T h e M a g a z i n e O f T h e T o r o n to T r i u m p h C l u b F a l l 2 0 1 8

Pre-1940 Triumphs

BCD Report • Summer Outings • An English Rose "Keep‘em On The Road"® 14 contents Parts and Accessories for Fall 2018 TR2, TR3, TR4, TR4A, TR250, TR6, TR7, TR8, GT6, Spitfire 19 24

31 38 33 Member Pages From the Editor ...... 5 From the President ...... 7 Club Hub ...... 8 Owner’s Manual ...... 12

Features Club Events: British Car Day ...... 14 Pre-War Triumphs: 1937 Triumph 2-Litre Continental . . .19 Triumph Monte Carlo Tourer . . . . .24

46 T HE M AGAZINE O F T HE T ORONTO T RIUMPH C LUB F ALL 2 0 1 8 Pre-1940 Triumph Motor Club . . . . 31 1937 Triumph Gloria Southern Cross . 33 1934 Triumph Gloria Speed Tourer . . 36 Restoration: VictoriaBritish.com (800) 255-0088 Rosie’s Rise from the Ashes ...... 38 Pre-1940 Tech & Resto: On the Cover Triumphs An English Rose in a Komono . . . . 41 Triumph Continental – ©2016 Long Motor Corp. Best in Show at BCD Special Feature BCD Report • Summer Outings • An English Rose Photo by: Michael Cleland Wish You Were Here ...... 46 18 Ragtop Fall 03.indd 1 18-10-05 3:32 PM

Ragtop I Fall I 2018 www.TorontoTriumph.com 3 from the editor

SUBMISSIONS Format: MS Word files are preferred. Send via email or on CD, 20Mb limit on email files. Send photos separately with clear cutline/captions; do NOT embed in the text file. Hard copy submissions are Pre-War Triumphs acceptable, but not preferred. Graphics must be in major graphics formats, jpeg, tiff or Photoshop After a somewhat slow and files. In Person: To the editor at a monthly meeting, other Club event or e-mail: chilly start to the driving season E-mail: [email protected] this year, we are reaching the ADVERTISING home stretch with most of our Contact the Club’s advertising representative for events and outings well behind us. details of dates and submissions. Submit ads as Despite the slow start, followed high resolution (min 300 ppi) PDF files, saved for print in CMYK format, fonts embedded, by E-mail immediately by record torpid- to [email protected] inducing high humidex levels The advertising year is from Mar. 1 to Feb. 28. throughout the summer months, A copy of Ragtop is sent to all paid advertisers (electronic copy to business card ads.) it was a busy season nevertheless with all of the usual Club events

ADVERTISING RATES per year organised and well-attended. The Rear Cover ...... $500 per year highlight of the season in my book Inside Front Cover ...... $475 was the 35th running of British Car Day® which met but probably didn’t exceed former Inside Back Cover ...... $450 Full Page Inside ...... $420 records for attendance while celebrating the 50th anniversary of the TR6 and the 40th Half Page ...... $300 anniversary of the TR8. Quarter Page ...... $230 In this issue, we have several special features on Pre-1940 Triumph models, Business Cards ...... $70 Double page inside cover or centre spread . $840 representing the pinnacle of the glory days of the original Triumph Company prior to its (All rates are for 4 issues) demise at the onset of the Second World War. Our cover feature is the recently restored Special advertising rates apply to the BCD souvenir programme 1937 Triumph Continental 200 owned by Ralph and Kimberly Evans, which has been a [email protected] Canadian resident for almost two-thirds of its 81-year life. This is one of only a handful of Pre-1940 Triumph cars surviving in North America. The most common model is the 2018 SCHEDULE Southern Cross, of which six out of the thirteen remaining in the world are located in Issue Editorial Deadline Mailed the United States. We are aware of three Pre-War Triumphs in the San Francisco Bay Area Winter ...... January 1 . . . February 10 Spring ...... April 1 ...... May 20 (a 1937 Dolomite, 1935 Southern Cross and 1934 Gloria Monte Carlo), two of which are Summer ...... July 1 ...... August 15 owned by Dan Hays, a friend of one of my friends, so we are pleased to Fall ...... October 1 . . November 10 also be able to bring you special feature articles on the Southern Cross, Monte Carlo and BCD ...... August 1 . . not mailed out Sports Tourer models for a veritable cornucopia of Pre-War Triumph stories. We also have a report on British Car Day®, as well as reports on a number of other General Enquiries [email protected] summer-time classic car events. If you weren’t able to participate in any of these activities, be sure to make a note in your calendar for next year and do let us know what you Ragtop is published quarterly by the Toronto Triumph Club Inc. (“TTC”) and is distributed to its enjoyed or perhaps didn’t enjoy, so that the organisers can take that into consideration members as part of their annual dues. The TTC or when preparing future events. the Editors cannot accept responsibility for the safe return of any submitted material. We will do As we prepare this issue of Ragtop, the Canadian Classic, combined this year with the our best, but accidents do occur. Fall Colours Drive, is underway in the Haliburton Highlands and we should still have the opportunity to partake in a couple of half-day outings in Escarpment country before We accept no responsibility for errors or omissions. Opinions expressed are those of the the highway crews start to lay down brine solution that, for me, clearly defines the end authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the of the motoring season. TTC Executive or Membership. As we enter the off-season, it will be the quarterly delivery of “Ragtop” to your

Non-profit groups may reprint articles from this door that will hopefully keep your interest piqued in all things related to Triumph publication, where the author has not reserved during the winter and early spring months. Please consider getting out your pen and rights, provided we get credited and both the writing paper and send us a contribution for publication, perhaps recording some author and TTC receive a copy of the publication in its entirety. of the restoration projects you have completed or that special event or drive you Distribution by Pillar Direct. particularly enjoyed this season. Printed by The UPS Store for the Toronto Triumph Club. Copyright © 2018 by the TTC. Terence McKillen – Editor Canada Post Publications # 40022175 [email protected]

