th th SUNDAY SEPT 17th 2017 $5 34 34

presented by the Toronto Triumph Club www.BritishCarDay.com 2017 Souvenir Programme

Bristol 400 70 Years Special Triumph TR3A Anniversary 60 Years Cars

TR5 PI MGC 50 years 50 years

Sponsored by: Platinum

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 15th 2013TR250 Gold 50 years

Presented by: Silver Presented by: SpecialPublished Anniversary By & Including: Displays Austin Healey 100 – 60 Years MGTF – 60 Years Bronze Triumph TR2 – 60 Years Gates Open at 8am for Show Cars, 10am for Spectators, Rain or Shine Entrance off Burloak Drive The Magazine Of The Toronto Triumph Club www.TorontoTriumph.com www.BritishCarDay.com

Sponsored by: contents BCD10 EXOTIC Alexander Plestid Tel: 905.806.7127 BCD Field Map ...... BCD4/5 MOTORWORKS Newmarket, Ontario Welcome to British Car Day . . . . BCD7 Featured Anniversary Models The Bristol 400, 70 Years . . . . . BCD8 Triumph TR3A, 60 Years . . . . . BCD10 Triumph TR5/TR250, 50 Years . . BCD13. BCD8 MGC, 50 Years ...... BCD18 Other Featured Anniversaries Aston Martin DBS, 50 Years . . . BCD21 Humber Sceptre MKIII, 50 Years . . BCD22 Triumph Dolomite Sport - Saloons and Coupes, 80 Years . . . BCD23 Standard Ensign & Pennant, 60 Years ...... BCD25

British Car Industry British & European Restoration & Service Specialists BCD13 The Rise, Fall & Recovery . . . . BCD26 BCD18 Other Companies BCD21 Seventy Years of TVR ...... BCD30 Hillman Motor Car Co ., 110 Years . . BCD35 Enviro 500 GO Bus ...... BCD37 BCD30

Member Pages Features

T HE M AGAZINE O F T HE T ORONTO T RIUMPH C LUB SUMMER 2017 From the Editor . . . . 3 Club Events From the President . . . 5 Summer Drives Head Mechanic, Alex Victoria Day ...... 9 Our wealth of mechanical and restoration experience includes Owner’s Manual . . . . 7 June Club Night ...... 11 Plestid, formerly of the Triumph, Jaguar, MG, Austin Healey and Rolls Royce and many Club Hub ...... 9 Canada Day ...... 13 others. When you entrust your special vehicle to Exotic Motorworks, hit TV series Restoration August Holiday Drive . . . . . 15 you can rest assured that we will treat your car like our very own! Garage, has over 20 Summer BBQ ...... 16 Lake Superior ...... 18 Our passion for working on these vehicles and making them better years of experience with Spring Fling ...... 26 than new, comes from our love of owning and driving them ourselves. all makes and models Triumphs Beat Every Car Has A Story: of Classic cars and has We would be pleased to answer any questions you might have. Lake Superior A Love Story ...... 29 Give us a call for directions to the British Barn or to make an Summer Drives • A Love Story • My Rusty Beauty Maintenance: personally restored more 17 Ragtop 02 05.indd 1 17-08-08 10:56 PM appointment for a quotation. It will be our pleasure to meet other On the Cover 1966 Spitfire MKII ...... 32 than 150 cars to their vintage car enthusiasts and we look forward to helping you enjoy Steve Nutt’s TR5 and Dave Sims’ TR250 - your passion for years to come! Special Feature: former glory twins but one was much faster than the other Photo by Dave Sims Collecting The Small Ones . . 37 [email protected] British Car Day Programme • September 17, 2017 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 3

Exotic Motorworks 05.indd 1 16-04-07 10:19 AM Sponsor Street WASHROOMS Show Vehicle Locations Exotic Motorworks Make Model/Years Class visit Oakville AC ...... CC SHOW CAR Ace ...... CC Lant Insurance Aston Martin ...... BB ENTRANCE/EXIT Austin . . . . . Sedans, pre-1960 ...... WW Edward Jones Austin . . . . . Sedans, 1960 on ...... XX Austin Healey Roadster - 100, 3000 Mk . 1 . . . . . D Hagerty FAST LANE FAST LANE FAST LANE FAST LANE Austin Healey Wind-up window - 3000 etc . . . . . C Toronto Triumph Club Austin Healey . . . . Sprite ...... F PICNIC Austin Princess . . . Coaches ...... JJ Anniversary Cars PUBLIC PARKING LOT Bentley ...... Coaches ...... JJ Area Buses ...... VV Registration N Caterham ...... EE Friends of Bronte Creek Cobra ...... CC PUBLIC ENTRANCE Commercial Vehicles ...... VV Awards Presentation Area Daimler ...... SP250 ...... HH Daimler ...... Coaches ...... JJ DeLorean ...... YY VIP & PRESS Ford ...... Sedans, pre-1960 ...... WW Vendor Village Ford . . . . . Sedans, 1960 on ...... XX PARKING PUBLIC ENTRANCE 3 Brothers Classic Rover WC WC PUBLIC ENTRANCE Jaguar . . Large Saloons 1995 Onwards . . . . . LL NORTHWEST Jaguar Large Saloons pre-1968 & 1968 to1995 . . MM ALS Canuck FOOD AREA Jaguar . . . . . XK8, XK, F-Type ...... NN Jaguar ...... XJS ...... OO Armchair Motorist Jaguar Sports Pre-61 & Sports Saloons Pre-68 . . PP WC TREES B&G Restoration Inc . FLEA ROAD Jaguar . .Sports Saloons 1999 onwards . . . . QQ MARKET H H E E J J Jaguar . . E-Type Series I, 1961-1968 ...... RR British Auto Sport Jaguar . . E-Type Series II, 1968-1971 ...... SS G H TTC TENT REGISTRATION OVER FLOW AREA Jaguar . . . E-Type Series III, 1971-1975 . . . . . TT British Model Cars LOST & FOUND Jensen ...... Y G COFFEE PATHWAY Lanchester . . . . . Coaches ...... JJ C .S . Trading NORTHEAST DDB FOOD AREA Land Rover . . . . . 1975 on ...... A CAA Insurance Land Rover . . . . . Up to 1974 ...... B AWARDS Z MAP ROW 9 Classic Automotive Repair WC J J PRESENTATION London Taxis ...... VV MG CLUB Z Lotus ...... Seven ...... EE ROW 10 ROW HH Comat Motorsports-Miller Oils TENT JJ Lotus . . Elan, Elan Plus 2, up to 1974 . . . . .DD K K Lotus . . . . .Elan, 1975 and later ...... DDA Connect Hearing HH GG KK Lotus ...... Elite up to 1974 ...... DD SPONSOR STREET W

WALKWAY G AA AA AA AA Lotus . . . . .Elite, 1975 and later ...... DDA Falun dafa Association C VENDOR 11 ROW Lotus ...... Europa ...... DD Gemstones “N” Silver JJ Lotus ...... Cortina ...... DD VILLAGE II Lotus ...... Esprit ...... DDA Heritage Associates B ROW 5 H H E E WALKWAY Q Q Lotus ...... Eclat ...... DDA IB I I I A Z Lotus ...... Elise ...... DDB Hollywood Loser Apparel G H IB K K AA AA AA AA CC DDB CRESCENT OIL WALKWAY S S S S Lotus ...... Exige ...... DDB F Z DDA International Die Cast FF IA PATHWAY Lotus ...... Evora ...... DDB ROW 9 ROW 10 ROW Lotus ...... Replicas ...... EEA J D Auto X I I I FF IA Marcos ...... HH

ROW 1 WALKWAY WC CC KK Mayflower . . . . . Coaches ...... JJ KDC Ventures N L GG N N Q Q S W BB S EEA YY McLaren ...... CC F O R T V Leatherique Canada R EEA TREES DDA MG ...... Midget ...... G FLEA EE F M M M DD MG ...... T Series ...... J

London Trading Post MARKET WALKWAY C MGA ...... K MGB-GT ...... I MacGregor British Cars WALKWAY ROW 4 ROW 5 MGC ...... Roadster ...... IA

Maurice Bramhall WALKWAY D 11 ROW O V MGC-GT ...... IA Meguiars VENDOR N P U BB MGF ...... IB & TRAILER MG V-8 ...... IB Mini Collectables PARKING WASHROOMS MGB . . . . . Roadster 1962 - 1974 ...... H

N L ROW 7 ROW 8 ROW 9 S T U X Y 10 ROW MGB . . . . . Roadster 1975 - 1981 ...... E Motion Glass Works A Y MG ...... Saloons ...... FF WEST DJ R R YY DD P Mini . . . Sliding Window (1959 - 1970) . . . . . L

Peninsula Import Auto Parts FOOD ROW 3 BOOTH EXIT S EE II Mini . . Wind-up Window (1970 - 2000) . . . . . N AREA M M TREES D M ROW 2 N Robert J .Morris Insurance SHOW CARS C ROW 1 Mini Rover . . . (1988 to 2000) ...... N Transport Books DRB Motors Inc . 3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt SOUTH CHECK POINT ROAD ROAD Mini . . . . BMW (2001 0nwards) ...... M VV OO PP RR SS SOUTH EAST Morgan ...... II BUSES/COMMERCIAL VEHICLES FOOD AREA FOOD AREA Morris . . . . . Sedans, pre-1960 ...... WW UK 2 Canada Pension Transfer 21 ROW 22 ROW MOTORCYCLES UU Morris . . . . . Sedans, 1960 on ...... XX Ultimate Transportation Books PP Some of the Badges you will see at the show. Motorcycles . . . . All British ...... UU NeedPlatinum PartnerdirectionsSilver to Partner your Other Coaches ...... JJ Vintage Car Connection QQ WW Other Sports Cars ...... CC financial destination? WW Production Sedans Sedans, pre-1960 ...... WW TT ROW 31 RR Production Sedans Sedans, 1960 on ...... XX Food Areas Marc Nutford QQ WW Range Rover . . . . 1975 on ...... A Financial Advisor WW . Range Rover . . . . Up to 1974 ...... B North West - SS WW 2387 Trafalgar Road WW Reliant . . . . . Sports Cars ...... HH ROW 22 ROW A Slice of Pie Unit E2 Bronze Partners TT ROW 32 Rolls Royce . . . . All models ...... KK Oakville, ON L6H 6K7 WW 905-844-4043 WW Rover . . . . . Sedans, pre-1960 ...... WW ROW 21 ROW

Beaver Tails TREES Rover XX . . . . . Sedans, 1960 on ...... XX Hot Diggidy Dog XX Sunbeam ...... Alpine ...... GG Gold Partners ROW 33 Sunbeam ...... Tiger ...... GG Roll’n Baked Spudz OO XX Sunbeam ...... Talbot ...... GG www.edwardjones.com XX Triumph ...... GT6 ...... V Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund TREES North East - SOUTHWEST LL Triumph . . . Spitfire 1961 - 1973 ...... W FOOD AREA LL Triumph . . . Spitfire 1974 onwards ...... Z Friends of Bronte Creek (coffee) ROW 34 Triumph ...... Stag ...... X LL Triumph . . . TR2, TR3, TR3A, TR3B ...... O West - LL Triumph . . . TR4, TR4A, TR5, TR250 ...... Q NN Triumph . . . . TR6, 1969 - 1973 ...... R British Baked Goods NN ROW 35 Triumph . . . . . TR6, 1974 - 1976 ...... S Triumph ...... TR7 ...... T South - NN Triumph ...... TR8 ...... U NN Triumph Other - Roadster, Herald, 2000, Vitesse . . P Olympic Softee MM MM Trucks ...... VV ROW 36 TVR ...... AA WC South West and East - MM MM Oakville Lions Club WC

