.BritishCarDay.com September 16, 2012 • British Car Day Programme BMC 1100/1300

by Terence McKillen 1967 Austin 1100 MkI Countryman gines with the 1275cc unit. The ADO16 featured a Hydrolastic intercon- bodies, which didn’t share any- nected fluid suspension system designed Another Golden anniversary this year is thing in common with their little by Alex Moulton. The mechanically in- for the BMC 1100, which was released in siblings, were then relegated to terconnected suspension was inspired August 1962 to critical acclaim. The story the wrecking yard. Today, very by Citroën’s 2CV system to provide ride of the British Motor Corporation’s 1100, few Americas remain. A sad comfort, body levelling and maintaining internally designated the ‘ADO16’ fate for a car that, along with the tyres in contact with the road, but with project, started even before the the Mini, is credited with being added roll stiffness that the 2CV lacked. successful Mini and owed a lot to the first mass produced front wheel The ADO16 had comparable interior the success of the original Mor- drive passenger car. space to the larger Ford Cortina. ris Minor. As with the Minor and In common with the Mini, the the Mini, the car was designed by ADO16 was designed around the BMC Mark I (1962–1967) Alec Issigonis (later Sir Alec). Prior A-Series engine, mounted transversely The Mark I Austin/Morris 1100 was avail- to leaving Morris for a short stint and driving the front wheels. As well as able, initially, only as a four-door saloon. at Alvis, Issigonis had designed single piston swinging caliper disc brakes In March 1966 a three-door station wagon and built a front-wheel-drive ver- at the front, which were not common on became available, badged as the Morris sion of the Morris Minor. Howev- mass-produced cars in the early 1960s, the 1100 Traveller or the Austin 1100 Coun- er, it was not until the Mini, called the tryman. Domestic market ‘ADO15’ was almost ready for produc- customers looking for a tion, in early 1959, that work resumed on two-door saloon would medium to large sized cars following the have to await the arrival end of the Suez crisis. 1971 Austin 1300 Police Car in 1967 of the Mark II Italian designer, Pinin Farina who had creasingly affluent customers, the 1100 version, although the designed the earlier Austin A40 Farina, remained largely unchanged throughout two-door 1100 saloon was commissioned to present some ideas its life although there were three ver- had by now been intro- and, apart from redesigning of the front sions or upgrades through the twelve trel (1965). The Morris badged 1100/1300 duced to certain overseas by the Longbridge styling department year production life. gave up its showroom space to the Mor- markets, including the and some other minor details, his first Although most of the cars were manu- ris Marina in 1971, but Austin and Vanden USA where a 2-door MG proposal was adopted. factured in England, they were also built Plas versions remained in production in 1100 was offered. The first prototypes were fitted with 948 in Spain by Authi, in Italy by Innocenti the UK till June 1974. An Automotive Prod- cc engines but were upped to 1100 cc for and at the company’s own plant in Bel- The MG 1100 was exported to the U.S. ucts (AP) four-speed au- the production model and later, in 1967, gium. It was the basis for locally adapted from October 1962 to October 1967, tomatic transmission was a 1300 cc engine was offered. There were similar cars manufactured in Australia while the Vanden Plas was rebadged in added as an option in No- none of the teething problems of the Mini and South Africa. the U.S. as the MG Princess from 1964 vember 1965. In order to and both the media and the public took to The range was expanded to include to 1966. From March 1968 to Septem- avoid serious power loss, the car with passion. For ten years the 1100 several rebadged versions, including the ber 1971, the Austin America 1300 was a new carburettor was was the top-selling car in Britain when first twin-carburettor MG 1100, the Vanden available in both the U.S. and Canada. adopted together with a place was taken over by the Ford Cortina. Plas Princess (from October 1962), the The final fate of many Americas was as higher compression ra- While the Ford Cortina grew over the Austin 1100 (August 1963), and finally engine donors for Mini enthusiasts who tio in the 1965 automatic years to meet the aspirations of its in- the Wolseley 1100 (1965) and Riley Kes- were looking to replace their smaller en- 1968 Riley Kestrel 1300 transmission cars.

BCD 28 www.BritishCarDay.com September 16, 2012 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 16, 2012 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 29 Marketing material highlighted the spa- cious cabin when compared to competitor models which in the UK by 1964 included the more conservative- ly configured Ford An- glia, Vauxhall Viva and BMC’s own still popular Morris Minor.

Mark II (1967–1971) At the end of May 1967, AppleNovusLogo_FNL_4C.eps AppleN BMC announced the fitting of a larger 1275 cc This is a 4 color cmyk version. This is a 4 engine to the MG, Riley 1971 Austin 1300 GT WINDSHIELDS Kestrel, Vanden Plas and Wolseley vari- Morris models with the larger engine were sors, along with a slightly smoother tail light to be use ants. The new car combined the 1275 cc announced in October 1967 (as the Austin fitting. Austin and Morris grilles were now Our Service Makes the Difference engine block already familiar to drivers 1300 and Morris 1300). An 1100 version identical. The 1100 had been introduced PMS 356 - converts to C:95, M:0, Y:100, Y:27 PMS 485 - converts to C:0, M:100, Y:90.98, Y:0 of newer Mini Cooper and Austin-Healey of the Mark II continued alongside the with synchromesh on the top three ratios: all ® Factory O.E.M Urethane Installation Support by the Sprite models with the 1100 transmission, larger-engined models. synchromesh manual gearboxes were intro- its gear ratios remaining unchanged for the On the outside, a slightly wider front grille, duced with the 1275 cc models at the end of ® Stone Chip Repair community has larger engine, but the final-drive being sig- extending a little beneath the headlights and 1967 and found their way into 1098 cc cars earned us 17 years nificantly more highly geared. with fussier detailing, differentiated Austin/ a few months later. ® Safety Glass (including of awards, including 2012 The Mark II versions of the Austin and Morris Mark IIs from their Mark I predeces- Mark II versions of the MG, Riley, Van- Heavy-Duty Equipment etc.) ® Auto & Truck Accessories Join a club ® Sunroofs ® Auto Upholstery (Seat Repair) Victoria British Car Club ® Convertible Tops (Boat Tops) There is something quite unique about the amongst us. That we are able to coexist in Kawartha Lakes. You will find us friendly, Victoria British Car Club, which was created peaceful harmony whilst motoring on some helpful and anxious to share our knowledge. ® Tinting in 1993 by a group of highly motivated Brit- of the most beautiful roads in Ontario is a Each summer we hold about 8 Club events ish car enthusiasts, living in and around what testament to the true spirit of British mo- consisting of one day car runs in around the ® Free Pick-up & Delivery is now known as the Kawartha Lakes. At the toring. To some it may appear that we take Kawartha Lakes. time of the forming of the club, amalgama- great joy in seeing the bonnet of another Our most significant event of the driving AppleNovusLogo_FNL_BW.eps AppleNo tion of smaller towns and communities into marque raised at the roadside while we roar season is “Brits-In-The-Park” which takes larger cities had not yet been conceived. Vic- past. But in reality we know full well that place on the 3rd Sunday in July and has been 1033 SpeersThis is a black Road, and white version.OAKVILLE This i toria County, which had been formed in 1854, the next time it might be us at the roadside since 1994. The fabulous venue for this event wh was the predecessor of the City of Kawartha with a spanner in hand and a puzzled look is historic Victoria Park in Lindsay, Ontario Lakes and the name provided the perfect link on our faces. We all jump to the aid of fel- and it attracts more than 200 cars each year. a to the heritage of our beloved British cars. low members whenever the need arises and “Brits-In-The-Park” has developed a reputa- 905-842-6060 Our Club is an informal group of people jointly revel in finding the solution to what- tion as one of the premier car shows in south from all walks of life who have the common ever the problem might have been. That is central Ontario. If you are interested in join- bond of owning, driving and generally en- the true joy of driving these amazing little ing our Club, contact our Membership Reg- joying British cars. The uniqueness of this cars. The club has an intimate nature as there istrar, Roger Hunter at [email protected]. club can be found in our members with as are only about 65 cars amongst our mem- many as ten different marques represented bers and most either live or cottage in the Visit our website as well at: www.victoriabritishcarclub.ca

British Car Day Programme • September 16, 2012 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 31 Austin 1300 in Langen Germany Antique Automobile Appraisals & Collector Car Classifieds den Plas and Wolseley were introduced in Austin Allegro and its Vanden Plas 1500 over its twelve year production run. BCD October 1968, at which time Riley aban- counterpart. By this time, its original ri- References: doned the Kestrel name. The Riley 1300 val, the Ford Cortina, had already grown http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/features/oc- Mark II was cancelled in July 1969 and larger, putting the ADO16 into the small, tane_features/285205/the_year_that_was_1962.html was the last Riley. rather than medium-sized class. In total, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMC_ADO16 http://bmcexperience.com.au/issue-17/morris-1100.html At the London Motor Show in October the ADO16 range sold 2.1 million units LOOK FOR OUR BOOTH Serving the Greater Toronto 1969, the Austin/Morris 1300 GT, was intro- Area and Central Ontario duced featuring the same 1275 cc twin carbu- in the main vender row! including Muskoka. rettor engine as that installed in the MG 1300, Join a club but with a black full width grill, a black vinyl Collector cars, classic cars, roof and a thick black stripe down the side. This was BMC’s answer to the Ford Escort Upper Canada muscle cars, hot rods, sports GT and its Vauxhall counterpart. cars, exotics, kit cars, trucks, During 1970, despite very little change Region of the Rolls-Royce we've done it all! since the introduction of the Morris 1100 in 1962, the Austin/Morris 1100/1300 Detailed reports for insurance retained its position as Britain’s top sell- Owners’ Club ing car, with 132,965 vehicles registered The Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club was es- also include touring and technical events. purposes. that year. By the time the two millionth tablished in the United States of America Our contact information for membership ADO16 was produced, at the end of June in the early 1950s and is the North Amer- and other information is as follows: Pre-purchase inspections 1971, the Morris badged version of the ican based club for anyone interested in Owned and operated by British for local and foreign buyers. car had been withdrawn in order to create Rolls-Royce and Bentley automobiles. Membership Secretaries: Bill and Renate Booth car enthusiast Allan Lewis. space in the range and in the showrooms The Upper Canada Region of the Rolls- Telephone – (519) 578 8682 A member of the Toronto Ontario Ministry of Finance for the Morris Marina. Email – [email protected] Royce Owners’ Club is the local region Triumph Club, MG Car Club appraisal forms for Ministry of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club. Own- Chairmen: Gary and Marilyn Turner Mark III (1971–1974) Telephone – (416) 225 1693 of Toronto, the Georgian ership of a Rolls-Royce or Bentley motor of Transportation The Mark III models were introduced in Email – [email protected] Bay British Car Club and the car is not a prerequisite to membership September 1971. The range was gradu- Web Site: www.rroc.org Professional Association vehicle transfers. and we have quite a few members who ally reduced, with the MG 1300 dropped The Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club is a U.K. based club of Vehicle Evaluators. joined the club first before acquiring their in 1971 and the Wolseley 1300 in 1973. with an Upper Canada section. The contact information first Rolls-Royce or Bentley automobile. The final British ADO16, a Vanden Plas is the same as above. Club events are held about twelve times Web site: www.rrec.co.uk Princess 1300, left the factory on 19 June a year and are largely social in nature but 1974. The ADO16 was replaced by the

BCD 32 www.BritishCarDay.com September 16, 2012 • British Car Day Programme CALL EMAIL WEB 1-888-319-3321 [email protected] www.vintagecarconnection.com

PDF saved for print, CMYK for 4 colour.