Ragtop I Fall I 2018 www.TorontoTriumph.com 5 from the president We Need Your Help! What a difference a couple of weeks make. Executives TRF and Canadian Enthusiasts President ...... Dave . Sims 905 .331 .1496 As I write this on Thanksgiving weekend, we will Vice President ...... Wayne McGill 905 .847 5532. struggle to get to 10 degrees, whereas only three Secretary ...... Terence McKillen 905 855. 2463. The Roadster Factory has enjoyed dealing with Canadian Triumph and MG Enthusiasts for more Treasurer ...... Clive Huizinga 905 884. .2091 weeks ago it was British Car Day and boy was it Director of Communications ...... (Vacant) hot, hot, hot! than thirty years. We have supplied customers with parts by mail order and over the counter at Membership Chair ...... Wayne McGill 905 .847 5532. We’re just back from a Club weekend trip to our location in Western Pennsylvania. Our commitment to quality and our personal connection to Director at Large ...... Derek McAllister 416 .435 1235. Director at Large ...... Don Johnson 705 .721 1231. Haliburton to take in the glorious colours that are customers are our greatest strengths. We are located just 225 miles from Toronto, and orders may Past President ...... David Tushingham 416 419. 2201. so typical of a Canadian Fall. Alex McLeod, together be placed for pick-up (six days each week) by customers who are traveling in Pennsylvania. with the help of Clive Huizinga, organised the weekend and they did an excellent job. The Ragtop Magazine Ragtop Editor ...... Terence McKillen 647 202. 8243. drive up on Friday was dry and we arrived at the Bonnieview Inn in time for a good walk Assistant Editor ...... Sean Doherty 416 .562 2871. prior to meeting up with our TTC friends before supper and after a peaceful night it was Parts Catalogues Sub-Editor ...... Alison Postma 705 .435 2223. Distribution ...... Rod Jones – Pillar Direct 416 .755 9494. time to head out on the Saturday drive. The circular, 180-mile route took in some excellent Our catalogues are all found online. The best way to Art Director ...... Michael Cleland 416 388. .9546 roads through Algonquin Park when we had time to marvel at the colourful fall landscapes. Advertising Sales ...... J-P . Gauthier 416 892. .3172 access them is to log on to our web site and then to scroll What struck me most was the sheer size of Algonquin Park which is a true Canadian jewel. down our home page to find links to all catalogues, web Website It was supposed to rain all day Saturday but we were lucky and encountered just a few site specials, shipping deals, photos of the week, links to Web Manager/Classifieds . . . . Keith Stewart 519 660. 1916. sprinkles. Phew! A full report will be in the next edition of Ragtop. our weekly newsletters, British car events, cars for sale, The 35th British Car Day was another grand day with some 1,007 LBCs on the field and Club Coordinators best part of 9,000 people enjoying the cars and vendors at Bronte Creek Provincial Park. and much more. A “New Navigation” page has been Meeting Coordinator ...... (Vacant) Interclub Coordinator ...... Tony Fox Sr . 905 632. .0479 You’ll find a report in this issue. added to most catalogues and to all weekly deals as they Ambassador-at-Large ...... Wayne McGill 905 .847 5532. There seems to have been a ton of events to keep us busy over the summer, including Regalia ...... Dion Widrich 416 .464 6057. are offered, making them very easy to use. Historian ...... Frank Manning 905 643. 2359. a number of drives, the perennial favourite car shows of Brits in the Park in Lindsay and Volunteer Coordinator ...... Ron Etty 905 .929 2419. Brits on the Lake in Port Perry and many, many more. Now all of a sudden it’s October and Shipping Deals BCD Sponsors ...... Frank Manning 905 643. 2359. I’m wondering where the summer went! Dave Sims 905 .331 .1496 One method of shipping used by TRF is by Priority Mail in flat-rate boxes. This is an inexpensive Motorsports ...... Simon Rasmussen 905 853. .2514 Coming up on Tuesday, November 27 is our AGM, to be held at the Canadian Legion in Streetsville. You will receive more information via an e-Blast and as always details are way to ship with weight limits up to 9 kg. or about 20 pounds. TRF provides shipping quotes on all Model Coordinators posted on our Events Calendar. The effort taken to hold a full slate of events, produce TR-2, 3, 3A & 3B ...... Keith Stewart 519 660. 1916. international orders before shipment. David Tushingham 416 419. 2201. Ragtop, keep up with memberships, keep the web site fresh, write articles for Ragtop, TR-4, 4A ...... John Lille 416 .231 3092. monitor the Forum, keep the finances in order and many, many other things is huge and Box Size: 11 inches x 8.5 inches x 5.5 inches—Ships for Just $35.00 U.S. Keith Stewart 519 660. 1916. TR-5, 250 ...... David Tushingham 416 419. 2201. so I wanted to take the opportunity to thank all who contributed in 2018 and ask you to Box Size: 13.5 inches x twelve inches x 3 inches—Ships for Just $35.00 U.S. Ron Etty 905 .929 2419. seriously consider taking on a role in support of our Club in 2019. We especially need a TR-6 ...... Wayne McGill 905 .847 5532. Meeting Coordinator, a position that has been vacant for two years. If you prefer, you can Box Size: 12 inches x 12 inches x 5.5 inches—Ships for Just $48.00 U.S. Johan Aaltink 905 .508 8113. Spitfire, GT6 ...... J .P . Gauthier 416 892. .3172 take this on with a pal to spread the load - please let me know if you can help out. Box Size: 24 inches x 11-3/4 inches x 3 inches—Ships for Just $48.00 U.S. Warren Beech 416 824. .3560 In 2019, it’s our turn to host Spring Fling and so far nobody has volunteered to take on TR-7 & 8 ...... Brad Reynolds 905 .332 3245. Ron Etty 905 .929 2419. the lead of this classic event which incorporates friends from both the Toronto Triumph Club Weekly Newsletters Stag ...... Tony Fox Sr . 905 632. 0479. and MG Car Club of Toronto. We cannot let Robin Searle 705 484. .0071 this important event slide, so I’m hoping More than fifteen-thousand enthusiasts receive our email newsletter Herald, Vanguard, Roadster ...... Kem Jones Welcome New Members! kemjones2012@yahoo that one of our.ca 300 members will put their Name Location Vehicle twice each week. These include sales and shipping deals you not might name(s) forward soon. Time is marching on Adrian Byrne Oakville find otherwise. If you read the newsletters and order from weekly Event Coordinators and up front work is required to secure a Stephen Cairns Belleville British Car Day Chair ...... Dave Sims 905 .331 .1496 suitable venue. Ralph & Kimberly Evans Shelburne 1937 Continental promotions, you will save huge amounts on big projects and full Canadian Classic 2018 ...... Alex McLeod 1967 GT6 Spring Fling ...... MG Car Club All that remains for me to say is to restorations, up to 50% on certain popular parts Brent Haeber Sharon Annual BBQ . . . Warren Beech warrendbeech@hotmail .com sit down over a coffee and read the fall Mike Pearse mpearse99@gmail .com Andre Jean St Jean Port Joli, QC Stag 1973 “Thanks to Canada for Providing a Moral Compass Fall Drive ...... Alec McLeod edition of our award-winning Ragtop. Richard Joyce Brampton 1/2 Day Drives ...... (Volunteers wanted) Enjoy! Jordan Kurtin Toronto TR6 1973 Michael McKeever Cobourg to North America in the 21st Century.” Club Photographers . . . . . Larry Llewellyn 416 245. .9217 Chris Lindsay 416 .233 7360. Dave Sims Joe Pavao Brantford Ian Salter Scarborough President – Membership Mail Stephen Silber Oakville TR6 1973 74 West River Street Oakville Ontario L6L 3B5 The Roadster Factory, 328 Killen Road, Armagh, PA 15920, U.S.A. [email protected] Keith Wood London Ragtop E-mail Members from 6 July 2018 – 11 October 2018 Telephone 800-234-1104 • Fax 814-446-6729 Editor@TorontoTriumph .com www.the-roadster-factory.com or at www.trfweb.us Ragtop I Fall I 2018 www.TorontoTriumph.com 7 club hub club hub Hagerty Event Shepherding Triumphs by Clive Huizinga The Civic Holiday long style. Perhaps not – well, maybe with weekend ½-day drive was held the new yellow Stag? In any event, we In April, Andrew Count of expected and on the day instead on Saturday morning, August 4. continued north to Campbellville for Hagerty Canada asked if the of 15 cars there were at least 40, We gathered at Tim Horton’s at our habitual coffee stop at the Trail Club could provide some cars including North American cars Trafalgar Road and Postridge Drive Eatery on Crawford Crescent. for a special event on August 7. both old and new, original and in north Oakville, and departed After the break, we followed The event was being held at the modified, as well as Porsches at 9:30 a.m. in two groups, with Canyon and Limestone Roads Canadian Automobile Museum and Ferraris. A fantastic selection the goal of meandering north eastwards over to Appleby Line in Oshawa and was being held of cars including one of my and westwards on some well- and then headed south, down the to promote their Classic Car favourites a 1998 Ferrari 355 GTS. trodden and beloved byways Rattlesnake Hillclimb route (where Insurance to insurance brokers. At 11 a.m. the brokers picked through Escarpment country to Dave Sims had camera ready to They were looking for 15 cars, cars out of a hat. Three of us Campbellville. catch some of the action on the not all Triumphs. The idea was were selected and we all went Ten cars participated with sixteen hairpin bends), to Britannia Road that the brokers could see the for a ride down to the lake front, people in total. The group included 5 and then continued south on Bell cars, take a ride in them and and parked which allowed us TR6s, 2 Spitfires, a Stag and a TR250, School Line, past the Burlington understand how passionate to look at all the other cars. One plus a modern Ford Focus. As has Airpark and continuing on to owners are for these cars. A few of the people we gave a ride to been very typical this summer, the Tremaine, where participants started days before the event Richard was Randy Goudeseune who is a weather was dry and sunny with dropping off to wend their separate Tisdale had to back out as his reporter for Old Autos newspaper, a few scattered cirrus clouds in an ways home. TR250 was having problems with as well as being an insurance otherwise blue sky. The temperature Glenn Sadlier had a problem with a fuel leak. On the day at about broker. Maybe he wrote up this hovered around 30º C – probably his flock of black faced Suffolks across the his Ford Focus at the start, with a flat 10 a.m., four Triumphs arrived in event for the newspaper. in the mid-thirties when the humidex was road from one field to another! It was very battery, but he succeeded in getting it up Oshawa; Robin Searle with his Once we got back from the factored in. There was a trace of a light reminiscent of driving on 1960’s rural roads and running again after a 50 minute delay; 73 Stag, Don Johnson 77 Spitfire, morning run we had a chance zephyr at times – but not the old English in England or Wales, and quite a befitting managing to complete a solo run with Randy Brittenden with his new to to go around the Canadian Ford type. On some stretches, a panoply encounter for a group of Triumphs. Moira doing the navigation – as Dave later him 73 TR6 and Clive Huizinga 75 Automobile Museum, which of overhanging and intertwined branches Following the delightful ovine encounter, commented, “It goes to show that mishaps TR6. The day was hot and sunny is well worth a visit if you have covered the route, bringing a discernable our route continued westwards via are not just confined to LBCs”! as most days were this summer. not seen it. Then we had lunch and welcome drop in temperature while Sideroad 2 over to Zimmerman, past some It turned out to be another enjoyable Andrew’s call to other clubs provided by Hagerty from a under such verdant cover. dressage and hunter jumping equestrians three-hour, local drive on roads for was more successful than he lunch truck brought in for the Our initial route from Oakville took us exercising their steeds at the which our cars were surely westwards on Lower Baseline Road over the Reschburl stables and then originally designed. I clocked 16 Mile Creek tributaries to Tremaine Road. northwestwards to Walkers about 64 miles door to door, As we passed by the Oakville Executive Line where we delved onto although some participants GC, we faced a completely unexpected, Sideroad 4, a beautiful, covered significantly more new road hazard – not the usual crowd relaxing byway that meanders miles – with Patrick and of spandex-clad cyclists who were, along the mid-reaches of Alexis adding a further 200 nevertheless, out in force but something Bronte Creek over to Appleby miles to their outing by quite different, harkening back to days of Line and then took Britannia returning home via Niagara- yore – a genuine shepherd was herding Road over to Lowville. At on-the-Lake! this point our planned route was to follow Thanks for joining us but if you didn’t event. Very good idea. Britannia Road west to Cedar Springs but participate because perhaps you live just a After lunch there was another run for “Local Traffic Only” signs suggested a quick little too far away from the starting point, the brokers. With more cars than brokers, rethink was in order which resulted in us why not plan a ½-day drive (60-90 miles) car owners were encouraged to take a ride taking Guelph Line northwards to Derry on back roads and byways closer to your in another make. Our Triumph’s were in Road and then turning west to rejoin Twiss abode and invite members to join up with demand particular with owners of more Road, east of Kilbride village. The ‘esses’ you? Dave and I started these drives five modern North American cars. coming down off the Escarpment on Twiss or six years ago as informal, “invite our LBC It was a good day and Hagerty was Road are always a treat. Gord Linkletter friends” events and they have grown in very appreciative of everyone that had requested that a ‘road closure’ be arranged popularity ever since. brought there cars to the event. so that one could really take the bends in

8 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Fall I 2018 Ragtop I Fall I 2018 www.TorontoTriumph.com 9 club hub club hub

