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

TR6 Wagon

70s • Last TR8? • Triumphs in Disguise The Parts You Need To " " ® contents Keep’em on the Road Spring 2014

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Member Pages From the Editor ...... 5 From the President ...... 7 Club Hub ...... 9 Event Calendar ...... 11 Owner’s Manual ...... 13

Ye g 50 ars o Features tin f S ra p Feature: b it f T h e M a g a z i n e O f T h e T O r O n TO T r i u M p h C l u b S p r i n g 2 0 1 4 le r e e 41 TR6 Wagon ...... 14 ! C What’s in a Name? ...... 20 Motorsports: Rally Competition in the 70s . . . . 26 FREE Parts & Accessories Catalogs for: TR Tales: TR2, TR3, TR4, TR4A, TR250, Love at First Sight ...... 31 TR6, TR7, TR8, GT6, Spitfire The Last Triumph? ...... 41 On the Cover Tail Lites: Fast Service, Simple Ordering and Quick Delivery. Bernd Amling’s ingenious Bits and Pieces ...... 46 TR6 Shooting Brake on a camping trip in 2013. TR6 Wagon www.VictoriaBritish.com 1-800-255-0088 Full story on page 14. 70s Rallying • Last TR8? • Triumphs in Disguise Photo: Bernd Amling FREE Parts & Accessories Catalogs 14 Ragtop.01.05.indd 1 14-05-30 10:58 AM Also Available For: Ragtop I Spring I 2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 3 ©2012 Long Motor Corporation, PO Box 14991, Lenexa, Kansas 66285-4991 LANT INSURANCE BROKERS from the editor (A Division of Wayfarer Insurance Brokers Limited)

SUBMISSIONS Format: MS Word files are preferred. Send via Canada’s Leader In Classic Vehicle Insurance Since 1978 email or on CD, 10Mb limit on email files. Send photos separately, do NOT embed in the text file. Hard copy submissions are acceptable, but not Let’s Enjoy the Driving Season! preferred. Graphics must be in major graphics for- mats, jpeg, tiff or Photoshop files. In Person: To the editor at the monthly meetings. I always say it around this time of year, but for Mail: 2421 Poplar Crescent, some reason this year seems more important Mississauga, Ontario L5J 4H2 than ever... let’s drive our Triumphs more! E-mail: [email protected] After what seemed like an eternity of be- ing buried under the white stuff and ultra ADVERTISING low temperatures, we’re finally starting to see Contact the Club’s advertising representative for details of dates and submissions. Submit ads as some and greenery and feel warmth on high resolution (min 300 ppi) PDF files, saved for our backs. Not before time! So Triumphites, print in CMYK format, fonts embedded, by E-mail let’s not waste a minute of the shorter spring to [email protected] The advertising year is from Mar. 1 to Feb. 28. & summer ahead and get out and drive your A copy of Ragtop is sent to all paid advertisers. cars as often as you can. They’ll thank you for it, you’ll enjoy it and most importantly 2014 ADVERTISING RATES you’ll get the opportunity to meet old & new Rear Cover ...... $500 per year friends and see some great places. President Inside Front Cover ...... $475 Inside Back Cover ...... $450 David Tushingham talks more about our great Full Page Inside ...... $305 events on the next page, I agree with him, Half Page ...... $185 please support your club and the people who Offering The Quarter Page ...... $115 Business Cards ...... $70 work so hard to put on the events for you. Full colour ...... $115 extra Most of our meetings and events are financially subsidized by the club and by attending Second colour ...... $75 extra you’re getting the maximum out of your $35 membership (way more in fact) and you’ll Antique, Classic, Special Interest Flyer Inserts ...... $190/issue (max 4 pgs) (All rates are for 4 issues, except flyers) have a lot of fun, which is what it’s all about in my book. and Modified/Street Rod [email protected] As I write this, sadly Rosie is still up on stands, a victim of ongoing house renovations and my lack of time, but I fully intend to practice what I preach and get her out on the Automobile Insurance 2014 SCHEDULE road by the time you’re reading this. I now have my rebuilt hubs back from Philip Allen at Program Issue Deadline Mailed BritCars (great job!) so no more excuses! I can’t wait to feel the wind in what’s left of my hair Spring ...... April 1 . . . . .End of April Summer ...... July 30 . . . .End of August and to hear the throaty roar of that 6-cylinder as I stomp on the loud pedal and slip through BCD Programme . . August 30 . . . Dist. at BCD the gears... ah bliss. Fall ...... October 11 . . . November To encourage more of you to submit stories to Ragtop, your executive has agreed to Winter ...... December 6 . January 2015 extend the membership of anyone who has an article published, by six months. So, if you General Enquiries want to be a featured member in “Owner’s Manual”, write a full restoration or technical ar- [email protected] ticle, or simply tell us about a great drive you have enjoyed, we’ll say thank you by extend- Ragtop is published quarterly by the Toronto Tri- ing your membership. Contact myself or Terence if you have an idea for a story, we’ll help umph Club Inc. (“TTC”) and is distributed to its you with it and don’t worry if writing isn’t your thing... we’ll make you look good! members as part of their annual dues. The TTC or the Editors cannot accept responsibility for the It’s time for me to stop writing and start turning some wrenches, so please forgive me if safe return of any submitted material. We will do I make this short. To the garage! our best, but accidents do occur.

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

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

from the president Toll Free Order Line: ...... 1-800-265-7437 Customer Service / Technical Advice: ...... 1-519-337-3232 Executives 24 Hour Fax Line: ...... 1-519-336-5936 President ...... David Tushingham 905 830. .9124 Website: ...... www.obsoleteauto.com Vice President ...... David Fidler 905 829. 9340. Triumph Travels Secretary ...... Alistair Wallace 905 627. .2941 Business Hours: ...... Monday to Friday - 8 AM to 5 PM Treasurer ...... John Morton 905 .823 .8154 Director of Communications . . . David Fidler 905 829. .9340 Well, here we go for another Director at Large ...... Wayne McGill 905 847. 5532. Director at Large ...... Scott Douglas 905 334. .4020 driving season! This one sure 142 Kendall Street, Point Edward, Ontario CANADA N7V 4G5 Past President ...... Johan Aaltink 705 .456 4276. got off to a later start than in Ragtop Magazine recent years. Hopefully, it’s giv- Editor & Publisher ...... David Fidler 905 829. .9340 en you all a little more time to Assistant Editor ...... Terence McKillen 647 202. 8243. finish those important spring Distribution . . . .Rod . Jones - Pillar Direct 416 755. 9494. Art Director ...... Michael Cleland 905 873. 7704. projects and get your old Tri- Advertising Sales ...... David Fidler 905 829. 9340. umph into tip-top shape. Larry Llewellyn 416 245. 9217. MG & TRIUMPH Specialists I hope that you have all Website had a chance to have a look Web Manager ...... David Copping 905 827. .6970 at the events calendar post- Browse the website Website Classifieds ...... David Copping 905 827. .6970 Vic Whitmore 905 .889 .7261 ed on the TTC website at www.obsoleteauto.com for www.TorontoTriumph.com. Once again we have a full slate of events, located both near Club Coordinators updates on stocked parts and secure Membership Chairman . . . . Wayne. McGill 905 847. 5532. and far, to look forward to over the coming months. Meeting Coordinators . . . . . Patrick Caria 416 .562 1642. Unfortunately, due to work commitments, I will not be able to attend Spring Fling this access to online ordering. The parts Clive Huizinga 905 884. 2091. C Interclub Coordinator ...... Tony Fox Sr. 905 .632 .0479 year. If you are going, please be sure to take lots of pictures. Maybe I could even persuade you need, any time or day. Ambassador at Large ...... Wayne McGill 905 847. 5532. M you to submit and article for RAGTOP... I’m sure it will be a terrific weekend of fun with our Regalia ...... Dion Widrich 416 464. .6057 friends from the MGCCT. Y Historians ...... Wayne McGill 905 847. 5532. Frank Manning 905 643. 2359. I can tell you that I am really looking forward to two events in particular this year. Dawn CM Volunteer Coordinator ...... Ron Etty 905 547. 2419. & Roger Elliott are organizing the Canadian Classic, which takes place around Ellicottville, BCD Sponsors ...... Frank Manning 905 643. 2359. MY David Fidler 905 829. 9340. NY in August. Plus, Alex and Sharon McLeod, along with Clive and Jacquelynne Huizinga, Dave Sims 905 .331 .1496 CY are organizing a leaf peeping tour through Haliburton at the peak of the season during the Motorsports ...... Simon Rasmussen 905 .853 .2514 CMY first week of October. Both of these events will be great for stretching out our TR’s legs...

K Model Coordinators and they are each subsidized financially by the club. So get the most out of your member- TR2, 3, 3A & 3B ...... Malcolm Taylor 905 .880 0079. ship and plan to attend. It would be great if I could get my TR3A completed in time for at Alistair Wallace 905 627. .2941 TR4, 4A, 5 & 250 ...... John Lille 416 231. .3092 least one of them! Dave Sims 905 .331 .1496 Please take note though, there are always opportunities throughout the driving season TR6 ...... Colin Pillar 905 .271 .5869 to add events to the calendar. If you have a drive that you would like to lead, or an event Wayne McGill 905 847. 5532. Spitfire, GT6 ...... Don Johnson 705 721. .1231 that you would like to organize, I would be happy to help you effectively communicate this Ron Pincoe 519 941. .0976 to the membership. TR7 & 8 ...... Ron. Etty 905 .547 2419. Larry Llewellyn 416 245. 9217. I hope to see you on the open road very soon! Request a FREE copy of the Stag ...... Tony Fox Sr. 905 .632 .0479 GARAGE SALES! Terence McKillen 905 855. .2463 Cheers Chronicle. That’s right. Check out our annual Robin Searle 705 484. .0071 Herald & ...... Kem Jones — David “Tush” Tushingham Call: 1-800-265-7437 or 519-337-3232 Spring or Fall Garage Sales and browse kemjones 2012@yahoo .ca Email: [email protected] endless deals. Event Coordinators British Car Day Chair ...... Dave Sims 905 .331 .1496 Payment Options: 28th Canadian Classic . . Dawn & Roger Elliot 905 735. 6957. Each issue is packed with super deals Spring Fling 2014 ...... MGCCT Visa, Mastercard and American Express Annual BBQ ...... Brian Clark 905 .484 .9091 on parts and accessories along with Fall Drive ...... Alex & Sharon McLeod 705 750. 1110. technical articles to help you do the job. Shipping: Canada Post and most Clive & Jaquelynne Huizinga 905 .884 2091. General Mail A great resource for YOUR sports car! courier services Mail P .O . Box 39, Don Mills Ontario M3C 2R6