Trim size = 8. 375 x 10.875 Bleed = 8 .5625" x 11.0625 FORDby Terence McKillen CORTINA 1964 Cortina MkI pre face lift

1973 Ford Cortina Mk III 2000E The Cortina became Britain’s most rope was subtly different in appearance, popular new car in 1967 achieving the having different door skins and rear wing goal for which Ford had been aiming pressings that toned down the drooping Lotus Cortina Mk I Mark II (1966-1970) since it set out to create the original Cor- beltline in order to lose the “coke-bottle” tively styled car aimed at buyers of the The second incarnation of tina back in 1960. appearance of the Cortina. Also celebrating its 50th anniversary this built Cortina was almost identical to the Morris Oxford and Vauxhall Victor. The the Cortina was launched in year is a car which is unlikely to be seen German made Ford Taunus, although the Cortina was launched on 20 September October 1966, four years after The TC Mark III (1970-1976) Mark IV (1976-1979) at British Car Day in any great numbers Taunus was originally a completely dif- 1962 in time for the Earls Court Car Show. the original. The car was fractionally In the late 1960s, Ford set about devel- The fourth-generation Cortina was a more - the very successful Ford Cortina, built ferent car model. All variants of the Cor- Despite its eye catching styling, the car shorter than before but 21⁄2 inches (6.4 oping a third-generation Cortina, which conventional design than its predecessor by Ford of Britain in various guises from tina sold over one million models, with was designed to be easy and inexpensive cm) of extra width and curved side panels they hoped would be produced in higher and was largely appreciated by fleet buy- 1962 to 1982. It achieved and maintained each successive model proving more to produce: the front-wheel drive configu- gave the car an improvement in interior volumes than previously, and following ers. Generally a re-body of the Mark III, best-selling car status in the UK for the popular than its predecessor. ration used by Ford of Germany for their space. In addition to the wider body and the merger of Ford of Britain and Ford as an integration of Ford’s model range, best part of 10 years during the 1970s and The model’s name was inspired by new similarly sized model was rejected in track, headline improvements included a of Germany into Ford of Europe, the car this car was really a rebadged Ford Tau- into the early 1980s. During this time, one the name of the Italian ski resort Cor- favour of the tried and tested rear-wheel smaller turning circle, softer suspension, marked the convergence of the German nus. However, although the updated Tau- in every three cars sold in Britain was a tina d’Ampezzo, site of the 1956 Winter drive layout. The car was branded as the self-adjusting brakes and clutch together Taunus and British Cortina platforms with nus was introduced to Continental Europe Ford and one in 10 was a Ford Cortina . Olympics. As a publicity stunt, several Consul Cortina until a modest facelift in with the availability on the smaller-en- only minor differences between the two, in January 1976, Ford were able to con- Cortinas, up to the Mark III model, were Cortinas were driven down the bobsled 1964, after which it was sold simply as the gined models, for the UK and some other hence the car’s internal name TC1, stand- tinue selling the Cortina Mark III in un- imported to Canada until 1973. Despite run at the resort which was called Cor- Cortina. The car confirmed Ford’s reputa- markets, of a new five bearing 1300 cc ing for Taunus-Cortina. The Mark 3 Cor- diminished numbers in the UK until they more than 4 million Cortinas being pro- tina Auto-Bobbing. tion for offering a lot of car for the money: engine. The most admired model was the tina arrived in late 1970 and was a radical were ready to launch its successor as the duced, not many have survived the rav- the estate version, in particular, provided 1600E that came out in late 1967. departure from the familiar 3 square box Dagenham built Cortina Mark IV, which ages of time. Mark I (1962-1966) class-leading load capacity. car of the Marks 1 and 2. went on sale in September 1976. The Cortina was a mass-market, mid- At the beginning of the 1960s, BMC al- The Cortina was available with 1.2 L and The Mark III was heavily inspired by Many parts were carried over, most no- size compact car which sold extremely ready had the success of the Mini – the 1.5 L four-cylinder engines in two-door the contemporary “coke bottle” design tably the running gear. The raised driving well, making it very common on Brit- first successful true minicar to be built in and four-door saloon and four-door estate which had emanated from Detroit - the position and the new instrument panel ish roads. It was eventually replaced in Britain in the post-war era. Management variants. Standard, Deluxe, Super and GT car sported the same fluted bonnet design had, along with some of the suspension 1982 by the Ford Sierra. The Cortina was at Ford’s Dagenham headquarters consid- trims were offered but not across all body and beltline from the North American upgrades, already been introduced to the produced in five generations from 1962 ered that they could not develop a similar styles. There were two main variations of Ford LTD of the same era. It replaced Cortina Mark III in 1975, so that from the until 1982 (Mark I through to Mark V, small car on the same scale, as the pro- the Mark 1. The Mark 1a possessed ellipti- both the Cortina Mark II and the larger, driving position the new car looked much although officially the last model was duction cost would be too high. Instead, cal front side-lights, whereas the Mark 1b more expensive Ford Corsair by offering more familiar to owners of earlier Corti- designated the Cortina 80). From 1970 they set about creating a larger family car had a re-designed front grill incorporating more trim levels and the option of larger nas than from the outside. onward, as part of Ford’s attempt to uni- which they could also sell in large num- the squarer side-lights. A notable variant 1971 Cortina MkII engines than the Mark II. Its sister car - The most obvious change was the new fy its European operations, the British bers. The result was the Cortina, a distinc- was the Lotus Cortina. the Taunus TC - sold in continental Eu- body, which achieved the objective of

BCD 34 www.BritishCarDay.com September 16, 2012 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 16, 2012 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 35 1970 Cortina 1600E larger windows giving a better view and eter, 4 spoke steering wheel, revised sus- market, largely helped by the front wheel a brighter feel to the cabin, but at the ex- pension settings, front gas shock absorb- drive benefits of weight and grip. pense of body weight which was increased ers, ‘Sports’ gear lever knob, sports road Up to and including 1981, the Cortina marginally. Throughout its production wheels, 185/70 SR x 13 tyres and Fishnet was the best-selling car in Britain. Even life, the Mk.4 was the most popular new Recaro sports seats (optional). Various during its final production year, 1982, the car in the United Kingdom. Despite this, it “special editions” were announced, in- Cortina was Britain’s second best-selling is now the rarest of all Cortinas. cluding the Calypso and Carousel. The car and most popular large family car. final production model was the Crusader On the continent, the Taunus version was Mark V (1979-1982) special edition which was available as a competing with more modern and practi- The Mark V was announced in August 1.3, 1.6 and 2.0 saloons or 1.6 and 2.0 cal designs like the Talbot Alpine, Volk- 1979. Officially it was known as “Cortina estates. The Crusader was a final run-out swagen Passat and Opel Ascona, but the 80”, although the Mark V tag was given model which buyers clamoured for in brand image of Ford’s blue oval ensured to it immediately on release, by the press, 1982, instead of buying a newly intro- the Cortina was a success in virtually ev- insiders and the general public. duced Sierra. It was the best-specified ery country where it was sold. A large update on the Mark IV, it was Cortina produced to date and 30,000 The very last Cortina – a silver Crusader really a step between a facelift and a re- were sold, which also made it Ford’s – rolled off the Dagenham production line body. The Mark V differentiated itself best-selling special edition model. An- on 22 July 1982 after a successful 20 year from the Mark IV by having revised other much rarer special edition model production run with the launch of the ul- headlights with larger turn indicators was the Cortina Huntsman, of which 150 tramodern Sierra, though there were still a incorporated (which now showed to the were produced. By this time, the Cor- few leaving the forecourt as late as 1987, side too), a wider slatted grille said to be tina was starting to feel the competition with one final unregistered Cortina GL more aerodynamically efficient, a flat- from a rejuvenated (and Opel influenced) leaving a Derbyshire dealership in 2005. tened roof, more glass area, slimmer C- Vauxhall, which with the 1981 release The last Cortina built is now in the own- pillars with revised vent covers, larger, Cavalier J-Car, was starting to make in- ership of the Ford Heritage Centre in Da- slatted tail lights and upgraded trim. roads on the Cortina’s traditional fleet genham, Essex. BCD Improvements were also made to the engine range, with slight improvements to both fuel economy and power output compared to the Mk.IV. For example, the 2.3V6 engine was given electronic ignition and a slight boost in power output to 116 bhp (87 kW; 118 PS), compared to the 108 bhp (81 kW; 109 PS) of the Mk.IV. Ford also claimed improved corrosion protection on Mk.V models; as a result, more Mk.V’s have survived; however, corrosion was still quite a problem. An optional “S” pack was made available for most models for the final model year of 1982. This consisted of front and rear bumper over riders, sports driving 1976 Cortina Mk IV lamps, an ‘S’ badge on the boot, tachom-

BCD 36 www.BritishCarDay.com September 16, 2012 • British Car Day Programme Historyby Terence McKillen of Vauxhall Vauxhall Nova 4-Door Notch Back 1200 cc Vauxhall Motors, has been in continuous operation for over 155 years and has been manufacturing cars for 109 of those years. It is headquartered in Luton, England and was founded in 1857 as a pump and marine engine manufacturer. It has been the second-largest selling car brand in the UK for over two decades. Some Vauxhall models were imported by GM to Canada in the mid- to late 1950s through to the early 1970s but were not always retailed as Vauxhall models but rebadged as Ponti- production acs, Oldsmobiles or Chevrolets. lines in Luton, Since the late 1980s Vauxhall products before passenger car pro- have been largely identical to those of duction began there in 1964. Opel, GM’s German subsidiary and most During the 1960s, Vauxhall acquired a models are engineered in Rüsselsheim, reputation for making rust-prone models, Germany. A high proportion of Vauxhall- though in this respect, most manufactur- branded vehicles sold in the UK are pro- ers were equally bad. The corrosion produced at Opel factories in Germany, Spain 1949 Vauxhall Wyvern L Series tection built into models was tightened up and Poland, and about 80% of Vauxhall’s significantly, but the reputation dogged UK production is ex- det. As the first significant post-acquisi- the company until the early 1980s. ported and mainly sold tion passenger car, the Cadet is generally By the late 1960s, Vauxhall was achiev- under the Opel brand. regarded as demonstrating Vauxhall’s ing five-figure sales on its most popular 1994 Vauxhaul Cavalier LS The Vauxhall car newly acquired interest and expertise in models, including the entry-level Viva company was founded controlling production costs, but it was and larger Victor. Between 1963 and by Alexander Wilson, also noteworthy as the first British car to 1966, the Vauxhall Viva HA was sold in Viva continuing to sell in huge volumes. name Opel Kadett in Europe, and Chev- a Scottish engineer, at feature a synchromesh gearbox. Canada at Pontiac/Buick dealers (as a By 1973, however, the Victor was los- rolet Chevette in the US and Canadian a site on Dusian Road, During WWII, car production at Lu- Vauxhall) and also at Chevrolet/Oldsmo- ing sales in a market that was becoming markets; and the Cavalier (Opel Ascona Vauxhall, London. Or- ton was suspended to allow Vauxhall bile dealers where it was badged as the increasingly dominated by the Ford Cor- elsewhere), a stylish four-door saloon de- iginally named Alex to work on the new Churchill tank, tak- Envoy Epic. The Victor became Britain’s tina. The Viva was still among the most signed to compete head-to-head with the Wilson and Company, 1963 Vauxhall Victor 4-Door Saloon ing it from specification to production most exported car with sales in markets popular cars in Britain, but overall Vaux- Ford Cortina. By the end of the 1970s, then Vauxhall Iron in less than a year, and assembled there in the United States, Canada, Australia, hall was well behind market leaders Ford Vauxhall had boosted its market share Works from 1897, the company built its WWI, the company struggled to make a (as well as at other sites). Over 5,600 New Zealand, South Africa and Asian and British Leyland in the sales charts substantially and began to challenge both first car in 1903, a five-horsepower model consistent profit and looked for a major Churchill tanks were built. right hand drive markets such as Sri Lan- and most of its range was struggling even Ford and British Leyland. steered using a tiller, with two forward strategic partner. In 1925, Vauxhall was Passenger car production resumed af- ka, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Thailand to keep pace with Chrysler UK (formerly By the end of 1979, Vauxhall’s design gears and no reverse gear. To expand, acquired by General Motors. The compa- ter the end of WWII. Models were more and Singapore. In Canada, the Victor sold the Rootes Group). engineers had moved into the family the company moved the majority of its ny’s image and target market were quick- mass-market than pre-war products, help- through Pontiac/Buick dealerships as a Sales began to increase in 1975, with hatchback market with the Astra, (Opel production to Luton in 1905. The com- ly changed, marked particularly by the ing to drive an expansion of the company. Vauxhall and as an Envoy at Chevrolet/ the launch of two important new models Kadett elsewhere) range that replaced pany continued to trade under the name introduction in 1931 of the first Bedford A manufacturing plant at Ellesmere Port, Oldsmobile dealers. – the Chevette, a small three-door hatch- the aging Viva and Chevette models. The Vauxhall Iron Works until 1907, when the truck, which was Chevrolet based, along Cheshire, was opened in 1962, initially Vauxhall’s fortunes improved during back that was the first car of its kind to be Astra quickly became popular with buy- name Vauxhall Motors was adopted. After with the low-cost two-litre Vauxhall Ca- making components to supply to the the 1970s, with an updated version of the built in Britain, the Chevette carrying the ers, but the 1981 Mk2 Cavalier – the first

BCD 38 www.BritishCarDay.com September 16, 2012 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 16, 2012 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 39 Vauxhall Astra MkV

Isuzu to produce the Fron- tera, a four-wheel drive SUV available in short- and long- wheelbase versions. In 1993, the Cavalier was firmly re-established as Britain’s most popular large family car, with more than 130,000 sales, while the third gen- Vauxhall of this eration Astra (relaunched in 1991) with size to offer front-wheel The range then was extended by the 100,000 sales was continuing to narrow drive and a hatchback body style – was Senator (Opel Senator elsewhere). The the gap between itself and the best-selling the car that really boosted the company’s Cavalier Mk3 entered its third generation Ford Escort. The decade-old Nova was fortunes. The 1983 Nova (Opel Corsa in 1988 – with an all-new sleek design axed in 1993, in favour of the all-new elsewhere) supermini, an addition to the that further enhanced its popularity. The Corsa, adopting the European naming of Vauxhall line up, completed Vauxhall’s Calibra coupé followed in 1989, which the model; its distinctive styling and prac- regeneration and it soon overtook Austin was officially the most aerodynamic pro- tical interior began attracting more sales Rover (formerly British Leyland) as Brit- duction car in the world on its launch. than its predecessor had done. ain’s second most popular carmaker. The Falling between the Cavalier and Senator In 1994, production of Bedford Vehi- Astra further strengthened its position in was the Carlton (Opel Omega elsewhere) cles ceased but van production continued the market with an all-new 1984 model – relaunched in 1986 and voted European at Luton under the Vauxhall name. The that featured an aerodynamic design remi- Car of the Year. There were two sports Omega and refaced Astra were launched niscent of Ford’s larger Sierra. versions of the Carlton: the 3000 GSi and that year and were the first models to fea- Vauxhall’s most important model of the the Lotus Carlton, the latter being aimed ture the corporate “v” grille. 1980s was the 1981 Mk2 Cavalier, which at family-minded executives and consid- The Cavalier nameplate was axed in made the transition from rear-wheel drive ered the fastest four-door production car at 1995 after 20 years, a full model after saloon to front-wheel drive hatchback the time. Most importantly, these Vauxhall Opel had dropped its Ascona nameplate, (though there was still a saloon version models had eradicated the image of rust- Vauxhall adopting the common Vectra available, complemented in 1983 with an ing cars that had for so long put potential nameplate for its successor, completing estate). For much of its life it was Britain’s buyers off the Vauxhall brand. a policy by GM that aligned and identi- most popular large family car, vying with By 1989 Vauxhall was on roughly cally badged all Vauxhall and Opel mod- the Ford Sierra for top place. The Cavalier equal terms with the Rover Group as els. Vectra received disappointing feed- was relaunched in 1988, an all-new format Britain’s second most popular car brand back from the motoring public as well as which won praise for its sleek looks and (after Ford). Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson. Yet it was much-improved resistance to rust. In 1991, Vauxhall joined forces with still hugely popular, and for a while af-