Brits On The Lake all of which were parked along the length by Terence McKillen of Queen Street. There was a “Cars for Love’s Labour’s Lost Sale” paddock located on Perry Street with numbers were certainly Apologies to the Bard of Avon Ontario towns, born out of the about a dozen cars available. down on previous years. for using the title of his comedy, believed Industrial Revolution (water The Toronto Triumph Club was well- Hopefully, this trend doesn’t to have been written in the mid-1590s, as mill), Waterdown seems to be represented by both participants and reflect on the popularity of the title of this piece. You may, or may not, expanding today at an exponential spectators with a fair number of TR3s, classic British car ownership understand this play on words by the time rate but the area was originally Spitfires, TR4s, TR250s, TR6s, TR7s, TR8s, in general. The motorcycle you have finished reading this short report. occupied for thousands of years by GT6s and Stags on display – of which the event usually held on Water Twelve Triumphs and a contemporary Algonquin-speaking First Nations’ following made it to the winner’s circle: Street in support of Sick Kids Jaguar turned out on yet another hot peoples from at least 7,500 BCE Hospital did not take place in Spitfire & GT6 Robert San Antonio 1978 Spitfire 2nd place and humid late summer day – Labour (Triggs, J., Wilfrid Laurier University). having missed the turn south onto Main TR2, 3 & 4 Frank & Pauline DeCarlo 1959 TR3 1st place Port Perry this year, and likely Day Monday morning, September 3, for En-route, we managed to avoid Street. Dave had previously provided Dave & Jan Cobden 1959 TR3 2nd place our end-of-summer the worst of the everyone with a route map and driving The 10th annual gathering Ray Prince 1961 TR4 3rd place instructions ahead of time but without of classic British cars in downtown TR 5 & 6 Patrick Caria 1974 TR6 1st place half-day drive. construction a dedicated in-car navigator, that Port Perry was held this year on Richard Tisdale 1968 TR250 2nd place Temperatures were currently underway didn’t prove to be a fool-proof solution. Sunday, August 19. It was a lovely TR7, 8 & Stag Robin Searle 1973 Stag 3rd place in the low 30s with on Appleby Line a humidex factor and Cedar Springs However, in good TTC tradition, the day for the Queen Street car show, Some of my picks on Queen Street this making it feel more Road but enjoyed strays found their own “twisties” down with temperatures around 18-20 year included a 1950 in like a stifling 41 the new surface to Lakeshore Road. degrees and some cloud cover; ideal what looked like original patina – hard to degrees. It was a far recently applied on The planned route then followed for leisurely examination of cars and tell the original colour, a 1954 MG Arnolt cry from last year’s Side Road 2. As usual, Old York Road, over Hwy 6 and on to motorcycles while standing around Coupé, and a MG TF, and of course, Frank drive on the same we encountered a the village of Dundas and then working chatting to friends. and Pauline DeCarlo’s beautiful 1959 TR3A. back home through Hamilton via Plains Brits on the Lake is hosted by date during which, as I recall, we had to plethora of cyclists, some but not all of resort to rain protection and perhaps a whom understood the principle of sharing Road and then Lakeshore Road, through the Port Perry Downtown BIA and resulted in a much smaller crowd mingling little bit of heat. the road with other users; perhaps it may downtown Burlington and on to Trafalgar promoted by Bob DeShane of Britspeed on Queen Street. Brits on the Lake used Sixteen participants assembled at be in order to add a set of air horns to one’s Road in Oakville. Special Tuning, Little Britain Motor to be a two-day affair, with a Saturday Tim Horton’s on Trafalgar Road/Postridge Christmas wish list? Unlike previous years at this time, there Company and its affiliates, evening drive taking Drive, just south of Dundas Street at 9:00 Following the coffee break, three was little indication in the vegetation (or the Mowog University participants through a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. departure; to follow of our number broke away for solo the ambient temperature, for that matter) and Burlwood Motorsport some scenic parts of the some of our customary, carefully-chosen ventures home while the remainder set suggesting that summer will be coming to Club. The Austin Healey Scugog area as well as off to follow an end any time soon. Sprite was this year’s the Sunday car show on Snake Road The participating Triumphs comprised featured model. Queen Street. However, down the 7 TR6s, 1 Spitfire, 1 TR250, 1 TR8, 2 Although there this year it was only the Escarpment Stags (including Gord Linkletter’s newly was a good turn-out Sunday car show. but a number christened bright yellow restomod), and of British cars and a Happily, the quality strayed off a lovely BRG 1969 E-Type Jaguar. It was few motorcycles, this and variety of British course and great to have so may out for an enjoyable observer felt there marques and models became lost on drive. Most participants would have were significantly fewer represented was Dundas Street, clocked about 80-90 miles door-to-door. participants than last year and those excellent with both classic and modern saloon and sports cars to the odd BSA and AJS motorcycle and a Lambretta scooter,

back roads north of Oakville and Burlington, hither and thither over the Escarpment, to a coffee break in Waterdown, at the Centre Road Tim Horton’s. Situated on the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, and like many small, southern

10 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Fall I 2018 Ragtop I Fall I 2018 www.TorontoTriumph.com 11 owners manual Getting to know our members Sean Carvalho

compiled by Alison Postma (E: [email protected]) Name / Owner: Sean Carvalho Born: 1992, Cambridge, Ontario Residence: Kitchener, Ontario Member Since: 2018 Triumph: 1970 GT6, purchased used 2014, 3rd owner Occupation: ISO/Quality Engineering Coordinator – ColtCanada.com TTC Involvement: Member Pets: 2 Cats Children: Does my GT6 count? Significant Other: Kylene Favourite Place: Northern Ontario Favourite Reading: Engineering, Mechanics, Machining, Automotive, Target Sports Favourite Movie: Inception Favourite Food: Beer Can Chicken Three people I would invite to dinner: Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, James May Hobbies: Photography, Cars, Target Sports, Paintball, Music Favourite Music: Electronic, Alternative Rock Triumph Cars. Longing for a project vehicle, an TR2-8 Spitfire Herald Other vehicles currently owned: 1998 Toyota opportunity presented itself towards the end of Celica GT-Four (ST205), 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer, my education where I could support the purchase Stag GT6 Vitesse 1975 CB360T and ownership of such a project and thus the Dolomite 2000/2500 Past Restorations: None to date, my GT6 is search for a GT6 of my own began. Since the Visit our website the first vehicle (and perhaps test mule) which I purchase of my car, I have involved myself with the have started to restore. local British car club community (Waterloo British for prices All the parts and accessories What got you into Triumph cars: My dad Car Club) and have tried to branch out to other and availability: you will ever need owned a GT6 when I was a child with the hopes communities to expand my exposure to other of a full frame-off restoration. I immediately fell awesome Triumphs (hello, Toronto Triumph Club!). www.rimmerbros.co.uk in love with the car on first sight and wanted The rest is history. Toll Free Ordering Free to help my dad as much as I possibly could to Background: Born and raised in Cambridge, Ontario, tel: 01144 1522 568000 Catalogues get it back on the road. Unfortunately due to Mechanical Engineering Technology – Design & Analysis from fax: 01144 1522 567600 8.30am - 5.30pm UK Office Hours Mon - Fri time and space constraints, my dad decided Parts service for Land , MG Rover and Jaguar also available Conestoga College, starting my career in Quality/Engineering 4 email: [email protected] to sell the vehicle to our neighbour. My dad’s years ago after graduating. Outside of my career I enjoy automotive LAND GT6 engrained a soft spot in my heart for mechanical design for my own projects as well as for my friends. ROVER from 1998 to 2011 12 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Fall I 2018 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 club events British Car Day by Terence McKillen were highlighted in the (36), TVR (19) and Aston stand-alone Souvenir Martin (17) finished out the top of Canada and Keith Smout from he 35th running of British Car Day® (+ humidex of 7) with about 8,400 Programme prepared 10 marques. Exotic Motorworks (our Platinum Tat Bronte Provincial Park, the undoubted spectators and 1,007 classic cars, trucks, by the Ragtop editorial The variety of Triumph Sponsor), under the supervision of highlight of our annual events calendar, and motorcycles on the field including team. models at the show generally Grand Marshall Tony Fox (Toronto was held on Sunday, September 16. some more modern representatives of This year, it appeared reflects the sales success of Triumph Club, Stag Owners Club, The show usually marks the end of the the surviving and apparently thriving to this observer that there the different Triumph models Triumph Stag Club USA and British summer classic car driving and social British marques. The featured anniversary were more Jaguars, Morgans, sold in Canada over the years of Saloon Car Club of Canada). This season in southern Ontario, although models at this year’s show were the – both original and new, as well as a which the roadster range from TR2 year, the Best of Show prize went there are still one or two shows left on Series I Land Rover (70 years), growing number of Series and Defender to TR8, Spitfires and GT6s comprise to the 1937 Triumph Continental, in the calendar. Farina, Austin Healey 100-6 and Sprite Land Rovers and, of course, a great the majority. However, we do get my opinion a very worthy winner, This year’s BCD was held in mid- (60 years), Morgan +8, Jaguar XJ6 and collection of TR6s out in force for the occasional examples of Triumphs but I also loved three other late summer-like 30+ degree temperatures TR6 (50 years) and the TR8 (40 years), examples of which were exhibited on 50th anniversary. that were less popular or didn’t 1940s-early 1950s offerings – the both sides of Sponsor Street. These Traditionally, the MG and Triumph survive in great numbers or weren’t 1950 Jaguar Mark V OHC owned and other models with anniversaries clubs vie for top spot at BCD with respect imported by Canadian dealers of the day. The Triumph numbers at the show by Julien Brosseau, the 1954 Singer to the number of each marque on show. In this category are the Post-War Triumph were: Spitfire + GT6 45; Stag 15; TR2- Roadster owned by John Steggles and Last year, MG won with 217 cars versus 1800/2000 Roadsters, the Mayflower, 5/250 29; TR6 82; TR7-8 21; other the 1947 2½-litre Riley RMB owned by 201 Triumphs. This year, MGs held on the Herald/Vitesse saloons/, Triumphs/Standards 5. Jamie Whitewood. Thanks to the number to first place with 199 cars while the the /2500 saloons and the Judging for the Best of Show car of Aston Martins at the show this year, number of Triumphs totaled 197. Jaguars , as well as the Stag, of was undertaken by Chris Holbrook I am more and more convinced that a traditionally hold third place with 123 which 15 were present this year. Show of the Triumph Stag Club USA, John Aston Martin DB7 Vantage cars this year and MINIS held on to fourth goers were treated to the spectacle of Burrows of the MG Car Club of Toronto, will make an excellent future classic place again with 109 cars – split between the 1937 Triumph Continental 200, one John Roden of the Morgan Car Club along with its somewhat cheaper design 55 original MINIS and 54 BMW MINIS, of only two surviving examples of the while Lotus retained fifth place with 58 model, owned and recently restored by cars. Austin Healey (45), Morgan (37), Ralph and Kimberly Evans.