TREES ROW 23 ROW Welcome to British Car Day Welcome to the 34th successive British this year is the display of a Metrolinx – GO aren’t presently an owner of a classic or Car Day® and the Souvenir Programme for Transit Enviro 500 double-deck bus manu- current British vehicle, we hope that the 2017 which this year is combined with the factured by Alexander Dennis, Britain’s larg- cars, trucks and motorcycles you see on summer issue of our award-winning, quar- est bus and coach manufacturer, who is display today will inspire you to become terly Club magazine, Ragtop . now partially building British buses for the involved in this great hobby . In the BCD supplement, as well as North American market in Vaughan, ON . Have a great day and thank you for par- highlighting five featured British car Bringing British Car Day to Bronte each ticipating at Bronte! models that are celebrating significant year takes many hundreds of volunteer Lotus of Ontario anniversaries in 2017, we have also re- hours from the members and immediate Dave Sims viewed a number of other anniversary family of the Toronto Triumph Club, as well BCD Chair & President, marques and models, examples of which as others from some of the participating Toronto Triumph Club (most but not all) can be found on the British car clubs and from outside friends President@TorontoTriumph .com show field today . We also mark the an- and supporters, as well as by the staff of niversaries of two British car manufactur- Parks Ontario . We also gratefully acknowl- ers – Hillman, part of the Rootes Group, edge the financial support of our sponsors Terence McKillen sadly now gone, and TVR which has seen and the loyal participation of our vendors . Editor Ragtop Magazine a recent rebirth with the planned intro- The Toronto Triumph Club Executive Editor@TorontoTriumph .com duction of new models this year . and the Organising Committee hope you An interesting new development at BCD enjoy this year’s British Car Day . If you Important Information, Times & Events 7:00 am Gates open for Sponsors and Vendors. 8:00 am Gates open for Show Cars and Flea Market vehicles. 9:00 am Vendor Area / Flea Market opens, Park Gates open for spectators. British Car Day Committee 10:00 am Things to do: Chairman/Park Liason: Dave Sims • Please take the time to visit Sponsor Street and see what our terrific sponsors Volunteer Co-ordinator: Ron Etty have on display. Sponsors for this year include Exotic Motorworks, Crescent Sponsorships: Frank Manning Oil, visit Oakville, Lant, Autoglym, Hagerty, and Edward Jones. Dave Sims • Check out our anniversary cars; Bristol 400, Triumph TR3A, MGC, Triumph TR5 PI Advertising Sales: Frank Manning and Triumph TR 250. Vendors: Warren Beech • Drop by The Friends of Bronte Creek who will be selling Tim Horton’s coffee to Event Promotion: Al Benvenuti raise money for their conservation efforts. Financials: Clive Huizinga • Elsewhere on the field, Oakville Lions will be selling burgers, hot dogs & pop to Field Layout: Johan Aaltink help fund their many charitable endeavours. Computer Services: Keith Stewart • Food vendors are spread around the field too, so you won’t go hungry! Programme Editor: Terence McKillen • Visit the Toronto Triumph Club tent – annual memberships are only $40 and we have some BCD items for sale. • Don’t forget to visit Vendor Village where you can shop for your LBC and much, much more. British Car Day Programme • Check out all those wonderful cars and chat with the owners. Don’t forget to Editor: Terence McKillen vote for your favourite cars! Assistant Editor: Sean Doherty • Enjoy the sounds of Brit music brought to you by Jan’s DJ. Sub Editor: Alison Postma 1:00 pm Voting closes for Participants’ Choice awards. Art Director: Michael Cleland Please submit your completed ballot no later than 1 p.m. Advertising Sales: Frank Manning 2:00 pm Awards and Charity Presentations “British Car Day®” is the registered trademark of the Toronto Triumph Club Inc . This programme and its contents may not be reproduced or • Charlie Conquergood Award presented by Sandy McCrea. distributed by any means without permission of the TTC . Most articles • Awards presentation for Participants’ Choice judging. You must be present to and photography contained herein have been supplied by various car clubs and are credited as such, where appropriate . This material collect an award. remains their property and reproduction is expressly forbidden, except • Best of Show Judges’ Award presentation. by permission from them and the TTC . Printed by Printwell Offset, Brampton, Ontario . 3:00 pm Closing comments. Copyright © 2017 by the TTC . SEE YOU AGAIN NEXT YEAR Sunday, September 16th, 2018

British Car Day Programme • September 17, 2017 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 7 Featured Model –70 Years

Theby Terence McKillen Bristol 400

The Bristol 400 was the first car to be signed and made of top quality materials, produced by the British Bristol Aeroplane regardless of cost . This top-quality phi- Company (BAC) . After World War II, BAC be- losophy originated from the aircraft and gan to diversify from aircraft manufactur- aero engine manufacturing . Estimates of ing and formed a car division, which would the production numbers vary from 500- later become Bristol Cars . BAC acquired a 700 units of the 2-door sports sedan, 17 of licence from Frazer Nash to use the BMW which received drop-head bodywork from 328 engine (Frazer Nash was the UK agent/ Pininfarina . There were two production se- importer for BMW during the 1930s and ries of the 400, the first series from 1946-47 again after the War) . and the second series from 1948-50 . Bristol based its first model on the The example of the Bristol 400 on dis- best features of two outstanding pre-war play at British Car Day is owned by To- BMWs, coupling the chassis of the 326 with ronto Triumph Club member, Dorien Ber- the race-bred engine of the 328 . These teletti . BCD were covered with a mainly steel body but with aluminium bonnet, door and boot skins and inspired overall by the look of the BMW 327, a medium-sized touring coupé produced by the Bavarian firm between 1937 and 1941 and again after 1945 . H J. . Aldington, a director of the Bristol Aeroplane Company used his British Army connections to visit the bombed-out BMW factory in Munich several times in the post- war period and in 1945 took plans for BMW cars back to Britain, and BMW chief engi- neer, Dr . Fritz Fiedler was also employed . The Bristol 400, introduced at the 1947 Geneva Motor Show, featured a slightly modified version of BMW’s in-line six-cylin- der pushrod engine of 1,971 cc . This engine, considered advanced for its time due to its hemispherical combustion chambers and very short inlet and exhaust ports, devel- oped 80 bhp at 4,500 rpm and could reach a top speed of 92 mph (148 km/h) with ac- celeration to match . In order to maintain a and bell-cranks to drive the valves on the ual with synchromesh on the upper three live axle, located by an A-bracket over the senger area was very short, with the spare hemispherical combustion chamber, the far side of the engine from the camshaft . ratios and a freewheel on first . The 400 was differential case and longitudinal torsion tyre mounted inside the boot on the first valves had to be positioned at an angle Owners soon found that setting and main- fitted with flat glass except for the curved bars with transverse arms and brackets cars, but eventually mounted on the rear to the head with both sets of valves being taining the clearances in the system was rear window which was glazed in perspex . at the rear . It featured a lengthy 114-inch hinged boot lid, inside an aluminium cover . driven from a single camshaft . The Bristol difficult but vital to keeping the engine in The 400 featured independent front sus- wheelbase and a very BMW-like double The Bristol has always had an enviable engine used a system of rods, followers tune . The gearbox was a four-speed man- pension and a transverse leaf spring and a kidney-shaped grille at the front . The pas- reputation as a car that was superbly de-

BCD 8 www.BritishCarDay.com September 17, 2017 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 17, 2017 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 9 Featured Model

but that number is difficult to confirm . bucket at the ready to keep my leg dry . I While living in the east end of Toronto was sure I had done a good job with the in 1965 and at the age almost 18, I found a hood and those Tennax fasteners but ap- 1961 Signal Red TR3A at a used car dealer- parently not . As we passed Highway 10 do- ship on Eglinton Avenue East . I happened ing 60 MPH, the fasteners started popping to be driving a 1955 Lemon Yellow Stude- from the middle of the windscreen . Wind baker with snap on white walls at the time and rain started pouring over the top of the year before and sold the car six months Triumph and was looking for an upgrade . This TR3A the windscreen . Hair-do and dress soaked before we moved in . I now had a resident was the car for me and after a little arm- and no overpass under which to hide . We Class A mechanic at my disposal who was twisting and a co-signed (by my Dad) loan never made it to homecoming that fall! It very helpful in the early days . I replaced the at HFC, I bought that TR3A for $800 . The was not long after that I was accepted for leaking Master Cylinder reservoir, which grin on my face was as wide as the grille on Naval Officer Training in Victoria BC . I had was an opportunity to completely flush – 60 Years that wide-mouth as I drove home . I spent to sell the Signal Red TR3A in the summer the hydraulic system and put in new DOT by Frank DeCarlo endless hours getting to know every last of 1967; a sad day for sure . I did manage to 4 . The interior carpets were replaced as detail about the car . That included putting get a ’66 Sunbeam Tiger in ’68 as a young well as some of the rubber seals and fire- TR3A the hood up and down without pinching officer in Halifax though . wall grommets that had become hardened Exactly 60 years ago today on Septem- of a long line of TR’s produced by Standard Triumph, not initially and never officially my fingers in the hood sticks and making So roll the clock ahead a million years over the years . Then we started driving the ber 17th 1957, the first TR3A, VIN TS22014, Triumph which of course, included the referred to the “A” designation in TR3A . The sure the Tennax fasteners across the top to the summer of 2001 . I had retired and car every weekend going just a little fur- rolled off the line in Coventry . How appro- TR3A . The TR2 was produced from 1953 car was never badged as such . However, of the windscreen were properly secured . needed a distraction and I was ready to ther each time . We actually took the car to priate that we celebrate this amazing car until October 11th, 1955 with the last VIN the most distinct and apparent change Like most of us in those early days, we did replace that long lost TR3A with another . I Kingston for the TTC Classic in 2004 . That at British Car Day 2017, on the very same of TS8636 . that was introduced in the design of the not have the luxury of driving our LBCs in spent many hours looking and found what event was being conducted in conjunction day . When the Editor asked me to put an The first TR3 came into production on TR3A was the wide-mouth grille . Other the good weather only . I drove that TR3A I believed to be a worthy candidate at a rea- with the Boot and Bonnet Club of Kings- article together for this edition of Ragtop October 7th, 1955 with VIN TS8709L, the less obvious changes included lockable in snow and rain and never thought any- sonable price . The odometer read 58,247 ton . That was the beginning of our rela- I felt a little intimidated . There is so much L indicating left hand drive . Cars that were boot handle, exterior door handles and a thing about it . There was a leak somewhere miles which looked about right . In April of tionship with TTC . In May 2005, I retired a history and so much information available shipped from the factory with an overdrive full tool kit . A larger engine displacement under the dash that would produce a sig- 2002 I bought TS42756L (O), a white TR3A second time and we relocated back to the about TR’s in general and the TR3A specifi- would have an “O” added to the end of the at 2,138 cc, with 89 mm pistons, was made nificant drop on my right calf about half that was built on January 20th 1959 . I in- Toronto area settling in Bobcaygeon in the cally; that I wanted to be sure I was going VIN . So, what changes did Standard-Tri- available as an option during the first half way up . I could never find that leak and so serted the (O) for overdrive as this car did Kawartha Lakes . We joined TTC in 2007 as to get it right . So before I tell you about my umph introduce that warranted a change of 1959, although the 1,991 cc version was I used a Styrofoam ice bucket jammed up have an overdrive gearbox but it was not full members . personal connection to the TR3A, let’s start in vehicle designation? The TR3 had a front the primary production engine . against the heater to keep my leg dry . factory installed . The car was located near In 2006 we “sold the Boat” which was the by examining a bit of the history of the TR grille introduced rather than the deep Pontiac Michigan, so I flew down to close perfect opportunity to do a restoration of side screen cars the preceded the TR3A . small mouth opening of the TR2 . A more the deal and prepared for the long drive the TR3A . In the early days I had obtained Sir John Black of Standard-Triumph initi- powerful engine was also introduced with home to Ottawa . My theory was that driv- the British Motor Heritage Factory Record ated a project in 1952 to design and build the addition of larger SU-H6 carbs . Power ing the 500 miles was much cheaper than that indicated that the car was not white an affordable two-seater sports car to re- was later increased to 100 bhp at 5000 shipping, more fun, and if I broke down at delivery but rather British Racing Green . place the post-War Triumph Roadster . The rpm by the addition of a “high port” cylin- CAA would take me the rest of the way . As The decision was made to return the car TR2 was first introduced at the Earls Court der head and enlarged manifold . In Octo- I approached London on the 401 it started to its original colour . I stripped the interior Motor Show in the fall of that year and ber 1956, the front brakes of the TR3 were raining and I started to get a big smile, and most removable exterior components . went into production in 1953 . Powered changed from 10 in . drums to 11 in . discs thinking back to that Homecoming in A shop in Lindsay, ON did most of the res- by a 1,991 cc wet sleeve 4 cylinder engine making the TR3 the first British production ‘66 . However, this time the Tennax fasten- toration including metal replacement, new with twin carbs, the TR2 could attain 100 car to be fitted with disc brakes . ers held . What made me smile even more floor pans, seam panel alignments and prep MPH in its production version . Ken Rich- That brings us to the TR3A and a very was an all too familiar drip on my right calf for paint . The car was sent to another shop ardson was instrumental in the design and interesting but well-known fact . Standard- With the introduction of TS 60000, in about half way up . I had no Styrofoam ice for final prep for paint, which included as- development of the TR2 from its early days late 1959 other minor modifications were As time went on and my confidence bucket but I did have the first item on my sembling and dis-assembling the car many as a prototype . The TR2 was the beginning introduced such as raised plinths below grew in the car, I went on longer and lon- snag list of things to fix; find that bloody times over . Each panel was painted indi- boot and bonnet hinges and door handles, ger trips; Sauble Beach for a weekend, leak up under the dash . vidually and then the car was brought back and a re-designed rear floor section . In total Rochester New York with some friends who The car was in fact an older restoration to Lindsay for final assembly . The car was 58,236 TR3A’s were produced between Sep- had an MGB, and one special trip to Kitch- that had retained virtually all components flat-bedded to our home with engine in so tember 1957 and January 1962 when pro- ener for a homecoming event at Waterloo in original configurations with the excep- I could install a new wiring harness, all new duction ended with TS82346 . This made the University in the fall of ‘66 . It was a formal tion of the floor pans . Our neighbour interior, seals and rubber, freshly restored TR3A the third best selling TR behind the occasion that meant a Tux for me and for across the road stopped by to look at the wire wheels with new Michelins, a new top TR6 and the TR7 . It is estimated that there my date a long dress . It was raining as we car and then told me he had just com- and re-built side screens . The results were Triumph TR2 Triumph TR3 are less than 10,000 survivor TR3As today headed west on the 401 so I had my ice pleted a frame off restoration of a TR3A very good and the car seemed to drive so