BCD 40 www.BritishCarDay.com September 16, 2012 • British Car Day Programme Opel Zafira ter the 1999 facelift, it was actually more Tourer popular than Ford’s highly acclaimed Mondeo. The Astra entered its fourth eration Corsa had been Brit- generation in 1998, and offered levels of ain’s most popular supermini build quality and handling that bettered for most of its production life all of its predecessors. and by 2006 an all-new mod- In 2000, Vauxhall continue to narrow the el was launched. This Corsa gap with Ford. A new model of Corsa was sold far better than either of launched offering a better-handling, better- the previous Corsas, and was built and better-equipped package. 2002 an instant hit with buyers. was one of the best years ever for Vauxhall In 2006, the second gen- sales in the UK. The Corsa was Britain’s eration Zafira was the tenth- second most popular new car, and gave the biggest selling car in the UK, Opel Vectra C 2.2 marque top spot in the British supermini the first time that an MPV car sales charts for the first time. The As- EcoTec petrol engine and a V6 version. bland previous Astra. It was an instant hit had featured in the top 10 best-selling Vauxhall occurred in mid-2009 when GM In May 2012, GM announced plans to tra was Britain’s third best-selling car that The Frontera was discontinued in 2004. with British buyers, and was the nation’s cars in Britain. announced its intention to spin-off both move much of the production of Astra ve- year, while the Vectra and the Zafira (a Recently the replacement for the Frontera, second best-selling car in 2005 and 2006. The Ampera E-Rev, short for extended the Opel and Vauxhall brands as it filed hicles from mainland Europe to the UK. compact MPV launched in 1999) were just the Antara (developed with the Chevrolet Many UK Police forces have also adopted range electric vehicle went on sale in the for bankruptcy protection. A sale to Ca- The company announced it would invest outside the top ten. The second generation Captiva), has been added to the line-up. the Astra as the standard patrol vehicle. UK in 2011, is a Vauxhall with a 16 kWh, nadian-owned Magna International was £125 million in the Ellesmere Port factory Vectra was launched in 2002 and was fur- Perhaps the most important Vauxhall The second generation Vectra went on sale 400 lb (180 kg) lithium-ion battery pack agreed in late 2009 with the approval of and spend about £1bn in the UK com- ther improved over earlier Vectras. product of the 2000s so far is the fifth during 2002, but did not sell as strongly that delivers 40 miles (64 km) of motoring the German government; however, GM ponent sector. Looking forward, the Hy- The Frontera was facelifted in 1999 generation Astra, launched in early 2004 as its predecessor. Its successor, called the and a 1.4-litre petrol engine that extends called off the sale at the last moment after droGen4, successor of the Opel fuel cell and relaunched as the B series - featuring – and praised by the motoring press for Insignia, premiered at the 2008 British In- the car’s range to 350 miles (560 km). determining that Opel and Vauxhall were vehicle HydroGen3, is expected to reach Vauxhall’s 2.2 DTi diesel engine, a 2.2 its dramatic styling unlike the relatively ternational Motor Show. The second gen- An almost Canadian connection with crucial to its overall global strategy. markets in 2016. BCD

Join a club British Sports Car Club of London If you swoon at the distinctive shape of a The club is a great way to share experi- hovers between 50 and 60 and a typical British car, if your knees go weak at the ences, tools (you need a 1-61/64 inch octag- night at the RCAF Wing will be 30 mem- sound of a British engine, you might con- onal socket? We got one!) and advice (for bers. The social aspect of the club is impor- sider joining the British Sports Car instance; where to obtain rare parts or tant and we try to arrange a half-dozen or Club of London. Despite the who are the best local mechan- so convoy runs throughout the driving sea- “sports” in the title we wel- ics or where to find the best son, as well as attending nearby car events. come all makes and mod- cider on draft?). Member- On the second Saturday in June we hold els of British Cars, in ship dues are $30 per our annual “Classic” car show and 2013 fact, you do not even year, with a one-time will be our 20th. We plan to do something have to own one. We initiation fee of $10 for above and beyond the usual, so please try have numerous mem- new members, which to attend. There are prizes for 14 classes bers who are “be- includes a windshield of British Cars along with Best in Show tween cars” and stay decal depicting the and our Featured Marque. The show raises on for the social aspect. club’s logo and a pin. funds for our club events and we maintain Our club meets monthly We have a wide range our non-profit status by donating excess on the second Wednesday of member’s vehicles from funds to a charity. of the month at the RCAF club 1950 through to 2005, from President – Michael Jennings 519 473-8217 on Crumlin Rd., London, as it has Morris Minors to Land Rovers, from EMAIL: [email protected] since its inception in 1992. So if you are MG’s to Jaguars, from Triumphs to Austin Vice-President – Colin Chappell 519 488-5354 in the mood for a bit of Noggin’ and Natter Healeys and not to forget Berkeleys, Lo- EMAIL: [email protected] Website: http://britishsportscarclub.webs.com/ then please drop by, all are welcome. tus’ (Loti?) and Morgans. Our membership

BCD 42 www.BritishCarDay.com September 16, 2012 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 16, 2012 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 43 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 S u mm e r 2 0 1 2 Spring ew i

ev r Fling

Spitfire PI • The “Other” 6 • Time to Shine club hub Club Meetings & Event Reports Best Price Best Value May 19 by Line to Highway 5 before splitting off to June 19 wend our respective ways home . An enjoy- Summer BBQ Rugged Victoria Day Weekend able outing and as Dave Simms comment- Our annual BBQ was held at Oakville’s Cor- & Safe Impromptu Drive ed, “There is always safety in numbers ”. onation Park with a turnout of approx 35 A small group of TTC members spent a cars and even more members . As usual, the pleasant half day motoring along the Tra- food was cooked by Jack Willekes and Bri- May 25-27 falgar Moraine westwards by Lower Base- an Clark, with preparation, salads and ac- line Road through Zimmerman to the Spring Fling coutrements by their wives and other club Lowville area and then over the escarp- Each year, the Toronto Triumph Club and members . President Tush supplied some ment to Campbellville . The group gathered the MG Car Club of Toronto alternate host- CSA/UL Approved Electrical at the Tim Horton’s on Royal Windsor Drive ing the annual Spring Fling Event . This has North American Made “Monarch” Pumps and Motors at Ford Drive at the Mississauga-Oakville Factory Testing boundary at 9:30 a m. . and comprised Deb- Product Liability Insurance Written In North America bie and Wayne McGill (TR6), Dave Sims (TR250), Garth Saddler (GT6) and Terence McKillen (TR6) .

become a tradition with both Clubs and is one of the first events of the driving season where we get to share our love of LBCs and Restomod have some friendly rivalry with the “other” Stacker XL marque . This year, the MG Club hosted the 9,000 Lbs. Cobra GT event at the Fern Resort in Orillia (see full Big Block 11,000 Lbs report on page 8) Super Sport 9,000 Lbs. June 17 BEST LIFT WARRANTY IN THE BUSINESS 33rd Annual Vintage Racing Festival 2 - Years Parts The feature for this year’s Canadian Historic 5 - Years Structure The initial drive was northward on Ford Grand Prix at the newly named Canadian Lifetime Cylinder Drive and then westwards along Lower Tire Motorsports Park (formerly Mosport) Baseline Road which follows the northern was the “American Sportscar” the Chevro- edge of the Trafalgar Moraine as it crosses let Corvette . There was some great vintage the 16 Mile and 12 Mile Creek drainage racing action as we participated in the an- systems which provide for some nice roll- nual Field of Dreams Car show held on the ing bends and climbs interspersed with infield on corner 8 . As usual, the highlight straight stretches . From Zimmerman, the of the day was the noon “Dream Laps” by Hemi route circled around the Indian Wells Golf the car show participants . Proceeds from amazing ice-cream treats for dessert! The Road Runner Rag Top Club on 4th Sideroad and the north on the laps went to the Wounded Warriors of weather was great, the cars looked awe- 6,000 Lbs Convertible Appleby Line over the escarpment for a Canada . some and the BBQ was satisfying . Thanks Restomod DX 9,000 Lbs welcome rest stop and coffee at the Ice to everyone involved and to those who House which we shared with the motor- drove a fair few miles to be there . Special 8,000 Lbs. cycling crowd . mention to Gord Linkletter who brought The Lift SuperStore Afterwards, Debbie and Wayne went off his gorgeous Jaguar XK120 from Guelph/ 2300 Speers Road, Oakville, On. L6L 2X8 Phone (866) 799-5438 car hunting for their daughter while the di- Waterloo, which we all enjoyed drooling A brand of Total Automotive Lifting Solutions Inc. minished group returned south on Apple- on . . er I mean, over . An ALI Member Company Ragtop I Summer I 2012 www .TorontoTriumph .com 3 club hub June 22-25 Award (formerly the President’s Award) to Dave and Sylvia Laverie and their 1968 Pssst! Morris Minor affectionately named “Ted” . Congratulations Want Some Great Advice? to these TTC members Class C - 2nd Place, David Grant, ‘71 STAG Class J - 1st Place, Frank and Pauline DeCarlo, ‘59 TR3A Class K - 1st Place, Paul and Tish Boyd, ‘76 TR6 Canadian Invasion Class K - 2nd Place, David Tushingham, ‘73 TR6 Classic Class M - 2nd Place, Don and Judy Johnson, ‘77 Spit A tour of the Finger Lakes with 33 cars and Class N - 1st Place, Wayne and Debbie McGill, ‘67 Herald 64 members participating, organized by Clive & Jaquelynne Huizinga and Alex & BOOK REVIEW Sharon McLeod, thanks for a great job guys . The Essential Buyer’s Guide – Triumph Stag: Norm Mort & Tony Fox, (A full report will appear in the Fall issue - Ed .) Veloce Publishing, 2009, 64 p, ISBN 978-1-845842-70-3 As the title of this book implies, Canadian Stag marque experts July 15 Norm Mort and Tony Fox, compress into 17 chapters all there is no Brits in the Park, know or look out for when seeking to purchase a Triumph Stag . Lindsay As many “Ragtop” readers will know, Tony is the Stag marque ex- The Victoria British Car Club were once pert for the Toronto Triumph Club and is a regional director of the again our hosts for Lindsay’s “Brits in the Triumph Stag Club USA and the Stag Owners’ Club (UK) and Vice Park” Car Show . Over 200 LBC’s were dis- President of the British Saloon Car Club of Canada . Tony has had played in Victoria Park under bright blue an affiliation with the Triumph Stag for more than 20 years and skies . The Toronto Triumph Club and Tri- currently owns three of the proud beasts . Stags were never of- umphs in general were well represented, ficially imported into Canada and only 2,871 were imported in to the USA between 1971 with several TTC members bringing home and 1973 making it quite a challenge for Canadian enthusiasts to locate one, although You could search big catalogues for the best price awards . A highlight of the show was the there are currently about 40 cars known in Ontario . inaugural presentation of the Warren Grant Demand for the Stag has been increasing steadily and the book has become an indis- You could buy parts from various suppliers pensable tool for pre-inspection, purchase and later reference . The 7½ x 5½ inch paper- back book is designed to assist the potential owner find the right car at the right price . You could pay huge shipping and crazy broker fees The guide explains every aspect of purchasing a Triumph Stag and is designed to answer a multitude of questions and provides a step-by-step inspection technique and unique You could be returning the parts points system designed to help evaluate any Stag . The book is available at www .amazon .ca, www .velocebooks .com or directly from Tony You could... Fox at a price of about $20 00. . It is well worth the read, even if you are not actually in the market for a Triumph Stag . The evaluation techniques and inspection guide would be ap- 1565 Hwy 5 West, RR#1 ...but why would you? plicable to a pre-purchase evaluation of any classic car . Troy, Ontario, L0R 2B0 We are your local source for quality parts and only stock Toll Free 1-888-485-2277 Local: 905-627-9995 the best. When you consider the benefits of friendly local 24hr Fax: 416-410-6479 service, no quibble exchanges, next day delivery or same E-mail: britishautosport@bellnet ca. day pick-up, plus great advice and customer service, • Diesel Engines • Parts Store British Auto Sport is hard to beat. • Gasoline Engines • Complete Engine Machine Shop • Marine Engines • Gasoline Injector Service • Race Engines • Engine Balancing & Blue Printing