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sibling, the Jaguar XK volunteers. In 2013, these figures were (both from the pen of Ian reversed. TTC volunteerism has fallen Callum); or perhaps an from 65 to 40 in six years. This will be a ex-British Military Land challenge that our club needs to improve.” Rover Defender finished The Charlie Conquergood Award in NATO green? The search this year was presented to current continues! Club Treasurer Clive and Jacquelynne For the first time, we Huizinga– a well-deserved award and presented a Long Distance recognition of a great couple who have Award for pre-registered supported and organized Club activities cars driven (not trailered) to British Car According to Ron, “British Car Day was for over fourteen years. Sandy McCrea, Day. Michael and Lynn Link started off once again successful thanks to our Charlie’s wife, presented the award. from Santa Maria, California in their wonderful volunteers. The setup of the Another first this year was in the form Triumph Stag but regrettably their car field and the packing of the goodie bags of a drive from Bronte Park on Saturday. developed a water pump problem in on Saturday went very well, Arizona and they had to return home. If mostly because of four OUR PARTS FINDER they had made it to Bronte they would incredible people—Cam Meet Davin, have travelled over 3,000 miles one way! Theroux, Richard Sharpe, Maggie Sims and Johan “SEARCHING FOR HARD-TO-FIND PARTS Aaltink. Cam and Richard did a remarkable job leading IS A LOT LIKE PEELING AN ONION. YOU GO teams laying out the fields (and completing the job in ONE LAYER AT A TIME AND TRY NOT TO CRY.” record time). Maggie worked her usual magic with the goodie bags, stuffing over a thousand of them despite a shortened crew this year. Johan arrived with his new invention (patent pending) that greatly simplified the vendor field layout. Johan spent a lot of time Michael is determined to attend BCD planning and constructing next year. The winner was Jim Cox who this masterpiece. On Sunday, we were After a pizza lunch, three Toronto drove his TR6 (the engine had just 300 fortunate that Vic and Bev Whitmore Triumph Club members led a nice mix miles on it when he started out) from capably led our computer team due to of LBCs on some of the best twisty roads Smithfield, Kentucky; a drive in excess of the illness of Chris Stewart. We were along and over the Escarpment to the 600 miles one way. fortunate also for Maggie Sims to lead the Trail Eatery in Campbellville. Following a Of course, BCD doesn’t just happen; Registration, Warren Beech to position quick break, some of the group returned When your claim requires finding some automotive needle it takes the best part of a year in pre- the vendors, Mike Pearse and his team to the Holiday Inn in Burlington directly in a haystack, Davin’s your man. He has one job here at planning, countless volunteer hours to collect the money, and J.P. Gauthier, to get out of the oppressive heat while a by the members of the BCD Planning Chris Lindsay, Kim McCartney and Mark smaller group descended the Rattlesnake Hagerty: when a client needs a replacement part, he finds Committee and members of our Club Donaldson leading the marshals.” Point historic motor hill climb before it. And though that sometimes involves hours of searching and Executive. As well, more than 130 “I had the joy and privilege of meeting heading back down to Burlington. and frustration – maybe even a few tears – he wouldn’t volunteers supervised by Ron Etty are and organizing over one hundred Thanks to all who supported BCD trade his job for anything in the world. It’s that kind of required over the two days preparing volunteers. Saturday volunteers were this year, including the sponsors, passion that makes him perfect for Hagerty, and makes for, running the event and cleaning down about 25% this year from other advertisers, participants, all volunteers, Hagerty perfect for you. CLASSIC CAR INSURANCE up afterwards. We also acknowledge years. Sunday volunteers were down Committee members, Bronte Park volunteer help from other car clubs, about 20% from last year. This year on staff and our 7-term, and apparently 800-92877-922-97012-4050 | HAGERTY.COM | HAGERTY.CA | LOCAL AGENT Hagerty. We may sell insurance but we live classics. along with students and others finding us Sunday there were about 40 TTC members indefatigable Committee Chair, Dave through the website or word of mouth. who volunteered and about 65 non-TTC Sims. ragtop

16 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Fall I 2018 Ragtop I Fall I 2018 www.TorontoTriumph.com 17 J.D. AUTO SERVICES pre-war Triumphs British & European SPORTSCARS 1937 TRIUMPH 2-LITRE Josip (Joe) Dukova

CONTINENTAL SALOON by Kimberly Evans

o, we hadn’t previously heard of itN either! My husband Ralph and I joined the Headwaters British Car Club when it was formed ten years ago when Ralph had just discovered British cars. During that time we’ve had several British cars, including a 1967 Triumph GT6. Throughout his misspent youth, Ralph drove American muscle cars. As there are currently two in our garage, I can safely say he has not abandoned his first love but British cars were a new and unexplored joy.

History The Continental was one of two new models introduced by Triumph for the 1937 model year. The Continental was very similar to the 2-Litre version of the roadworthy condition while maintaining the colours reversed (light colour on Dolomite, except the Continental had a its original-style bodywork. It is located top). It was once again dark green when more classic-shaped radiator and twin in England. Special mention to her owner we acquired the car and the interior was dipping headlights. It was made only Duncan Smith for sharing photos which dark green at that point, although not for 1937 and just 26 or so were ever helped us fit “tab A into slot B” on several original. In some older photos, the paint manufactured. occasions. However, being coach built, the does appear to be black, but in actuality BRITISH CAR Our car was the factory-supplied model two Continentals are not identical in all was green. displayed at the British International Motor aspects. There are subtle differences both After the 1936 Olympia show, the car Show, held at the Olympia exhibition under the hood and in the body work. was sold to Arthur Haynes who appears to Rexdale Blvd. centre in London from October 15 to 24, To the best of our knowledge, the car have held on to it for thirty or more years, REPAIR SHOP 1936 – hence the UK license plate “CON was originally grey in colour. We don’t eventually passing it on to Andy Metianu l TRIUMPH 200”. She still sports the original English know which of the two different grey who took the car to Scotland sometime in license plates and in addition, we were able options that would be (Birch or Ailsa), so the 1960s. The third owner, a Dr. K. Paeker l MG to obtain Ontario license plates with the don’t know the original interior colour for brought the car to Canada around 1970. 301 Rexdale Blvd. Unit C, same lettering. At the time, the Continental certain. It is entirely possible the interior Louis Pantaleo, a veteran of the Royal was the top of the Triumph line and sold has always been green. The exterior was Regiment of Canada and Past-President Etobicoke, Ont. M9W 1R8 l LOTUS for £368. Ace wheel discs were fitted for painted dark green while in the hands of the Vintage Triumph Register was the TEL: (416) 746-1048 Martin Grove l JAGUAR an extra nine guineas (£9.9s.). At present, of the second owner. The fourth owner fourth owner. In the late 1980s, Peter C. there is only one other Continental in painted it ivory and black but they had McKenna of Toronto became the fifth

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owner and he showed the car at the had to be acquired or hit at some point and a repair completed Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance at fabricated. The body on the right rear fender beside the boot Rochester, MI in August of 1990. A month of the Continental lid. The damaged part had to be cut out later it was at British Car Day where it won is aluminium over and a new patch fabricated and installed. 1st in Class, according to Toronto Triumph a rot-proofed ash As Ralph does not weld aluminium, he Club records and it was observed several frame. The doors bonded the panel in place. In addition, all years later at the Jaguar Owners’ Concours and boot lid are of the internal boot panels that are covered also aluminium. The had to be fabricated, as the original pieces fenders are steel and had been enjoyed by the storage mice. 1940 Triumphs are a very rare commodity racing a Triumph motorcycle. Parts had before. It was a combination of a disk with they had what seemed like an inch of body The mice also enjoyed eating all the in our part of the world and we had no been machined, but not reassembled. a left hand tread sandwiched between two filler on them covering up all the original foam out of the front and back seats. The idea that the Triumph marque had even If you have ever dismantled a vintage spring-mounted balancer halves. When mounting holes for the runners. contemporary Triumph sales brochure produced saloon cars during that period. motor and rebuilt it, then you will previously disassembled, someone hadn’t Since we had a number of old pictures highlights the luxurious armchair seating in We were intrigued by our first glimpse, and appreciate the difficulty of assembling realised there was a left hand thread so of CON 200, it was easy to see all the dings the Continental and other models for 1937 quickly arranged to see the car in person one that was dismantled by someone else! they attempted to pull the disk off the and dents it had acquired over time. Once all which comprised unpleated leather with and to gauge her present condition. Ralph’s Unfortunately, very little was labelled – so it crankshaft, resulting in a curved disk. A the old paint and filler was removed, there Dunlopillo latex foam stuffing – a Dunlop abilities with a car are surpassed only by became a rather long and challenging task. fabricated fitting was found in a box of they all were, brazed in place. Numerous old product introduced commercially from 1933. his optimism, so when we braved the spare nuts and bolts which was used to repairs were reworked and finished. New wood floor panels were made event in Oakville (on June 28, 1998). As cold and the snow and came face to face Digressions remove the disk. A little work in a press and The replacement boot lid came off a to replace the pressboard flooring that sixth-in-line of ownership, we acquired with the sad reality, we could only see the At this point I feel I must digress, to some light machining at the local machine S.S. Jaguar of the same year which had had been acquired somewhere along the ‘Connie’ at the end of 2014. possibilities. Ralph was willing to do the share some of the other things that were shop and we were back in business. The a similar shape and curvature. The skin way. Ralph used Russian plywood, stained heavy work, if I agreed to look after parts happening as well as the things that two balancer halves also had a lining in was removed and the frame cut down to mahogany and clear coated to match The Find acquisition – and so, with a handshake, the we were learning while Ralph was busy them so we had the linings replaced along fit the Continental. Then a new skin was the original woodwork. He also custom- Sometimes you spend years looking for deal was done! I might have been more figuring out the inner workings of the with the clutch facings. After a year of fabricated and fitted. A lot of time was fabricated the firewall and something you have in mind to buy, and hesitant had I not been blissfully unaware Triumph’s straight-six motor. cleaning, painting and assembling, Ralph spent on the boot lid as it was the first time tunnel as both were missing. other times your paths just cross and of how scarce the missing pieces would I learned, through the internet, of was ready for some bench testing. Ralph had tried something like this. The previous owner had sourced a serendipity does the rest. It was the second actually prove to be! the existence of the Pre-1940 Triumph Prior to our acquisition, CON 200 had On the wooden body period bronze-cast scenario that brought CON 200 into our Motor Club in the UK (www.pre- spent 15-20 years in a partially open, boat- frame itself, only two bonnet mascot that had lives, and ultimately, into our garage and Bringing Her Home 1940triumphmotorclub.org/). It sounded storage unit. Mice had eaten the upholstery spots had to be repaired. never been chromed or hearts. A chance meeting between her A very short eternity later, we returned rather too good to be true but I contacted and the chrome was badly pitted. Gauges The bottoms of both drilled. Aside from one owner, who had finally come to grips with to trailer our precious new darling home. them to learn what I could about our car, had suffered from the dampness. A-Pillars had some rot as door handle, the spare the fact that he was unable to restore the After an attempt to fit bits on temporarily and tempted by tantalizing promises of Ralph rebuilt the 1991 cc OHV motor and they had been covered wheel and the sun visor car himself, and a fellow member of the and a good cleaning, she looked vastly photographs and information, found did all the bodywork and paint restoration in steel panels. The brackets (which the HBCC, led in November 2014 to our being improved already! The motor rebuild was ourselves members in no time at all. As it himself at home in our garage – his greatest old rusted metal was Pre-1940 Triumph Motor shown a photograph of the car in rather first on the agenda, so it would be some turns out, that was one of the smartest moves Triumph! However, the interior was redone removed, the woodwork Club helped to locate), lovely condition back in 1990. time before Ralph attempted body and we made as they have not only made good by Union Street Upholstery in Erin. repaired and new panels all brightwork is original Here is where I am forced to admit our interior restoration. on their promises but were instrumental in The boot lid, radiator, spare rim, door fabricated and welded to the car. Re-chroming total ignorance! As you likely know, Pre- The previous owner had been in the helping track down and ship various bits panel, sun visors, fog lamps, wiring harness back in. was done by Mayfair process of rebuilding the motor when and pieces that we could not even hope to and side mirrors were some of the items that The rear end had been Chroming in Toronto. he suffered very serious injuries while find through eBay. Duncan Smith, Graham Shipman and especially Steve Jacobs - we thank you!