BCD 10 www.BritishCarDay.com September 17, 2017 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 17, 2017 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 11 Featured Model

much better . Since the restora- tion project, we have continued to improve the car with periodic upgrades and regu- lar maintenance and repair . Issues with the electrics kept me oc- TRIUMPH cupied and CAA busy from time to time and in the end a con- TR5/TR250

version to an alternator solved all of many Around the Lake drives coordinated that . We drive this TR3A as much as by Robin and Clive . Since the purchase in – 50 Years we can with annual trips to Stowe, VT 2002, we have logged over 40,000 miles of for the British Invasion as well as the pure pleasure driving . BCD The Triumph TR5 and TR250 models celebrate their 50th Anniversary this year . These cars were the stop-gap model be- tween the 4-cylinder TR4 and the planned 6-cylinder TR6 . The new TR6 body was be- ing styled by Karmann in Germany and was not ready for production in 1967 . To fill the DARBY gap until the new body was ready, the 2 .5 litre in-line six cylinder engine designed for the TR6 was installed in the Michelotti- AUTO ELECTRIC styled TR4A IRS body and named the TR5 for the UK and European markets and the TR250 for the North American market . Pro- Repairs to all duction of the cars started in August 1967 and finished in September 1968 when the Makes & Models TR6 was introduced .

Complete Electrical Triumph TR5 PI – by Stephen Nutt Stephen Nutt’s TR5 (left) and Dave Sims’ TR250 The TR5 was produced in relatively small Analysis & Service numbers compared to the North American ples of the TR5 PI exist in North America . bhp and reduced the 0 to 50 mph time to destined TR250 . Some 2,947 TR5 PI (pet- The primary difference between the about 6 .5 seconds . Owned & Operated by Rick Meade rol injection) units were produced during TR5 and the TR250 was the use of Lucas Physically and mechanically, the TR5 the model run . Of these, about 1,161 were mechanical fuel injection rather than the and TR250 were virtually identical with the right-hand drive units destined for the UK twin Zenith-Stromberg carburettors used exception of the Lucas fuel injection sys- market . The remaining 1,786 left-hand on the TR250 for the North American mar- tem, distinctive TR5 badging, and the lack 905-842-1820 [email protected] drive units were destined for continen- ket . Triumph claimed that the TR5 PI was of bonnet stripes on the TR5 . Both cars had tal Europe . Many of the European models “the first British production car with petrol independent rear suspension (IRS) carried 1033 Speers Rd. Unit 3, Oakville, ON L6L 2X5 were shipped in knocked-down form and injection ”. The use of fuel injection on the over from the TR4A . Overdrive, wire wheels assembled in Belgium to avoid the high TR5 PI increased the output of the 2 .5 litre and a Surrey top were available options on European tariffs on UK cars . Very few exam- in-line six cylinder engine to about 150 both cars .

Ragtop I Summer I 2013 www .TorontoTriumph .com 13

Darby.00.indd 1 15-07-31 11:23 AM We arrived in Canada in February 1977 LBCs . About 4 weeks and the first car I saw on the road outside later the TR was de- Edmonton International Airport was a TR6 . livered to my door by What a grand omen! Unfortunately I could Mackie Transport and not find a decent TR6 to buy and ended the first TTC event we up with a Datsun 240Z, a car much better attended was driving suited to the winters in Western Canada . around Georgian Bay . Although I was fortunate to own a dozen What a great trip that or more Nissan and Porsche sport cars I was and really got never forgot the joys of owning a TR . me re-acquainted with driving Triumphs it turns out), paid too much and brought the Fast forward to British Car Day 2010 as well as meeting a great crowd of fellow 250 home as a restoration project . The plan was to encourage some male The primary difference between the TR5 and the TR250 was the use of Lucas mechanical fuel injection vs twin Zenith-Stromberg carburettors when I visited this amazing event for the Triumph owners . first time and was blown away by the va- Since that time we’ve enjoyed 6 years bonding with my grandson, teach him My TR5 PI, Commission No . CP865LP, the injectors by a boot (trunk)-mounted but smoother and more civilised, only riety and quality of cars on the field . How- of top-down motoring and visited venues some mechanics and hands-on skills and was built on 10 January 1968 and dis- high-pressure Lucas electric fuel pump . At 8,484 cars were built in 1967 and 1968 . ever it was the Triumphs that I kept return- all over Ontario and the Northern U .S . to at the end of the restoration the car would patched to Switzerland on 14 February temperatures above 30ºC, the fuel pump Having been fortunate enough to own ing to . They were magnificent, especially participate in car shows, and best of all, be his . What a joy he was to work with but 1968, according to the British Motor Indus- would vapour-lock, resulting in a complete both versions of this car – the TR5 fuel in- the Michelotti-designed TR4, TR4As and driving the TR including circumnavigating after almost a year, he chose a different life try Heritage Trust Certificate . The history loss of power . With experience, cold wet jection in England and the TR250 with twin TR250s . I had to have one! So after join- Georgian Bay and L . Erie . The Surrey Top – path and suddenly I needed a helper . Linda of the car until I acquired it on 17 August towels or ice packs were always carried in Stromberg carburetors here – it is possible ing the Toronto Triumph Club, I started my forerunner of the Targa Top introduced by jumped right in to help and has been a tre- 1974 is unclear . Repair records dating from the car on hot days to overcome the prob- to make a first-hand comparison . The TR5 search in earnest for a TR4A . Tush pointed Porsche – together with overdrive on 2nd, mendous asset . When she sees me trying to December 1971 were with the car when it lem . In addition, the Lucas fuel pump was was unquestionably faster and developed me in the direction of Drake’s British Mo- 3rd and 4th gears has meant some excel- complicate a problem and make it worse, was purchased from Import Auto in Clark- lubricated by lead in the gasoline, which more BHP (150 versus 104) and had a tors in Kelowna as they have a great repu- lent drives in all weathers . So far the TR has she has the ability to say “Why not try … “ son; however, there was no record of when resulted in wear problems and loss of pres- higher top speed . The TR250 was identical tation for sourcing excellent quality cars taken us over 10,000 miles of (touch wood) and I have enough sense to say “Why didn’t I the car was imported . At the time of pur- sure when unleaded gas was introduced . in looks with the exception of a transverse from the arid U .S . states and then rebuild- largely trouble-free motoring . Just as im- think of that?” There are three differing ways chase, the car had an odometer reading Ultimately, the Lucas fuel pump in this car speed stripe across the nose for recogni- ing them . I called Len and asked him what portantly we have been fortunate to be- in which Stephen, Dave and I have owned of 66,723 km . It had been repainted Bur- was replaced with a Bosch unit which elim- tion purposes . From a driving perspective, he had in the hopper and as luck would friend many LBC enthusiasts who share in our vehicles . Stephen bought his relatively gundy at some point in the past and had inated these problems . In addition, power there is not much difference other than the have it, he and his the same passion as we do for preserving new and has owned his TR5 for a long time, undergone considerable body work (un- can be lost due to aeration of the fuel and actual horsepower . I think it is interesting son Scott were just and driving classic cars . It’s always a grand doing regular maintenance . known to me at the time) . In 1978, when air lock in the fuel pump due to the return to note that, while the chassis on my 7-year about finished re- sight to roll up at a hotel with 20 of 30 Tri- Dave bought his completely restored the body began to show considerable rust, of excess fuel from the metering unit to the old TR5 which had lived in the humid at- storing a TR250 . umphs in the parking lot, many of which from a professional and has enjoyed his it was taken off the road to await repair . tank near the fuel pump intake . The Lucas mosphere of Britain, was already starting Was I interested are now 50 or 60 years old . Wherever we Due to financial and other constraints, re- fuel injection system was retained for a to show signs of rust and corrosion, the he asked? No kid- go we seem to jog the memories of former pairs were not initiated until 1989 at which time on the European TR6 (TR6 PI), but ul- chassis on my almost 50-year old TR250 ding, just don’t sell LBC owners and often hear the refrain “I time it had been moved in boxes twice! timately was discontinued due to emission looks like new thanks to the very dry, salt- it to anyone else! had one of those … wish I’d kept it!” The car was repaired, repainted in British regulations and some reliability issues . free climate of its long-time home in Texas . Len sent me a ton Racing Green, and put back on the road in Since being returned to the road, my TR5 I acquired the TR5 in the summer of of photos of the Triumph TR250 – by Ron Etty September 1991 . It now has 92,880 km on PI has provided relatively dependable ser- 1975 and it went like a rocket … that is af- car and I arranged Six or seven years ago, my wife Linda and I the odometer . vice (considering its age and heritage), at- ter I had fixed the metering unit after just a date to fly out decided to look for a sports car . Didn’t mat- The Lucas petrol injection system does tending many British Car Days . It is a rare ex- one day of ownership and (eventually) The rear badge is another to Kelowna with ter what, MG, Triumph, or Miata - but we have a few unique characteristics . The fuel ample of the best of the Triumph roadsters . replaced the Lucas fuel pump which over- minor difference between Maggie at the end were not in the market for an Aston Martin! was delivered to the fuel metering unit and heated - even in Britain! The pump would the two models of February 2011 to We responded to an ad on Kijiji for a 1980 Triumph TR250 – by stop at the most inconvenient times, typi- check it out . After a dreadful flight with de- TR8 . I wasn’t terribly taken by the Dave Sims cally when in traffic, but Maggie, my trusty lays in Hamilton, Calgary and a diversion to styling of the TR8 but that V8 mo- The TR5 couldn’t be co-driver, was always ready to leap out Vancouver we eventually arrived in Kelow- tor was a symphony to my senses . sold in North Amer- the car with a wet towel, run round to the na . All was forgotten when I saw the TR250 So we paid too much for it and ica because of U .S . back of the car, open the boot and cool that evening . What a beauty! Maggie liked drove it home . Next we joined exhaust emission down the misbehaving pump . Over the it so much that she bought it for my birth- the Toronto Triumph Club and regulations . Instead 18 months we owned the Five, I replaced day which was brilliant . Len and I met were volunteers at British Car Day there was the TR250, just about everything so it was running again the next morning and we concluded in 2012 . It was here that I learned exported to the U .S . smoothly by the time we sold it just prior the deal after he had driven me around of a TR250 for sale – now this is a and Canada only . Just to emigrating to Canada . We paid £525 for his many barns filled with an incredible pretty car! The following day we Ron Etty’s beautiful as fast as the old TR4A the TR and sold her for £630 . variety of classic cars, most of which were looked at the car (way too quickly restoration is nearing completion