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] www.winslowdelaney.com Try us for your next project! 2338 Wyecroft Rd., Unit K5-7, Oakville, Ontario L6L 6L4 Tel: 905-825-2045 Fax: 905-825-0208 British Auto Sport Your source for all your repairs Toll Free 1-888-485-2277 Ragtop I Summer I 2012 www .TorontoTriumph .com 5 club hub events Membership Renewal Reminder (Thank you if you have renewed since press time) July 27 Vintage Car Show, Events Calendar Name Member # Date Name Member # Date Mississauga David & Barbara Anschuetz 2339 09/01/12 Lenore and Gary Hogan 1658 10/01/12 For Full Event List & More Details Go To Herb Arnds 2685 09/18/12 Paul & Deb Hughes 2932 09/20/12 www.TorontoTriumph.com Dave Bechard 5001 10/20/12 Chuck & Linda Ireland 2570 09/18/12 Bob Berger 1809 10/10/12 Samuel R./ Teresa Dinnigan James 1874 09/13/12 August 2012 Sandi and George Brown 1990 10/01/12 Ron Leach 4989 10/22/12 Our club and its members continue to receive excellent press coverage, since our display at 29th Annual British Car Day Malcolm Bull 2680 09/19/12 William Lyons 2713 09/18/12 the Canadian International Auto Show last February . John Lille recently made the front cover Sunday, September 16, 8:00 a.m. Guy & Janice Caswell Campagnaro 2285 09/19/12 Ian Marlatt 2678 09/19/12 of the Toronto Star “Wheels” section (Saturday, June 23rd) and Don Johnson made national Join us for Les & Moira Campey 1531 09/01/12 Scott and Leslie Millson-Taylor 2852 09/19/12 news in the Globe & Mail online (http://tinyurl c. om/bswl9vl) . Both stories were well written the Toronto Arnie Cheshire 2758 09/27/12 Dennis & Gloria Munn 1224 09/19/12 and complimentary of Triumphs and mention the TTC and our events . John & Don are to be Triumph Bill Clark 2714 09/19/12 Stan Peszat 3229 09/28/12 congratulated for representing the club and promoting the Triumph marque in such a posi- Club’s 29th Chris Collins 4999 10/20/12 Chuck and Gail Phillips 2209 09/19/12 tive way - nice job chaps . Following the TTC’s participation at the Annual British Margaret and Doug Dalgetty 1075 10/01/12 Bruce & Caroline Pinch 3233 10/26/12 CIAS, the City of Mississauga approached Car Day at Michael De Weerd 2675 09/01/12 Paul Pittson 2867 10/12/12 the club to see if a British car show could be plete with permanent stage, sound system Welcome New Members! Bronte Creek Wayne & Peggy Dickey 2933 09/20/12 Arlene and David Roeder 2038 10/01/12 staged at Celebration Square as part of the and video displays with a large Astro Turf Provincial Anne and Ed Gaizutis 1827 10/01/12 Peter & Patricia Simpson 2546 09/01/12 City’s celebration of the Queen’s Diamond area in front . Hundreds of Mississaugans Name Location Park, Oakville . More information can be Maged Ghali 4988 10/04/12 Steven Spilchen 5000 10/22/12 Dominic Gallerneault Brockville Jubilee . Approximately 20 Triumphs and a enjoyed complimentary ‘High Tea’, with but- found at Brian Gooder 4980 10/22/12 Bill Toft 4997 10/22/12 Steven Goodman Toronto like number of MGs and miscellaneous clas- tered scones, live music and of course, our www .BritishCarDay .com . Wayne and Doreen Graham 2857 09/21/12 John Umpieby 5002 10/22/12 Ross Jex Mississauga sic British cars turned out for the evening fine display of LBCs! Our thanks to Meeting Stephen Hall 2792 10/01/12 Alistair & Corinne Wallace 2860 09/26/12 event with two Stags, two Spitfires, a TR8, Coordinators Patrick Caria and Clive Huizin- Chuck & Carmie McCormack Georgetown Thom Seto Toronto November 2012 Phil & Mary Anne Harris 2342 09/01/12 Peter and Denise Warren 2711 09/19/12 two TR4s, a TR250 and 11 or 12 TR6s present . ga for all their hard work staging this event, Roger J Tiller Burlington TTC Annual General Meeting Carl & Beverley Heinlein 2929 09/20/12 Paul Watkinson 2921 09/19/12 It was a fabulous location in Mississauga’s and in particular Patrick for dealing with the New Members from June 19, 2012 to August 29, 2012 Tuesday, November 20, 7:00 p.m. Please go to www.TorontoTriumph.com and renew today! Valid as of August 29th 2012 newly completed ‘Celebration Square’, com- City of Mississauga so professionally . Location to be announced .

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6 www .TorontoTriumph .com Ragtop I Summer I 2012 Ragtop I Summer I 2012 877-922-3391www .TorontoTriumph | www.hagerty.Ca .com 7 club events Spring Fling 2012 by David Fidler

aving missed the last two Highway 48 through Beaverton and then around we stopped for coffee SpringH Flings, I was eager not to miss this 12 up to Orillia and the resort . It was a very in Bala Falls and then contin- year’s event, staged by our friends at the pleasant drive, with sunshine and warm ued on through Port Carling MG Car Club of Toronto and held at the temperatures, although there was a no- to Rousseau and lunch . Fern Resort, Orillia . I must say, I was total- ticeable cross wind most of the way, which At the Crossroads restau- ly impressed with the Resort’s location, meant having Rosie’s side windows up . rant we displayed our cars on the east side of Lake Couchiching We arrived late afternoon and, after in a field adjacent for the outside of Orillia, an area I was hitherto check-in and a quick freshen up, took a annual Spring Fling Partici- unfamiliar with, because I usually flash look around the resort and said our hellos pant’s Choice Car Show . The right by on Highway 11, on my way to Al- to some earlier arrivals, mostly from the tradition was continued to gonquin and The Muskokas . I won’t make MG Club, and watched as the rest of the have MG owners judge the that mistake again! TTC contingent arrived . I think I counted Triumphs and vice versa, al- My wife Gloria and I left Mississauga af- 22 cars from our club and perhaps a couple ways a lot of fun and an op- ter lunch on Friday, May 25th and picked- less from the MGCCT . A very respectable portunity to learn a bit more up a caravan along the way, consisting turn out, which made for a fun week-end . about the “other” marque . of Scott & Dawn Douglas, John Morton After cocktails, we decided to eat at the There were some very fine & Nancy and Dave Tushingham . We took resort and found the menu to be good MGs there, as to whether or not any were “factory stock”, I hadn’t a clue, so I relied on value, but also very interesting in terms of health conscious . . or all of it if you so de- selection and concept . Basically, you could sired . Reminiscent of an “all you can eat” choose anything (or everything!) on the buffet, but served to your table . Needless menu for a fixed price of $30 . . however to say, we all left the table quite full and the choices were very “70s”, such as prawn so, it was off to wash the cars for the guys, cocktail etc , . which was in keeping with while our ladies enjoyed the sights and the general decor of the resort, but not to amenities of the resort . everyone’s taste . We ate heartily and had a For the drive around Lake Muskoka great time . The MGCCT provided an excel- and Rousseau, cars were arranged in five lent hospitality/registration suite, which groups of eight cars and each group had everyone thoroughly enjoyed and appreci- their photo taken in front of the Fern Re- ated, and after a nightcap at “Chez Morton”, sort, before heading off behind an as- we retired reasonably early, in anticipation signed MGCCT “Leader” . This was an in- of an early start and a great drive the fol- genious system, which kept the groups lowing morning . manageable and (mostly) together for the Breakfast was served using a similar whole drive . . which totaled around 200km Who said that Triumphs and MGs don’t mix? concept to dinner, and it was fantastic . Ev- by day’s end . . it was also the only way to (and throw in a Bug Eyed Sprite for good measure) erything from a full English and pancakes, ensure that an MG was always in front of a LBC Conga line to fruit, yoghurt and muesli for the more Triumph, very cunning indeed! On the way

8 www .TorontoTriumph .com Ragtop I Summer I 2012 Ragtop I Summer I 2012 www .TorontoTriumph .com 9 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.

Subscribe to TRF’s E-Mail Newsletter Every week, twelve-thousand Triumph and MG enthusiasts in countries around the world receive an E-Mail Newsletter from Charles Runyan. The newsletter always includes wonderful offers on parts, Right: Paul and Tish shipping deals, and other TRF news. The newsletter Boyd strike a pose includes links to current Web Site Specials and Weekend before leaving on Features which change every week. To subscribe to the Saturday’s driving tour. Inset, later the same newsletter, please follow the simple instructions found day Paul picks up an on the TRF home page. Note that unsubscribing is also award (he seems to easy if you change your mind later. share the same taste in sartoriao colour Join TRF Car Club combination with Tish) Hundreds of customers of The Roadster Factory belong to TRF Car Club. The club exists to promote Bracebridge and onto RR 17, which is TRF Customer loyalty, and it includes $300.00 in gift Muskoka Beach Rd . past Taboo Golf Re- certificates each year that you can use as cash to sort . . a great driving road if you’re ever in purchase parts. Dues are $100.00 per year, but you also the “bling factor” and general presenta- the area . . lots of tree covered lanes and home, but even after a leisurely breakfast get a parts credit in the amount of $100.00 every year tion to sway my votes . twisties, ending up in Gravenhurst for ice (there were some things on the menu I after the first. You will receive a membership card and After a very tasty fish & chip lunch, cream at Scoops, beside the steam boats . hadn’t tried yet) and a saunter around the washed down with a full bodied, but A pretty spot to take a breather and a pit property, the sun still shone and our cara- sticker. Beautiful club logo. Great T-shirts available. unpretentious pint of Chateau Guinness stop . We lost John Morton along the way, van didn’t find rain until we stopped in Or- Please join on-line, or just phone the sales line, and ask 1759 (just the one officer, I was driving), so he decided to head straight back to angeville for coffee and to go our separate to join TRF Car Club… we gassed up and got ready for the re- the resort . After our ice cream, we head- ways . Gloria looked concerned as I drove turn trip to Fern Resort . This was essen- ed back too and arrived in time to change off with the top still down, while large tially a “go your own way, in your own for cocktails and the Awards Dinner . The drops of rain fell on Rosie and ominous The Roadster Factory time” part of the tour, so our original car- rest of the evening was spent socializing black clouds lined our route home . She P.O. Box 332, Armagh, Pennsylvania, 15920, U.S.A. avan from the drive up to Fern formed, and having more fun, plus another visit was very surprised that you can drive a TR6 along with Clive Huizinga and a couple of to the hospitality suite . in heavy rain, with the top down, and not Telephone: (800) 234-1104 • Fax: (814) 446-6729 others and I led the group down through Sunday threatened rain for the journey get wet . . and frankly, so was I! ragtop Internet: www.the-roadster-factory.com Ragtop I Summer I 2012 www .TorontoTriumph .com 11 Obsolete Auto_MG&TRIUMPH AD2.pdf 19/02/2009 8:22:06 PM marque my words Toll Free Order Line: ...... 1-800-265-7437 Customer Service / Technical Advice: ...... 1-519-337-3232 24 Hour Fax Line: ...... 1-519-336-5936 Website: ...... www.obsoleteauto.com Business Hours: ...... Monday to Friday - 8 AM to 5 PM TO THE 142 Kendall Street, Point Edward, Ontario CANADA N7V 4G5 ODE by Roger Elliott GT6

t was late fall 1975 in the Niagara re- MG & TRIUMPH Specialists gionI and I was turning sixteen on Decem- ber 31st . I had worked to save some money Browse the website and was setting my goals on owning my first car . I had learned to drive in a Cortina www.obsoleteauto.com for and a Rover 2000TC, my father owned a updates on stocked parts and secure BSA and my brother a Norton Commando, access to online ordering. The parts I was destined to own British! I had my eye C you need, any time or day. on an MG Sprite (please don’t hold that M against me), but things changed . My father told me of a car he saw for sale Y and we should have a look . It was later in the CM evening when we pulled up to a house and MY the silhouette of a GT6 emerged . We parked CY beside it and Dad said “I like the lines” . I was CMY in total agreement . We were looking over Roger and his brother John standing behind an Austin Healey

K the car when we were met by the owner – haircuts were optional in those days in the driveway . He was a long haired chap and seemed quite content with himself . He A flat near Thunder Bay explained he just bought a Z28 and needed to sell the GT6 and then handed over the keys for a test run . With Dad at the helm we ventured off down the road, Dad getting used to the gears . We hit our first red Request a FREE copy of the GARAGE SALES! light and when it turned green we were off Sports Car Chronicle. That’s right. Check out our annual leaving headlights behind us and my father Call: 1-800-265-7437 or 519-337-3232 enthusiastically saying ”this really goes”, my Spring or Fall Garage Sales and browse smile at that time was from ear to ear . We Email: [email protected] endless deals. purchased the GT6 that evening . Young man goes west I received my license in the New Year Each issue is packed with super deals Payment Options: and was off and running . My first order of somewhat of a birth control device . I netically over the radio followed by first on parts and accessories along with Visa, Mastercard and American Express business was installing an eight track play- mean a Pinto was plausible, the GT6 not name “Roger” . My father got up and joined er in the glove box coupled to the existing so . I started thinking my mother had my mother in the kitchen indicating what technical articles to help you do the job. Shipping: Canada Post and most AM FM radio . You could store a number something to do with this . he had just heard . I came home at a decent A great resource for YOUR sports car! courier services of eight tracks in the glove box and Pink Time progressed and like any teenager I hour, I think it was four in the morning, Floyd, Steve Miller and Neil Young were a was coming home later and later . My moth- most lights were on and my mother was mere arms length away . er would stay up, but my father would rest standing by the backdoor, my father was Most girls liked the car except for the listening to his police scanner . One week- still at the kitchen table, he looked tired . I ALL TO PRESERVE AND DRIVE THE TRIUMPH snobby ones (they were not my type end around midnight I was pulled over by told them I was pulled over because both anyway) . I soon discovered the GT6 was the police . My last name was spelled pho- taillights were out and I told the officer I