Membership Mail 74 West River Street Oakville Ontario L6L 3B5

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

Ragtop I Spring I 2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 7 club hub Monthly Meetings March April Welcome New Members! TRF Is the World’s Greatest British Sports Car Company A cold evening didn’t chill the enthusiasm Andrew Count, Canadian Regional Territo- Name Location Vehicle of around 40 members who came out to ry Manager for Hagerty (Canada) Insurance The Factory is large enough to be a major parts Greg Cosper Glen Williams Grand Prix Kartways at Downsview Park gave an interesting presentation at Jake’s manufacturer and distributor but small enough to know our Andre Fleury Hamilton for two Tech Talks. Due to a family illness, Boathouse in Brampton about classic car Michael Hoffmann Oakville models very well, also small enough to offer very personal the first scheduled guest speaker, Mike insurance and Hagerty’s close relationship Robert Morse Toronto TR-6 1975 service to all of our customers. TRF is British Motor Wilson from Lant (Hagerty) Insurance was with Lant Insurance. A big crowd turned Rui Taborda Toronto TR-6 1972 Heritage Approved, we are famous for high quality and unable to present his talk so, our own Larry out to hear what Andrew had to say and New Members from Feb. 27, 2013 to May 28, 2014 reasonable prices, and we offer expert engine, gearbox, and Llewellyn jumped into the breach and some were quite surprised to learn that rear axle rebuilds from our own shop, known as C.A.R. gave an impromptu, but very enlighten- Hagerty has been underwriting the Lant Components. Whether you show your car in concours ing, Q&A about driving habits and how our ‘Silver Wheels’ program for several years News events, enter it in competitive driving events, or drive it to interpretation of the Highway Traffic Act now and have been working alongside Ancaster work every day, you can do so with confidence, knowing that dulls with time! It was both scary and eye- Are you sitting down? It was actually popping how many people answered Lar- sunny and reasonably warm at this year’s The Roadster Factory will always be here for you—on-line ry’s questions either incorrectly or worse, or just a phone call away. Ancaster British Car Flea Market! Even the didn’t know at all. One recent graduate of wind across the Ancaster Fair Grounds was Driver’s Education broke the silence a little less than usual and, despite the show fall- by answering many of the questions her- ing on Easter Sunday this year, attendance Subscribe to TRF’s E-Mail Newsletter self, but it was obvious that we all could do was strong in the morning. The TTC booth Every week, twelve-thousand Triumph and MG with refreshing our memories by picking did a brisk trade in new & renewal of mem- enthusiasts in countries around the world receive an up a copy of the Driver’s Handbook from berships, sales of regalia and back issues Canadian Tire! For those who don’t know, E-Mail Newsletter from Charles Runyan. The of Ragtop. We were also promoting Brit- Larry is a driving instructor for people with ish Car Day and our volunteer coordinator, newsletter always includes wonderful offers on parts, special needs and his talent as an educator Ron Etty, did a fantastic job of recruiting Hagerty’s Andrew Count (blue jacket) enjoying the club’s and “working a crowd” was very apparent shipping deals, and other TRF news. The newsletter complimentary fare after his presentation volunteers to man the booth and help with includes links to current Web Site Specials and Weekend and we thank him for stepping in and do- set-up and break down at this annual sea- Features which change every week. To subscribe to the ing such a great job. Lant for the last couple of years in the same son opener event. Thanks to Ron and his Terence McKillen followed Larry with a office building in Stouffville, Ontario. Es- newsletter, please follow the simple instructions found team, John Morton, David Fidler, Patrick timely presentation entitled “Waking Your sentially, it’s business as usual for Lant cus- Caria, David Tushingham, Alistair Wallace on the TRF home page. Note that unsubscribing is also Triumph From Hibernation.” Using a step- tomers, but as some of you have noticed, and Clive Huizinga. easy if you change your mind later. by-step format and Power Point slides, Ter- the branding and paperwork is all Hagerty ence took us through the important jobs now. This brings with it the huge benefits Join TRF Car Club every classic car owner should do each that a large company like Hagerty can of- Hundreds of customers of The Roadster Factory Spring, before turning the key and driving fer, they are first and foremost “car people” off into the distance. Some jobs, like chang- and understand our needs and concerns belong to TRF Car Club. The club exists to promote ing the oil & filter and checking the tires, regarding restrictions to the use of our TRF Customer loyalty, and it includes $300.00 in gift are obvious to most people, but others are classic cars and, if the worst happens, how certificates each year that you can use as cash to less so. Did you know mice love to sleep in quickly our claims are resolved. Andrew did purchase parts. Dues are $100.00 per year, but you also your exhaust pipe? A full article will appear an excellent job of addressing these con- get a parts credit in the amount of $100.00 every year in a future issue of Ragtop, so everyone will cerns and others raised by our members. have the benefit of learning from the exten- For example, the “agreed value” coverage Ron Etty chats with member Paul Boyd after the first. You will receive a membership card and sive work Terence put into a well thought no longer requires an independent vehicle sticker. Beautiful club logo. Great T-shirts available. out and detailed presentation. appraisal. Hagerty has extensive data on Please join on-line, or just phone the sales line, and ask As a thank you, both speakers had their pricing trends and offers their own online to join TRF Car Club… memberships extended by 6 months. If valuation tool (www.hagerty.com), so they you have an interesting topic that would know what your car is worth and trust that benefit our members and would like to you do too. They will also insure modern The Roadster Factory speak at one of our monthly meetings, classics such as special edition and short please contact our membership coordina- production run models and classic boats. P.O. Box 332, Armagh, Pennsylvania, 15920, U.S.A. tor, Patrick Caria and he’ll schedule you for Andrew can be reached at 1-800-922-4050 Telephone: (800) 234-1104 • Fax: (814) 446-6729 a future meeting. x8045 or email [email protected]. Busy parking lot at Ancaster Internet: www.the-roadster-factory.com Ragtop I Spring I 2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 9 club hub Events Calendar club hub British Car Day Update cial things will happen and segments of the the show, aimed at the many visitors who VP & Director of Commu- show will be filmed at BCD this year.” come to BCD from far away to make a week- For Full Event List & More Details Go To AUGUST 2014 nications, David Fidler, is Oakville Tourism have also stepped up end of it. British tribute bands and entertain- www.TorontoTriumph.com Brits on the Lake, Port Perry, ON Letters pleased to announce two a level from Silver to Gold and will, with the ers will perform and special hotel rates have Sunday 10, 9am new corporate sponsors for help of local pubs, restaurants and hotels, been negotiated by Oakville Tourism. These JUNE 2014 All British Show that takes place in pictur- This is a small addition to Dawn Elliott’s excel- this year’s British Car Day stage special events during the weekend of will be posted at www.BritishCarDay.com. 2014 Canadian Historic Grand Prix, esque downtown Port Perry on the water- lent article on importing a car into Canada. - The Guild of Automotive Canadian Tire Motorsports Park front of Lake Scugog. The stopping at the US side is to make Restorers and Canada have each com- Membership Renewal Reminder Sunday 15, 9am sure the car is not stolen or has any liens on mitted at the Platinum level (our top spon- (Thank you if you have renewed since press time) The 35th Annual running of the Vintage 29th Annual Canadian Classic, it and that is why they want 3 days lead time sorship) and they join Crescent Oil, Budds’ Name Member # Date Name Member # Date Racing Festival this year features the Tri- Ellicottville, NY to research it. On the Canadian side it can Imported Cars (Jaguar/Land Rover), Auto umph vs MG Challenge. Friday 15, 10am onwards go quite nicely as experienced by the Elliotts. Matthew Bell 2831 06/01/14 Hugh Munro 2866 05/29/14 Glym and Oakville Tourism in supporting We encourage you to come out as part of Dawn and Roger Elliott will be hosting However, you can also be in for an unpleas- Michael Clustie 2900 06/10/14 Brad & Joanna Nelson 1269 06/01/14 British Car Day... the largest British only car the TTC entourage at the “Field of Dreams” this year’s Canadian Classic in Ellicottville, ant time and I speak from personal experi- Merle & Mary Ellen Cole 2360 06/01/14 Nick Panakos 5135 06/16/14 show in North America! David comments, car show held on the infield, corner 8 of the ence and that of several friends, from as re- Eric Czarnecki 2189 06/24/14 Paul Podesta 5037 07/01/14 New York. Mark your calendars and plan “ ...having high profile companies such as Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. cently as last summer. Stefan Ekborn 4953 07/02/14 Mark & Wanda Punga 2446 06/01/14 to attend what is sure to be a wonderful The Guild and Mini Canada support BCD will After leaving the customs building, a Don & Louise Elliott 1165 07/01/14 Michael Sullivan 3127 06/27/14 From their Website... weekend. The Classic will take place greatly assist us in raising the show’s profile Eddy Howard 5289 06/12/14 Eric & Dorothy Taylor 2467 07/01/14 “Field of Dreams Car Show” welcoming­ August 15th-17th, 2014 customs officer will casually approach you and standard of presentation. This will ulti- Bill Kloepfer 5288 06/12/14 Dan Theroux 5291 07/04/14 hundreds of sports cars, classics and hot­ Please check TTC website for regular and ask to see your paperwork. Note that mately enhance everyone’s enjoyment of Gary Kristjansson 3225 07/03/14 John & Marg Tillson 1627 07/01/14 rods, owners and car clubs from far and updates including the Event Agenda, Host you have already shown your papers on the the event.” The Guild is in production for its John Mazzetti 2890 07/20/14 Doug Webb 1418 07/22/14 wide featuring Canada’s largest on-track­ Hotel and Registration Information. US side and at the Canadian side, when you second season of the popular TV show “Res- Tom & Marilyn McNaughton 2905 07/04/14 Anthony Zielinski 5290 07/08/14 parade open to car show participants paid your money. Essentially (they may not toration Garage” which airs on The History Fredrick Meyer 2830 07/02/14 Valid as of May 28, 2014 and featuring discounted park admission SEPTEMBER 2014 tell you this) they want to check out how le- Channel and Keith Smout, their Commercial for entrants.” 31st British Car Day, Bronte Creek gitimate your receipt is. So they leave you to Manager, has promised “...some very spe- Please go to www.TorontoTriumph.com and renew today! In years past, admission to the park has Provincial Park, Oakville, ON wander around waiting for approval. This been $20 per car. Admission to the parade could be done inside when you show your laps at lunch hour has traditionally been a bill of sale, but they do this outside after you $10 donation to a local charity. have cleared customs, so that they have the Visit: varac.ca/chgp/2014-chgp possibility of charging you with smuggling. NOTE: Club part-subsidised event Knowing their ways, I had printed the Hem- mings’ ad for the car I bought and made a Annual BBQ - Coronation Park, Oakville. copy of the cheque I used to pay for the car. Tuesday 24, 6pm The officer was back 20-minutes later and I One of our most popular events, burgers, Sunday 21, 8am (show cars), 10am (spectators) was good to go. hot dogs, pop ‘n’ all the fixin’s. Monitor BritishCarDay.com or TorontoTri- Basically the purchase has to be an arm’s NOTE: Usually held on the 3rd Tuesday, this year umph.com/BCD for information and up- length transaction. EBay and any internet we have moved to the dates. purchases are an excellent way to ensure a 4th Tuesday in June. NOTE: This event replaces our regular monthly meeting quicker crossing. If you buy a car privately by Venue: Coronation word of mouth, they will ask you many ques- Toll free: 188-288-0671 Park – Lakeshore Rd., OCTOBER 2014 tions on how you heard about it... names, Oakville. All DVDs are NTSC Format Fall Drive, Haliburton, ON phone numbers, addresses, all attempts to prove/show that perhaps you had an unfair and shipping is free in Canada Friday 3-5, 10am onwards JULY 2014 Alex and Sharon McLeod with help from advantage. If they decide that is the case, for DVDs Club Meeting - Tech Talk, Venue TBD Clive and Jacquelynne Huizinga are plan- your car can be held while they get an ap- Tuesday 15, 7pm ning a fantastic Fall drive weekend at the praiser... none in Lewiston. Now available! New details to come peak of the leaf peeping season. Please The laws/rules have been in place for International DVD Player that check our website for more details when some 30-years, per my experience. What has plays all Regions & PAL / NTSC Brits in the Park, Lindsay, ON available changed is the enforcing. It’s not difficult... Sunday 20, 9am NOTE: This will be a club part-subsidised event just do your homework and, as Dawn stat- Contact us Hosted by the Victoria British Car Club in ed, have copies of the paper trail with you For a free Catalog & DVD lovely Victoria Park Club Meeting - Tech Session or Social in a binder. Visit: victoriabritishcarclub.ca/index.php/ Night, Venue TBD Player information about Tuesday 21, 7pm – by Dorien Berteletti [email protected]