BCD 14 www.BritishCarDay.com September 17, 2017 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 17, 2017 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 15 Join a club Toronto Triumph Club The Toronto Triumph Club was founded in October 1982 when Bill and Nancy Gray gath- ered a small and very enthusiastic group, for a meeting in Toronto . They had done this by spreading the word and leaving notes on car windshields, sticking flyers up in repair shops etc . – long before the Internet, smartphones and social media . The original concept of the club was a source of fun and fellowship – for social outings and drives, plus the exchange of information and parts, as well as recommending shops for getting repairs done properly . The President of British Leyland Canada had even ap- proached the new TTC to see if they could help move some new old parts stock . The TTC grew on the strength and enthusiasm of its members and their desire to get out and have fun and use their old British cars . “All to preserve and drive the Triumph” At the front, the main difference is the transverse body has been our Club’s motto, because the hard working people who built our cars back in OUR PARTS FINDER stripe on the TR250 the day in Britain made them for driving and sporting pleasure . We believe in driving our Triumphs and have circumnavigated Lake Ontario, Georgian Bay, Lake Erie and in 2017, Meet Davin, 250 ever since . I, on the other hand, bought have just completed the circumnavigating Lake Superior, a trip of over 3,800 kilometres . a lemon and have spent the past five years The TTC and its members have continued to organize many events appealing to the “SEARCHING FOR HARD-TO-FIND PARTS trying to make lemonade . We have suf- varied interests of its members – including Spring Fling with the MG Car Club, The Cana- fered through grease, dirt, sore backs, bad dian Classic, ½ day, day-long, weekend-long and week-long drives and tours as well as IS A LOT LIKE PEELING AN ONION. YOU GO knees, scraped knuckles and countless set- British Car Day® – now entering its 35th year . backs . We have improved our toughness Our club has a membership of approximately 300 and the $40 annual membership and determination . ONE LAYER AT A TIME AND TRY NOT TO CRY.” fee brings you four issues of the award-winning “Ragtop” magazine, regular monthly so- But there are so many reasons why a cial meetings with complimentary food, technical sessions, drives and car shows, plus do-it-yourself restoration makes sense . Ev- the assistance and support of our members, TTC website and discussion forums . ery aspect can be to your taste – stiff sus- For membership information please contact our membership secretary: Member- pension or a more comfortable ride, wire ship@TorontoTriumph .com wheels, steel wheels or mags, original ride Website: www .TorontoTriumph .com height or something a little higher for old Follow us on Facebook bones? The list is almost endless – every component has a choice to be made . As an example, Linda did not like the side lights on the front wings . So after some discus- Comparison between the TR5 & TR250 sion about originality and resale value, we decided that the side lights had to go re- FACTS & FIGURES TR5PI TR250 gardless . Same with the TR250 logo on the Production Figures Home Market 1,161 0 front of the hood . Export Market 1,786 8,484 Originally, it was offset to the side of the Total 2,947 8,484 hood . Now, it is in the middle, right where Basic Price £1,212 $3,175 Optional Extras Wire wheels, overdrive, surrey soft top (for hard top model). it belongs! We were not great fans of the When your claim requires finding some automotive needle Engine Details original five Triumph colours so we were Size 2,498 cc 2,498 cc in a haystack, Davin’s your man. He has one job here at able to pick from a palate of thousands of Cylinders Straight 6 Straight 6 Hagerty: when a client needs a replacement part, he finds Bore 74.7mm x 95mm 74.7mm x 95mm colours . Sticklers for originality will not like it. And though that sometimes involves hours of searching Fuel delivery Mechanical fuel Injection twin strombergs 175CD our choice but we sure do . BHP 150 104 and frustration – maybe even a few tears – he wouldn’t The major problems with a do-it your- Maximum torque “164lbs/ft @ 3500 rpm” “143lbs/ft @ 4500 rpm” trade his job for anything in the world. It’s that kind of self restoration are the costs that quickly Performance Data passion that makes him perfect for Hagerty, and makes escalate to the point where it becomes Mean Maximum Speed 117 mph 109 mph Hagerty perfect for you. obvious this car is a money pit, the restorer 0 - 30 mph 3.5 s 4.0 s CLASSIC CAR INSURANCE never had a budget, and how to explain 0 - 50 mph 6.0 s 8.6 s 0 - 60 mph 8.8 s 10.6 s 800-922-4050 | HAGERT| Y.COM | LOCAL AGENT 877-922-9701 HAGERTY.CA Hagerty. We may sell insurance but we live classics. this folly to your kids . Probably could have 0 - 90 mph 21.4 s 27.5 s saved money if I had bought the Aston Standing ¼ mile 16.8 s 17.8 s Martin in the first place! BCD Overall Fuel Consumption 19.6 mpg 27.5 mpg

British Car Day Programme • September 17, 2017 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 17 Featured Model The I6 engine Join a club was based on that of the Austin Westminster with MG Car Club of a 7-bearing crank shaft and 2.9 litre displacement Toronto The MG Car Club of To- ronto is the oldest continu- – 50 Years ally operating MG Club in North America . Active since 1955, we are a member by Brian Tidmarch, MG Car Club of the British Car Council Inc . and affiliated with the MG Car Club (UK), the MG Owners’ Club (UK), the North American MGB MGC Register and the North American MGA Register . “Safety Fast”… the motto of the MG The MGC was introduced at the October From the outset, the We currently have around 300 members and support all Car Company, has best described all the 1967 Earls Court Motor Show . The final spec- motoring press gave a models of the MG Marque ranging from “T” series and earlier models of cars that have been produced ifications of the production car included be- hostile reception to the to the modern MGFs . throughout the history of the company, ing equipped with a water cooled, OHV 6 MGC . It has been subject The club meets on the second Tuesday of each month (Sep- no more so than the MGC . The MG Car cylinder, 2912 cc, seven-bearing crankshaft, of much debate and dis- tember to May – summer months are driving events) at the Company whose name was derived from producing 150 bhp at 5,250 rpm . Fitted cussion amongst enthusi- basement meeting room of the Danish Lutheran Church, 72 its original parent company The Morris as standard was an oil cooler, and twin SU asts . The launch was han- Finch Ave . W ., Toronto . A warm welcome awaits new members . Garages, was founded by Cecil Kimber in type HS6 1¾ inch horizontal carburettors, dled badly by the publicity For more information on the club and our activities, please 1924 . It produced a very successful range SU fuel pump and a fuel tank capacity of 12 department with the test visit our website at www.mgtoronto.com of “T” series sports cars through the 1940s gallons (54 .8 litres) . The transmission was a cars provided to the press and 1950s, until it was recognized that a four-speed all synchromesh gearbox with at Silverstone being poorly prepared and who are dedicated and committed to pre- modern design and technology upgrades a 9-in diaphragm clutch . The optional extra having incorrect tyre pressures on biased serving the model within the MG stable . were required to compete in the post war of automatic transmission was provided by tyres, which exacerbated the car’s handling . On a personal note, fifty years ago I was market . In 1952, MG merged into the the the well-established 3-speed Borg-Warner They were critical of the acceleration and the proud owner of a 1962 MGB, today British Motor Corporation (BMC) family Type 35 . Overdrive was also an optional ex- handling stemming from the engine charac- I remain loyal to the MG marque, and for where it flourished, taking advantage of tra and available on both 3rd and 4th gears . terises (reluctance to rev) and the tendency more than 17 years I have been the owner the production and design capabilities of Front end suspension was independent tor- to understeer, a consequence of the heavy of a 1968 MGC roadster and proudly cel- the larger organization . sion-bar with telescopic dampers rear sus- engine, and it looked too much like an MGB . ebrate its 50th anniversary . The car was A succession of successful models were pension was semi-elliptic rear leaf springs Unfair comparisons were continually made originally registered in North Carolina and produced starting with the MGA 1955- controlled by hydraulic shock absorbers . to the nimbleness of the MGB and the nos- was carefully brought back to life with a 6 1959, followed by the MGB 1962-1980 and Hydraulic, Servo-assisted front disk brakes talgia of the Austin-Healeys rather than view- month restoration by Ken Mason in Oran- the MGC 1967-1969 . 2017 celebrates the with drum brakes on the rear . Servo- assist geville . It is particularly rare, being a road- Brian and Maureen Tidmarch with their MGC at a BCD event ing the MGC as a new stand-alone sports car 50th anniversary of the first year of produc- charged with the task of creating a ver- was fitted on both front and rear brakes for it was designed to be . ster with automatic transmission of which tion of the MGC . Abingdon . Sadly, the Healey family ob- sion that was lighter, more powerful and the export market . The steering was rack North American left hand drive roadster only 453 were produced out of the 4,256 The history of the MGC is an interesting jected to the possibility of having their less bulky than the old unit . However, it and pinion . Two body styles were available, and GT models began being delivered in cars shipped to North America . During my story with many twists and turns during its name on a car that they had not designed, turned out not much smaller or lighter a two-seater roadster and a two door 2 + 1968, with 2,483 roadsters and 1,773 GTs ownership I have never ceased to enjoy development, marketing and short life cycle . and the Austin Healey version was quietly than the unit it was designed to replace . 2 Coupé (GT) . Performance was rated at a models for a total of 4,256 cars . The car the hidden qualities of the MGC . Getting In the mid-1960s, BMC’s program for a dropped . It was 44 pounds lighter but still weighed maximum speed of 123 mph (198 km/h) never fully recovered from the bad press behind the wheel hearing the noise of the replacement for the Austin Westminster The serious planning for a new six-cylin- 7¾ hundredweight (868 pounds) . This with a 0-60 mph acceleration in 10 seconds . and with differing priorities within the big six cylinder engine, you get to feel the Sedan C-series 6 cylinder engine, (which der sports car began in 1961 and would be required significant changes to the MGB Some Key Milestone Facts associated newly formed British Leyland Corporation power as it pulls through the gears and lets was installed the Austin Healeys) pro- based on the form of the MGB . Prototypes body shell, and the requirement to en- with the MGC are: the model was dropped from production in you know that it is up for any challenge . vided the opportunity to install this new were developed during 1962 and 1963 with gineer a new type front end suspension - It was the first six-cylinder model MG had built 1969, just as the 6-cylinder TR6 was begin- Often confused with the MGB, the MGC redesigned engine into two sports cars a six cylinder Australian-developed version to handle the extra weight and facilitate since 1939 ning to take off . Over the thee years of pro- stands on its own and is happy to cruise at both based on the successful body shell of the “B’ series engine name “Blue Streak” the shoehorning of it into the engine - Although looking like the MGB, the MGC has a duction (1967-69) nearly 9,000 MGCs were 80 mph (130 km/h) demonstrating its rep- of the still-fresh MGB, and having both which was fitted into an MGB and code compartment . Also, changes had to be completely new front-end structure produced, 4,542 Roadsters and 4,457 GTs . utation as good long-distance touring car . - It was the first MG to use torsion-bar suspension the MG and Austin Healey marques . The named “light six” . Although very promising made to the aluminium hood with a tear- With the short production life span, the Although unfairly maligned from the start, since 1935 Austin-Healy 3000 series which had been there was little prospect of importing en- drop bulge for the SU carburettors and a low volume of cars produced, along with the benefit of time and hindsight has given - The MGC engine was shared with the Austin 3-litre successfully designed and produced by gines from the other side of the world, and squared fronted bulge to accommodate the MGC the recognition and an apprecia- sedan of 1968-1971 the negative press reports, the car achieved the front mounted radiator . To cope with tion of what the original designers were Donald Healey, but was also at a point in the end the replacement Westminster - When announced, the MGC was the fastest road a stigma that it could never shake off, al- requiring a technology upgrade . From engine was chosen with its 7 bearing crank the higher speeds and greater load, the car MG had yet put on sale though this has made the MGC a somewhat hoping to achieve, and the MGC can stand the end of 1957, the Austin-Healeys were shaft and 2 .9 litre displacement . wheel size increased from the MGB’s 14 - Along with the 1968MY MGB, the MGC was the first rare car to find today . It has also created a proudly in the light of the motto of the MG being assembled at the MG factory in The designers of the new engine were inch to a 15 inch diameter wheel . MG to be available with automatic transmission small but unique family of MGC owners Car Company – “Safety Fast ”. BCD