Ragtop I Summer I 2012 www .TorontoTriumph .com 13 His and hers in their new two car garage would tend to it first thing I uncovered the GT6 each Dawn was now the proud owner of a 1976 if he would redo the GT6 seats . Not long British Car ¼ page ad 2012 Editor's choice: horizontalin or the vertical morning . Helayout. told me spring and the fascination of Inca Spitfire, however we still had a single after infection set in, I was back in sur- to make sure of that and spending another summer car garage . We enlisted the help of Cathy, gery and then I had a portable antibiotic no ticket was exchanged . driving her never escaped me . whom we had met earlier in Kingston and pump attached to me for three months . I The Prince of Darkness The people who knew the car she came up with a great design and con- merely looked at this as a temporary set- 7.5”x2.4375” paid me 19.06cmthe first of xmany 6.27cm would wave and on occasion, struction was underway . What a dream it back and was installing my new seats in visits that night and my someone at a stop light would Kingston we were affectionately greeted was to have both cars side by side in the the GT6, pump and all . I was optimistic I father retired the scanner . I shout over “I used to own one by everyone on hand . There was a guy new garage, life was complete . would be driving that summer, but that guess I should have had a British muscle Triumphs over German engineering, GT6 stays, 914 goes of those ”. I replied, “I still do” . named Wayne who made me laugh imme- That winter we were involved in a seri- summer passed and so did the next with cell phone . wedding was in the works . I still had the Enter the spring of 2005 and Dawn diately and still does to this day . Frank, who ous accident with an impaired driver and the GT6 sitting idle . The knee replace- www.transportbooksI enrolled in Engineering at Lakehead GT6 and had also acquired a Porsche.com 914 . mentions about going to Kingston in the showed me a magazine layout from the when I did get out of the vehicle I knew ment has never been right to this day . University in 1979 . I wanted to get as far There seemed something16 Elrose logical aboutAvenue GT6 for the Classic that is being put on by seventies that shows him behind the iden- something was wrong with my knee . I Reality plays some funny games with you Transportaway as I could and ThunderBooks Bay seemed driving a car in 90 degreeToronto, heat with Ontario the the Toronto Triumph Club, we had just be- tical GT6 . A couple named Jack and Cathy had played a lot of sports including soc- and the thought of selling the car final- who we spent a lot of time in the parking Cars, bikes,like the boatsperfect fit . andDriving planes… the GT6 along the roof off and the engineM9M behind 2H6 you Canadaverses come members . She sugared the conversa- cer (or football as Fid would say) and after ly crossed my mind, after all it has now Superior route was a dream . In the summers tion telling me there will be a day at Shan- lot with and still get in trouble with to this my second scope the surgeon at that time been four years . trucks, tractors, tanks and trains. a closed coupe with a fiery(416)744-7675 inferno in front I would go out west for work and when I had of you . Long trips in the(800)665-2665 heat with the GT6 nonville . The car was packed, including an day . There was a myriad of other great peo- told me to lay off the sports as I may need Is it a guy thing to become attached to some free time we would drive through the left you feeling a little lethargic and the oc- 85 pound yellow lab secured in the back ple . What a weekend! a knee replacement later in my years, I an automobile? I suppose so . I do think Canada's largestmountains, selection the two ofof us motoringwere inseparable . bookscasional break & motorsport was necessary . videosfor a 45 minute drive to the kennel . The one I was told I should bring the GT6 up took his advice . Unfortunately the im- we all have a cherished memento that British Car booksI had installed a specialty: a new AM FM stereohistorical, c/w a Dawn pictorial and I bough t &our startertechnical. home and thing about the GT6 is that you can put a to British Car Day, so that fall we did and pact had compressed my knee to a point flourishes good memories . The GT6 was Mon-Sat 10am-5pmbuilt in cassette player - infree the GT6 parking and was the – garage free was mailing big enough for list both cars . A lot of stuff in it . Upon arrival at the kennel placed third . . and again the following year . I was bone on bone and a replacement that to me . www.autophile.ca learning a computer language called For- few years later we bought our lovely home the dog could not be happier to disembark I was invincible, until a fourth GT6 showed was necessary at the age of 48 . The sur- The GT6 is now for sale, 37 years after tran (punch cards and all) . Technology was on the water, which we still reside in . It came the GT6, it just had to watch not to step on up the year after . gery was slated for mid September 2008 my father and I took it for its first run . In flying through the roof at that time . with one glitch, a single car garage . A deci- his tongue getting out . We were now fully involved with the and a week later I was at British Car Day closing I say, Godspeed old friend, it has club, so why not buy another Triumph? 3.75”x 4.9375” 3 ¾ x 4 15/16Fast track to the9.53cm year 1987 x 12.55cmand a May sion was made and the Porsche was sold . Upon arrival in the hotel parking lot in chasing Vic down with my walker to see been a slice . ragtop

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14 www .TorontoTriumph .com Ragtop I Summer I 2012 Ragtop I Summer I 2012 www .TorontoTriumph .com 15

RAGTOP 45 marque my words Quest for a Special Car with the ‘TRIUMPH SMELL’ by Garth Saddler

y passion for the Triumph GT6 the Mk I model best . I liked the Mstarted many years ago in my early child- look from the front and also hood when I was living in Jamaica . Two the interior . I knew that the doors down the road from our house lived rear suspension geometry was an army officer who had a GT6 Mk III . I can not as good as in later models, clearly remember hearing him starting the but I had no intentions of rac- car and revving the engine . I would dash ing the car so that would not to the window just to get a glimpse of the be a problem . In fact, my goal, car racing by and promised myself that one if I found a suitable car, was to day I too would own such a car . keep it as near to original fac- Let’s fast forward a few years - actually, tory specification as possible . more than a few years! I am now living and As my search continued, I working in Canada . One day a co-worker realized that it was not going and very good friend started talking about to be an easy task as GT6s are Garth’s 1968 Mk 1 GT6 cars . He mentioned that someone had getting harder and harder to given him an old Triumph . He said it was find . On one occasion, I came very close to not going to lose this one . A few days later, a 1968 GT6+ . I could not believe it! I just acquiring a beautiful signal red 1968 Mk I, in March 2011, the car was in my driveway . had to go and see it, thinking I could buy but I was a few minutes too late - the car My first task asw a general clean up it from him . I was amazed at this great little had been sold by the time I arrived . and then I started to go through the car car . The engine started, but the car was not During the course of my search, I be- carefully trying to ascertain what tasks in drivable condition . However, seeing it came temporarily side tracked and ended needed to be tackled . As I have never rekindled my desire to own a GT6 . I did ev- up purchasing a 1980 Spitfire and later done any form of mechanical work before, erything possible to buy the car from my a 1974 TR6, neither of which satisfied my I had to take my time and build up my skill friend, but he was intent on keeping it . ultimate goal and both of which required level . I started with some of the more cos- With a newly awakened sense of en- restoration budgets beyond my means metics issues . Everything seemed to work, thusiasm my quest started in earnest . I and mechanical abilities, so they were but some of the original switches and trim probably bought all the GT6 books that passed on to others to tackle . had been replaced by newer, non-original, were available on the market and delved One day my luck turned as I was brows- pieces . I found Canley Classics and Spitfire into internet sites to learn as much as pos- ing the classifieds on the TTC website . Graveyard, both of the UK and Spitbits sible about the marque . I started to learn There was a 1968 GT6 Mk I for sale . I hurried in California to be very good sources for about the differences between the three to take a look . It was not perfect, but it was parts for the Mk I . GT6 models and concluded that I preferred all original and I promised myself that I was As soon as the weather started to get

Ragtop I Summer I 2012 www .TorontoTriumph .com 17 The ZS carburetors were refurbished by Jeff Palya at Paltech warmer I had the car appraised and in- in Ohio sured and it was now time to focus on driving . Armed with temporary plates and ZS Carburetors with intake manifold . These CAA card in my wallet, I was ready to see were shipped to Jeff Palya at Paltech in Ohio how it ran on today’s roads . I was delight- for full service and restoration . I had always ed when the car started immediately with felt that they were never adjusted correctly, only a little choke required and it seemed and the throttle body never felt as tight as it to purr like a kitten . I let it warm up for should, and many of the springs were miss- about 10 minutes to ensure nothing un- ing . I also took the opportunity to get my toward was leaking and then I was off – on exhaust manifold sand blasted, and I later my first solo drive! painted them with manifold paint . Not wanting to venture too far, I initially My passion heightened even more just drove around the block and then grad- for this little GT6 after taking part in last ually started to increase my distance from year’s “Fid’s Impromptu Fall Fling” driving home as confidence was gained . The car tour and a recent trip to Campbelleville ran great, accelerated nicely, and tracked where it was thrilling driving through well . I was quite amazed at the torque of The interior look was an appealing factor in Garth’s choice of the Mk 1 the twisty escarpments and cruising with the engine . It seemed to pull well through My intentions are to continue the proj- I might tackle some of the larger mechani- other Triumph enthusiasts . As my confi- the gears . The shifts were easy and very do you always smell like gas ect as a rolling restoration, driving the car cal jobs in due course . dence in the reliability of the GT6 is ap- precise . Although the brakes worked well, and exhaust when you drive during the summer months and learning So far this spring, I have successfully at- preciating, I will certainly participate in I found that they did require fairly strong the car?” They refer to it as the and building my confidence levels so that tempted the removal and refitting of my more club trips . ragtop foot pressure . . the Mk I does not have ser- “Triumph Smell” vo-assisted brakes . In searching for any classic My GT6 doesn’t seem to suffer from car, I would recommend the the cabin heat problem that I read about following points: in so many magazines . I found that there • I have heard this one over was ample cooling once the front vent and over, but it’s definitely windows were opened and properly posi- true . Buy the best car that you tioned . However, I did find the interior to can afford . be quite cramped . You do tend to get very • Try to find a car with no intimate if you have a passenger in the rust, good paint and a sound front seat . In fact “Road and Track” back transmission . I believe the oth- The GB plate adds authenticity, but Garth used it to hide a minor blemish in 1967 noted “The GT6 isn’t a tall man’s er things are cheaper to repair . car . Our tallest driver, who is 6 ft 3, found • View the car in the daylight and pref- • $2,000 and less – Project car himself too cramped to drive it with any erably when it is not raining . • $2,000 – $4,000 – Driver requiring degree of pleasure and our two 6-footers • Always bring someone with you that work complained of their heads touching the is knowledgeable about these cars . • $4,000 - $8,000 - Nice Driver roof ”. I have been told that changing to a • Don’t be afraid to check the car out • $8,000 + - Show car smaller steering wheel will improve the thoroughly . However, be respectful to the I haven’t owned my GT6 for long cabin space, at least for the driver . . I am owner and always ask if it’s OK before pro- enough to be able to offer advice on main- still using the original stock steering wheel . ceeding . It’s a good idea to have a flashlight tenance and upkeep or for the likes of en- Nevertheless, this car is fun to drive . and wear clothes that you are not afraid to gine rebuilds or any other major tasks, but Even when compared to the modern cars get dirty . the positives I like about the car are: that I have owned, the GT6 is by far the One of the more difficult parts of my re- • Its looks (Inside and Out) most enjoyable to drive . It always puts a search was estimating what I would have • Engine power smile on my face . It feels and sounds fan- to pay for a GT6 . These cars don’t come • Rarity of the marque tastic . No muffled exhaust . No power win- on the market very often, and when they • Ease of working on the engine dows . No air conditioning . This is the real do, they are in varied states of repair and • Driving feel and sound deal – the way motoring used to be . condition . They are not collector cars, so And the only dislikes would be the Yes, I do face some ribbing when I re- you have to keep that in mind when try- somewhat cramped interior, lack of servo- Garth’s GT6 with a brace of TR6s and a TR250 in Campbelleville turn home from a drive . My daughters are ing to negotiate a fair price . This is what I assist on the brakes and the difficulty in l-r Terrence McKillen, Garth, Wayne and Debbie McGill, (Dave Sims was behind the camera) always making comments like, “Dad, why experienced: finding some of the original trim pieces .