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Getting to know our members Warren beech

Name: Warren Beech OUR PARTS FINDER Born: Weston, Ontario Meet Davin, Residence: Mississauga SEARCHING FOR HARD-TO-FIND PARTS Member since: 2011 “ Triumphs owned: 1966 MK1 GT6, 1966 IS A LOT LIKE PEELING AN ONION. YOU GO MK2 Spitfire Occupation: Account Executive, Surgical ONE LAYER AT A TIME AND TRY NOT TO CRY.” Instrumentation TTC involvement: BCD Volunteer Pets: Quarter Horse “Dawn” Children: Three Daughters, Two Grand Daughters Favourite place: Sauble Beach Favourite reading: Biographies Favourite food: Cedar plank salmon on the barbecue 3 for dinner: Gord Downie (Tragically Hip), Johnny Bower and Chris Hadfield Hobbies: strictly the cars at the moment Favourite music: The Hip , sixties and seventies rock and roll, a little Jazz Other vehicles: 2004 Volvo S 60, 2007 When your claim requires finding some automotive needle Ford F150 in a haystack, Davin’s your man. He has one job here at Past restorations: 1965 Ford Galaxie 500, Hagerty: when a client needs a replacement part, he finds 1971 Datsun 510, 1968 Volvo 144S, 1971 Volvo 145S it. And though that sometimes involves hours of searching and frustration – maybe even a few tears – he wouldn’t trade his job for anything in the world. It’s that kind of Background: I grew up mostly in the Toronto area. My grand- inder engine. British car heaven. I was hooked. So with more time passion that makes him perfect for Hagerty, and makes father owned a Sunoco gas station for forty plus years and my uncle on my hands, I purchased the Spitfire in pieces and it is being reas- Hagerty perfect for you. sembled. I am taking my time and enjoying the journey. The GT6 is CLASSIC CAR INSURANCE had a Supertest station, so repairing cars was in my family blood. When I was ten, my family moved to Auckland, New Zealand for my little beast. I picked it up to have something to drive and par- 800-92877-922-97012-4050 | HAGER T| Y HAGERTY.CA.COM | LOCAL AGENT Hagerty. We may sell insurance but we live classics. one year. During that year I was exposed to every old British car ticipate in club functions. Thanks to Philip Allen, the GT6 is very reli- imaginable. We purchased a 1951 Humber Super Snipe. This was a able and a real blast to enjoy on the back roads - the more bends massive car, all leather interior, wood dash and huge in-line 6 cyl- and curves the merrier. ragtop

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Braking News by David Fidler

I did a double take when I first saw a pho- to of this TR6 conversion. It appeared on a Facebook group called “Triumph Cars”, it caused quite a stir. I attempted to chat with the owner, but there was no reply. TR6 Turns out he’d been inundated with re- quests, but quite understandably, needed to shut the door on further contact for the time being. So, who knows everyone in the Triumph as told to Derek Graham – TR Register UK fraternity? Derek Graham of course! For those Wagon of you who don’t know him, Derek is “Saf- fronTR” on the “6-PACK” forums who lives in This is the story of Bernd Amling’s they decided to go down that the North West of England. He is a regular visi- TR6 which some of you may have path having the look of a Jen- tor to the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon, seen at the 2013 TR International son Healey or Reliant Scimitar UK where the production records for many Weekend in Malvern. As many GTE when viewed from certain cars reside. He is the “font of of you will be aware the Interna- angles. After some discussion t might look as a luxury problem to nowadays and from rumours about the objective, obviously! all knowledge” where Triumph commission I95% of mankind, but what should you do possible existence of such a project this “Good old times” was the basic tional this year included the 50th with Bernd at the International numbers and build specs are concerned and Anniversary of the introduction he very kindly offered to write a with a really worn out 1970 carburetted allowed me to see how it could perhaps thought when I found the 1991 invoice writes a regular column on the subject for of the GTR4 Dové, so it was a bit of short article on his TR6 so what TR6 in your barn, after having restored a look when finished, and from then on- for the triple weber 40 DCOEs which I TRaction magazine, for the TR Register and is a surprise to me when Roger Fer- follows is his story giving the rea- TR5 and a few years later a wards there was no return – it would be a had used to replace the non-adjustable their TR6 Registrar. to quite acceptable standards? You cannot real “special“ – no doubt about that now! worn out Strombergs, which at that time Sure enough, Derek not only knew who ris our TR5 Registrar asked me if I sons behind why he decided to sell it, as it was the first car you ever bought The square shaped TR6 obviously gave a nobody would restore in Germany. Com- built the car, but had already interviewed had seen the TR6 Dové that was produce what is indeed a unique back in 1983 and you did a lot of things much easier basis for such a conversion pared with the current nearly £2,000 for him and written an article for TRaction! parked just behind the main hall. very professionally constructed with it and have many memories of your than the earlier rounded TR shapes. a set of Webers you quickly realise that What follows is (almost) word-for-word The vision that flashed through TR6. I for one would have given it time, some of which cannot be discussed By the way, my CC series TR6 was always this is not a cheap hobby any longer – if what was published in the TR Register’s my mind was that this would be an award at the concours if noth- here in detail! Your first car will always be in Germany, the first owner being a USA only the quality of parts had risen by the magazine and is reproduced here with a TR6 with a normal Dové hard- ing else other than for the dedi- a “special” car for you, even if you never serviceman stationed in Garmisch in 1970. same rate! permission. Derek introduced me to the top grafted on to it with presum- cation, eye for detail and creative spent a penny more than absolutely neces- Work on the project started in spring The basic concept for the conversion talented builder, Bernd Amling, a general ably some modifications to the mind that Bernd has used in the sary to keep it running as a “cool” students’ 2010 with the dismantling of the sad re- was obvious; from ground level up to the practitioner from Germany, and I had the TR6 rear valence so I wasn’t re- restoration of his unique TR6. At car, which it definitely was in the eighties mains of the 150,000 mile basket case. It wing tops it would be a completely “nor- pleasure of exchanging a few emails with ally prepared for my first sight of the end of the article are some and nineties – not only here in Germany! was soon evident that not only was the mal” TR6, and from that line upwards and him. I asked two questions of my own and So I had to wait for the right idea, rotten beyond hope, but the body backward it would be an extended “TR6 I have added his replies at the end. Under- Bernd’s TR which of course looks questions and answers that I which would make it a real “special” – no was too. This was resolved with a very hardtop” – Alfa says “Sportwagon”, Mer- standably, he was reluctant to go into too nothing like a GTR4 Dové. In fact raised with Bernd and these need for a third open top two-seater from good chassis from the “attic” and a really cedes Benz calls this shape a Shooting much detail about the actual conversion, if I didn’t know any better it looks should be read in conjunction England as my father would have advised. rust-free body shell from TR-Bitz, in the UK. Brake nowadays. (However when they first as he will be offering plans for sale. just like what the Triumph fac- with the images that Bernd has The use of a computer to review op- Such major body surgery would only both- announced it in their range a few years tory would have produced had supplied to support his article. tions and general lines is not too difficult er purists, however that aspect was not the ago the German Motoring press referred

14 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Spring I 2014 Ragtop I Spring I 2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 15 Triple Webers Original concept Tailgate concept to it as a “Shooting Break”). With this con- where to cut the rear half of the hardtop umph light blues, Wedgewood appeared vern by all who saw it, but the concours and cutting, with lots of details (even now) pable of transporting 40 bottles of red cept in mind and having long been an for the opening mechanism, which hinges, to be too grey and Powder blue somehow judges were not able to overcome their recognised to be those of a prototype car. I wine plus 10 litres of my own homebrew admirer of the Aston Martin DB5 and DB6 how to do the finishing of the roof? too babyish, the compromise being some- “cleanliness of the spare wheel makes a max- did some 2500 hours of work and paid for Schnapps, in addition to 2 tents and lots derivatives, the name choice was obvious One detail was clear from the begin- where in between! imum of 20 points” listing. hundreds of additional hours to amazingly of luggage to England; or doing the 2013 and beautifully handwritten on the rear of ning, Sabine always fancied having a light When you see the finished car now it The end result belies the fact that the skilled craftsmen living just a few miles European meeting in Norway in a really the car by my wife Sabine! blue Karmann-Ghia, so a compromise had does not look handmade from any angle, roofline, the tailgate, the fuel filler position, away around the Franconian wine village, waterproof car. But, I don´t insist in hav- Of course there were hundreds of de- to be found, there would be no Ghia, how- in fact it looks as if the Karmann stylists had the bottom line of the side windows fol- where I lived all of my life and where I now ing the only one: the first one is honour tails to be thought about, where to put the ever there would have to be a long search drawn its lines exactly this way in 1968! The lowing the original wing top line, are the work as a general practitioner. enough. So, if there is any interest in petrol tank, do you drop the spare wheel, for the right shade of light blue. Of the Tri- car was enthusiastically celebrated at Mal- result of endless “trial and error“ welding So now I have my “special” TR6, ca- doing a small run of 20 to 30 cars, all it

Endless trial and error welding and cutting

Tailgate construction Hatch construction

16 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Spring I 2014 Ragtop I Spring I 2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 17 tailpiece would take is a license fee for the regis- tered EU design, plus my USB-Stick with The Hatchback some 500 detailed photos, which would make life much easier and reduce the of Notre Dame? cost to reasonable proportions. When you know where to cut the hardtop it´s (Purists avert your eyes) done in 30 minutes! by David Fidler This conversion and its story are dedi- When Harrington’s, a large UK car dealer- cated to Karl Huller, the friend who intro- ship, decided British sports cars needed a duced me to Triumph TRs some 30 years “hatchback” option, they created the GTR4 ago and who sadly died of cancer during Dové and a similar conversion for the Sun- the restoration. ragtop beam Alpine.

New fuel filler GTR4 Dové Interior showing wooden deck panels & fuel filler They weren’t the first to do this, Aston Martin started the trend with their factory designed and built DB5 Shooting Brake and several other high profile manufactur- ers followed suit.