The Restoration In the rebuild process, Ralph was delighted to find that small block Chevy ARP connecting rod bolts were a perfect match for the original bolts which were considered too weak. The harmonic balancer was something he had never seen

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The instrument gauges had suffered Driving commenting, “You cheeky monkeys. You’ve of the summer enjoying the view from significantly from the dampness during After three- and-a-half years of hard work, finished the restoration without telling us.” behind that pretty hood ornament and, the long period in storage, so all faces were Ralph’s efforts have paid off and CON 200 The World has become a very small place! of course, the Continental won Best in re-screened and the water temperature is once again hitting the open road and With 500 miles on the motor, some Class and Best of Show at the Toronto gauge was rebuilt by Nisonger Instruments turning heads. Now for the fun part! distributor adjustment and carburettor Triumph Club’s prestigious British Car Day of Mamaroneck, NY. Not being an SU carburettor guy, Ralph tuning, we no longer dread the sight of in September. struggled with an overly rich mixture a long steep hill ahead of us. We actually We find the Continental provides Painting with the twin SUs for several weeks. On participated in the HBCC Hill Climb in a comfortable ride and we are really After much deliberation, we decided to our first trip in the car to Orangeville June! We attended a number of local enjoying driving her. She seems very paint the car black and tan and finish the and back, we consumed a whole tank of car shows throughout the summer and happy cruising along at 50-55 mph. interior in cream leather. The headliner is petrol – over a distance of about 52 km; were pleased with the attention and The large drum brakes are just about as light beige (very similar to original), and and at least one set of spark plugs. You will positive comments received from Triumph effective as those on our 1967 Triumph the carpet is leopard print (with black have to ask Ralph the mistake he made aficionados and the general public alike. GT6. Now that the carburetion has been leather trim), which ties all of the interior when reassembling the carbs as he hasn’t We also attended the All British Car sorted out, the fuel consumption is and exterior colours together beautifully. confided in me! However, with the mixture Show in Caledon where she was the better than on our first outing – figures At her age, we thought she deserved a his own cars knowing there will be the odd the past until a local paint specialist told problem finally resolved, a few oil leaks still People’s Choice as well as Best in Show. for the contemporary 2-Litre Dolomite touch of whimsy! imperfection somewhere. He knows where him about the Mezier product. It works needed attention, but as Ralph says, it is At the Mount Forest Fireworks Festival were reported around 18 mpg and All the body work was completed and they are. Home garage paint jobs need great with very little splatter and wipes off a British engine after all and they always she received Best European award. The we are getting at least that. However, primed using SPI Southern Polyurethane lots of final sanding and buffing. Mezier easily with a clean towel. leak oil. On that first outing to Orangeville, Fiddleville Parade in Shelburne was I’m sure Ralph will find lots of little Inc. epoxy primers, finish primer and black compound was used after 1500, 2000, 2500 While the body was out for upholstery, someone photographed the car and our first opportunity to drive her in a improvements to keep him busy over base coat. The tan base coat was BASF. and finally 3000-grit sand papers. The more refinishing, restoration and painting of the unbeknown to us sent it to the Pre-1940 parade, and the open sliding roof was the winter months. We are very pleased The clear coat was also SPI which Ralph you sand, the easier the buffing becomes. front fenders was completed and they were Triumph Club. Within a few minutes we very convenient for tossing candy to the to have rescued this important piece of found to be very user-friendly. He paints Ralph had tried several different brands in installed once the body returned. received an e-mail from the guys in the UK younger spectators! We spent the rest Triumph motoring history. ragtop

coachwork, charming appearance and engine that Triumph had built under Complete Story by Graham Robson & Triumph’s Design Department, started work later Dolomites. excellent performance of the Continental license, but from 1936 onwards, Triumph Richard Longworth (1979), one of the on the body design before Warner moved Contemporary advertising by Triumphs 1936-1940 was designed to appeal to the discerning started using their own engines. The new authors states, “Having owned a 1938 over to S.S. Cars in 1935 and The Motor Sanderson & Holmes of London Road, motorist appreciating refinement and engine developed over 70 bhp although Dolomite 2-Litre this writer can add that review noted that wind noise had been Derby, a Triumph distributor, described by Terence McKillen taste. When introduced in 1936, the under the RAC method of horsepower photographs rarely do the car justice. minimised by the use of fairings, whilst the the Continental as “Capable of speeds Dolomite made quite a splash with its rating, the Continental was classified In real life, on the road especially, it body was heavily felted and insulated from exceeding 80 mph with quite a surprising etween 1936 and 1940 Triumph rather ostentatious waterfall grille design at 16 hp (15.7) for road tax purposes has a rakish, hunkered-down look, as the chassis. Felt or rubber composition was degree of silence, the new season’s models madeB a range of saloons, sporting but to many admirers, Triumph had gone with the referenced review (The Motor) attractive now as it was in those distant used at all joints to obviate the possibility personify all that distinguishes luxury saloons, drophead coupés and roadster somewhat beyond its traditional image. indicating an annual road tax of £12 for years between Depression and World of body squeaks and rattles. Standard driving and riding from mere mechanical coupés under the Dolomite, Vitesse and To quell those dissents, Triumph delivered the Continental. The car was capable of War. Dolomite and Continental bodywork equipment included Triplex glass all transportation. The 1937 Triumph cars make Continental model names. The cars were the Continental, a Dolomite in all but the speeds up to 80 mph. was exceptional – of that there can be round, a 4-point jacking system, the usual a strong appeal to those people who think powered by Triumph’s own 4- or 6-cylinder flamboyant front end. The engine, was cushion-mounted no question.” It is not clear where the dashboard instruments, twin-dipping Biflex for themselves – who are not standardised overhead valve engines in 1.5-Litre, In the October 6, 1936 issue of The at four points, has push-rod-operated Continental’s coachwork was done – in- headlamps and a compensated voltage – who have individuality of thought and 1.8-Litre and 2-Litre displacements. The Motor, the newly announced Triumph overhead valves, and the crankshaft is house by Triumph, or possibly by Avon control to the dynamo. The was taste – who do appreciate the finer points Dolomites were readily identifiable from was reviewed noting that the Triumph fully balanced with a torsional oscillation Bodies, Cross and Ellis or Salmons Sons, reported at 9 ft 8 ins., the track at 4 ft 4 ins., of a car which is designed with a distinction the other models by their ‘waterfall’ Continental “embodies many of the damper at the front end. The gearbox all of whom did coach building for some ground clearance of 6¾ ins. and overall of appearance and beauty of line, refined or ‘fencing mask’ radiator grilles. The features of the model with which Donald was of unit construction and included of the contemporary Triumph Dolomite, length of 15ft 7½ ins. in furnishings and having a well-managed Vitesse was the first of the models to use Healey won a premier award in the 1936 synchromesh on second, third and top Gloria and Vitesse models. Walter Belgrove’s artistic talents are performance. The Triumph is at home in the Triumph’s all-new, overhead valve engine Alpine Rally (actually a Vitesse fitted with gears (interestingly, the gears were The Motor went on to describe the reflected in the design of the bonnet best circles and moderately priced to meet and looked very similar to the earlier the new 2-litre Dolomite engine) and purchased from Austin as Triumph did not chassis frame as being outswept and mascot, an adaption of his earlier creation present day needs.” Gloria Vitesses. which Mr. Maurice Newnham, managing have the ability at the time to cut gears). underslung at the rear and reinforced with used on the 1935 Gloria; a naked lady with Despite the encouraging reception for The Triumph Continental, introduced director of the Triumph Co., Ltd., According to the Pre-1940 Triumph Motor a cruciform member at the centre. The flowing wings, as she leans forward with the trio of interesting, ‘modern’ models in October 1936 for the 1937 model year, subsequently submitted to a further 2,000 Club, at least one 4-cylinder Continental suspension is by means of long semi- her left foot firmly on a Triumph ‘globe’ delivered by Triumph in the late 1930s, the was a 5-seater sports saloon, perhaps a miles continental test.” has been recorded, but no official records elliptical springs damped by means of while the right knee is bent; as graceful as company’s financial woes continued to little less sporting in appearance than The Continental was equipped with have been seen to confirm whether large hydraulic shock absorbers. Lockheed any Rolls Royce ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ mascot. worsen and eventually the enterprise, first its contemporary sibling, the Triumph the new 2-Litre, six-cylinder OHV engine Triumph actually built it, but it may have hydraulic 12-inch drum brakes are used all This mascot graced the bonnet not only established in 1885, went in to liquidation Dolomite. Mounted on the 2-Litre which was derived from an earlier been made to special order. round with cable link hand brake. of the Continental, but also the Gloria in 1939, just as the prescient clouds of war (1,991 cc) Dolomite chassis, the roomy 6-cylinder -designed In the book, Triumph Cars – the Frank Warner and Walter Belgrove, of 1½-Litre and the Vitesses as well as on hung low over Europe. ragtop