BCD 18 www.BritishCarDay.com September 17, 2017 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 17, 2017 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 19 Other Anniversaries

Aston by Terence McKillen PROTECTING YOUR PASSION SINCE 1978 Martin DBS – 50 Years

Designed as a grand tourer and pro- duced by Aston Martin Lagonda Limited from 1967 to 1972, the DBS replaced the earlier DB6 although both models were available over a three year period . The DBS was in turn succeeded by the Vantage V8 . A completely new model also using the DBS name, the Aston Martin DBS V12, was re- leased in 2007 . Breaking with the numeri- cal naming tradition, the DBS brought in a more modern design for Aston Martin . Aston Martin originally planned to use a V8 engine but it wasn’t ready in time for the car’s launch so it continued with the 4 litre in-line 6, once again providing 282bhp coupled to a Borg Warner automatic or 5-speed manual transmission . A little later a V8 was offered using Italian-made Weber carburettors at an increased output of 325 bhp . The DBS V8 continued in production until 1972 when it received a facelift and was simply renamed the Aston Martin V8 . The DBS did achieve a more modern time, it was the fastest four-seat produc- other DBS also appears in a brief single scene look than the previous series of Aston tion car in the world . The new model was in the next Bond film, Diamonds are Forever . D omain models (the DB4 through DB6), and it in- fitted with light alloy wheels (as opposed It can be seen in the background (being fitted k, Pu blic k, wor corporated a fastback style rear end and to wire wheels on the DBS) and ventilated with small missiles) when Bond is talking to Q wn

squared-off front grille, atypical of Astons brake discs . Automatic transmission was on the telephone . O - ald at the time . Trademark Aston design fea- offered as an alternative to the ZF 5-speed The restoration of an original DBS was v Ru nd

tures, such as a bonnet scoop, knock-off manual gearbox . featured in the first episode of Series 2 of y wire wheels, and side air vents with stain- The DBS was used by George Lazenby’s the UK Channel 4 series For the Love of Cars . IMAGE: B IMAGE: less steel brightwork were however re- James Bond in the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s The process took over 6,000 man-hours . tained . The DBS was the last Aston Martin Secret Service . Unlike Bond’s previous car, the During restoration, it was upgraded to Van- to be built under David Brown’s control . Aston Martin DB5, no gadgets were seen in tage specification which included conver- In September 1969, the DBS was made this car, other than a mounting for a telescop- sion from an automatic to manual gearbox . available with a 5,340cc V8 engine . At the ic-sight rifle in the glove compartment . An- It later sold at auction for £150,000 . BCD

British Car Day Programme • September 17, 2017 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 21 Other Anniversaries Other Anniversaries

Humber is one of the oldest of Brit- ish car marques that dates back to Thomas Humber’s bicycle company founded in HUMBER 1868 . The Humber Sceptre MK III which celebrates its 50th anniversary was the last Triumph Dolomite model produced by the legendary marque . Introduced in 1967, it was a badge-engi- neered model of the Rootes Group Arrow design being the best-appointed and up- SCEPTRE MK III sport-saloons and market version of this model offered by Ro- by erence c illen otes . The Arrow range was first introduced T M K by the Rootes Group a year earlier, in 1966 by Terence McKillen and was among the last of the in-house Ro- otes’ designs developed with no influence – 50 Years coupés – 80 years from the Chrysler partnership . Although the most prolific model within the range Triumph introduced the Dolomite which was adjustable for seat and room for two was the Hillman Hunter, the Mark III Sceptre sports saloons and coupés in 1937 for a rake and reach, dual hy- additional passengers carried on Humber’s tradition of building three-year production run before the on- draulic brake circuits, twin in the dickey-seats at luxury cars and featured wood-veneer fas- set of the Second World War put an end to horns, and spot lamps in- the back . A very similar ommons cia, complete instrumentation, adjustable Triumph’s car manufacturing and the Tri- cluded in the price (£348), design was adopted by C steering column, vinyl roof and extra bright- umph Company Ltd . went into liquidation . and for an extra 18 guin- Standard-Triumph for

work on the wheel arches and rear panel . The Dolomite name had been success- eas (£18 . 18s), buyers the 1800 and 2000 Road- W i k – GTHO :

The 4-door, RWD, car was aimed in the UK fully used by Triumph on a series of earlier could opt for a radio . I mage 1938 Triumph Dolomite Saloon was noted for its sters, their first new-car at the premium-specification or luxury ex- sports cars manufactured at the start of the The body was alumini- “waterfall” radiator grille. offering after World ecutive market and I have fond memories 1930s and, of course, the name was revived um over a rot-proofed ash org War II . The hood folded . of driving a metallic gold model with black a third time for a series of mid-sized sport- frame . A 14/60 four-door saloon was road completely into the body to give the ap-

vinyl roof for a while back in 1968/69 . wi k imedia tested by The Times who described the . saloons, between 1972 and 1980 . pearance of an open sports car which was The Arrow range had been conceived The 1937 Triumph Dolomite (called the car as “giving the impression of a fine feel equipped with twin SU carburettors . in 1962 at the time of the introduction of commons of control and with an engine to match ” . :// 14/60 – 14 for the RAC tax-rating and 60 In July 1938, a slightly longer wheelbase the rear-engined Hillman Imp . At the time, for the horsepower output) was equipped Smooth enough to be thought of as a six, version powered by an OHV 1,991 cc six- , https , consideration was given to developing a with an overhead valve (OHV) 1,767 cc the engine had “high mettle” and afford- cylinder engine fed by triple SUs joined the larger rear-engined car but the engineer- D omain four-cylinder engine in a saloon body . The ed almost “sports-like” pickup . The four- range while the saloon version featured the ing settled on for the new car was more Pu blic design was overseen by Donald Healey (of speed gearbox had synchromesh on the same 1,991 cc engine but with only two car- conventional and closer to the layout ing two Weber 40DCOE carburettors to estate car variant of the Sceptre was intro- later Austin Healey fame) who at the time top three gears and the gear change was burettors . In 1939, less than a month after of the existing Audax series . The Rootes produce 107 bhp for the Sunbeam Rapier duced in October 1974 . It featured a built- was Technical Director at Triumph, and considered “a delight” with a well-located, Britain declared war on Germany, and be- Group was under-capitalised and suffering H120 and the Hillman Hunter GLS . in roof rack and a carpeted loading floor who had achieved significant competitive small lever . The output fore civilian automobile enormous industrial relations problems The manual-gearbox model featured ei- protected by metal strips and illuminated success with the earlier Triumph Dolomite was claimed to be 62 availability had been and losses from the early teething troubles ther a D-type or the later J-type Laycock De by an additional interior light . A washer and Southern Cross models, including a bhp at 4,500 rpm . Steer- withdrawn by govern- associated with the Imp, both engineer- Normanville overdrive starting in 1972 . As and wiper were provided for the rear win- ing and suspension were number of placings in the 1932-36 Monte ment, Autocar magazine ommons C ing and industrial, and so the cautious with all models in the Arrow range, an op- dow, a rare feature on UK-market estate Carlo Rallies . rated as “adequate” and

featured a road test of W i k Arrow series broke little new engineering tional Borg Warner BW35 three-speed au- cars of the time . the Lockheed hydraulic The new Dolomites were easily identi- the two-litre Dolomite k in at ground . New parts were largely based on tomatic transmission was available . It was Following the 1967 acquisition of Roo- fied from Triumph’s other models by their brakes, used for many Roadster coupé, sub- W tried and tested Rootes components, us- replaced with the BW45 four-speed auto- tes by Chrysler, the Arrow derivatives were flamboyant ‘waterfall’ radiator grilles de- years by Triumph, were titled “A Road Test of a : A llen ing a new but stronger 5-bearing version matic transmission in 1973 . A closer ratio rationalised until only the Hillman Hunter signed by Walter Belgrove, Triumph’s Chief considered to be excel- Model, Adjudged the I mage Drophead Roadster Coupé. of the well-proven 1725 cc overhead valve G-type manual gearbox was fitted to later version was left . The Sceptre was discon- Body Engineer . The cars were marketed lent . A top speed of 75 Best Open Car in the RAC in-line 4-cylinder engine as a starting point Sceptres mated to the J-type overdrive . tinued in September1976 along with the as “the finest in all the land” and targeted mph was recorded . Rally Coachwork Competition ”. The review- which varied in output from 66 bhp to the For the first time in a Rootes car, Humber and Hillman marque names . From directly at the luxury sporting saloon mar- In early 1938, an increased compres- ers noted “the sweeping lines are ascetically Humber’s 88 bhp . The engine was inclined MacPherson strut suspension was featured that time forward, all models in the Chrys- ket as Triumph had been steadily moving sion ratio and further engine tuning justi- pleasing, the tail being particularly well pro- by a modest 15 degrees, to allow for a low- at the front, with a conventional live axle ler UK range were branded as Chryslers . up-market during the 1930s . These later fied a change in designation from 14/60 portioned ”. The report recorded a maximum er bonnet line and to enable packaging of mounted on leaf springs at the rear . Other The total number of Humber MK IIIs pro- Dolomites were very well equipped, with to 14/65 . An open Roadster version of the speed of 78 mph (126 km/h) and accelera- the carburettors . This engine was further firsts for Rootes in the new car were curved duced was 43,951 units over its 9-year pro- winding windows, automatic chassis lu- 14/65 was announced in March 1938, with tion from rest to 50 mph (80 km/h) of 15 uprated by specialists Holbay, employ- side glass and flow-through ventilation . An duction run . BCD brication, leather padded steering wheel seating for three people on a single bench seconds . BCD

BCD 22 www.BritishCarDay.com September 17, 2017 • British Car Day Programme Ragtop I Summer I 2013 www .TorontoTriumph .com 23 Other Anniversaries Standard Ensign & Pennant