18 www .TorontoTriumph .com Ragtop I Summer I 2012 Ragtop I Summer I 2012 www .TorontoTriumph .com 19 marque my words A PAIR OF SIXTY-SIXES - THE MAKINGS the 1966 hit ‘Bus Stop’ by the Hollies says what I thought at the time . I temporarily “by August she was mine” - delivered by put the Spitfire aside and focused on get- OF A flatbed to my house! ting the GT6 back on the road . The car was Then reality set in . I had purchased running, but was very rough . It needed a two Triumphs within three months! Fortu- new windshield and a few other things nately, I only have a two car garage so the prior to being certified . SIX-PACK? insanity hit a natural stop . The GT6 is es- After numerous attempts to get the sentially a blueprint which will be of great idle speed down I began researching by Warren Beech assistance to me when I begin assembling more about Weber carburettor upgrades the Spit . It will also give me something fun and the other modifications that had to drive in the meantime . At least that was been done . It became clear to me that aising three daughters has kept of British cars . In fact, we owned a 1951 four cylinder engine . The price was reason- Rme quite busy over the years and now as Humber Super Snipe . In high school, I took able too . It was just a matter of collecting young adults they have begun to leave the auto shop and three of my friends actually it . I live in Mississauga and the Spitfire was nest . In fact, the eldest is married and has owned TR6s . I worked on my own cars dur- in Renfrew . I rented a U-Haul trailer and off presented me with two granddaughters ing high school out of financial necessity . we went on a round trip adventure . within the last two years . All of a sudden, When I look back on the things I tackled, The seller was extremely gracious; he there is time for “grandpa” to get a hobby! I have to shake my head - engine rebuilds, had labelled everything and sorted all the AUTO/MARINE Over the years I would often notice, clutch replacements, repainting, etc . parts into large Rubbermaid containers . I with great interest, some rusty old gems After much deliberation my hobby car can remember thinking at the time, “how SOFT TOP DETAILING KITS being towed off on flat beds for rebuild- selection was destined to be a small Brit- do all these pieces go together?” When I Don’t throw out your perfectly good but faded tops or covers just yet! ing and restoration and have always ish sportscar with a strong racing heritage, got back home the frame and a lot of the Would you like a Brand New looking Cloth Top for under $100 ? thought it would be fun to build a car slightly rare, but with an availability of new major parts were sent off for sandblasting Boat Canvas or Vinyl or Plastic Windows looking Tired and Drab? from the ground up . So, in January 2011 and used parts . I have always been partial and painting . I also began learning more Europe’s #1 recommended Soft Top Care products for over 12 years ! my search began . to the look of coupés, in particular the Jag- about the value of parts and pieces for my My automotive exposure stems from uar E-Type, the Volvo P1800, the MGB GT new little gem . Items like various rear ends, WORLD FAMOUS RENOVO KITS TO THE RESCUE! my family experience because I grew up and of course the best of all, the Triumph overdrives, upgraded carburettors, electric • Easy to use DIY Kits with Money Back Guarantee. Professional Results ! with car repair activities all around me . GT6 . Small, powerful, gorgeous lines, and cooling fans and bodywork . • Ultimate Mould, Mildew & Stain Removal with a Formidable Inhibitor. • Powerful, long lasting UV protection & an Unequalled Water Proofer. often described as an E -Type that had It was during this time of searching for Between 1922 and 1968, my grandfa- • Easily clear scratched, yellowing and Un-Safe Plastic Windows. Forever BLACK products finally available in Canada! ther owned one of the very first Sunoco been left out too long in the rain and parts that I came across a 1966 GT6 Mk I • Revive original deep, dark, rich factory color of cloth or canvas tops. All kits just $15 plus shipping! gas stations - Rosie’s Auto Service in To- shrunk! After I had looked at a few poten- for sale . This little beauty was close by and • Brighten and Re-condition dull Vinyl tops, dashes and upholstery. Permanently re-colour and protect all Black plastic, • All products Water-based and Safe for your “baby” ! ronto . The shop had no hydraulic hoists, tial cars, I added reliability and simplicity to the asking price was low considering all • Cloth tops, Vinyl tops, dashboards, motorcycle visors and screens, RV awnings, vinyl & rubber surfaces on your car like “Magic”! just open pits . One of my uncles owned my purchasing criteria . of the modifications that had been made; deck furniture, sail covers, radar covers, lifeboat covers, snowmobile seats, Makes everything look New Again! a Supertest gas station for forty years . In June, I finally zeroed in on a 1966 Weber carburettors, electric cooling fan, umbrellas, upholstery, ATV covers and anything else cloth, vinyl or plastic! www.foreverblack.com Another uncle was an aircraft mechanic Spitfire Mk II . The chap who owned the car Dayton wire wheels and it had overdrive! in England during WW2 and worked on - had already started a body off restoration Sadly the owner had passed away and his North American Distributor – Convertible Top Renew – Kelowna, BC, Canada you guessed it - Spitfires! and had rebuilt or replaced a lot of the un- son was trying to move the car fast . Given My family moved to New Zealand for reliable bits - perfect . The car was a little the fact that I always loved the lines of the Website: www.convertibletoprenew.com – Toll Free 1-888-697-0089 one year . I was exposed to a vast array rare, easy to work on and only had a small GT6, resistance was futile . As the lyrics of

20 www .TorontoTriumph .com Ragtop I Summer I 2012 Ragtop I Summer I 2012 www .TorontoTriumph .com 21 Rimmer ad 'D overseas' 08 1/7/08 14:44 Page 1

Spitfire under restoration so many things were ing the Spitfire alone . because I liked everything I saw! FREE changed that it was The Spit requires To anyone who is thinking about A BRITISH COMPANY SUPPORTING BRITISH CARS CATALOGUES now beyond my me- panel replacement on buying their first Triumph I suggest the chanical capabilities . the tub and the com- following: I had been discussing pletion of an engine • Join the club and use those resources these issues with Fred rebuild, reassembly and to help select your car . McEachern who rec- of course, a paint job . • Choose a car with little or no rust, per- ommended Phil Allen at Britcar Service to Both cars are currently signal red, but be- haps one from the southern states . help sort out the mess . gan life dark green . I plan on ordering the • If you can’t tackle the work yourself, line So it was back to U-Haul again to trans- heritage certificates and my direction has up an experienced Triumph mechanic (you port the GT6 down to Phil’s shop in Wood- always been towards originality as much don’t want someone learning on your car) 75,000 SQ FT OF SPACE stock . He immediately dug into the car as possible with both cars . It is absolutely I view this hobby as a journey rather FULL RANGE OF PARTS & ACCESSORIES and discovered a cracked exhaust mani- amazing the amount of information avail- than a destination . It has been a lot fun fold, a leaking electric fuel pump and the able on the web . I have learned so much, so far . I have acquired a couple of fairly Webers running wild . Phil is currently in but there is still so much more to learn and rare, fun vehicles . The GT6 will be a roll- Great prices! the process of returning the experience . ing restoration and my fun driver and I car back to stock . With Fred I joined the Toronto Tri- am looking forward to having it back on Great service! PARTS PICKED FROM 1000’S OF LOCATIONS McEachern’s help, replace- umph club in August 2011, the road later this summer . The Spitfire, ment carbs and manifolds but really wish I had learned my “rusty old gem,” will then be brought have been sourced . Electronic about the club earlier . There is back to life . I am looking forward to a WANT A PROFESSIONAL ignition is being added and a wealth of experience avail- feeling of tremendous accomplishment the electric cooling fan is be- able through the club mem- and pride every time I start the Spitfire PARTS SERVICE ing serviced along with a re- bers . My first British Car Day up . At that point the pair of Sixty Sixes SALES OFFICE built fuel pump . Until work on was amazing . It is good thing will be complete - my own little 6 pack – AT THE RIGHT PRICE? the GT6 is completed I’m leav- Spitfire arriving home from Renfrew I only have a two car garage well almost! ragtop COME TO THE EXPERTS We stock MG Rover and Land Rover parts too. STAG . TR2-8 . SPITFIRE . GT6 . HERALD OAKVILLE’S CRUZE NIGHT VITESSE . DOLOMITE . 2000/2500 Rimmer Bros tick all the boxes:- Every Tuesday Night from 6 p.m. to dusk Hosted by Oakville Lions Club and Boston Pizza I Competitive prices Dorval Crossing II, Dorval Drive & North Service Road in Oakville I AUTHORISED PARTS DISTRIBUTOR Great customer service • Rock’n Roll DJ, Original Parts & Accessories High Performance ROVER SD1 . ROVER 75/45/25 I Efficient mail order anywhere • 50/50 Draw, MGF/MGTF . MG ZT/ZS/ZR Synthetic Lubricants ROVER 200/400/600/800 I World’s largest Triumph stock • Door Prizes for drivers METRO/MINI . MAESTRO/MONTEGO Dealer Cell: (905) 510-9437 I Free catalogues All proceeds go to local causes. [email protected] LAND ROVER www.lubedealer.com/oils AUTHORISED PARTS DISTRIBUTOR I Trade enquiries welcome Original Parts & Accessories RANGE ROVER CLASSIC/P38A/SERIES 3 I Easy to use website DISCOVERY 1 & 2 . FREELANDER London Trading Post DEFENDER . ROVER V8 ENGINES Fine English Countrywear PARTS SALES & ENQUIRIES www.londontradingpost.ca Tel: 01144 1522 568000 SALES Spencefield House COUNTER VISITORS WELCOME Trade Enquiries: 01144 1522 567111 & VISITOR We are open:- MON – FRI; 8.30am to 5.30pm, 189 County Rd 49 Fax: 01144 1522 567600 CENTRE SAT; 8.30am to 1pm. Bobcaygeon, ON K0M 1A0 E-mail: [email protected] Tel/Fax: (705) 738-1956 BROWSE OUR CATALOGUES Open most weekends www.rimmerbros.co.uk ON YOUR PC Rimmer Bros. Triumph House, Sleaford Rd (A15), Sat. 10am-3pm Sun. 11am-3pm or by appointment All our Bracebridge Heath, Lincoln, LN4 2NA, England. Catalogues & current Price Guides are available on one CD. Small charge is made to cover burning & postage. 22 www .TorontoTriumph .com Ragtop I Summer I 2012 marque my words

The 02 sensor bung welded into the collector. The other S TFIRE spigot shown is for the crankcase evacuation system MAP sensor mounted on the firewall the bung has to be welded in place . The O2 sensor has to be in the top or the side of the header collector pipe . I found it best to in- PI PIONEER stall it halfway in between . Things can get very tight on the Spitfire. Here you can Then the ECU was mounted, in a vertical see the grommet in the firewall and the wiring harness position, with the wires coming out the bot- coming out. You can also see the fuel line going into the by Don Johnson FUEL INJECTION CONVERSION tom and a loop created in the wiring to stop regulator and the return line coming out any water that might wick its way back up able to route the wires to the different in the trunk, it should be insulated, so as into the ECU . There was just enough room sensors, battery, and the distributor . The do deaden any noise that the pump might The stainless steel tubing running from the manifold to to do this under the battery box on the in- wires were cut to appropriate length and make . I elected to mount the pump on a the map sensor. Notice how the tubing runs downhill side of the firewall . I borrowed a spare ECU the pins soldered for the different sensor from the sensor to the manifold or a number of years, I had been talk- piece of softwood and then attached the from Les in order to make up aluminium plugs . After installation of all the plugs and ingF about fuel injecting our Spitfire 1500 . wood to the body with rubber mounts . brackets and bolt them to the firewall . the wires properly routed the wiring har- Sometime in January 2011, I was looking for This turned out to be an excellent solution . something to do, so my friend Les, at Harris ness was removed and then wrapped . Auto Electric, suggested that I should try to The new 3/8 pickup and return line installed into the gas track something down . Firstly, I contacted tank Rick Patton, at Patton Machine in the US, who makes injection kits for TR6s, to see if he had come up with one for the Spitfire . He didn’t - but he did have the necessary The ignition module mounted to the engine block with parts to convert HS4 SU carburettors to The high pressure fuel filter mounted to the frame. It also ECU mounting brackets bolted to the inside of the fire- 3 the power wires coming out of it. The distributor plugs shows the /8” stainless steel fuel line and the stainless wall. Two longer bolts sticking out of the left hand bracket throttle bodies . The suggestion was made into the module on the backside. The ECM plugs into the fuel tank vent line are to mount the relays for the fuel pump and the power if I wanted to do the prototype work on front lower plug The tank ready to be reinstalled with the vent line The next task was to run the fuel line to supply to the ECU The harness wrapped and ready to be installed and new fuel line in place. These were easier to connect the Spitfire, he would supply the parts . The and weights also have to be removed . A new before the tank was reinstalled the front of the car . This required cutting a 1¼” The next step was to mount the MAP challenge was on! 3 upper shaft is mounted with the reluctor hole in the trunk floor for the new /8“” stainless sensor . It has to be located higher than The first order of business was to supply After the tank was reinstalled it was time wheel and the magnetic pickup . The distrib- steel line . I also mounted a high pressure fuel the vacuum port on the intake manifold . I Rick with the vacuum reading of the hot to mount the high pressure fuel pump . The utor is reinstalled at top dead centre and the line filter on the frame close to the location elected to mount it to the firewall directly engine at 900 RPM; the length of the wires accompanying instructions suggested that two wires coming from the distributor are where the fuel regulator would be mounted . behind the manifold and as high up as I for the wiring harness and the advanced it be installed lower than the gas tank . I plugged into the ignition module . could get it . The MAP sensor should also curve of the distributor . Meanwhile several couldn’t find a good place to mount it on be mounted so there are no dips or sags in things could be done while waiting for the the frame so decided to install it under the vacuum line going from the manifold parts . The gas tank was removed and a new the tank inside the trunk . It was also sug- to the sensor . I figured the best way to do pickup installed . gested that a fuel filter be added to the The ECU and the relays installed. And the this was to install a piece of ¼ in . stainless I didn’t attempt to try to solder the new low pressure line running from the tank wiring harness roughed in steel tubing and made sure that the tubing fuel pick up as Steve, at Rads Plus (in Bar- to the pump . The bends were a little tight The regulator mounted to the firewall. The right and left Now it was time to make up the wiring ran downhill to the manifold . rie), said he could do it without blowing for the rubber fuel injection hose so I de- fittings go to the throttle bodies. The rear fitting attaches 3 harness . The basic wiring harness was sup- Then the ignition module was installed things up . I thought that was a good deci- cided instead to use a piece of /8“ . copper to and the supply line from the tank and the bottom fitting The distributor in place, the reluctor wheel and the mag- attaches to the return line back to the tank. The forward plied by Patton Machine . I had to locate a which has to be mounted close to the dis- netic pickup. The two wires from the distributor hooked sion as I didn’t want to emulate the Spit- to run from the filter to the pump . Another fitting is where the pressure gauge attaches suitable place to make a hole in the firewall, tributor and with an attached heat sink . I up to the ignition module fire’s original project name of “the bomb”! caveat was that if the pump was mounted The next job was to mount the regulator but things were starting to get a little tight mounted it to the engine block where the This was followed by setting up the close to the throttle bodies . The best loca- for space . A 1¼” hole was needed to get all block-off plate for the original fuel pump throttle bodies . The dashpot covers and tion seemed to be the firewall just behind the wires and wire ends through and I found was located . I had to reverse the plate and vacuum pistons from the SU carburettors where the throttle bodies would be located . just enough room beside the regulator . drill two holes in it to match the holes in had first to be removed . I went a little far- The instructions suggested that the dis- Now I had to find a suitable rubber grom- the engine block . ther by obtaining a couple of used HS 4 tance from the regulator to the throttle bod- met which came, in the end, from a highway I then got hold of a Lucas 25 E distributor carburettor bodies and converted them ies be as short as possible and the supply tractor air brake seal as none of the local which was the type used on some of the ear- to throttle bodies . I didn’t want to ruin the lines be of equal lengths . Following this, an auto shops stocked anything suitable . ly Spitfires and MGBs . There are a couple of HS 4 carburettors I had on the car because The new fitting soldered into the tank and the new pick- O2 sensor bung was installed in the header . Once I got the hole cut in the firewall bosses in the distributor that need to be re- they worked very well . I put in new bush- The pump mounted underneath the tank, the low pres- up plus the fuel return line to the tank. This goes into To do this the header had to be removed as and the rubber grommet installed, I was moved . The the upper shaft and the springs ings and throttle shafts to make sure there the old gas pickup fitting sure filter and the copper line