Completed roofline and tailgate Body lifted on to chassis without bolt-on wings Engine bay

Q How is the windscreen attached? action has definitely been enthusiastic, glass – not like those modern tank-like A Of course you have to weld the wind- especially with TR-drivers wives who monster wagons with slim glass slits screen frame to the bulkhead first - you dreamed of bringing 3 pairs of shoes which you cannot use without sensors Q&A Aston Martin DB5 Shooting Brake will never again be able to change a rot- back home from holidays in Italy… No and cameras at the front and rear, be- Q How are the wings attached: are they ten rubber seal once the roof is fixed. reactions in Germany yet, as the car has cause you are unable to see out of them. As this article went to press, this photo welded on or bolted as normal? only been on the road for 3 months and of a similar TR6 shooting brake conver- A The wings are absolutely original, and Q How does it drive? those months were stuffed with techni- Q Did you dispense with the spare wheel sion in Oregon showed up (photo below... screwed on, as originally from inside. A The whole body is much more rigid cal problems. completely? this has since been discovered to be a Pho- than either my Doretti or TR5, with no A No spare under the floor... for a really toshopped image! –Ed.) Personally, I really Q How did you construct the tail gate? rattling in doors or elsewhere thanks to Q How far have you traveled in the car? long distance trip I could lay one in the like most of these estate/hatch/coupe car A The tail is a combination of the rear the roof panel. A My total mileage, after the Malvern back. Under normal circumstances an conversions, but “beauty”, as they say,”... is end of the original TR6 bootlid and the trip, is 3000 miles. So please feel honored emergency aerosol should do until I get in the eye of the beholder. You decide! rearend (plus glass) from the original TR6 Q What does your family and friends think that Malvern has been the biggest “out- home. hardtop. of the conversion? ing” for the TR. Meanwhile, we managed A Well, my wife still knows me by name, in the 2200 mile trip to the European meet- Q How did you do it? Q How did you deal with the fuel tank? spite of the 2500 hrs mentioned already. ing in Norway without serious trouble. A ... I won’t give away details. This car A The only thing not original is the tank TR-IG Sudwest is proud not only to have the is my baby and cost me 2500 hours of in the spare-wheel compartment (a only running Sabrina engined TR (in Mike Q What instruction did you give to your a doctor’s rare leisure time and a few beautiful piece of alloy-welding) and the Ottos LeMans TRS), but also the first and panel beater? sleepless nights before I dared cut the “flap” (how you call it?) in the left rear only TR6 Shooting Brake in existence? A My panel beaters didn’t need instruc- rear end off the hardtop! When you Bernd Amling (back to camera) being wing hiding the filler neck. (see tailpiece-Ed.) tions, the detail evolved from the gen- know how and where to cut... it’s done interviewed at the Malvern show As for the public as mentioned, their re- eral idea; a rakish, sexy body with lots of in 30 minutes!

18 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Spring I 2014 Ragtop I Spring I 2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 19 feature

tional luxuries. The Panther Rio was the re- sult, and was launched in September 1975. When released the car had leather and walnut internal fittings and a hand-beaten aluminium skin. The Rio was advertised with a 115 mph (185 km/h) maximum speed, 0–60 mph acceleration in 8.7 sec- onds, the opulence of Connolly Leather, What’s in a Name? deep pile carpeting and burr walnut in the com

THAT WHICH WE CALL A TRIUMPH BY ANY OTHER NAME WOULD SMELL AS SWEET . finest limousine traditions with the fuel Terence McKillen investigates the use of Triumph engines, transmissions, running gear and miscellaneous parts by other, mainly British, car manufacturers economy and manoeuvrability of a com- pact family saloon. ntlworld . The compact family saloon was of- 1954 Swallow Doretti Panther Rio based on the fered in two forms: the 1850 cc version, Vale Special used the TR2 engine and

transmission. homepage : which was the “base” model; and the 2.0 litre 16-valve version (using the engine P hoto from the Dolomite Sprint), called the Rio Especial. Problems for the Rio included uring the late 1950s through the fact that new thicker and fatter seats toD the mid-1980s, Triumph (and Standard) wikipedia : resulted in a more cramped interior than supplied a myriad of parts, components the Dolomite. P hoto and even sub-assemblies to various small- Vale A Rio Especial cost £9,445. In compari- er-scale car manufacturers located around The Vale Special was made between 1932 Panther son, the Dolomite Sprint sold for £3,283 the UK. Not every mainline car manufac- and 1936 in Maida Vale, London by the Vale The Panther Rio was manufactured in Sur- and the Jaguar XJ 5.3 for £7,496. wikimedia : turer was so willing to supply parts to the Motor Company. The company was estab- rey by Panther Westwinds using mechani- P hoto smaller companies because of the poten- lished in 1931 by Pownoll Pellew (later to W ikimedia : cals from the Triumph Dolomite. According Fairthorpe Electrina Amphicar was powered by a Herald 1200 engine Minor tial impact on their own sales or bad pub- become 9th Viscount Exmouth), initially as Tube Investments Group (TI). P hoto to the company, it differed from the actual licity if reliability or other issues were to a gentleman’s hobby. The cars were hand- The Doretti had a Reynolds 531 Chro- Triumph Dolomite in being finished to surface. However, it appears that, from time made and based on Triumph Motor Com- molly tubular chassis with a body made of Amphicar “Rolls-Royce standards”. Only 38 cars were to time, some of Triumph’s senior manage- pany components. The early cars used the a steel inner structural skin and aluminium As the name implies, the Amphicar was an built between 1975 and 1977. A rarer Rio ment even sat on the boards of directors of 832 cc side-valve engine from the Triumph outer. Most cars were supplied with over- amphibious vehicle and the first such ve- Especial used the high-performance Tri- some of these companies or provided oth- Super 7 fitted to a chassis made by Rubery drive and they were capable of reaching hicle mass-produced for sale to the public umph Dolomite Sprint as its basis. er technical assistance and advice. Towards Owen with semi-elliptic leaf springs all 100 mph. It is believed that 276 Mk I cars starting in 1961. The vehicle was designed Panther Westwinds had been set up Fairthorpe the end of Triumph’s existence, engines round, and the hydraulic brakes and ax- were made, including a single fixed head by Hanns Trippel and manufactured by by fashion designer Robert Jankel to pro- Fairthorpe cars were made in Chalfont St. and other parts were also used by sibling les from the Triumph. The top speed was coupe version. Also two Mk II cars were the Quandt Group at Lübeck and at Berlin- duce expensive and bespoke cars for the Peter in Buckinghamshire, between 1954 marques under British Leyland’s owner- 65 mph (105 km/h), which was too slow built. Production stopped in 1955 when Borsigwalde, Germany. The Amphicar was customer that wanted something entirely and 1976. The company was founded by ship. In addition, fibreglass or composite for serious sporting events; so from 1933, the parent company decided to abandon designed to be marketed and sold in the different. There was a perceived market for Air Vice-Marshall Donald Bennett. The first body shells were made by a number of a 1098 cc, overhead-inlet, side-exhaust, car building, allegedly because of pressure USA. Compared to most boats or cars, its such vehicles at the time. Jankel wanted a cars were lightweight models powered by companies to fit a Triumph frame. Conse- four-cylinder, Coventry Climax engine was from the British motor industry, most no- performance was modest, and somewhat car that would appeal to the Rolls-Royce motorcycle engines and glass fibre bodies quently, even a cursory examination of the offered, followed in 1934 by the 1476 cc tably Jaguar. less than 4,000 were produced by 1965. owner considering a trade down to some- called the Atom and Atomota. By 1956, a subject, with humble apologies to William six-cylinder version of the same engine. A car with overdrive tested by ‘The Mo- Nevertheless, it is still among the most thing more economical yet still considered new larger car, the open 2-seat Electron Shakespeare (Romeo and Juliet – Act II, Sc. tor’ in 1954 had a top speed of 100.2 mph successful amphibious civilian autos of all higher class — losing nothing in terms of appeared using a Coventry Climax engine. II), indicates that Standard-Triumph parts Swallow (161.3 km/h) and could accelerate from time, and still often prized and preserved luxury or build quality. Following the 1973 A lower priced version using a Triumph can be traced in the DNA of thirty or more The Swallow Doretti was a two-seat road- 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 12.3 seconds. A fuel as novelty collectibles today. It used an energy crisis, demand for such cars began Herald engine followed in 1957 which was British car models. The earliest such ‘shar- ster built in 1954 and 1955 on a Tube chas- consumption of 27.9 miles per imperial 1147 cc engine. to diminish. later changed for the Spitfire engine. The ing’ of Triumph parts actually dates back sis utilizing Triumph TR2 mechanicals. The gallon (10.1 L/100 km; 23.2 mpg-US) was Many engines were tested in the pro- The Triumph Dolomite was selected Fairthorpe was available fully assembled to the mid-1930s with the construction of marque came from Swallow Coachbuild- recorded. The test car cost £1,158 includ- totype, but it was found that the Triumph for improvement, due in part to the ve- or in kit form. Production peaked at about the Vale Special and Triumph itself, wasn’t ing Co. which was sold in 1945 by Jaguar ing taxes. The standard version without engine had the necessary combination of hicle’s combination of an advanced en- 20 cars a month. About 700 cars were built. afraid, especially in the early days, of sourc- (formerly SS Cars Ltd.) to the Helliwell overdrive cost £1,102. At the time a Tri- performance, weight, cool running and re- gine (slant-4) and upright driving position In 1967 Donald Bennett’s son Torix ing parts from competitors. Group which was taken over in 1946 by the umph TR2 cost only £887. liability. which offered a blend of modern and tradi- joined the company and a new car was

20 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Spring I 2014 Ragtop I Spring I 2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 21 Saab 99 used the Triumph slant-4 engine at 1850 cc

announced, the TX-GT, which was based rack and bellows, drum brakes and 4 x 3¾ cess was in the North American market. It ment opted for substantially redesigned Peerless/Warwick on a Triumph GT6 chassis. However, the wheels and the front hubs came from the had a fibreglass body, four-wheel Girling versions of Triumph’s existing six-cylinder The Peerless GT was made by transverse rod independent rear suspen- Spitfire/GT6. The radiator was from the disc brakes, and a 2.5-litre Hemi-head V8 engines to power the car instead. Conse- Peerless Cars Ltd. of Slough, Berk- sion was removed. This car also used the Herald. A Triumph water pump was used engine designed by Edward Turner. The quently, Triumph’s 2 litre and 2.5 litre en- shire, between 1957 and 1960. The

Spitfire engine. By this time the market for on the Lotus Elite. car was described as a 2+2, but the bench- gines, from the /2500 saloon wikipedia : company was later resurrected by one of hand built small production cars was de- like rear seat offered very limited leg room. models saw extended life in the new Rover the original founders, Bernie Rodger as

a turbocharged four cylinder engine. P hoto clining and the last model, the TX-S was a With no sports car experience to fall back 2000 and 2600 models through to 1986. The 1709 cc Triumph-sourced engine Bernard Roger Developments Ltd. and the modified TX-GT with a variety of engines, on, Daimler engineers looked to exist- car marketed as the Warwick from a base Latham F2 kit car with Triumph produced 87 PS (64 kW; 86 hp) at 5500 including the Vitesse 2 litre 6-cylinder ing sports cars for inspiration. Since the in Colnbrook, Buckinghamshire, between Dolomite engine rpm. The engine was water-cooled, but un- engine and transmission together TR3A was also built in Coventry, they like most cars of the time it had an electric 1960 and 1962. with a choice of the standard GT6 rear started out by copying many of its fea- cooling fan. Triumph soon upgraded the The aluminium bodied prototype used suspension. Only about 30 of the TX tures, as one look at the SP250’s chassis, engine to 1.85L when in 1971, the 4-door TR3 running gear and a Triumph 1991 cc cars were made. mechanical layouts, and front suspension engine. Bernie Rodger designed a chas- Jaguar SS90 Saab 99 (99CM4 series) coincided with the Another car, the TX Tripper, was pro- will confirm. The car used many Standard adoption of the bored out 1854 cc unit. sis around the TR3 components using a duced by Torix’s company, Technical Ex- Triumph running gear and suspension state of the art multi-tube construction in : wikipedia :

ca Saab experienced reliability problems with . ponents, which shared premises with Jaguar parts. The original A-spec version could Triumph sourced engines and eventually 16-gauge 1” x 1.5” rectangular steel tube. A Fairthorpe. Looking like a cross between a The Swallow Sidecar Company, founded in P hoto do 120 mph (193 km/h), but the chassis, decided to bring the design in-house. shapely aluminium body was attached to blogspot beach buggy and a sports car it was mar- 1922 later became SS Cars Ltd. and in 1945 a “14-gauge ladder frame with cruciform Latham . the first chassis produced very early in 1957 keted as a TX and offered with either the changed its name to Ltd. How- bracing” based on the Triumph TR3, flexed Conceived during the mid-1980s, the The 1976 MG Midget 1500 and the completed car was subjected to ex- was equipped with the Triumph chassis or a TX designed chassis. ever, in 1935 the SS Jaguar name first ap- so much that doors would open when driv- Latham F2 was the second model to be haustive testing. This initial design exceed- engine Triumph engines powered its various mod- peared on a 2.5-litre saloon-sports model. ing, marring its reputation. produced by Latham Sports Cars, based ed everyone’s wildest expectations with a els: 1300, 2000, and 2500. The SS90 used a six-cylinder side-valve in Penzance, Cornwall. The F2 proved dif- top speed in the order of 120 MPH and a Jensen-Healy Mk I Early to mid-1960s Standard engine of 2,663 cc with an output ficult to build because of it all-composite 0-60 MPH time of less than 10 seconds. of 68 bhp (51 kW). The engine, provided monocoque construction – the first open- The Peerless had a wheelbase six inches