– 60 Years by Terence McKillen

Standard Ensign temporary American cars . It did, however, Celebrating 60 years are do better in Canada . Antique Automobile Appraisals & Collector Car Classifieds two of the last offerings from the Standard car division of Standard Penant Standard-Triumph Car Co . The Standard Pennant was launched The Standard Vanguard was in October 1957 as a successor to the Stan- one of the earliest and most dard 10, or Triumph TR-10 as it was known LOOK FOR OUR BOOTH Serving the Greater Toronto modern of the British imports in some export markets . It came as a 4-door to land on North American saloon as well as a 5-door estate with 42,910 Area and Central Ontario shores following the Second in the main vendor row! manufactured between 1957 and 1960 . including Muskoka. World War . It arrived in 1949 A tail-finned (with optional two-tone and seemed ideally suited to paint schemes) version of the Ten, The Collector cars, classic cars, the Canadian and U .S . markets . The Van- the armed forces . A total of 18,852 units 10’s 948 cc Straight-4 OHV engine’s power guard would seat five passengers, six in a were manufactured between 1955 and muscle cars, hot rods, sports output was increased to 37 bhp offered pinch, which was more than most of the 1958, plus a further 2,318 DeLuxe versions through a 4-speed manual transmission cars, exotics, kit cars, trucks, other British import models from Austin, equipped with a larger 2,138 cc engine . with optional overdrive . Other options in- we've done it all! Morris and Hillman . As part of a Phase III Unlike the smaller-engined version, the cluded a radio, heater, leather upholstery Vanguard redesign, introduced in 1955, a DeLuxe was also available as an estate car . and clutchless 2-pedal control . more basic model, called the Ensign, with A 1,670 cc Ensign was tested by the Brit- Detailed reports for insurance A Pennant tested by British magazine The a 1,670 cc engine, was announced in Octo- ish magazine The Motor in 1958 . It recorded Motor in 1958 had a top speed of 70 .2 mph purposes. ber 1957 . It had been fashioned by Giovan- a top speed of 77 .6 mph (124 .9 km/h), ac- (113 .0 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 ni Michelotti, the Italian stylist who was celeration from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 24 .4 mph (97 km/h) in 35 .3 seconds . A fuel con- Pre-purchase inspections responsible for almost all of Standard and seconds and a fuel consumption of 28 .5 sumption of 40 .2 miles per imperial gallon Triumph’s offerings during the late 1950s miles per imperial gallon (9 .9 L/100 km) . The Owned and operated by British for local and foreign buyers. (7 .03 L/100 km) was recorded . The test car to mid-1970s . test car cost £899 including taxes of £300 . cost £728 including taxes of £243 . BCD car enthusiast Allan Lewis. The Ensign shared its body with the In January 1960 a diesel engine Ensign A member of the Toronto Ontario Ministry of Finance Vanguard Series III but had a cheapened was announced, featuring the compact Triumph Club, MG Car Club appraisal forms for Ministry specification in various respects, includ- “P4C” 1 .6 litre four-cylinder engine pro- of Toronto, the Georgian of Transportation ing a mesh front grille and a simplified duced by Perkins Engines Company Lim- Bay British Car Club and the instrument panel and dashboard . Despite ited, a subsidiary of Caterpillar . Claimed Professional Association vehicle transfers. the generally lower specification, the En- output was 43 bhp with fuel consumption of Vehicle Evaluators. sign was the first Vanguard-based car to of about 50 mpg (5 .6 L/100 km) . have a four-speed transmission . The gear Although the Vanguard was obviously lever was moved from the column to the designed for export to North America it did floor, and overdrive was optional . Many not sell well in the U .S ., probably because it were bought for company fleets and for was just too close in price and size to con-

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jobs . Benn’s socialist ideology had been chastened by Chrysler’s acquisition of the Rootes Group in 1967 and he wasn’t pre- by Terence McKillen pared to allow the British Motor Corpora- The Rise, Fall & Recovery tion to be destroyed or worse, acquired by Ford or General Motors . Cyril Smith, Lib- eral Party Chief Whip, famously accused Benn of doing “more to damage British industry than the combined efforts of the Luftwaffe and the Kriegsmarine’s U-boats” . BMC did bring a dowry of automo- of the British Car Industry tive goodies to the forced marriage like the robust but ageing MGB and Midget We may know the history of our car founded back in 1592 . That May date was etorship of BLMC – the Mini . Alec Issigonis’ conception was an ac- new models at Longbridge, the factory models . It also had Jaguar, as a result of models pretty well but how much do we also of immense importance for the Brit- TR6, the Stag, the TR7 claimed work of art when introduced in was actually falling down around them as a 1966 merger, as well as Austin-Healey, know about the corporate entities and ish car industry when the fate of some of and the TR8 were all 1959 . It had things other cars didn’t, like there simply wasn’t enough money avail- Austin, Morris, Wolseley, Riley, Daimler, the inter-relationships between them and Britain’s most renowned car marques was introduced in the years a revolutionary front-wheel-drive trans- able for plant upkeep, modernisation and Coventry Climax (industrial engines) and their rivals over the years? Triumph effectively sealed . It was a day of infamy, following the May 14 mission, transverse-mounted engine, and expansion as well as the development of Guy (trucks) . But Leyland had the better- started out building cars in according to Giles Chapman (in an article merger, together with weird rubber suspension . It was welded new models . Under capitalization was the run carmakers whose products included 1922 but did not survive published in October 2011) when Britain’s models such as the Do- together differently from other BMC cars . bane of all British car companies during the successful Triumph Spitfire and the independently beyond the car industry picked up what he terms ‘the lomite and 1500, and Even its wheels, at 10-inch diameter, had the post-WWII period and contributed to GT6, as well as two top selling executive war time bombing of its slow puncture that eventually rendered it a revised versions of the to be specially commissioned . It is report- the demise of many well-known pre-war cars – the Triumph 2000 and Rover P6 . Coventry production fa- total write-off ’. It was the day on which Brit- 2000, 2500 and later ed that the company was losing at least marques . It is only comparatively recently On the sports car side of the ledger was cilities and was acquired by ish Leyland Motor Corporation, Ltd . (BLMC) the Acclaim, which we don’t particularly £30 or 6% on each Mini sold . The more that the surviving remnants of the British the superb fuel-injected 150bhp TR5 . In the Standard Motor Company was officially born through the merger of associate with imports to Canada and the Minis BMC sold the more money it lost! car industry including Land Rover, Jaguar, addition, Leyland had the Land Rover op- Early Triumph Logo in 1944 . It was under Standard’s British Motor Holdings Ltd . and Leyland USA . In his book, The Leyland Papers, Graham Bentley and Rolls Royce have achieved eration which would soon include the up- leadership that many of the models we Motors Corp . Ltd . BLMC’s shares traded on Within the first year, BLMC had taken Turner claimed that in 1968 the Mini was international success through adequate scale Range Rover . The concept was that know and love so well were created – the the main board of the London Stock Ex- some cautious steps towards rationalizing making a profit of £15 per unit, although financial backing from the likes of the Tata the better run Leyland operation would, 1800 and 2000 Roadsters, the TR2, TR3, change and it formed part of the FT30 in- its business model . It reduced the number the method of calculating this number Group, Volkswagen and BMW but in so do- by osmosis or otherwise, transform the and Herald . Then in December 1960, the dex (forerunner of today’s FTSE 100) . of car brands from 12 to 11 by ditching the has been disputed . At the end of the day ing, ownership has been transferred out- ethos at BMC – a better question might Standard-Triumph Company was in turn Overnight, BLMC became the world’s Riley marque after 79 years . Surprisingly, it in 2000, over 5 million Minis had been side of the United Kingdom . have been, can elephants fly? acquired by bus and truck manufacturer, third largest carmaker, owning the lion’s took a further 12 years before any assets manufactured . Unlike the Triumph and The creation of the BLMC conglomer- Triumph and Rover had long been Leyland Motors Ltd ., under whose leader- share of the British car industry (perhaps were actually sold off, with Alvis the mili- Rover divisions prior to the merger, which ate has been laid directly at the feet of lean and nimble organisations overseen ship we then got the TR4 and TR5/250 as 65%) and comprising nearly 100 different tary vehicle company being traded away tried to focus on unit profitability, the new the Rt . Hon . Tony Benn, M . P(formerly by entrepreneurs who understood their well as the Spitfire, GT6, companies, not all of which were in the in 1981 . During the first year of the con- credo at BLMC was volume, apparently at known as Anthony Wedgwood Benn – the customers and were ready to adapt to Vitesse and Triumph automotive business . The new corporation glomerate, the Jaguar XJ6 was released as any cost . But inefficiencies, poor manage- 2nd Viscount Stansgate), who despite his market demands, particularly from the 2000 . In 1967, Leyland was arranged into seven divisions under well as the Austin Maxi, Britain’s first 5-door ment, contrarian labour unions, failure to silver-spooned upbringing, could best be all-important U .S . export market . They Motor Corporation ac- its chairman, Sir Donald Stokes (formerly family-sized hatchback . The Karmann-de- consolidate and woeful under-capitaliza- described as a rabid both had recognised the folly of chasing quired the Rover Com- the chairman of Leyland Motors who later signed TR6 followed in the fall of 1968 and tion, would all take their toll . anti-establishment volume over profit . Triumph’s Harry Web- pany bringing the P6 became Baron Stokes) . It employed around the introduction of the successful Range By 1968 or earlier, European rivals were socialist, and served ster and Rover’s Spencer King, were two and Land Rover into the 250,000 workers in 48 factories scattered Rover was only a year away . Why therefore launching innovative models; NSU had the as Minister of Tech- engineers accustomed to working with a degree of freedom from the boardroom mix and later develop- Standard Triumph Logo across the United Kingdom and was in di- were the omens so dismal in 1968 for these Ro80, BMW became an international brand nology under Harold ing the Range Rover rect competition with Ford, GM, Volkswa- jewels of Britain’s motoring crown, which through success of the Two-Series and Wilson’s first Labour which tended to be dominated by bum- and SD1 models . gen, other European volume production also included MG, Austin-Healey, Rover, Renault introduced the full-size FWD R16 Government (1964- bling, public-school educated and often Do you remember what you were you marques and of course, the ever growing as well as Jaguar and Triumph, especially hatchback but BMC was still offering the 70) . Benn was a titled amateurs . If they had an inspired doing on May 14, 1968? I’m not sure exact- menace of Japanese imports . when the sports car models were record- well-loved but twenty year-old Morris Mi- forceful promoter of and cost-effective idea, such as Webster’s ly what I was doing on that day but most For Canadian and U .S . Triumph aficio- ing significant and profitable exports? nor and the Austin A35 (the latter in panel a ‘planned economy’ Tony Benn was the father engagement of Italian stylist Giovanni Mi- likely was sitting my final undergradu- nados, many of the models that we still Some of the underlying issues can van format) . While BMC managers were and protecting Brit- of Britain’s failed planned chelotti, or King’s grasp of the potential ate exams at an institution that had been treasure today were built under the propri- be seen by turning for a moment to the pondering the prospect of how to finance ish manufacturing economy of the Buick V8 engine acquired by Rover,