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by Daniel Thomas Hays contend with bitter cold, snow, ice, rain Monte Carlo Tourer and mud. Driving one of the Triumph Triumph specials, Healey went on to win first place in the 1500 cc class and third place overall! he story of Triumph’s Monte Just as important to Triumph, three of the TCarlo Tourer began in September 1933 Glorias took 6th, 10th and 12th places, when Donald Healey signed on as the respectively, and all seven of its entrants company’s Experimental Manager. By the completed the grueling Monte. This was time he joined Triumph he had already indeed a watershed event for Triumph. assembled an impressive competition What to name Healey’s new ‘Sports resumé, particularly in rallies and trials Gloria’ when released shortly thereafter? dating back to the mid-1920’s. He Why, the Triumph Monte Carlo Tourer of competed in the Monte Carlo Rally each course! year from 1929 through 1933 and finished seventh in a supercharged Triumph AD-06-40 Super Seven in 1930 and won the Monte My Monte Carlo Tourer, Registration outright in an Invicta in 1931. So when # AD-06-40, was built by the Triumph Triumph went looking for someone to Motor Company at Coventry in July, 1934 bring sporting caché to its new range and immediately shipped to Portugal, of “Gloria” motorcars, Healey was an rigid, underslung chassis greatly arriving in Lisbon on August 11. Over the obvious choice. enhanced the Gloria’s sleek, lower ensuing years the car passed through a This Gloria range was truly a break- appearance and contributed series of owners until it was moved to the through for Triumph and represented excellent road handling Azores after WWII. While a great leap forward in style and characteristics. I’ve been told that the performance as compared with its old Healey’s plan for the new was raced and rallied range of Sevens and Super Eights. Healey’s Gloria was to modify the Speed extensively in Portugal first job was to ‘clean up’ the Glorias as Tourer to create a new model that would a number of years. These engines, built aluminium alloy pistons, larger valves, through the 1950’s, I have they went into production, but he was appeal to the customer who wanted a in-house by Triumph, were both sturdy polished valve ports and special valve not been able to locate given another challenge by Triumph’s practical, open sports car for both touring and reliable but Healey wanted more springs were fitted to the engine. In this any records to confirm Managing Director, who wanted a ‘Sports and competition. The body would be hand power which he obtained by increasing form the engine produced approximately this. The car was imported Gloria’ to fill out the range. paneled in aluminium over an ash frame. the capacity of the 1087 cc engine to 1232 48 bhp, a significant improvement over to the United States in The foundation for this new car was The bumpers were deleted, as was the cc (66 x 90 mm) and making a number of the unmodified engine. A four speed, non- 1973 and was acquired the 1933 Gloria Speed Tourer, a rakish sloped body paneling, horizontal petrol tuning modifications. Twin synchromesh transmission took the power by Mr. James Doorley of open four-seater styled by Frank Warner. tank and spare tire carrier and cover aft of operated by progressive linkage, a high to the rear axle. Providence, Rhode Island Warner developed a patented, unique the back seat. Replacing these were a flush compression cylinder head, high lift cam, Additional items were adjustable in 1974. While in Mr. feature for the doors of this model that rear panel closing off the bodywork behind “Telecontrol” shock absorbers front and Doorley’s possession the was to become a styling hallmark for the back seat, a massive 17-gallon vertical rear, a complete tool kit, spring gaitors, car was photographed Triumph sporting models. This was a slab petrol tank mounted directly behind permanently fitted jacks to front and and profiled in an article hinged section of the doors that could be the new rear body panel and a new twin rear axles, a full fabric hood and frame, team of seven cars to compete in the 1934 published in the November/December, swung down on the inside of the door for spare tire mounting tray at the car’s rear- tonneau cover, side screens, and two Monte Carlo Rally. These included three 1975 issue of The Vintage Triumph and cut-down, elbows out motoring; or left most extremity. The twin spare tires were illuminated rear number plates for Gloria saloons, two Gloria Tourers and, also photographed for inclusion (on upright for a conventional straight-across secured to the bodywork by means of a competition and continental touring. as the new car was not yet in production, page 69) in the Robson & Langworth body waistline. The chassis for this new unique, inverted ‘Y’-shaped metal strap. The instrument package included two ‘special’ Triumphs that would utilize book chronicling the history of Triumph Gloria was of longitudinal steel channel Next, Healey turned his attention speedometer, rev counter, 8-day clock, the new, tuned 1232 cc engine. The pre- motor cars (‘Triumph Cars – The Complete rails outswept and underslung at the to the engine. Triumph had licensed ammeter, oil pressure gauge, water war Monte was a backbreaking test of 75 Year History’,1979). The car passed rear, cross-braced with steel channels in the Coventry Climax in-line four and temperature gauge and petrol gauge. endurance run over poor roads, including through Mr. Doorley’s estate after his the center, and joined at each end with six cylinder engine designs (‘F’ Head – After completing the developmental many mountain passes. As the event was death in 2004 and was acquired by a additional steel bracing. The use of this overhead inlet/side exhaust valves) for work, Healey was instructed to prepare a held in January the participants had to Connecticut dealer in 2006.

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I discovered the Monte Carlo periods of stalled activity while Peninsula in 2008 and flew to Connecticut waiting for parts or completion of to inspect the car. Before making a key component. Finally, I retired the trip, I checked with the U.K. and we moved 250 miles south Pre-1940 Triumph Motor Club from the San Francisco Bay Area and learned that this 1934 Monte to the Central Coast of California. Imports Carlo was one of only a dozen or Thus freed of the daily grind, the so extant and apparently the only restoration was largely completed one in the western hemisphere. But by that would be required to complete a by the spring of 2015. LOTUS OF OAKVILLE this time it was in a very sorry state and restoration of this magnitude, I decided Another key point to emphasize is had obviously been stored outdoors that I wanted the car and had it shipped to that I could never have completed the for a number of years under a tarp. It California in September, 2008. restoration without the help of the Pre- was partially disassembled, its wings, While waiting for the car to be 1940 Triumph Motor Club and its members. running boards, bonnet, petrol tank, shipped across the country I searched While the Club resides in the U.K. there spare tire apparatus, dash, instruments, for a correct Triumph 1232 cc engine are active and enthusiastic members gauges, seats, door panels, trim pieces, and four-speed transmission. Through throughout the world. The club provided hardware, lamps and sundry other items dumb luck and the magic of the internet, essential technical knowledge benefiting lying about in disparate locations. What I quickly found just what I needed – in my project as well as invaluable assistance remained of the wooden floorboards were Germany! After viewing photos, I was in sourcing parts. I had the privilege of rotten and could not be salvaged. The able to strike a favorable deal and attending one of the annual Club meetings original Triumph engine and transmission arranged for crating and shipment to the in the U.K. in 2009 and met several of were gone and in their place were early U.S. I could hardly believe my luck and the members that would prove to be 1960’s-era British Ford units. The wire imagined that this would be a relatively ‘life savers’ as I encountered seemingly wheels, steel chassis and suspension quick and straightforward project. Reality insoluble difficulties along the way. components appeared to comprise a would soon shatter this illusion! rusted hulk. Body and Chassis But the picture was not as gloomy The Restoration Anyone contemplating a restoration as it first appeared; in fact the car held My objective was to restore the Monte project needs to be aware of the huge a great deal of promise. On the credit Carlo as close to original factory quantity of ‘car stuff’ you will accumulate side, as many of the car’s body panels specification as possible. This choice and need to store when you disassemble were made of aluminium they were had a significant impact on the cost and a car. I was astonished how much space all free of rust. Surprisingly, the ash frame duration of the project. I chose not to of these separated parts and components had been well preserved, was free of simply hand the car over to a one-stop took up as compared to the relatively rot and nearly entirely intact. The rust ‘restoration shop’ as I wanted to do as compact space an assembled vehicle on the wheels, chassis and suspension much as possible myself. I should explain occupies in one’s garage. At times I Special introductory offers including fi nancing & fl exible lease was mostly confined to the surface of that I was still working at this time with all had the windscreen, radiator shell and terms from 3.9% Inviting current Lotus owners to trade-up the metal, which would not require of the responsibilities of life that a family, bonnet panels stored under our bed, the EST82 extensive surgery. The original rear axle including a wife and three children brings. petrol tank and hood frame in the hall 2412 South Service Rd. West and differential were in place and could What time I could spare to work on the coat closet, radiator and wire wheels in Oakville ON L6L 5M9 be rebuilt, as were the hydraulic master car was usually limited to late evenings a crawl space along with our Christmas MOTOR VEHICLE GROUP 905-847-0838 and Sundays. My early efforts were limited decorations, dash instruments and gauges cylinder, brake drums and shoes and [email protected] emergency braking cable system. While to research, disassembly of components, in an office cabinet and all manner of the petrol tank was made of steel and was logistics, inventorying, organizing and things crammed into any available space rusted it was repairable. The car’s heavy searching for parts and scouting for I could find in our garage. Keeping an Browse our parts catalogues online copper radiator was intact and required specialists to help me tackle the major organized list of items and their respective www.peninsulaimports.com only routine repairs. Best of all, the Pre- aspects of the restoration. As I summarize locations is absolutely essential. 1940 Triumph Motor Club was familiar the restoration steps, I’ll specifically The first subcontractor I found was an with the car and were anxious to advise identify only a few of these ‘specialists’ excellent local body and paint shop. I had CANADA'S that contributed skills that are not easily viewed and been impressed with their BRITISH and guide a novice such as myself with MOTOR respect to its salvation. found in every locality. specialty work and engaged them to do HERITAGEAGE Eager to undertake a project and Progress was deliberate over the next the bodywork and paint beginning in late SUPPLIER ignorant of the time and resources four and one-half years with several 2008. This involved removing the body