Lotus Seven Mk II used - juice sucksqueezebangblow : : many Triumph and by the , differed topped road car ever to feature such a con- longer and five inches wider than the TR3.

from the one used in the ordinary cars by P hoto The production models were initially called Standard parts struction. With no steel between the front wikipedia : having Dural connecting rods, an alumini- and rear bulkheads the car was remarkably the Warwick but the car was renamed the um cylinder head with 7:1 compression ra- light with an all-up weight of little more MG P hoto Peerless GT by the time series production tio, and twin RAG carburettors. The chassis than 650 kg. It was fitted with a 2.0L 16 In the final model Midget 1500, the A-Series started in 1957. Besides the Triumph TR3 : wikipedia : was also supplied by Standard. Jensen-Healey valve Dolomite Sprint engine giving an engine was replaced by the 1,493 cc unit running gear de Dion tube rear suspension

The Jensen-Healey is a two-seater convert- P hoto output of 185 bhp and yielding a 0-60 mph from the Triumph Spitfire and a modified was used. A works car was entered in the Daimler ible sports car that was originally produced time of less than 6 seconds and a top speed Morris Marina gearbox with synchromesh 1958 finishing 16th.

: wikimedia : The Daimler SP250 sports car was built by between 1972 and 1976 by Jensen Motors of 140 mph. The kit car used a number of on all four gears. The increased displace- Production ceased in 1960 after about 325 Daimler in Coventry from 1959 to 1964. The Ltd. Roughly 10,000 cars were produced other Triumph Dolomite parts, including ment of the new engine was better able examples had been produced. : wikipedia : P hoto SP250 was originally known as the Daimler at West Bromwich. A related fastback, the the radiator, instruments, switches, sus- to cope with the increasing emission regu- Lotus Dart, however Daimler was forced to drop Jensen GT was introduced in 1975. Both pension and transmission (shortened drive lations. Although the horsepower ratings P hoto Lotus Engineering Ltd. was founded by en- the Dart name when threatened by legal cars used TR6 front disc brakes. shaft) as well as the side windows from the were similar (65 bhp - UK market) the 1493 gineers Colin Chapman and Colin Dare in action from Chrysler’s Dodge division. Triumph Spitfire. cc engine produced more torque. The in- 1952. Between 1960 and 1968, the Series The SP250 was launched at the 1959 creased output combined with taller gear 2 Lotus 7 used many Standard-Triumph New York Motor Show and its greatest suc- Saab ratios resulted in faster acceleration, (12 sec- 1958 Peerless GT with 2.0L Triumph engine parts, including the rear axle from a Stan- In 1968, Saab engineers dropped the tra- onds 0-60 compared to 13 for the 1275cc and TR3 running gear dard Companion station wagon (Standard ditional two-stroke engine for which they version) and top speed of just over 100 mph. 10). John Standen, the Chief Buyer at Lotus, were previously noted and opted for a In the US market British Leyland struggled Bernie Rodger re-started production of found that a good deal could be had with four-stroke engine with the choice going to keep engine power at acceptable levels, the car as the Warwick with minor changes Standard Triumph and for some years the Rover 2000/2600 SD1 to the 1.75 L (later 1.85 L) Slant-4 engine as the engines were loaded with air pumps, to the appearance, a one-piece forward Seven and other Lotus models, including from Triumph, the same engine used in the EGR valves and catalytic converters to keep hinging front end, a stiffer space-frame the Elan, utilised front uprights and trun- Rover Triumph Dolomite but the Saab version up with new US and California exhaust chassis and a revised dashboard. Although nions from the Standard 8/10, the Triumph Rover’s original plan in 1976 to use its then was fitted with a Zenith-Stromberg CD car- emission control regulations. The home listed from 1960–62, only about 40 are

Herald as well as the Triumph Spitfire, and relatively new 2.2 L four-cylinder engine in wikipedia : burettor developed specially for Saab. For- market’s dual SU HS4 carbs were swapped thought to have been produced. the 13”x3½ J wheel rims came from the Tri- the SD1 saloon designed to replace both ty-eight Saab 99s were also equipped with for a single Zenith-Stromberg 150 CD4 unit, A car was tested by ‘Motor’ in 1961 and umph Herald. the Rover P6 and the Triumph 2000/2500 P hoto the V-8 engine but the idea and the power fell to 50 bhp at 5000 RPM had a top speed of 105.3 mph (169.5 km/h) On the Lotus Elan, the steering column, The Daimler SP250 used a variety of Triumph parts models was abandoned when BL manage- to use a V-8 was later dropped in favour of and 67 lb-ft of torque at 2500 RPM. and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97

22 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Spring I 2014 Ragtop I Spring I 2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 23 The Marcos Bond Equipe Mantis used the TR6 PI engine

km/h) in 12.6 seconds. The test car was re- The was founded volume sporty Shooting Brake variants at the 1958 Turin Motor Show. Vignale ported to cost £16,666 including taxes. in 1910 by Henry Frederick Stanley Mor- that were demanded by Aston Martin began production in July 1959 with only In no respect could the Warwick be said gan based in Malvern, Worcestershire. The owner, David Brown. Tail lights from the a few changes to the original – rather uk .

to lack performance. Powered by the two li- co Morgan +4, introduced in 1950, used the than a slanting nose and covered glass

. Triumph TR4A and 5 were incorporated tre Triumph engine and weighing no more 2,088 cc Standard Vanguard engine, while into the rear end of both the Aston Martin headlights displayed on the prototype, than the TR3, the Warwick was quicker to the 4-4 used a Standard Special 1,267 cc DB5 (of James Bond fame) and the later a look similar to Michelotti’s Maserati the Triumph Herald chassis with a fastback filmcars . about 55 mph and 90 mph was achieved fibreglass body and also utilised further engine (1950-58). Later +4s used Triumph a 3 litre Ford engine. At the last moment, a DB6 Shooting Brake (sports estate car) 3500 design was adopted. And although in about 30 seconds. The standing quarter Triumph parts including the windscreen/ www: TR2-TR4 engines (1954-1969). fuel injected 2.5 litre engine with overdrive between 1963 and 1971. Only a few of the two prototypes had some aluminium

mile was timed at a modest 18.5 seconds scuttle assembly and doors. The Septem- P hoto from the TR6 was chosen and provided a each were made – 12 or 13 of the DB5 and body panels, all Italias used steel. Cars with a top speed of 105 mph. ber 1964 GT4S model saw revisions to the Vincent Hurricane top speed of 120 mph and 0-60 mph in 67 of the DB6 were reportedly produced came through with Ascari mufflers with body with twin headlights and an open- eight seconds. Only 32 production cars for AM by coachbuilder Harold Radford & a distinctive and melodious tone, and ing rear boot. It was powered by the same, were built before the company went into Co. Limited of South Kensington, London. the original Triumph electric overdrive mildly tuned up (63 bhp, later increased to liquidation. Radfords were long-established retailers switch was moved from its left-hand 67 bhp), Herald-based 1147 cc engine used of Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars dash-mounted position to an under-dash com . in the Triumph Spitfire. who during the Swinging Sixties spot right above the gear shift, providing The engine was switched to the 75 bhp became known for producing faster, more convenient downshifting tvrblog . (56 kW) 1296 cc Triumph Spitfire engine in luxury versions of the Mini. out of overdrive in turns at high speeds. Ruffino envisioned building 1,000 cars

: www: April 1967, just one month after the Spitfire itself had undergone the same upgrade, Vignale with worldwide distribution including the P hoto the revised model being identified as the Although more of a direct collab- American marketplace. However, faced TVR Vixen TVR GT4S 1300. An increase in claimed output oration between Triumph Motor with ensuing financial and labour prob- TVR was founded in 1947 by Trevor Wilkin- of 12% resulted. At the same time the front Vincent Company and its Italian distribu- lems, Standard-Triumph was taken over by images

son which until 2006 was based in the Eng- disc brakes were enlarged and the design The Vincent Hurricane was a fibre glass / tor, the 2000 Cou- Leyland Motors in 1961. Shortly afterwards, ca lish seaside town of Blackpool, Lancashire. of the rear suspension improved. body designed and built by Martin and . pé makes a fitting finale to this Triumph withdrew their support for the Trident Tycoon used a TR6 PI engine and chassis The company manufactured lightweight The GT4S was joined by the 2-litre GT Robin Vincent near Henley-on-Thames. The review. The Italia was built between 1959 Italia and it never became an official model google sports cars with powerful engines and was, with a larger smoother body directly be- brothers had previous experience of fibre . Trident Tycoon and 1962 and was designed of Standard-Triumph. : wikipedia :

at one time, the third-largest specialised fore the London Motor Show in October glass building GRP canoes. The kits were www: In 1971, the Trident Tycoon, which origi- by none other than Giovan-

sports car manufacturer in the world, of- 1967. This model was based on the Tri- later produced by Caburn Engineering Ltd. nally had been a TVR design, was acquired P hoto ni Michelotti with P hoto

fering a diverse range of coupés and con- umph Vitesse chassis and used its 1998 cc The first Hurricane was produced in 1982 as by a TVR dealership who marketed it as the the TR3 chassis and Triumph Italia wikipedia : vertibles. 95 bhp (71 kW) six-cylinder engine. The a body kit to replace that of a rusted donor Trident Tycoon. It featured a TR6 PI engine mechanical compo- In July 2012, new owner Nikolay Smo- 2-litre GT was available as a closed coupé car. It was designed as a direct replacement and chassis coupled to a BW automatic nents supplied by P hoto lensky, announced that despite analysing and, later, as a . The car was for the Spitfire or GT6 body and fits to the transmission. Open and closed models Triumph and built various potential plans to create a new car, capable of 100 mph (161 km/h) with re- chassis using the original fixings. There are were offered with four seats. They were by Alfredo Vignale in building a new TVR model was not going spectable acceleration. Horsepower and no modifications necessary to the chassis. fast, well equipped cars. Turin, under contract to be financially viable, thus bringing TVR’s suspension improvements were made in The side view photograph clearly shows to Ruffino S.p.A. Indu- existence as a car manufacturer to an end. line with Triumph’s Mark 2 upgrade of the a distinct Spitfire lineage over the rear Aston Martin stria Construzione Automobile During the 1970s TVR used a number of Vitesse in late 1968, and a convertible was quarter and maintains the forward open- Surprisingly, even Aston Martin dipped of Naples. engines, particularly in the ‘M Series’, and fre- introduced at the same time. ing bonnet/hood à la Spitfire/GT6. It is into the Triumph parts basket, not for It was thought that these cars would