BCD 26 www.BritishCarDay.com September 17, 2017 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 17, 2017 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 27 fold ”. Could it be possible that no The Rover Group was further Crewe-based Bentley, has also seen pro- one in government, management broken up in 2000, when Ford ac- duction increase from 4,000 units in 2009 or union leadership were aware of quired the Land Rover division . The to over 10,000 units in 2015, thanks to the the suicidal actions that were be- Rover and MG marques continued success of the Continental GT/GTC and ing unleashed? within a much smaller MG Rover the new Mulsanne . Other global car com- During the mid-1970s the drea- Group until 2005, making it the last panies with UK operations, such as MINI, ry offerings of the Austin Allegro, domestically owned mass-produc- Nissan and Honda also invested through Morris Marina, Princess and Maxi tion car manufacturer in Britain . In the downturn while Ford and GM inte- monopolized whatever dingy 2005, its key assets were purchased grated their British and European produc- limelight was still visible against by Nanjing Automobile Group who tion lines, although in March of this year, a backdrop of the international oil restarted MG sports car and sports GM disposed of its Vauxhall and Opal crisis, hyper-inflation, economic than a million vehicles a year, it would have saloon production in 2007 . During the marques to Groupe PSA (Peugeot) and it recession and the three-day work been making so much money that its in- same year, Nanjing merged with SAIC Mo- appears that the Zhejiang Geely Holding week that made living in Britain so ternal problems wouldn’t have mattered . tor (the largest vehicle manufacturer in (owners of Volvo) may be considering ac- grey, monotonous and depress- It was Stokes’ contention that the ‘cream at China) . During this time the MG TF was quiring control of Lotus . ing . No wonder so many Brits gave the top’ would have made the difference . manufactured at the Longbridge plant in Professor David Bailey, an auto indus- up and emigrated to Canada and Whether that observation would have held Birmingham . In 2011, the first all new MG try expert at Aston University in Birming- the U .S . In its favour, the Maxi was true is very doubtful . It seems highly un- for 16 years (the MG 6) was launched in ham, suggests there are several factors the first mass production car with likely that anybody could have turned the the UK and also assembled at Longbridge . behind the UK auto industry’s 21st century a 5-speed transmission . During the Company around until the business was During 2013, a super-mini was added (the resurgence – luck played a part, like the same period there was a dearth of properly rationalised and recapitalized; MG 3), which went on to help MG Motor exchange rate with sterling depreciating, 10 million man-hours were lost to industrial action in 1971 guarantee the company’s capital . By June new models from Jaguar, Rover or Triumph management and unionised labour ready become the fastest growing car manu- but the new foreign owners finally made then they would just get on with it and try 1975, BLMC had been renamed British Ley- while the focus was on launching high- to accept the necessary changes in busi- facturer in the UK in 2014 . However, that the necessary financial investments and to make it work . Furthermore, Leyland’s land, with the government owning 99 .8% volume/low-margin offerings – simply ness operations; improved quality control success was short-lived and in September Britain’s car industry made the move to up- development pipeline was brim-full of of its share capital . Cabinet ministers over- perpetuating the old BMC business model . and reliability achieved; and with new 2016, MG announced that all car produc- market cars . Attention was paid to design, new product ideas . The Range Rover was saw the company’s separation into four Working against these odds, the design models having wide appeal at a reason- tion had ceased at Longbridge and all MG engineering and production; management waiting in the wings, the Triumph TR6 and parts – car division, truck & bus division, and engineering departments at Jaguar, able price point . Managing the British Ley- vehicles would be imported from China . and labour finally understood what it took Dolomite were good to go, and even the international division and special products Triumph and Rover went all out to beat the land experiment was an impossible task . In 1972 when British auto manufac- to create a thriving business partnership . often maligned Triumph Stag was an in- but still no factory was actually closed un- Germans, the Americans and the Japanese The production of Triumphs within turing was at its peak, 1 .92 million cars The industry isn’t the size it once was but spired idea for a new and untapped mar- til 1978 when Triumph’s union-paralysed with cars that were forward-looking and BLMC ceased in 1984, after a 62-year run, rolled off the collective assembly lines . what remains is growing and is finally of ket segment . plant at Speke (Liverpool), home of TR7 cleverly engineered . We tend to overlook but the final demise of the British car in- Production had declined to about 1 .6 mil- world class . Let’s hope that Brexit doesn’t In fairness, Donald Stokes was expected and Stag production, was closed and the the work that went into developing the dustry took a further twenty-odd years to lion in the years preceding Rover’s failure impact this growth . to achieve the impossible by his new mas- corporation was once again renamed – this likes of the Jaguar XJS, the Triumph TR7/8, unfold, starting with Jaguar Cars becoming and then dived below 1 million as the Today, almost fifty years after the birth ters in the Labour Government . He was ex- time BL PLC . the Rover SD1 and the Range Rover . Ex- independent once more through a public 2008-09 financial crisis wreaked its havoc . of BLMC, here in North America we are pected to reinvest anticipated profits back Under full government ownership, Min- port markets, once the lifeblood of MG, share offering in 1984 . In 1986, BL changed Since then, it has rebounded back above actually left with the remnants of all that into the company while at the same time ister Benn was able to introduce his final Triumph, Jaguar and Rover were ignored its name to Rover Group and in 1987 the the point following Rover’s collapse and was actually good about the British mo- putting social engineering above automo- act of socialist folly and bring ‘industrial as BL became an Truck Division merged with DAF to form looks set to keep climbing . The biggest tor industry, reflected in our preservation tive engineering . Much needed rationali- democracy’ to the shop floor which essen- oozing swamp of DAF NV . By 1987, the bus business was driver of this growth is the resurgence and driving enjoyment of a few Roadsters, sation and reform was ruled out because tially meant that union shop stewards had mediocrity and the spun-off as Leyland Bus which was sold of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) purchased the occasional Herald, Triumph 2000, Van- factory closures and redundancies were control of the factories and simultane- all-consuming war on a year later to Volvo . In 1988, what re- by Tata from Ford in 2008 for £1 .4bn – a guard and Vitesse, many TR2, TR3, TR4, politically unthinkable and unacceptable . ously output suffered and product qual- between unions mained of the Rover Group was sold by the price-tag now looking like a give-away . TR5/250, TR6, TR7 and TR8 roadsters and As we have seen, Stokes couldn’t even ity plunged . The so-called ‘British disease’ and management . British Government to British Aerospace Tata has pumped in a further £13bn and coupés, the Spitfire, GT6, and of course, our dispose of the non-automobile related spread like wildfire, and for British Leyland, At the beginning of the BLMC experi- (BAe) . By 1994, BAe sold the car business JLR’s annual sales have doubled to more beloved Stags, as well as the former rivals businesses under his control . Caught in a it was the start of a slow demise as mul- ment, Donald Stokes had been pro-Euro- to BMW (UK) Holdings Limited to contin- than 450,000 vehicles with annual pre-tax which later became siblings, including MG, classic pincer hold between government tiple strikes sapped its lifeblood with not pean and pro-export, recognizing that to ue with Rover’s Mini production and the profits of £2 .5bn (2015), making JLR the Austin Healey, and not forgetting the E- and the militant labour unions, Stokes was only millions of man hours being lost due succeed British companies had to drop Rover 200, 400, 600 and 800 models . BMW largest UK car manufacturer today . Mean- Type and XJS Jaguars and the odd Rover P6 hard-pressed to combat industrial action to industrial action but deliberate product their insular mentality . However, in 1970 also revived the MG marque in 1995 with a while Sussex-based Rolls-Royce reports and SD1 . Perhaps things were not so bad in the highly unionised motor industry . In sabotage was being carried out . In a re- the Company lost 5 million man-hours new mid-engined sports car, the MGF, be- strong growth at the very upper end of after all? BCD the end, there were no profits for reinvest- cent conversation, Tony Fox commented due to strike action, doubling to 10 mil- fore going on to develop the new MINI as the car market . The BMW-owned marque ment and by the close of 1974, the experi- that when he left BMC in 1969, he would lion in 1971, and resulting in a 30% loss in an independent brand in 2001 . However, sold fewer than 1,000 vehicles in the year This article was first published in Stag News, ment had failed when the second Wilson- have “laughed like crazy if anyone had sug- production targets . According to Stokes, if the six-year dalliance with Rover cost BMW Rover failed but recently it broke through magazine of the Triumph Stag Club USA, Is- led Labour Government stepped in to gested the decline that was about to un- the Company had sold 1 .25million rather well over $8 billion . 4,000 for the first time . Its former sibling, sue 96, June 2017

BCD 28 www.BritishCarDay.com September 17, 2017 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 17, 2017 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 29 Other Companies

The Author’s 1985 TVR 350i FHC

the Griffith continued to be produced and was later accompanied by the Chimaera, a car that was almost identical under the cov- ers, but with rather more conventional styl- Seventy years of TVR ing . New models continued to come along by Robert Stewart, TVR Car Club of North America, Canada Region that never made it here . However, due to the The birth of TVR can be traced back to Ultimately, Trevor did sell the company restoring TVRs . This continuity means that 15-year importation rules, some of these cars 1947, when Trevor Wilkinson started build- to Arthur and Martin Lilley . This saved TVR they not only have built solid relationships are starting to show up such as Chimaeras, ing his first car in Blackpool . As most peo- from extinction, and Martin ran the com- with their customers but arguably have an late model Tuscans and even a Cerbera . ple in British car circles will know, the name pany with good success until 1981 . During even deeper-rooted relationship with the Ultimately Peter Wheeler sold TVR in TVR is not an acronym but came about by his tenure the “M” cars (M for Martin) were cars, having known the history of most TVRs 2004, and for a brief period the new owner, dropping several letters from TreVoR’s produced and imports to Canada started in Canada since they were sold new . Nikolai Smolensky, continued to make cars, name . TVR’s very earliest cars were one-off in earnest . The vast majority of cars sold in After imports of TVRs to Canada halted, culminating in the Sagaris . In the last few creations, light weight and agile, with most Canada were imported by John Wadman, mechanical parts coming from other man- whose company ultimately was named ufacturers . Annual production volume was TVR North America . extremely low, with a small client base pri- Over the 70s John imported a good num- marily comprised of amateur motor sports ber of 2500M cars that had a Triumph TR6 enthusiasts . By the end of the 1950s, pro- drive train, along with the later 3000M that Long line of TVRs at British Car Day 2016 duction began increasing, with about one was powered by a 3 litre Ford Essex engine . hundred cars per year, making TVR a name During this time TVR North America creat- Wedge cars was under the oversight of Mar- shaped automobiles had ended and TVR with wider recognition . ed the “5000M” . As the name suggests, this tin Lilley but the company changed hands looked to revise their designs . They looked When the Grantura came along in 1958, was a 5 litre version which maintained the again in 1981 and Peter Wheeler took over to their past and the more rounded de- TVR’s identifiable formula started to solidify . mid-front engine configuration by careful for the next twenty three years . The initial signs of the 1970s . This led to the S cars Based on a tubular frame with a drive train engineering . Only a small number of these wedge cars were powered by Ford Cologne which were available only as a drop head . sourced from a main-stream manufacturer cars were made, and most survive to this V6 engines and were available as drop head They managed reduce prices by remov- and an un-stressed fibreglass body, the ba- day . This model was so well executed with coupés, or fixed head . The 2 .8 litre engine ing the inboard disc brakes and reverting sic layout was in place for the decades to a great pairing of engine and chassis, that it was mated to a four-speed transmission and to outboard drums . The S cars had good come . All TVRs were rear wheel drive, with became an officially recognized model by carried on the mid-front engine layout and, sales success with a modest number sold the engine set well back in the front of the TVR . In later years TVR North America went for the first time, with inboard brakes on the in Canada . Ultimately a V8 version of the car, resulting in a mid-front engine layout . on to perform this conversion on some cus- rear . The level of comfort was increased over S was created but by the time one had ar- Trevor Wilkinson ran the company until tomer cars, effectively making ‘continuation’ previous models . A few dozen wedges ar- rived in Canada it was well in to the 90s . the mid-1960s but had difficulty keeping models . These various 5000M cars are the rived in Canada, the first being the Tasmin, The last TVRs imported were the ‘mod- the business afloat and ultimately would most sought after of all Ms . with later cars receiving the 280i designa- ern’ Griffith which was available in three need to close it all down – or sell . Around With TVR North America being located tion; referring to the 2 .8 litre injected engine . engine sizes of 4 .0, 4 .3 and 5 .0 litres; with this time, TVR was making waves in motor in Toronto, it has meant that the majority There were also a small number of wedge only the later two models coming to Cana- cars imported with Rover V8 engines, at first Sunday 10:15am. YO U , THAT PE R FECT FIN ISH AND T HE O PEN R O A D. sport as Jack Griffith began taking Grantu- of TVRs imported to Canada starting in the da . The name Griffith was a nod to the cars I N D U L G E I N T H E G L O RY. ras and fitting large American V8 engines . 1970s until the last cars of the mid-1990s named the 350i, utilizing the fuel injected of Jack Griffith from the 60s . Once again They were very competitive on the track were sold in Southern Ontario, and a high 3 .5 litre Rover V8 . Over the years only a small a large V8 was placed in a small package; and demanded a percentage of these remain in the region . number of these arrived in Canada, one be- but this time the car was far more refined . skilled driver . The By the end of the 70s, TVR introduced ing a fixed head coupé and a small hand- About seven Griffiths were imported to Attacking the twists and bends with the sun shimmering on pristine bodywork and supple leather – it makes that bit of effort worthwhile. Don’t Griffith plays an a new model to traditional English sports ful of them in convertible trim . The engine Canada during 1993 and 1994 represent- worry, you’re not alone, we share your passion for detail. For us it’s an obsession that started over 40 years ago and continues to drive us today. important part in car design . The TVR 3000S was similar to sizes increased during the 80s with a couple ing the last official TVR imports . That’s why our products work beautifully, are quick and easy to use and more durable than ever. It also means you and your car get to look good for longer. That’s the Autoglym way. Always has been. TVR’s history, and the other M series cars, however it was a of significantly higher powered 3 .9 litre cars TVR North America continues to be although not hav- proper old-world roadster complete with called the 390SE, and ultimately the 4 .2 litre based in Toronto, providing expert service, ing the same global side curtains; a feature that had all but dis- 420SE . Whereas Canada enjoyed a range of parts and sales of TVRs . Interestingly, unlike www.autoglym.com PA SSI O N for P E R F E CTI O N brand recognition as appeared by this time . A very small num- wedges, the United States only received the the TVR factory, ownership of TVR North M-Chassis: restoration the AC Cobra, it was ber of these cars were brought to Canada . six cylinder cars, with their last TVR imports America has never changed . John still runs Now exclusively available at Canadian Tire and PartSource underway at TVR North capable of beating As the 80s arrived so did the age of the being the 280i of the mid late 80s . the company along with right hand man America them on the track . Wedge . The initial development of the TVR As the 1980s faded, the era of wedge Doug, who has spent a career servicing and