24 www .TorontoTriumph .com Ragtop I Summer I 2012 Ragtop I Summer I 2012 www .TorontoTriumph .com 25 JENSENMERCEDES TRIUMPH AUSTIN-HEALEYAUSTIN ALVISJAGUAR ASTON BMW MARTIN wouldn’t be any air leaks which would tend DAIMLERBENTLEY ROLLS-ROYCE MG RALEIGH SUNBEAM LOTUS VAUXHALL CORD TVR to give a lean mixture . I also resurfaced the flanges on the throttle bodies and installed Temperature sensor mounted in the heater supply line BRISTOL PORSCHE ANGUS-SANDERSON ALLARD MORGAN all of the old SU throttle linkages . I installed The check engine light was installed in the dashboard LANDROVER WOLSELEYLNER RELIANT the throttle position sensor next . This has where the choke knob used to be a brass fitting that has been modified to Norman Witte at Affordable Fuel Injection AUDI ARMSTRONG-SIDDELEY LANCHESTER STRAKER-SQUIRE work as a driver . It fits onto the end of the TROJAN INVICTA MORRIS ARGYLL in Michigan . This is the gentleman who re- rear throttle shaft . The rotating part of the programs the chips to match your style of throttle sensor must be in perfect align- driving . I tried everything I knew of, but the 905-953-0052 www.lnerautomotive.ca ment with the throttle shaft . This took a car still sounded and ran like it was over fu- little modification of the bracket supplied elling . I tried several times to get a reading in the kit . The next step was to install the Heater bypass line on the computer, but not having the req- injector adapter plates . I had to change uisite computer skills, I decided the best the brass fittings in them from 45° fittings eliminated some of the crankcase pressure thing to do was to take the car to Michigan to 90° fittings and install some stainless due to the engine running hotter as the pis- and let Norman take a look at it . steel 5/16 in . tubing to clear the throttle tons sealed better . This eliminated some of We arrived at Norman’s shop in Elsie, linkages . There wasn’t enough room to use the piston blow by . Michigan and he immediately hooked his rubber fuel injection hose to connect the The socket for the ALDL cable was in- code reader up to the Spitfire . Following a throttle bodies to the regulator . stalled under the glove box where it had drive we returned to the shop and Norman easy access . This is the socket were you took the chip out of the ECM and hooked plug in the code reader or a computer it up to his computer and discovered it With all the sensors, ECU, distributor was programed for a 2½ litre engine rather and throttle bodies installed it was time for than a 1½ litre engine . We took the car out the initial start up . for a second drive with the code reader There were several things to be done hooked up . As soon as we got out of the before start up . One is to set up the throt- driveway, one could really notice the dif- The throttle bodies with the injector adapters in place. It tle position sensor . This I considered be- ference . It accelerated faster and smoother also shows the stainless steel fuel lines hooked up to the yond my experience . So I enlisted some and the exhaust note was crisp . Norman pressure regulator. The injectors push into the orifices on the throttle body adapters and the little horseshoe shape help from my friend Les . He came over reprogramed the chip four or five times plates with the two screws hold the injectors in place and hooked up his code reader and set until he was happy with all the readings . the voltage limits on the throttle position A couple of weeks later we took the sensor . To start with we set the timing to Spitfire to Ottawa for the 2011 Canadian 8 degrees which was a bit of a guess . We Classic . I’d kept track of the mileage on the moved it around somewhat, but still had GPS and the amount of fuel we used . We trouble getting it to fire up . Then I remem- were getting 34% better fuel mileage with bered an E-mail I had from Rick at Patton the throttle body injection over carburet- Machine about two wires being reversed tors . This made me quite happy and fig- I modified two old dashpot covers and bolted them in coming off of distributor magnetic pickup . ured it was well worth the time and effort place over the injectors and the injector adapters to make So, we changed these wires around and fi- to change over to the TBI system . European Classic Car Specialists them look like SU HS 4 carburettors nally got the engine to fire up . We played Rick Patton who made up the kit was a Maintenance and Service The last sender to be installed is the around with it a little more and got it run- great help and answered the many ques- temperature sender . It had to be installed ning reasonably well, but it really sounded tions I had as the project progressed . He Complete Mechanical Repairs eam where there was a full flow of coolant pass- like it was over fuelling . had a lot of suggestions when I seemed Dr ur ing it . The best place to install it seemed to The next day I tried hooking the com- to be stumped . I’ve certainly learned a lot Complete Electrical Repairs o Y puter up to the Spitfire, but being a little be in the line that supplies hot water to the about fuel injection . We have also made Parts New and Used s U heater . This required several more brass fit- bit computer challenged, I didn’t make quite a few new friends .

tings . It also required putting a heater by- much headway . The ALDL program in the For more info on fuel injection on Parts Fabrication g n

computer wasn’t coming up with the num- i pass line in between the inlet and outlet of British cars go to Rick’s web site, (www . r

the heater . Fuel injection requires a hotter bers that we thought it should . pattonmachine com). . For information Restoration of Body and Interior B running engine . The 160 degree thermostat The instructions with a kit said to do on North American cars go to Norman was replaced with a 180 degree thermostat . ½-hour run in the city and on the highway Witte’s web site, (www aff. ordable-fuel- This not only helped the fuel injection it also and then send the information by E-mail to injection .com) . ragtop

26 www .TorontoTriumph .com Ragtop I Summer I 2012 Ragtop I Summer I 2012 www .TorontoTriumph .com 27 bits & pieces

mate finish is also dependent on the prop- of flat, dense sponge) with the product current competitors . Its durability is also er preparation of the surface for reception evenly spread on the sponge surface . It is greatly enhanced, beading for three times of the product; the use of a correct type of recommended that only small areas are longer than the previous generation Super cloth or specialised applicator; and in some worked at a time as the product has to be Resin Polish, and more than twice as long cases, following a series of steps with differ- removed, using a high-tech finishing cloth, as its nearest competitor . ent products in sequence . The ultimate fin- before it actually dries out (the Autoglym Super Resin Polish is easy to use and ish is also dependent upon how the prod- Perfect Polishing Cloth is a 100% cotton, contains specialised emulsifiers and condi- By Terence McKillen uct is applied – on occasion this will be to a lightweight material, free of synthetic fi- tioners to gently clean and condition paint- cloth first, while in other cases, the product bres and with exactly the right degree of work . Low molecular weight resins harden Time will be applied directly to the paint surface . density and absorbency for polishing fine and bond to give exceptional protection How the product is manipulated when on surfaces) . As with all auto detailing prod- and cosmetic effect . Treated high gloss sur- the paint surface and how long it is left on ucts, care should be taken on how the faces are highly resistant to deterioration to the surface before removal also have a sig- product is applied around the edges of from most environmental contaminants nificant impact on the final finish . panels or around window glass and rubber and weather conditions including UV light . Before commencing on any auto detail- gaskets or around badges or door handles The product is ideal for all types of new ing it is first necessary to thoroughly wash so that excess product does not get caught or moderately deteriorated automotive In early Spring, your editorial staff was invited to a trade presentation of the car (refer later about the dangers of up in the grooves . paintwork including metallic, water based Shine dish detergent!) and rinse it off with clean If you are dealing with the original paint and lacquered finishes as well as for clas- car care products at Mississauga’s Living Arts Centre together with rep- water and properly dry . Traces of tar or that is 40 or more years old and you are sic car bodies . The Super Resin Polish is ap- resentatives from the mainstream auto media as well as fellow car club ooking for the best auto wax is dead bugs should be removed with dedi- confident that you have sufficient paint plied on a special hand-forming applicator aL quest that most car aficionados seem cated products (refer list) and the interior thickness available, you may want to re- (the Perfect Palm Applicator) over which enthusiasts . The products being demonstrated were from Autoglym, carefully vacuumed . move excessive oxidation or even small the product is evenly part of the Altro Group plc, and the UK’s leading manufacturer of car to be forever chasing, especially if OCD tendencies are allowed to get the upper scratches by first using a paint renovator . distributed and ap- care products with over £110 million in sales (2010) and markets in more hand . It would seem that marketing and But beware, automotive paintwork is ex- plied to the paint than 45 countries worldwide . advertising have us chasing all over the tremely thin and every time the surface surface in a circular is renovated using abrasive compounds motion and then Autoglym, is the holder of two Royal Warrants, from place in search of the Holy Grail of perfect finishes . This endless quest is not just the some of the paint is removed . Autoglym finished in overlap- H M. . the Queen and H R. H. . the Prince of Wales, which preserve of the enthusiasts among us, but Paint Renovator contains exceptionally ping straight strokes means that not only do the Royal Households purchase also for those who just want a simplified fast working abrasives to give a rapid but to provide for even and use the products, but they did so for over five years approach to basic car paint care for their controllable cutting and polishing action . application . Unlike regular daily drive . It contains no silicone . the cleanser product, before allowing their product endorsement to be used . The simple answer is that there prob- the Super Resin can It was pointed out that all of the cars used for last year’s wedding of the ably is no single best wax, but the choice Step 2: be left to dry, and in Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were prepared using Autoglym prod- will be influenced by a number of issues re- Step two involves the application of Au- fact, the technician lated to the degree of protection required, toglym’s Super Resin Polish, an industry- recommended com- ucts, including the classic Aston Martin owned by the Prince of Wales, in the expected visual appearance, the ease leading product, which provides a brilliant pleting the whole car before removing any which the couple drove off after the Buckingham Palace reception . of use of the product, and the type and depth of shine and of the dried polish and buffing with another Originally developed for professional use only, Autoglym have been quality of the original paint finish and ob- is claimed to have Perfect Polishing Cloth (not the same one Step 1: a life of at least 35 used for the cleanser) . The product should marketing their products across Canada since 2009 through an exclu- viously, price or value for money . The good news is that due to advanc- For best results on the first use of any new car washes before be used sparingly and not applied to the ap- sive relationship with Canadian Tire, although some products have been es in chemical engineering, the products product, one should remove traces of all it needs to be reap- plicator in large quantity . available in British Columbia for over twenty years . For 2012, Autoglym available on the shelf today are far superior existing waxes and polishes by using a plied . A new formu- lation of Super Resin Step 3: will have 25 retail products available here out of more than 50 in their to those of yesteryear . Professional grade deep cleanser (Autoglym High Definition results are easily obtainable by choosing Cleanser) . As regular shampoos and clay Polish was released For even greater protection and for ad- total retail product line up . What follows is a step by step description the right products along with following a don’t always remove old polish film, High in January of this ditional shine, High Definition Wax can of the process, using Autoglym’s directions and literature as a basis and few important instructions . Definition Cleanser will effectively remove year which, accord- be applied using a slightly damp sponge some of my own experience using their products . As we discovered in a very thorough all surface residues as well as general dust ing to Autoglym, applicator . It is recommended that the demonstration of a number of the Auto- and grime . This will leave a fresh clean sur- imparts an unprec- whole car be completed before removal glym products applied to an Aston Martin face, ideal for ensuring you get the best edented depth of of the dried wax with best results obtained (Product was supplied by Autoglym, however the TTC, Ragtop, nor its editors have any financial Vantage in the foyer of the Living Arts Cen- possible result . This is a liquid product ap- shine, exceeding if the wax is left for 15-20 minutes before interest and this review is provided solely for informational purposes - Ed.) tre, it is not just a question of slapping on plied in a circular motion using a slightly that achieved by its buffing, again using a separate high-tech some wax and then rubbing it off . The ulti- damp High Definition Applicator (a type predecessor and all finishing cloth . As with most wax applica-