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Peninsula 02.indd 1 17-05-19 7:00 PM pre-war Triumphs

tub and petrol tank from the chassis, various bushings for the front suspension repair was so good we tore down this unit we found that it down to silk-screening new dial faces stripping the body panels, repairing any and engine mounts with the help of the that the second was in very good shape save for a chipped and calibrating tachometers and damage, priming, sanding, applying color Club, but was left to my own devices to machine shop I took tooth on the reverse gear, which we speedometers to work with your car. and clear paint coats and color sanding find wheel bearings in the U.S. The wheels the engine to for elected to ignore. The rebuild required all The expense incurred here was the finished panels. The ash frame merely went to the Rite-Way wire wheel shop rebuilding preferred new bearings however, and this was our significant but really contributed to the required the replacement and tightening in Walnut Creek. California. There the Rick’s repaired biggest hurdle. Similar to the differential, quality of my restoration. With the new of fasteners. With the chassis now free heavily-rusted wire spokes were cut out block to a spare these were difficult to source and very gauges, we were able to scribe out a of the body the chassis was inspected so that I could get the rims and center block I purchased expensive. Once acquired, the rebuild was template to fabricate a new aluminium for cracks. Some were found and were sections blasted and powder coated from a Club relatively simple but we could not get dashboard and install everything in the car. welded. I took the chassis home to before new spokes were laced and the member as a back- the free-wheel mechanism back into the remove the suspension, brake apparatus, wheels were trued. I purchased tubes and up after getting transmission properly. Once again, a U.K. Chrome Plating and Glass wheels and rear axle. 18-inch vintage-type tires and had them that catastrophic Club member came to the rescue. Luckily, There is not an abundance of chrome mounted and balanced. diagnosis from he had a spare transmission apart and on my car but many of the items that I found a commercial vehicle radiator machine shop #1. through the exchange of photographs must be plated are large. These include shop about 30-miles from my home that This Triumph we learned that a spacer and one of the the radiator shell, headlamps, headlamp was willing to take on the reconditioning transmission shipped from Germany, I engine makes use of an unconventional bearings had been replaced in reverse support struts, side and tail lamps, folding of the radiator (originally fabricated for separated the two and removed all of the Coventry Climax design having overhead order. Once placed in the correct order, windscreen frame and spare tire tie-down Triumph by The Coventry Radiator & peripherals from the engine. I then took inlet and side exhaust valves. This the transmission was back together and apparatus. There are also many small parts Presswork Co., Ltd. at their Raglan works) it to the most respected engine machine presented an interesting challenge to functioned beautifully. including interior fittings, radiator and and also clean out the steel petrol tank shop (machine shop #1) in my area for a the second proprietor but even more petrol tank caps, door handles, mirror and and repair a number of leaks in its seams rebuild, but after several days the owner challenging was the need to use ‘white Hood, Side Curtains, Interior and Dash stone guards. These all needed plating and bottom. The shop was also able called me and told me to come back and metal’ bearing material for the main As I previously mentioned, the wooden and installation on the car. In the case of to fabricate replacement brackets for retrieve it as it could not be rebuilt. As you and connecting rod bearing surfaces (as floorboards were rotten and unusable the windscreen, new glass was installed attaching the radiator to the chassis. I can imagine this was quite a shock. He opposed to modern shell bearings). The (even as templates). Due to the chassis in the frame before the whole unit was delivered the petrol tank back to the paint told me that there was a cracked area on process of making or renewing these configuration these had to be remade attached to the car. shop for finishing and held the radiator the side of the water jacket and several bearing surfaces is called ‘babbitting’ and in four separate sections, including the aside for the future reassembly of the car. other cracks in the block and that no involves heating a soft metal alloy to a toe boards. Planning to make my own Conclusion Before the chassis could be matter how much time and effort he put liquid state and pouring the liquid alloy floorboards, I first made cardboard I have thoroughly enjoyed the long reassembled, the rear axle and into the engine, it would never be capable into forms. When the metal cools and templates but decided to engage a journey that has been this restoration differential had to be reconditioned. of anything other than briefly propelling a solidifies the forms are removed and the professional who used marine-grade ply project. I’ve learned a lot, met some While the crown wheel and pinion were car around his parking lot. soft alloy bearing surfaces are prepared and mounted them securely to the chassis. great people and had the satisfaction of cleaned and reused, all of the bearings Then I remembered seeing an advert and finished. My engine shop had access While in terrible condition, all of the completing my lifelong goal of restoring a and seals in the axle and differential had in a well-known automotive publication to only one senior gentleman who was seats and interior panels came with the vintage Triumph automobile. I’ve even had to be sourced and replaced. The time about a man who had a method of skilled at this process and had to wait car. My work here was limited to building the good fortune to win a few Concourse and expense involved in this aspect of repairing heavily damaged engine for his availability, which extended the wooden frames for the squabs and awards. But most of all, I now have the the restoration was considerably more blocks. His name is Rick Geertsema completion time to more than a year. I was finding a local craftsman to reupholster enjoyment of being able to drive my Monte than I had anticipated. Additionally, the and his business is called A&C Casting able to acquire new old stock piston and all items in leather and to fit carpeting Carlo whenever I wish. ragtop Lockheed hydraulic master cylinder for Rebuilders (located in Kelseyville, CA ring sets, valves and valve springs with to the floorboards. Additionally, as I had the brakes was completely rebuilt and www.accastingrebuilders.com). Rick help from Club members. The cylinder the old hood and side curtains to use as Dan Hays has been an avid Triumph new brake lines run along the chassis has nearly 60-years of automotive and bores were sleeved to match the piston templates, this same shop was able to enthusiast since receiving a toy model of rails to the drums. diesel engine welding experience and his dimensions. The Club was also able to make new ones, and a tonneau cover, out a TR2 as a child. As a teenager (and before I took the bare chassis, suspension I discovered that the steering box, method of repair is called fusion welding. supply all of the specifications we needed of heavy German Cloth. acquiring a driving license) he drove a bits, brake drums, etc. to a local shop column and steering wheel on the car were His technique involves heating the engine regarding clearances, torque settings, The dashboards on 1934 Monte Carlos friend’s TR4A and cemented his passion for for media blasting and powder coating. non-original parts and all of these had to block casting to a semi-molten state and valve timing, etc. were made of machine-turned aluminium. the marque. Since that time he has owned a While powder coating was not utilized by be replaced for safe operation. With all of ‘hot-welding’ the damaged area of the The four-speed transmission is also While one of these came with my car, it number of Triumphs and his garage currently Triumph in 1934, I sacrificed originality this completed, we reassembled the chassis casting. In the case of my engine block, unique in that it incorporates a ‘free was not usable as incorrect instruments houses a 1934 Monte Carlo Tourer, a 1935 in this respect for rust prevention and and suspension, attached the wheels and Rick was able to cut out a 5 inch by 3 wheel’ feature. When engaged this feature and gauges had been substituted over Gloria Southern Cross Roadster, a 1962 TR3B, longevity. I took the leaf springs to a well- now had a rolling chassis ready for mating inch cracked section on the side of the allows for gear shifting without double the years. I was able to acquire correct a 1971 Stag and a 1976 TR6. Dan is now known spring shop in Northern California with the body and drive train. water jacket, tack in a new section and de-clutching; however, when coasting British Jaeger gauges and instruments retired and he and his very understanding for reconditioning and installation of then perform his fusion welding magic. the engine revolves independently of the from a U.K. Club member and had them wife reside on the Central California Coast. He new bushings. I was fortunate to be able Engine and Transmission He also repaired several small cracks on transmission and thus there is no engine- reconditioned by Palo Alto Speedometer. is a Member of the Pre-1940 Triumph Owners to source new old stock king pins and After uncrating the 1,232 cc engine and the face of the block. When done, Rick’s braking effect on the rear wheels. When The work this shop performs is incredible, Club and the ‘Sons of Lucas’ British Car Club.

28 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Fall I 2018 Ragtop I Fall I 2018 www.TorontoTriumph.com 29 pre-war Triumphs Pssst! Want Some Great Advice? Pre-1940 Triumph Motor Club Members in North America by Duncan Wood

esides the 1937 Triumph ContinentalB of Ralph and Kimberly Evans and the 1936 Southern Cross and a 1937 Monte Carlo owned by Dan Hayes (covered in separate articles in this issue), there are eleven other Pre-1940 Triumph You could search big catalogues for the best price owners in North America with an eclectic collection of cars. Between 1934 and You could buy parts from various suppliers 1937 about 200 Southern Crosses were built and not surprisingly, these are the You could pay huge shipping and crazy broker fees most common Pre-1940s model in North America. However, there are only thirteen You could be returning the parts reported extant today of which six are Duncan Wood – is the American and Canadian located in the USA. All of the records, parts Representative of the UK Pre-1940 Triumph Motor Club, You could... and other information of these Triumph with about 300 members world-wide. He resides in the cars were lost in a German bombing raid Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas and owns a 1936 Gloria over Coventry in September 1940. 1565 Hwy 5 West, RR#1 ...but why would you? Southern Cross among his collection of Triumph cars. Troy, Ontario, L0R 2B0 Dave Pilcher’s 1936 Gloria Vitesse DHC We are your local source for quality parts and only stock Toll Free 1-888-485-2277 Local: 905-627-9995 the best. When you consider the benefits of friendly local 24hr Fax: 416-410-6479 service, no quibble exchanges, next day delivery or same E-mail: [email protected] day pick-up, plus great advice and customer service, British Auto Sport is hard to beat. Try us for your next project!

Original Tool Kit for the Gloria Southern Cross British Auto Sport 1936 Gloria Southern Cross Toll Free 1-888-485-2277 Ragtop I Fall I 2018 www.TorontoTriumph.com 31 pre-war Triumphs pre-war Triumphs