AutoGlym.00.indd 1 13-08-30 5:30 PM BCD 30 www.BritishCarDay.com September 17, 2017 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 17, 2017 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 31 Join a club The TVR Car Club of North America TVR Cerbera visiting TVR North America The TVR Car Club of North America is a non-profit organization that promotes the TVR marque across all of North America and beyond . With over 300 members in the club we There are some exciting new develop- host or attend many events across our nine geographic regions . Membership is open to ments for TVR now that the company is past, present and future owners of TVRs, or those who simply share an interest in TVR . led by Les Edgar who in March 2016 an- The club is a great social outlet as well as a technical resource for its members . Mem- nounced that TVR would build a factory bership in the club also includes a quarterly newsletter; dues are currently $45 USD, and in Ebbw Vale, Wales . The old formula has you can sign-up from the club’s website: http://www .tvrccna .org been revised, and although TVR is return- We would like to thank the Toronto Triumph Club for hosting our members over ing to its roots of utilizing a third-party many years of British Car Day, and hope those in attendance enjoy seeing the wide ar- engine (Ford’s Coyote 5 .0L V8 from the ray of TVR models on display . Mustang), they are getting help from Cos- British Car Day has become such an important event on our club calendar that we are worth to ensure it breathes fire . TVR is also including this weekend as one of our national events in 2017 as we celebrate 70 years moving away from the old tubular frame of TVR . This year also marks the rebirth of TVR, with the newest incarnation having been and fibreglass body, and will be using Gor- unveiled at the 2017 Goodwood Revival . don Murray’s iStream technology, sound- ing very i2018 indeed . We look forward to years of production TVR stopped using en- these TVR-built engines were the downfall seeing the cars when they are unveiled this gines sourced from other makers, and de- of the company but the failure was more year – but don’t expect to see one on Cana- veloped their own power units . Many feel likely poor business acumen . dian roads for some time . BCD

www.edwardjones.com/marc-nutford Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund

BCD 32 www.BritishCarDay.com September 17, 2017 • British Car Day Programme Other Companies

Hillman by Terence McKillen Motor Car Co. – 110 years

The Hillman Motor Car Company the 2,110 cc Hillman “16 hp” and 2810cc A complete departure in 1963 was the was founded in 1907 by William Hillman “20/70”, which lasted until 1936 when a introduction of the Hillman Imp designed which like many British car companies had new body design in the form of the 2,576 to compete with BMC’s award-winning previously manufactured bicycles before cc Hillman “Sixteen” and the 3,181 cc Mini . The Imp used an all-alloy Coventry graduating to cars . The company was “Hawk” and “80”, all with side valve straight- Climax 875 cc rear-mounted engine and based in Ryton-on-Dunsmore, near Cov- six engines, were introduced . These later was built in a brand new factory in Lin- entry . The Hillman company came under cars were also sold as Humbers . wood, Scotland . The location was chosen the control of the Rootes brothers in 1928 After WWII, the Minx was reintroduced under government influence to bring em- and subsequently merged with Humber with the same 1,185 cc engine . It went ployment to a depressed area but ended Limited following which the Hillman name through a series of models given Phase up contributing significantly to the pro- was mainly used as the small car marque numbers and the Phase VIII of 1955 saw duction cost of the Imp . A fastback version, but became the best known brand within the arrival of an overhead-valve engine the Californian, and an estate re-using the the Rootes’ empire alongside Humber, 1,390cc, the Mk 8 . The early 1950s were Husky name were also made . Sunbeam and Singer . The Rootes broth- the start of what could be considered the A new car called the Hunter was in- ers retained their 60% interest in Humber Rootes Group’s heyday . There was a new troduced in 1966 with a smaller-engined until 1967, when Chrysler acquired the Minx in 1955, known as the Series 1 and standard version using the old Minx name . Rootes Group . The marque continued to also known as the Audax range, with a new These are frequently given their factory be used under Chrysler until 1976 . OHV engine which itself would endure for code of “Arrow”, but this name was never One of William Hillman’s daughters over 20 years . The Sunbeam-Talbot range officially used in marketing . married John Black, one-time managing grew and there was a new Humber range Chrysler assumed complete control of director of Hillman who left at the time of in 1957 with a new six cylinder engine in Rootes by 1967, and the first new Hillman the Rootes’ takeover and went to Standard 1958 . A smaller car, the Husky with van like model whose development was financed Motor Co . where he became closely in- body and using the old side-valve engine, by the American giant was the Avenger in volved in the development of the Triumph was introduced in 1954 . The floor pan of 1970 . The Avenger and Hunter ranges were TR2 and other successful Triumph models . this model was later to form the basis for rebadged as Chryslers until 1979 when The 1930s saw the introduction of side the Sunbeam Alpine roadster . By the late Chrysler sold its European division to Peu- valved 6-cylinder engines in the Wizard 1950s, Rootes knew that its production of geot . At this point, Hunter production was and, in 1932, inspired by the Rootes broth- 100,000 cars and relatively narrow range shelved and the Avenger was rebadged as ers, the first car to carry the Minx name . meant that it had to expand or risk being a Talbot until it was finally withdrawn from This had a 1,185 cc four-cylinder engine absorbed in any consolidation of the Brit- sale at the end of 1981 . and went through a series of updates in ish car industry . Merger talks began with Hillman’s Ryton factory, which had as- body style and construction until the end Standard-Triumph but did not come to sembled various Peugeot models for the Eu- of the Second World War . In 1934 the Hill- fruition, instead Rootes accepted a minor- ropean market, closed in 2007 . Peugeot still man Wizard “65” and “75” were replaced by ity investment from Chrysler Corp . owns the rights to the Hillman name . BCD

BCD 34 www.BritishCarDay.com September 17, 2017 • British Car Day Programme British Car Day Programme • September 17, 2017 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 35 Top to bottom, Other Companies inside and out, we’ve got you covered. Enviro 500

GO Bus by Terence McKillen Alexander Dennis, the leading British bus builder is celebrating either its 122nd or 110th anniversaries this year through the continuum established from its predeces- sor constituent companies . The company, based in Camelon, Scotland (located mid- way between Edinburgh and Glasgow) is now building buses in Vaughan, Ontario . dri v er )

An Alexander Dennis Enviro 500 SuperLo u s (GO b (GO

model, DDS (Double Decker Super Low) .in v e GO Transit livery, is on display at British Car Kaslo Day this year for the first time . arryl

Fabric and upholstery for Cars, Trucks, D : Alexander Dennis is the largest bus and coach manufacturer in the United King- I mage Motorcycles, RVs & Boats all under the same roof. GO Transit’s Alexander Dennis Enviro 500 SuperLo (DDS) bus dom and has a rich history in bus, coach 4 .15 m (13 .5 ft .) . Operationally, these 166 • and other specialized commercial vehicle Ireland, the former Plaxton factories in An- Seat and Carpet Repair production, dating back to beginnings in ston and Scarborough, Yorkshire, the for- buses are classified as DDL (Double Decker • Seat Covers (leather, vinyl or cloth) the late nineteenth and early twentieth mer Northern Counties factory in Wigan, Low top) . Given that these buses are lower, centuries . The company is currently one of Lancashire and the Dennis factory in Guild- they can clear obstacles that the DDH bus- • Interior Restoration; Domestic & Foreign the world’s fastest-growing bus builders, ford, Surrey . TBI produced a range of bus es cannot and therefore, the geo-fenced with manufacturing plants and partner- and coach chassis and bodies as well as fire area for DDL buses is significantly larger . • Convertible Top Repair & Replacement ships outside of the United Kingdom, in engines . Included among its range of chas- The need for a double-deck bus that • Boat Seats, covers and tops Canada, China, Europe, Malaysia, New Zea- sis was the Dennis Dart, one of the all-time could go virtually anywhere within the GO land, South Africa and the United States . best-selling buses in the UK . TBI also pro- Transit route network, led to the develop- The Alexander Dennis company was duced export variants for service in Hong ment of a completely new model of Enviro 1033 Speers Road, formed in January 2001, initially as Trans- Kong, New York City and other locations . 500 which incorporated GO Transit’s own Bus International (TBI) when Mayflower GO Transit operates three different dou- designs to meet specific requirements that Oakville, L6L 2X5 Corporation (then owner of Dennis Broth- ble decker buses in its fleet, all manufac- were not provided by available designs of ers - founded in 1895 and Walter Alexan- tured by Alexander Dennis . GO introduced double decker buses . The 105 new Super- 647-343-6310 der - founded in 1913) merged with Henly’s its first Enviro 500 in 2008 which at 4 .27m Lo buses are designated as DDS (Double appleautoglass.com Group (then owner of Plaxton, another bus (14 ft .) is the tallest vehicle in the fleet . Op- Decker Super Low) . The SuperLo model is and coach builder also founded in 1907) . erationally, these 22 buses are classified as 13 .7m (45’ 4”) in length but with a height

® Apple Auto Glass is a registered TBI inherited a number of manufactur- DDH (Double Decker High top) and must of 3 .91m (12 .75 ft .) opens up virtually all of trademark in Canada of Belron S.A. ing plants around the United Kingdom not deviate from their pre-defined routes . the transport authority’s routes to poten- and its affiliates including the former Alexander factories In 2013, GO Transit introduced a second tial double-deck services and importantly, in Falkirk, Scotland and Belfast, Northern model Enviro 500, having a lower height of allows access into terminals with height re-

British Car Day Programme • September 17, 2017 www.BritishCarDay.com BCD 37

Apple.02.indd 1 14-09-03 7:25 AM Super LoEnviro 500

Enviro500 Specifications • High Capacity, Low Floor, Double Deck / • Max. turning radius 12.18m (40 ft) 3 axle configuration • Cummins EPA2010 engine strictions, particularly at the York Mills and • 13.7m (43’.3”) in length | 2.52m (8’ 4”) in width • Allison GEN IV transmission Yorkdale Terminals . • 17,650kg gross weight • Capacities of 78-81 passengers Alexander Dennis established a new manufacturing facility at Vaughan in late 2014 following agreement with Metrolinx - the Government of Ontario’s transpor- tation authority for Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area - to supply over 250, low- height double-deck buses over a period of five years, commencing in 2016 . The agreement also includes an option for an additional 150 vehicles . The Vaughan plant builds the chassis and installs the engines, axles and steering components dri v er )

before shipping the platforms to the U .S ., u s

where bodies are built and attached, and b (GO v e the completed vehicles are returned to Vaughan for final pre-delivery inspections . Kaslo arryl

There are now about 125 double-decks D : Left - Enviro 500 High Top (DDH) Right – Enviro 500 Super Low (DDS) operating in the GTA where they have I mage proved hugely popular with passengers, Washington DC, Las Vegas, San Francisco buses operate on 72 routes and will even- drivers and operators . Elsewhere in North and Seattle . tually form the bulk of GO Transit’s fleet . America, Alexander Dennis buses operate GO runs 2,529 weekday bus trips carry- Each double-deck bus seats about 80 rid- in Vancouver, Ottawa, Edmonton, Kelowna ing about 56,000 riders . About a quarter of ers, compared with 55 in GO’s 381 standard and Victoria as well as in New York City, the GO fleet are double-deckers . The DDS (single deck) diesel coaches . BCD

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