28 www .TorontoTriumph .com Ragtop I Summer I 2012 Ragtop I Summer I 2012 www .TorontoTriumph .com 29 AUTOGLYM - 2012 PRODUCT RANGE BACK THEN WE WERE THE EXPERTS PRODUCT NAME PACK SIZE RRP PRODUCT NAME PACK SIZE RRP Bodywork Paint Renovator 325ml $14.99 AT INSURING ‘57 CHEVYS Active Insect Remover 500ml $12.99 Super Resin Polish 500ml $19.99 Bird Dropping Wipes Pack of 10 $6.99 Bodywork Shampoo Detailing & Conditioner 1 litre $12.99 High Definition Cleanser Kit Kit $39.99 Intensive Tar Remover 325ml $12.99 High DefinitionWax Kit Kit $49.99 Rapid Detailer 500ml $14.99 Wheels Clean Wheels 500ml $12.99 Interior Cleaners / Dressings tions, it is best to work with the car out of Custom Wheel Cleaner 500ml $12.99 Interior Shampoo 500ml $12.99 direct sunlight . The wax comes in a hard block and is composed of a combination Instant Tyre Dressing 500ml $12.99 Leather Care Balm 500ml $16.99 of Carnauba, microcrystallines, waxes, Leather Cleaner 500ml $14.99 saturated hydrocarbons and oils to give a Exterior Cleaners / Dressings Odour Eliminator 500ml $9.99 superior quality finish with exceptional du- Bumper & Trim Gel 325ml $12.99 Vinyl & Rubber Care 500ml $12.99 rability . It offers lasting protection against Car Glass Polish 325ml $11.99 most environmental contaminants such as Engine & Machine Cleaner 1 liter $16.99 Accessories salt, detergents, UV light, acid rain and in- dustrial fallout . High Definition Wax is free Extra Gloss Protection 325ml $15.99 Hi-Tech Finishing Cloth Each $13.99 of all abrasives, water and emulsifiers . Fast Glass 500ml $11.99 Perfect Palm Applicator Each $7.99 If you would like to achieve the ultimate Metal Polish 325ml $19.99 Exclusively available at Canadian Tire who may sell for less.z AND WE STILL ARE.

Driven by Quality and Passion...

A LOT OF INSURANCE COMPANIES SAY THEY KNOW CLASSIC AND ANTIQUE CARS. B UT WE BELIEVE NO ONE KNOWS THEM BETTER THAN STATE FARM. A FTER ALL WE WERE INSURING MANY OF THESE CARS LONG BEFORE THEY BECAME CLASSICS. AND AS THE WORLD’S LARGEST CAR INSURER, WE CURRENTLY INSURE WELL OVER 120,000 OF THESE UNIQUE MACHINES. WITH STATE FARM YOU ’RE ALWAYS SURE OF GETTING COVERAGE THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU --- AND YOUR CAR. AT SOME OF THE MOST COMPETIVE RATES AVAILABLE. P ERHAPS THAT’S WHY SO MANY CLASSIC AND ANTIQUE CAR OWNERS INSIST ON INSURING THEIR AUTOMOTIVE TREASURES WITH STATE FARM THAN WITH ANY OTHER COMPANY . SO CALL YOUR STATE FARM AGENT TODAY AND YOU ’LL LEARN THAT JUST LIKE SOME CARS, SOME INSURANCE COMPANIES ONLY IMPROVE WITH AGE.

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30 www .TorontoTriumph .com Ragtop I Summer I 2012 Author’s newly aquired Stag has it’s paint brought back to a fine lustre paintwork finish, as demanded by the lar washing using a perfectionist, one can take an extra step Bodywork Shampoo by applying Autoglym Extra Gloss Protec- Conditioner would tion which is a spray-on product compris- remove traffic film ing an extra tough, protective sealant that without damaging contains a complex blend of hard resins the finish and appear- and waxes . Treated surfaces are protected ance of the vehicle . with a super-tough finish to keep paint- Importantly, it is pH work looking brilliant for longer . Unlike a balanced to ensure it protects and extends required, unlike other polishes and waxes polish, it contains no cleaning or polishing the effect of the underlying polishes, unlike that I have previously used . agents and should only be used on clean, household dish detergents which should Autoglym is certainly not the only man- dry, blemish-free paintwork, ideally pre- never be used on automotive bodywork . ufacturer of superior car care products . treated with the Super Resin Polish . I recently followed the three-step pro- Competitors in the market place include Autoglym provide a complete range of cess on both my Six and my Stag . I was very Meguiars, Mothers, Turtle Wax, Adam’s and additional products suitable for cleaning pleased with the results achieved, particu- others . However, Autoglym is among the glass, plastics and vinyl, leather care, inte- larly with the Stag as the paintwork had top for quality and consequently the prod- rior carpet shampoo, chrome, wheel and likely not seen any love and attention over ucts do cost more than the common or gar- tire detailing, engine cleaning, bird poop the past 12-14 years . The Jasmine yellow den variety . Expect to spend somewhere remover and body shampoo . Almost all of really sharpened up after the treatment . I between $100 and $200 stocking your ga- the products are environmentally friendly was also very impressed with the ease of rage shelves with the most commonly used and bio-degradable . application and removal of the Autoglym products . In the end you get what you pay It was recommended that careful, regu- products . Very little physical effort was for – caveat emptor . ragtop

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32 www .TorontoTriumph .com Ragtop I Summer I 2012 YOU PAID HOW MUCH ? Speke Easy by Terence McKillen

A speakeasy was a high-class establishment that offered food and entertainment as well as alcoholic beverages in the United States during the 1920s Prohibition Era. In the context of the Triumph Motor Company, Speke, derived from the Old English ‘Spec’, meaning If you don’t mind paying too much ‘brushwood’, is a suburb of Liverpool located adjacent to the John Lennon airport, which during the 1960s to mid-1970s was the main production site for some of Triumph’s saloons (not the speakeasy type), the TR7 as well as body pressings for other models, including the 1970 Stag. It had the infamy of being the most inefficient assembly plant in the UK with absenteeism rates of up to 25% on any given day. for your parts, there is no need to Triumph TR6 This is a very This new column will focus on Triumph and other classic motoring tips and trivia. Readers are invited to forward comments and read any further. If you would like nice TR6 that ideas to [email protected]. lived its entire life in California. A couple of months back I encountered back dividends . Colin will be writing in to buy your parts at the best prices No rust or body an unusual problem . I had just popped detail in a future issue about this and t has been reported by “Autocar” (www .au- damage before I we had the paint over to fellow TR6 enthusiast Colin Pillar’s other interesting experiences during a tocar c. o uk). and Britain’s “Daily Mail” (March in Canada, read on. Drakes’ British redone in origi- to check the fuel system, as I had previ- partial engine rebuild on his TR6 . 3, 2012), that BMW applied for a European nal Jasmine yel- ously sensed a strong smell of gasoline . Ev- trademark for the Triumph laurel wreath Motors can supply any part from low. New bum- erything looked normal, but as we peered badge that was last used in 1984 . The appli- pers, sill chrome, windshield and trim seals were fitted throughout and the under the hood Colin noticed that a make- Winter 2011/12 has to have been one cation was filed late last year . BMW is able suspension and complete braking system was rebuilt. The engine had been shift stopper in the centre of the carburettor of the shortest and mildest on record . If to use the iconic badge on a wide range of the Moss catalogs at the most previously rebuilt and runs great, so we just did a tune up, added new belts, intake manifold seemed loose . The jerry- it wasn’t for the salt, I would have been goods as well as cars . When BMW bought hoses and fuel pump. We also added a fully rebuilt overdrive and the wire rigged stopper had apparently been insert- tempted to keep my Six on the road . As the Rover Group from British Aerospace reasonable cost to you. But, don’t wheels were refinished complete with new hubs, chrome knockoffs and new ed by a former owner, after removing the it was, those who embarked on ambitious in 1994, it inherited a number of heritage Coker redline tires. The complete interior was replaced with all new correct reproduction components and is the original light tan, we also fitted a new EGR pipe . It comprised a brass compression restoration/servicing plans over the win- brands, including Triumph . This new trade- Robbins top with the correct reflective strip. This car is one small step away joint and a small piece of copper pipe, the ter likely didn’t get everything completed mark application shows that the idea of a take our word for this. The next from being called a full top to bottom restored vehicle, it looks stunning and top of which had been sealed by brazing . before it was time to hit the road again . Triumph brand revival has not been ruled runs and drives as nice as it looks. $22,500 We tightened the nut and thought that all With a few other members of TTC, I made out by BMW . But anyone hoping to see a Tri- time you need something, send was good, until I started the motor to drive my first outing on March 11th although umph return to the road any time soon may home . Suddenly, it sounded as if marbles I believe that the honours for ‘first of the be disappointed . Autocar speculated that a us an email for a quote. We will were rolling around in a coffee can! Some of season’ should more rightly go to the in- range of Mini-based roadsters seems to be the brazing had broken off inside the mani- domitable Larry Llewellyn who braved the most likely outcome of any Triumph re- 1974 Triumph TR6 fold and was ingested into the #6 cylinder . A snow and slush to drive “Ms . Penny Lane”, vival in the medium term . get right back to you with a price. Californian TR6. few hours later, we had the rocker cover and his yellow TR7, to the CIAS a month earlier, No accidents, on February 12th . cylinder head off and retrieved three small no rust, paint is pieces of brazing . Fortunately no damage Are you in need of a perfectly matched nice with only was done to the valves, rings or the cylinder aerosol can of your favourite Triumph Many TTC members are already minor defects, liner, as the brazing was relatively soft . The Nice to see the Triumph marque be- paint colour? If you know your paint on a beautiful, top of the piston had one or two very minor ing discussed in the mainstream media code, or alternatively take your car over to straight body. scratches . All is now well again, with leak- again . Not only was there extensive Cawthra Automotive Supplies Ltd , . they believers. Get in touch for a quote New front & rear down and compression tests completed . coverage around the Triumph exhibit can even adjust the colour to compen- bumpers, stainless trim rings and tires. Tan interior has new seats, panel at the CIAS, but in the April 27 issue of sate for aging . John Burrows, President – [email protected] kit, dashtop, sunvisors, tan Robbins top, retractor seatbelts and wind- the Globe & Mail – Motoring Section, of the MG Car Club (and a neighbour of shield and seals. Engine is strong with electronic ignition and the over- peaking of leak-down testing, we are Ted Laturnus, who is noted more for his mine) recently brought this excellent ser- drive transmission was rebuilt two years ago. 4 tip Ansa exhaust system. S Front end rebuild including bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, and steering convinced that this should always be car- contributions on motorcycles, revealed vice to my attention . I paid $17 78. for a rack boots & at the rear new differential mounts and trailing arm bushings. ried out immediately following the re- that he is the proud owner of two Tri- large aerosol can and $14 99. for a smaller Hydraulics all redone with new clutch and brake master, slave cylinder and umphs – a 1966 TR4A and a 1976 TR6 . brush-on bottle of Jasmine yellow for my moval of the cylinder head, for whatever We are also a Canadian distributor for hoses. $14,500. reason . There is no point discovering He claims to be severely conflicted as 72 Stag . David Fidler tells me he paid over Dayton Wire Wheels. later, after everything has been reassem- to which model to keep . He loves the $100 including shipping for paint ob- bled, that the head gasket is defective Michelotti-styled body of the 4A but ac- tained in the U S. . Cawthra Automotive is or didn’t seal properly . We have expe- knowledges that the TR6 has “way more located at 729 Third Street in Port Credit rienced such a problem several times punch, and is a much more drivable (off Cawthra Road just north of Lakeshore lately . A modest investment in an air automobile ”. Someone needs to inform Road East) . Telephone: (905) 274-8644, Drakes’ British Motors Inc. compressor and some test gear together him that there is no reason to dispose E-mail: or www ca. wthraautomotive c. om . (250)763-0883 Ph., (250)861-8051 Fax, email [email protected] with a mechanic’s stethoscope will pay of either one! ragtop 2286 K.L.O. Road, Kelowna, B.C., V1W 3Z7 WWW.DRAKESBRITISHMOTORS.COM 34 www .TorontoTriumph .com Ragtop I Summer I 2012 Next to the warehouse is a garage full of British cars. And our co-workers often commute in theirs. We put these cars to work every day. When new parts are developed, we test them. If a part is returned, we’ll bolt it on, analyze it, and work with the manufacturer to make it right. If we are not happy with a part being on our cars, we wouldn’t think of selling it to you. And, just to make certain you are satisfied, we stand behind our parts with the longest warranty in the business. Call us. We’d love to send you a free catalog.

800-667-7872 www.mossmotors.com