quently fitted the Triumph six cylinder 2500 wikipedia : designed on the same principles as a steel their mainline coupés, but for the low- appeal to people willing to spend more : wikipedia : cc engine as well as the transmission, rear dif- Morgan body, with inner and outer wings and sills. for the dependability and ease of ob- P hoto

ferential and front suspension from the TR6 The body shell is partially stressed and P hoto taining stock mechanical parts, but in the Vixen 2500 and the 2500M (1971-77). works with the chassis in making a rigid who wanted a better looking Despite Triumph’s withdrawl, Ruffino The Spitfire 1296 cc engine was used on the car – much more rigid than the chassis car than the standard Triumph re-badged the car as the Italia 2000 and smaller TVR Vixen 1300 in 1971-72. alone, and this helps to give the Hurricane – “Italian bodywork at its best, continued production. Over a three-year an excellent road holding capability. Only British tradition in sports car period (mid-1959 to mid-1962), Vignale Bond 50 body shells were made. engineering at its finest.” produced approximately 329 cars. The The Bond Equipe was a 2+2 sports car, At the time, Ruffino approached last run of roughly 35 cars were based on manufactured by Bond Cars Ltd. of Pres- Marcos Standard-Triumph to supply chassis the modified TR3B chassis rather that the ton, Lancashire. It was their first 4-wheeled The last of the Marcos passenger cars was The DB5 and DB6 and mechanical components to build TR3A, and benefited from the improved car, and production started in April 1963. the four-seater GT Mantis which ended up Shooting Brakes used tail 1,000 cars. The introduction of the gearbox that had been developed for the Morgan +4 The original Equipe, the GT, was based on with fastback styling and originally to use lights from the TR5 closed-top, two-seater was well received TR4. ragtop

24 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Spring I 2014 Ragtop I Spring I 2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 25 motorsports IN THE

by Simon Rally Competition70s Rassmussen with roll cages installed for Pond and co-driver Fred Gallagher, and Initially using Weber DCOE carburettors of he Triumph 2000 and the by Safety Devices of New- 3rd place on the Mintex Rally. Finally, 3rd up to 48mm, the final development includ- T2500 and 2.5PI which followed had market (England). These place was achieved on the Tour of Elba. ed Pierburg fuel injection. Fuel consump- a long production run, but even- roll cages were attached While there were also entries into several tion using the carburettor setup could be tually were discontinued as British to reinforced mounting other British rallies, the unreliability of the as poor as 4-5 miles per gallon on stages Leyland rationalised its product points in the door sills, highly stressed engine and some suspen- with tight corners requiring use of the low- range. This left the competition and were designed to sion problems caused several retirements. er gears, but was improved somewhat by department with the smaller and provide the best pos- In the United States John Buffum won the the fuel injection. For longer stages a larger more agile Dolomite Sprint, which sible outward vision for SCCA Rally Championship driving a TR7, as fuel cell was used which meant mounting seemed to have some potential, the driver as the seat- the TR8 did not yet qualify for entry. the spare tyre to the trunk lid with straps and by 1976 there was the new ing position was so low For the 1978 season the V8 version of so it could be released quickly. Dry sump sports car, the TR7. and so far back from the the car was introduced, giving the TR7 a lubrication was used with the oil tank and Both the Dolomite and the windshield. Larger brakes completely new sound and a new level of pump in the trunk of the car. The dry sump TR7 had very strong and stiff body struc- The capacity of the slant four engine Rouse won the British Touring Car Champi- were used with 15 inch Minilite wheels competitiveness, to the delight of Triumph eliminated aeration of the oil (potentially tures, particularly with modern roll cages had been increased from 1850cc to 2 litres onship in a Dolomite Sprint, so possibly the providing clearance. A large number of fans around the world! The TR7 continued causing bearing damage) and power loss installed and the shells strengthened by which produced 127bhp in standard form. narrow power band of the engine did not TR7s were prepared over a number of to be entered in several events, particularly through crankshaft counterweights churn- seam welding. (This is a preparation tech- With help from Don Moore Engineering, present a problem in racing.) years, usually painted white, though some by private teams, but the focus shifted to ing the oil in the sump. In this form, with nique involving continuous welding along Holbay and Broadspeed this engine devel- In 1976 Tony Pond won his class in the were later converted to V8 specification the more powerful car. strengthened valve gear, the V8 could sur- the seams of the body instead of the fac- oped 200bhp by 1977 when the Dolomite Tour of Dean, and also the Granite City and appeared in the red, white and blue vive 8,000 RPM. The rear axle was changed tory spot welds.) While the strength was an was dropped from the rally programme, Rally, while Culcheth and Syer came sec- livery. Altogether twenty different registra- TR7 V8 introduction. to the rugged Salisbury 4ah from the me- advantage, the resulting weight held back and eventually a rather peaky 220bhp! Ini- ond overall in the Tour of Britain and also tions, or number plates, were assigned to Tony Pond is the name most closely asso- dium duty Rover unit; one of the ratios performance. tially the four speed gearbox was used as the Manx Trophy Rally. Another “Dolly”, works prepared Triumph TR7s and TR7V8s, ciated with the TR7 V8 in Britain, but they used was 4.89:1 giving a maximum speed The main problem, however, was that on the standard production cars, but the driven by the team of Ryan and Nicholson, though some of these were used only as were also driven by Ford rally great Roger of over 125mph in fifth gear. But the power by now Ford had homologated some very new 5 speed box was phased in later. won their class in the Lindisfarne Rally and test and development cars. Clarke, and by Per Eklund, Simo Lampinen and torque posed problems for gearbox powerful versions of the well-developed came second at Granite City. and John Buffum. life which were never fully solved even by Escort, leaving the Triumphs short of the Dolomite competition history. The final year of rally competition for TR7 competition history. The cars were officially referred to as case hardening the shafts. performance they needed to compete. Brian Culcheth and Johnstone Syer, both the Dolomite was 1977, the car getting After a slow start in 1976, three works TR7s “TR7V8” as the TR8 had not yet reached In addition the car was a handful to of whom had been Triumph stalwarts for class wins at Granite City and the Manx appeared on the RAC Rally in 1977, and the showrooms, but there is no doubt their drive, the combination of about 300bhp in The slant four engine. many years, had some success in the Do- Rally, second at the Welsh Rally, and win- also a private entry driven by Markko Saa- success helped the marketing department. a car homologated at a weight of 1070kgs Both the Dolomite and the TR7 used the lomite. ning the team prize with a couple of TR7s risto, a Finnish driver. Against strong com- The more powerful engine resulted in or about 2350lbs and having an 85 inch four valve per cylinder version of Triumph’s In 1975 they finished 11th overall in the at the . petition from Scandinavian drivers in Ford a much wider power band as well as more wheelbase making it very twitchy at speed. new overhead camshaft engine so the en- Welsh Rally, came second in the Tour of The next phase was to use the TR7 with Escorts Tony Pond finished 8th overall. Suc- maximum power, about 270bhp in ear- Suspension travel at the rear was also lim- gine development programme to improve Britain, and won their class in the Lombard the Dolomite Sprint engine, strengthened cess continued with a win in Belgium at the lier versions but increasing to over 300bhp ited in early cars to only 2.5 inches, though power and reliability benefitted both cars. Rally. (This was also the year in which Andy suspension and upgraded brakes, and Boucles de Spa, a 2nd place in the Scottish and 270ft lbs of torque by the 1981 season. later improved by an inch, allowing use of

26 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Spring I 2014 Ragtop I Spring I 2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 27 The early V8’s were essentially homolo- gation specials built at Abingdon in 1977, softer springs, which helped. It is worth some of them up- considering that by now speeds on dirt or dated TR7 rally cars. Auto gravel roads frequently exceeded 100mph The history of each and on paved roads sometimes reached can be traced through 125mph! Changing the rear suspension an excellent website, mounting points reduced pitching to TriumphTR.co.uk. The some extent, and nosedive under braking Worldwide TR7/ TR8 Hibernation was reduced by raising the mounts of the Owners Club also has front sway bar, but these measures did not a table listing the current whereabouts of disappointment followed in the Canadian fully solve the problem. these cars, though there are some instances WRC round in Quebec when John Buffum Supplementary lighting consisted of where individuals have tried to pass off rep- was disqualified, but the second car, driven spot and fog lights, the number depending licas as original works cars. Bert Smeets in by a Canadian, Perusse, finished 5th overall. on the event, initially supplied by Lucas, of- Belgium is a very knowledgeable collector Buffum was a highly regarded driver and ten hidden by “Leyland” covers. Later in the of these cars and an authority on their prov- drove the cars in several events in North programme Hella lights became the norm. enance; his website is well worth visiting. America but was also invited to drive in Eu- Cars in private hands sometimes followed ropean rallies. Pond and his Irish co-driver the lead of the factory team, but others used TR7V8 competition history. Fred Gallagher also managed a 4th over- Marechal or other lamps. The normal pop-up The first event entered was the Tour de all at the RAC rally in England. The TR7V8 headlight were replaced on a few of the last Corse of 1978 which ended in gearbox fail- was by now looked on as the likely winner cars prepared, by rectan- ures for both cars, driven in this event by on tarmac stage rallies, and was probably gular lights faired into the nose of the car. Tony Pond and by Jean-Luc Therier. Further the victim of sabotage at least once, when By Parkfield Motor Cars Ltd. est. 1974 ENGINE OILS GEAR OILS FUEL ADDITIVES Fully Insured, Free Standing 22,000 sq. ft. Building with No Columns or Posts • CCTV-Monitored 24/7 Security at Discreet Location • Spotless, Vermin and Climate Controlled • Seasonal Complimentary Chauffeured Livery Service Available Closer Than You Think! Contact Chris Sas at 416-720-4133 or 905-833-4336 MILLERS OILS email: [email protected] Driving Classics Into the Future West Yorkshire UK

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driving style to a 7th place finish. Future entries were in the name of Leycare, a customer service com- pany for British Leyland vehicles.

Summary The Triumph wedges achieved twenty eight podium finishes, with by Alison Postma both cars seized their gearboxes because with Michelin tyres in place of the Dunlops, eleven outright wins over the five years Love at of loose oil drain plugs. finding them well suited to paved special they were works entries, a very strong Tony Pond signed with for 1979, stages. Pond and Gallagher won the Manx record. Some privately prepared and en- probably due in part to corporate politics, Rally, came 4th in the Scottish, and defeat- tered cars, and also works cars which had so the main drivers for European events ed powerful opponents including Porsche been sold to private entrants, continued were Finns Simo Lampinen and Per Eklund. and Lancia on the . Eklund was to compete successfully for several more The Pierburg fuel injection was now be- almost as successful, coming 3rd on the years. ragtop ing used, and in spite of some teething Thousand Lakes. Sources: First Sight troubles Lampinen and Eklund had some In a famous incident almost at the end success in the RAC and the Thousand Lakes of the era of factory support, Tony Pond TR for Triumph, by Chris Harvey. Rally in Finland. Lampinen and his co-driv- crashed on the very first stage of the 1980 Bert Smeets website. er Ian Grindrod were rammed from behind RAC- into the lion enclosure at Longleat World Wide TR7 TR8 Owners Club website. by another competitor in the Welsh rally wildlife park. The time lost dropped the car TriumphTR.co.uk website. but still managed a 12th place finish. a hundred positions in the standings, but Ian Grindrod, Autosport Nostalgia Forum. For 1980 Pond re-signed to drive the in spite of heavy damage Pond powered Triumph Cars, Graham Robson and Richard Lang- Triumphs, and the team experimented the car up the field in his usual exuberant worth.

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• TRIUmph Rexdale Blvd. • mG • LOTUS t was love at first sight... that was The hunt began, along with some research louvres and vents. I watched and chased likelyI my first mistake. The attraction to as to which of three models I wanted. The GT6s on eBay for months, narrowly missing • JAGUAR British sports cars had started thanks to my GT6+ was the top choice in my mind, with one sharp-looking red one by seconds. It husband, but it was a GT6 at Lindsay’s Brits the “older” look, but the apparently supe- was nerve-wracking, to say the least! • SAFETY & E-TESTING Martin Grove in the Park that really turned my camshaft! rior rotoflex rear end, plus the interesting One day a listing appeared for a car

30 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Spring I 2014 Ragtop I Spring I 2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 31 BACK THEN WE WERE THE EXPERTS right in my backyard. After con- templating and pricing having a car shipped all the way from AT INSURING ‘57 CHEVYS as far as California, this one seemed a perfect choice - rust- free and close to home. My bid won, and we went to examine my car in person. Such a pretty car! It was everything I’d been looking for... or was it? The car started easily and ran well. It appeared to have been well looked after, sport- ing a new interior with Miata seats. I wanted a car that I could get in and Happily, I drove the car home and proceed- The first longer drive was to Lindsay, drive, without worrying about a lot of im- ed to plan the summer of car shows we where my love story had begun. The car mediate repairs or major restoration. This, would do. After a few short hauls, we no- ran nice and cool, even though it was a I would do over time. With my hubbie al- ticed that at higher speeds, the front of the very hot day. Suddenly we got caught in ready in the middle of a major restoration car felt as though it was floating; not solidly a shower, and after we had turned on the on his TVR, I didn’t want to be there with placed on the road. Knowing that the rear windshield wipers for a few minutes, they my car as well. That was the plan. shocks, but not the front, had been recent- quit, as did the signals. Pulling over we A nearby mechanic inspected and certi- ly replaced, this problem was chalked up to discovered a blown fuse, easily replaced. fied the car, exclaiming that it was “perfect”. needing these, and likely some other front If only that was the only problem! Several I congratulated myself on a savvy purchase. end work, as well. drives later the speedo died, followed by AND WE STILL ARE.

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32 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Spring I 2014 the fuel gauge. Since by then it was close to the end of the season, we drove the car to Bronte Creek for British Car Day, and Pssst! then put it away for the season. A new search ensued the following Want Some Great Advice? Spring for a good British mechanic, one whom I could trust. I found that at Back Street Heroes in Kenilworth with Ian Nev- ille. We brought the car over for an evalu- ation, and as Ian had warned me, he was brutally honest (in a nice way). He quickly

went over the car, pointing out bits and problematic, issues. What he said made pieces that he could immediately see; sense, and I agreed to leave the car with some of which we knew about, most of him along with the parts I’d already pur- which we didn’t. I went through the list chased, most from the UK. of the items we thought needed to be ad- The phrase “smoke and mirrors” was dressed. As he pointed out, some of these mentioned more than once over the next could well be symptoms of other, more several days, as Ian began the journey of

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36 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Spring I 2014 Ragtop I Spring I 2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 37 JENSENMERCEDES TRIUMPH AUSTIN-HEALEYAUSTIN ALVISJAGUAR ASTON BMW MARTIN DAIMLERBENTLEY ROLLS-ROYCE MG RALEIGH SUNBEAM LOTUS VAUXHALL CORD TVR let us do some of the work on the car un- BRISTOL PORSCHE ANGUS-SANDERSON ALLARD MORGAN der his watchful eye. Not only did we learn LANDROVER WOLSELEYLNER RELIANT a lot, most especially me, but it created a feeling of confidence and trust. We could TROJANAUDI ARMSTRONG-SIDDELEY INVICTA LANCHESTER MORRIS STRAKER-SQUIRE ARGYLL see for ourselves what the issues were, and experience how difficult it can be getting parts to fit as they should. It saved me a lot 905-953-0052 www.lnerautomotive.ca of money in the end as well. The next time I visited my car it was not a fun experience, seeing it all ripped apart. So much for having a nice new inte- rior! Once we had the harness in hand, yet another discovery of inferior workman- ship was revealed; the bullet ends of the wires were only clamped, not soldered, onto the wires. This was not within Ian’s comfort zone, and so with much mut- tering and blue in the air, Ian set about soldering every bullet. Harry got the previously experienced. The car did seem would be overdue. Extra rows were put in harness into the car and learned a lot in to be running hot, which was new, but we to greatly improve the airflow, and in the the process about the electrical idiosyn- had some doubt that the gauge was read- end, this made a huge difference. An addi- crasies of a British car. Ian finished con- ing accurately, since it had been apart for tional fan, and replacing the shrouds that necting everything all up, but was left cleaning after some oil had leaked into it (a had not been put back on by the previous with a “mystery wire”, for which we had combination oil pressure and temperature owner will likely be a project for next year. no explanation, nor a diagram in which it gauge). All in all, the car was light years On the weekend of Brits on the Lake we was mentioned. Several emails back and different after its extended stay with Back drove the car a 3-hour drive to Norwood forth to Autosparks eventually solved the Street Heroes (one month). After a bit of without a hitch. Although the gauge still puzzle - it was for the interior (courtesy) tinkering, we drove it home. climbed when idling for a few minutes, lights. Everything was now connected By the time we reached our driveway, upon checking under the hood, the over- and worked. Harry spent yet more hours about an hour’s drive, the car was very hot. flow bottle was empty, even though the putting most of the interior back togeth- After conversing with Ian, Harry changed gauge reached the “uh-oh” stage. It may er, after having done a major cleaning and the thermostat back to the old one, which be that the gauge is not entirely accurate. 1 painting of the tracks for my seats, and has a hole drilled through the top, whereas The next day we travelled back for 1 /2 obtaining stainless steel hardened bolts the new one, supposedly for my car, does hours to Port Perry for Brits on the Lake with which to secure them. (Harry hates not. It was an extremely hot day (one of (what a great event!), and then a further 1 rust - bolt after bolt has been replaced maybe a week’s worth all summer?) so we 1 /2 hours down to Cobourg. No issues, with stainless steel, with many yet to go!). thought perhaps that was part of the prob- the car ran well and felt solid on the road. European Classic Car Specialists Ian’s last task was to adjust the geom- lem. Ian felt that if that didn’t solve the is- The 3-hour drive home, taking us into the Maintenance and Service etry of the car and get it running smoothly. sue that the radiator would need re-coring. dark of the evening, was uneventful. This The Stromberg carbs needed adjustment, Once out of the car and disturbed, it might was the longest series of drives I suspect Complete Mechanical Repairs eam and although he suggested I might want have a blockage or at least a build-up of the car has been on for a long time. A few Dr to consider SU carbs, I elected to wait on sludge. It appeared that the radiator was days later I was notified to my surprise ur Complete Electrical Repairs o that for a little while. It was then time for the original one. that I had won a third placement in the Y A couple of shorter runs, anxiously eye- Parts New and Used s the test drive, and we drove over to Ke- Triumph/GT6 class at the show. Somehow U nilworth. A short test run quickly proved ing the temperature gauge and watching this little thing made all the repair work

Parts Fabrication g that all that suspension work was worth it climb rapidly when idling for just a short seem worthwhile. n

i while was all it took to convince us to have I may not be ready for a 400-series drive, r it; no longer did the front end “float” as we

Restoration of Body and Interior B accelerated. Due to the GAZ shocks, the a re-core done. Harry took the radiator all but the GT6 might be... now if only it had a car rode harder, but not uncomfortably the way to Walkerton, to a shop that Ian fifth gear to drop it into! Maybe that needs so. The acceleration was responsive with- recommended. It was confirmed that it had to be added to the list of next year’s proj- out the “all or nothing” jerking issue we never been done, so it made sense that it ects... ragtop

38 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Spring I 2014 Ragtop I Spring I 2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 39 TR tales THE LAST TRIUMPH

Terence McKillen speaks to Ivan Love about his REGISTERED IN unique late model TR8 NORTH AMERICA?

Ivan Love’s 1984 registered 1981 Canadian specification TR8 may be the last Triumph registered in North America

van Love, a resident of Holt (Lansing), Michigan and his wife, be registered in North America and likely one of the last TR8s to IEleanor, drove their 1981 TR8 the 423km (265 miles) to partici- be registered anywhere in the world. Ivan sportingly admits that pate in the 28th Canadian Classic event held in Waterloo last he knows of a 1982 model (probably late 1981 build) Canadian July. As RAGTOP readers will already be aware, the TR8 had a very specification TR8 that his local British Leyland dealership still had short production run with only 2,715 cars built between 1978 and new and untitled until the mid- to late 1990s but its whereabouts 1981, almost all of which were shipped to the United States and today is unknown. Canada. Although Ivan’s car is a 1981 model, he became the first How this came to pass is an interesting side story. The car in registered owner in 1984, making this one of the last Triumphs to question (vin: 1981 satp L 4581ba 506421) was imported to Canada

Ragtop I Spring I 2014 www.TorontoTriumph.com 41 Ivan Love busily preparing his TR8 for the 2013 Canadian Classic Concours Event at Waterloo by British Leyland and delivered to Downtown Motors in Windsor, derpowered, at 48bhp, for North American roads. The Renault was Ontario. In late 1981, Downtown Motors received a large final ship- quickly exchanged for a 1964½ red Mustang convertible which un- ment of TR8s and Rover SD1s and several member of the Detroit Tri- fortunately rusted out in three years. In 1981 he acquired a 1959 umph Club got together to acquire some of the new TR8s for around TR3A but that was wrecked in 1984 in a rear-end collision after a $10,000 per unit. Ivan’s car-to-be was brought to the U.S. by one total brake failure (something to do with using incorrect hydraulic Irwin Taylor on a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO), mean- fluid). To soothe the pain, Ivan contemplated purchasing a TR8 as a ing the vehicle wasn’t registered against the purchaser’s name. He replacement. The Rover 3.5 litre engine in the TR8 was the ex-Buick placed the car in his warehouse as he had purchased it as a surprise 215-cid power plant so that fitted in nicely with his family’s and birthday gift for his wife who, unfortunately, became ill and after two neighbours’ connection with Buick. At the time, Ivan considered a years it was clear she would never drive again, so the car was put up Mazda RX7 as a possible contender, but it and most of the other for sale. Ivan stepped in and purchased the car for $12,500, well be- contemporaries of the day were slower off the mark than the TR8. low the $14,000 original list price. Since Mr. Taylor had not registered Ivan’s TR8 is completely original except for a rebuilt alternator and TR2-8 Spitfire Herald the car and was clearly not the Manufacturer, he could not sell the a replacement rear exhaust. Of course, tyres and brakes have been car on the strength of the MSO, so the pair had to go to the Michigan replaced and the original paint has been clear coated. Ivan reports Stag GT6 Vitesse Secretary of State and first title the car in Taylor’s name and subse- that the car now runs great but he has had all types of electrical is- quently transfer title and register the car, for the first time, in Ivan’s sues. The Rover V-8 has been solid, but all manner of electrical con- Dolomite 2000/2500 name. Consequently, Ivan is the first registered owner in the eyes of nectors keep falling apart. The fuel injection system, despite being Visit our website the State of Michigan and the second owner on title. a Bosch L-Jetronic, has had issue after issue. The distributor has also for prices Living as he does in the heartland of the U.S. auto industry failed as a result of the poor Lucas design, which was later solved by All the parts and accessories and with strong family ties to the Buick Company, going back moving the power transistor out of the distributor to a heat sink on and availability: you will ever need several generations, I was intrigued to find out how Ivan had first the fender. In the end, it appears that the ground strap, while looking ng got caught up in the British sports car hobby. His interest appar- just fine, was a bradded cable which did not conduct electricity par- www.rimmerbros.co.uk rderi Free O ently started during his college days when he acquired an MGA ticularly well after 20 years. A new grounding circuit was installed, Toll Free rather than an American muscle car towards which many of the following which all the dash instrumentation worked properly, the local lads would have gravitated. Ivan relates that most of his close fuel injection worked and the electric fans worked. Ivan reports that tel: 01144 1522 568000 Catalogues buddies also seemed to favour British sports cars which included the 5 speed transmission in the TR8 is smooth as silk and far better fax: 01144 1522 567600 8.30am - 5.30pm UK Office Hours Mon - Fri Parts service for Land Rover, MG Rover and Jaguar also available TR3s, MGTDs and TFs and MGAs. Later his MGA was passed on to than the transmission in his 1981 TR7. email: [email protected] his younger brother and he bought a Renault Caravelle, a very nifty After the Waterloo weekend a connector from a temperature LAND looking 1108cc rear engine, two-door convertible but horribly un- sensor came undone and the main power wire to the car came out ROVER from 1998 to 2011 42 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Spring I 2014 Ragtop I WInteR I 2013/2014 www.TorontoTriumph.comTriumph House, Sleaford Road, Bracebridge Heath, Lincoln, LN4 2NA. 17England

14 Ragtop.04.01.indd 17 14-01-14 11:28 AM The Canadian Specification TR8 remains completely original

Colorado to Albany New York to British Car ¼ page ad 2012 Savanna Georgia and has won Editor's choice: horizontal or vertical layout. two Best of Shows at the Na- tional VTR meets and about 10 best of class awards, a number 7.5”x2.4375” 19.06cm x 6.27cmof local show First places and a runner-up in this year’s Cana- dian Classic Concours. Not to be left on the side-lines, Eleanor has also won about a dozen auto- www.transportbookscross awards. She refuses to run .com in the ladies class and will only 16 Elrose Avenue Transport Booksrun head-to-head with the guys, Toronto, Ontario and according to Ivan, still wins M9M 2H6 Canada Cars, bikes, boats and planes…by a long shot! trucks, tractors, tanks and trains. (416)744-7675 Ivan is Executive Director of (800)665-2665 a non-profit organisation de- Canada's largest selection of motoringlivering pre-school,books senior & motorsport and videos British Car books a specialty: historical,homeless services. pictorial He and El- & technical. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm - free parkingeanor have been – marriedfree formailing 35 list of its connector and was sparking to the starter relay – issues all years and have three daughters and one grandson. He is a member LBC owners face from time to time. Ivan mentions that although re- of the Wedge Club and VTR. In addition to the TR8, he also owns a placement parts look brand new, they are often 32+ year old OEM 1981 TR7, a 1962 Studebaker GT Hawk, a 2004 Chevrolet S-10 Xtream parts and sometimes this can lead to unexpected issues. As an ex- show truck and a supercharged 2008 Saturn Sky. ragtop 3.75”x 4.9375” 3 ¾ x 4 15/16 9.53cm x 12.55cm ample, at a recent show he was demonstrating to a spectator how the fog light switch worked. He turned it on and off a few times with nothing happening. On about the 4th or 5th try the lamps Transport Books worked – oxidised contacts! Cars, bikes, boats & planes... Love does all his own detailing and show preparation as well as trucks, tractors, tanks & trains what he calls “soft mechanical” work but he admits to having a great local mechanic who does the ‘back-breaking’ stuff. Parts are sourced from Rimmers, the Roadster Factory and Victoria British and often Canada's largest selection of from Ebay. Woody Cooper at the Wedge Shop is also a great source of parts and technical information. Ivan reports that the car was very motoring books & popular reliable during the first 15 years and it is now once again reliable, motorsports videos. having just completed over 1,000 miles with no issues. The TR8 has always been a show car and has just a little over 35,000 miles on the British Car books a specialty: odometer. Love has attended many VTR National meets, from Bolder historical, pictorial & technical Mon-Sat 10am-5pm free parking – free mailing list

www.transportbooks.com 16 Elrose Avenue Phone: 289.738.2035 Toronto, ON M9M2H6 Canada (416)744-7675 (800)665-2665 Website: KlearKustoms.com [email protected] 205 Cross Street East, Dunnville, Ontario tail lites by Terence McKillen YOU PAID HOW MUCH?

What a long and brutal winter we have Once you have registered with Moss, you is exacerbated. Fuel by-passing the float endured here in southern Ontario where collect “points” for visiting places (in the USA valve floods the main jet and spills into If you don’t mind paying too much the weather has been dominated by an or Canada) in your LBC with photo evidence the intake manifold and ultimately into the unwanted polar vortex. According to the to show that you and your car were actually cylinder via the intake valve(s) several of for your parts, there is no need to experts it was probably the worst winter there during the year. Points are awarded which will be unseated. Fuel in the cylinder since 1959 and for the GTA, the second cold- for place names beginning with each let- will then dribble past the piston rings and read any further. If you would like est winter in a quarter of a century. Most of ter of the alphabet, for visits to Provincial/ into the oil pan. us had to curtail our classic car motoring in National Parks, Moss Motors’ facilities, each While these situations are not common, mid-November with the first snow fall. The State or Province, National, Regional or lo- according to Phil they have and do occur. to buy your parts at the best prices layaway period this winter has been signifi- cal car shows, and for a whole host of “other” Any fuel dilution of engine oil can be cata- cantly longer, pushing 18 weeks, which can locations (like golf clubs, harbours, covered strophic to the mechanical components and in Canada, read on. Drakes’ British create additional issues when it comes time bridges, etc.). Last year’s winner amassed 110 especially the camshaft and rockers/lifters. It to dust off the covers and get your classic points. Details were included on the rear cov- is a good habit to occasionally smell the oil Triumph back out on the road. TTC Web- Motors can supply any part from er of the Winter 2014 issue of RAGTOP. dipstick and if gasoline odour is detected 1973 TVR master, Dave Copping, lays claim to the “Ear- then the oil should be changed right away. A good customer of ours did a complete body off restoration on this Oregon ly Bird” prize again this year for the first out- Another, and less obvious cause of en- the Moss catalogs at the most TVR about five years ago. The entire car was restored and is still in very nice ing of the season, taking his white GT6+ out t a technical session at Philip Allen’s gine oil dilution, is operating an engine A condition. The car is finished in a high quality Signal Red paint and the inte- for a 10-15km drive along Lakeshore Road BritCars premises in Woodstock held in April without a thermostat and also the over-use reasonable cost to you. But, don’t rior is black. The Triumph six-cylinder engine was fully rebuilt and fitted with from Oakville to Bronte on March 15. In my 2013, Phil mentioned a potentially danger- of the hand operated choke. Both cause seri- upgraded SU carbs, a custom heatshield and a rebuilt overdrive transmission. own case, I took the Stag out for an initial lo- ous issue of fuel leaking into the engine ous fuel condensation on the cylinder walls TVRs are one of the nicest handling British Sports cars made and this one is no cal run on March 21st after a 15 week lay up. oil because of the head pressure created and subsequent oil contamination. With take our word for this. The next exception. A great looking and unique car for $16,500 $14,400 by a full tank of fuel on most Triumph TRs today’s computer controlled fuel manage- (2,3,4,4A,250, and 6) as well as the Spitfire. ment systems few drivers have a feel for the time you need something, send us During the off season I took the op- This pressure can subject the fuel system to correct operation of a carburetor manual portunity to install a new soft top on my potential leaks that may contaminate the choke. If the oil is getting black quickly, then Stag. The brown mohair top was sourced engine oil when the vehicle is in storage this is an indication that there is possibly a an email for a quote. We will get from Aldridge’s in the UK and with the or not used for lengthy periods. This flies in fuel contamination issue. Choke should be help of Stag expert, Tony Fox, the job went the face of the traditional adage of keeping used only as necessary to start and prevent right back to you with a price. fairly smoothly. In addition, I took the op- the fuel tank full when in storage to prevent the engine stalling initially; otherwise the portunity to change out all of the rubber moisture build up. According to Phil, there choke should be off as soon as possible. bushings from the front anti-roll bar, front are actually two ways for the fuel to con- suspension and steering back to the rear taminate the oil. Many TTC members are already subframe, swinging arms and differential At the mechanical fuel pump, there When install- mounts and replaced them with either new is the potential for fuel to leak at the dia- ing a spin-on oil rubber or polypropylene bushings. I also phragm operation stem (push rod). While converter to a Stag believers. Get in touch for a quote – pulled out the inner ½-shafts and regreased the fuel pump is equipped with breather or TR7 be sure to 1976 Dutton the splines. I will have to replace the U-joints holes that also act as drains in case of a remove the old [email protected] A British made Dutton Phaeton, the styling is based on a Lotus Super Seven and one of these days as they are sealed units ruptured diaphragm, the stem leaking at rubber gasket from the the filter attach- retains all the fun and impracticality of the Lotus, at a fraction of the price. It is a with no way of adding lubrication. the diaphragm will allow fuel to run down ment on the engine block first. As I went real handful with a Ford 2-Litre OHC that has a header, Weber carb and perfor- and past the oil baffle/seal and into the oil to install one on my Stag last summer, I mance camshaft and not much weight. It rides on a tube frame with a Spitfire/ pan. Fortunately, this type of leak is not hadn’t noticed that the old gasket was still GT6 front suspension and a Ford Cortina live axle with coilovers and four-link Over 600 cus- particularly common. in place in the recessed ring and put the We are also a Canadian distributor for suspension. The tires are good and the handling is impressive. The basic interior tomers of Moss Mo- Fuel leaking at the carburetors can be a new one on top. The double thickness of Dayton Wire Wheels. is new and the paint looks OK from 20 feet. A unique car that’s lots of fun for an tors participated in problem with full fuel tank levels because rubber allowed the outer part of the spin- experienced driver. $6,900 the first season of the carburetors are lower than the fuel on assembly to seal first and as the centre the Moss Motoring level and the float needles are subject to brass spigot was tightened it moved the Challenge in 2013. fuel pressure, albeit slight due to the small inner part of the assembly upwards so that Moss is presenting difference in head between the carburetor the smaller rubber O-ring didn’t seal prop- Drakes’ British Motors Inc. the Motoring Chal- and the fuel tank. If the rear of the car is erly, with predictable consequences over (250)763-0883 Ph., (250)861-8051 Fax, email [email protected] lenge again in 2014. higher than the front then this difference the new garage floor. ragtop 2286 K.L.O. Road, Kelowna, B.C., V1W 3Z7 WWW.DRAKESBRITISHMOTORS.COM 46 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Spring I 2014 THERE’S MORE TO MOSS THAN CAR PARTS

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I started buying parts from Moss back when Chris manned the counter on Daw- son Street. My customer# is 15251. I’ve been treated like a friend instead of an occasional customer. Moss employees freely give of their time to help me keep my British relic running. One year, on the way to an event, 25 miles up the road from Moss, my car cracked an oil line. The gentleman who pulled my part from the ware- house delivered it on his lunch break. He wouldn’t accept any delivery fee.” “ Greg Stroop — Moss customer for 42 years

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