Paul Higley – owner of several cars, Dennis Mamchur – owns a 1937 restored at this time. including a 1935 Gloria Southern Cross, a Southern Cross and has won many Dale Will – of Carbondale Colorado, 1929 Super Seven, 1932 Southern Cross. trophies in the U.S. Northeast. owns two Pre-war Triumphs, a 1936 1937 Triumph Gloria Mike Sabelhaus – owner of 1937 Gloria Dale Wills – from Colorado has a 1937 Gloria Southern Cross 4, and a 1935 Southern Cross (see separate story). Southern Cross with the 4 cylinder 1767 cc Gloria 6 Coupé. The Southern Cross, Dave Pilcher – has a very special car – a Triumph designed engine. Dale has also a quite similar to Duncan Woods’ car, has 1936 Gloria Vitesse 2-litre Foursome drop rather unique 1935 Gloria 6 Coupé in the benefited by the installation of the more head coupé with a Cross & Ellis body and process of restoration, powerful 14-60 1.8 litre engine with a we believe only seven were originally built Kevin Sponner – has 1930 Super cross flow head. While never catalogued Southern Cross BRY 64 by Mike Sabelhaus of which only three still exist with their Seven Tourer somewhere in the wilds of by Triumph, this engine was installed original body. This car came over from Colorado. in at least two Southern Cross by the the UK as part of a pair to participate in Joe Cain – of California has the only factory on special order. Several more, the New York to Montreal rally. We do not Dolomite in the U.S. which he acquired including both Will’s and Woods’ cars know the location of the other car. a few years ago after finding in a strange were uprated to this spec using engines John Hayes – has a 1934 Speed Tourer and unusual place. Steve Hedke, another from contemporary and he acquired a couple of years ago and P1940 member is assisting Joe in bringing Dolomite saloons. Will’s Coupé is rather has now found all the missing parts so the car back to life. This is the model which more rare, being the only surviving 6 he 1937 Triumph Gloria Southern TCross is not to be confused with the he can now start the rebuild. The car is has the Waterfall radiator shell and looks cylinder Gloria Coupé existent. Built on reputed to have belonged to a “B” actor very imposing. the short wheelbase Southern Cross Southern Cross model which was who used it as a “Boulevard cruiser”. (see Doug Gordon – lives in the Northwest chassis, Will’s coupe is complete and introduced in the early 1930s. Triumph separate story) and has a 1930 Super Nine that is being awaiting restoration. ragtop made a dizzying array of cars built on a common chassis. By what I can tell in the 1935-37 timeframe, the Gloria line had 8 different models (Tourer, Light Saloon, Vitesse Tourer, Vitesse Light Saloon, Monte Carlo Tourer, Coupé, Vitesse Coupé and the Southern Cross). There were also four engines available – 4 cyl.1232 cc, 4 cyl. 1497 cc, 4 cyl. 1767 cc, and a 6 cyl. 1991 cc unit. The 1232 and 1991 cc engines 1937 Triumph Gloria Southern Cross BRY 64 were designed by Coventry Climax but produced by Triumph under licence and Other interesting features the Devon area. The mid-1980s found the were of IOE (intake/inlet over exhaust) • Dual SU carburetors (one vertical, Gloria moving farther west to Cornwall configuration. The other two engines one horizontal) – I call it the brother with new owners Syd and Ann Staddon. At were of Triumph design and were of OHV configuration as the second kicks in this time a major restoration and engine design. You considered engines when about 2000 rpm and helps the first rebuild was performed, after which, the purchasing as the annual road tax was • Electric fuel pump owners record a 2000 mile journey to based on the bore/piston size. Engine • Freewheel transmission option Scotland in 1989. The Gloria reappears makers had to be creative. However, with • Luvax hydraulic shock ride adjustment near the Peak District (a highland area at such a bewildering array of configurations • Trafficator turn signals the southern end of the Pennines; mostly it is no wonder the company went in northern Derbyshire) in March 2000, bankrupt. Originally registered on 30 June 1937 in when a Classic Car Mart ad shows the car Leicester (Northeast Midlands), BRY 64 had for sale in Chesterfield. Later that year, BRY BRY 64 no discoverable history until the 1950s. 64 made its way to Northern Ireland, west • 1937 Triumph Gloria Southern Cross At that time, records indicate the Gloria of Belfast, with its new owner. In 2002, two-seat sports car residing in Devon (southwestern England). John Tozer purchased the Gloria where • Steel chassis with coachworks One can only assume that the Gloria it resided in London until we acquired • Red with Black wings (probably not the made it through the war years outside of her in September 2013 and imported her original colour) Coventry. By the early/mid 1960s, the car to Texas. There are nine owners that are • 1232cc Coventry Climax engine, with had gone through a few owners, some of known dating back to late 1950s but no 10.8hp (66mm bore x 90mm stroke) whom were in the RAF and stationed in record before that time.

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The overhaul and the 2000 mile journey In good Company Sometime in the mid-1980s the Gloria The previous owners when through a renovation as well as of the Gloria, John and an engine overhaul by owners Syd and Helen Tozer, purchased Ann Staddon. The article, written by the Gloria in 2002 from Auto Syd goes as follows: “After the overhaul R. Woodside of Ireland. and at just 500 miles on the completed Before the purchase restoration we did a marathon 2000 mile though, John had to tour in the Gloria. We were accompanied be satisfied that the by friends in a 1936 Riley Lynx and a 1955 Triumph was indeed Ford Popular. Starting in Truro, Cornwall better than an MG or Hibernation Gloria Southern Cross & WWII Spitfire the first leg was to Ross-on-Wye a 210 other comparable cars mile journey completed in 5 hours. The car of the period. Being a previous owner of a being the RAF museum. Now it just so performed great. With a confidence boost machine tool company and mechanically happens the museum had a Spitfire on on her performance and a good night’s minded, he needed to be satisfied with display, one of the best that defended sleep the next leg was on the motorways. this fact. Furthermore, as a previous race Britain during WWII. On occasion the The jaunt of 280 miles was hiccup-free to car driver, having built and raced Amilcars, airplane was parked outside. The museum Jedburgh (Roxburghshire), with the only winning at Silverstone and been a major staff, so taken by the Gloria, allowed John issue being modern cars tearing past us, to park next to the Spitfire. Coincidently only to slam on their brakes to see the “MG”. the airplane was also build in 1937. At this point, being the official start of our holiday, the Borders Vintage Car Club Today was hosting their rally at the Mellerstrain With a transfer of keepers and after a House. Out of 250 cars attending, we were somewhat long process of shipping and By the only pre-war Triumph. The next leg of importing her, BRY 64 now resides in our trip took the Gloria to Loch Lomond Murphy, Texas. Although being in very Parkfield Motor Cars Ltd. est. 1974 and on to Connel Bridge outside of Oban. good shape when we acquired her, we Continuing the journey we travelled back to set about doing a few upgrades to ensure Ft William to see Ben Nevis mountain with Texas road worthiness. New tires, carpet, lots of snow and then on to Glencoe. The fixes to water pump and carbs have Fully Insured, Free Standing 22,000 sq. ft. drive to Milngavie, just north of Glasgow, been completed. She has also not been a John driving the Amilcar, winning at Silverstone was uneventful. There, the Western Scottish stranger to shows, having been at recent Building with No Columns or Posts Thoroughbred Vehicle Club was hosting competitor in the English vintage racing VTR Regionals and Nationals where she a rally. Actually it was a reliability run but scene, he understood what it took for a car placed in Concours and won in Autocross! after a thousand miles we felt that [we] had to be a mechanically sound. BRY 64 has the distinction of being • CCTV-Monitored 24/7 Security at Discreet Location certainly proved the Gloria’s reliability. The John set about researching the the younger of the three Gloria Southern Gloria won ‘best car in class’ award and mechanics of various comparable cars and Cross sisters, others are a 1935 and 1936, • Spotless, Vermin and Climate Controlled a long haul award. The return home was used his previous racing knowledge as a residing in the Dallas area and part of the a leisurely drive with an additional jaunt baseline. After that analysis he decided Red River Triumph Club. ragtop • Seasonal Complimentary Chauffeured around the Lake District just for the hell of that the Triumph it. All said, the trip was 2000 miles in our was a much Livery Service Available 1937 Gloria Southern Cross.” better built car than others which led him Closer Than You Think! to purchase the Triumph. Contact Chris Sas at 416-720-4133 or 905-833-4336 Living in the email: [email protected] heart of London, John drove his Gloria to many www.autohibernation.ca of the local Syd and Ann Staddon and their Journey attractions, one Triumph Gloria Southern Cross sisters in the Red River Triumph Club

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1934 Triumph Gloria Speed Tourer by John Hayes The Triumph Speed Tourer as introduced at the London Motor Show in October 1933 am the proud owner of a 1934 and now sported Signal Red Frame and much due diligence (and a lot of luck), TriumphI Gloria Speed Tourer with a more Body with Red Leather Interior and a Black I am happy to report that all parts have powerful engine from a 1937/9 Dolomite hood (which I was told was rarely up). been located and a full restoration to sized at 1498cc. As with most Hollywood stars, the Gloria originality has begun. As of the writing Following the launch at the London faded as did the actor and again changed of this article, the Gloria body is down to Motor Show in October 1933 my car was hands in 1975. bare metal (mostly aluminium), off the produced in the Fall of 1933. During the Starting in 1975 through 1990, ash framework (which will be completely 1933/4 original run only 32 Gloria Speed the Gloria resided with a Los Angeles reconstructed) and the chassis has been Tourer’s were recorded. Of these 32 philanthropist and his wife. Not much completely disassembled. Progress is only 12 are known to exist with original driving history is known; however, the car rapid but methodical and the chassis/ bodywork (including mine). Fresh from acquired a quick respray of bright lime suspension will be completed and assembly the Gloria was acquired by a green to the body and wheels somewhere rolling by spring 2019 – positive thinking, gentleman in Southwest London It was a during this timeframe. right? ragtop daily driver and used often until the early Sadly, by 1990 the car had been 60’s. With the advent of British “10 Year disassembled for yet another restoration I am an active member in both the Red River Test” (the demise of many British – now but never finished. The car was sold as Triumph Club and the Pre-1940 Triumph classics) and not passing new inspection part of a package of cars to a Los Angeles Motor Club. I want to thank everyone for criteria (what evolved into the MOT), the dealer in 1990. Most of the interior, their help, research and support I have Speed Tourer was sent to Bushey Motor gauges, dash and top bows were lost received. We are a blessed group to own Breakers in North London. after disassembly and did not make it to seven Pre-War Triumphs within our RRTC Luckily, a young engineering the next owner. Below is a sad picture family. Lastly, I would also like to thank apprentice working part time took a from early 1990 of the Gloria, partially David Tushingham who motivates me with fancy to her. A deal was struck with his disassembled, damaged grille and missing his videos to keep restoring and driving employer in 1962 for £7 10s (his weekly pieces in a used car dealers’ lot. these lovely vehicles. wage) and with an additional £12 for Climax engine and in went the Dolomite From 1990 to 2017 the Gloria had delivery and the Gloria was saved from The Triumph Speed Tourer in the South of France on a Road trip/Campout in 1964 engine. He continued to use the car four owners prior the crusher. The car was stripped down for his daily 40-mile round trip work to myself. During and resprayed in British Racing Green. commute and another trip to the South these 27 years it The upholstery was refinished and of France without incident. In 1966 with remained in exactly new top bows, hood and side curtains his fancy turning to a more modern car, the state you see created. The car being ‘road worthy’ the Gloria was regrettably listed and (right). again was used over the next two years. sold on for £100. Unknown to him at the I acquired the This includes a 4,000-mile round trip to time, to a broker that had a buyer in the Gloria in 2017 the South of France with his friends (see United States. and have since photo below) without missing a beat. In the fall of 1966 the car arrived in scoured the earth Upon arriving home after the trip West Hollywood, California and was seen to find missing to France, the Coventry Climax engine often around Hollywood over the next pieces so I could had reached the end of its life with a nine years as it was owned by a ‘B’ movie bring this beautiful knocking big end. Still working at the star that frequently drove in the beautiful car back to its breaker, he acquired a newly arrived California weather. The car received a original factory Dolomite for £5 and out came the detailed restoration during his ownership condition. After The Triumph Speed Tourer in California looking very sad in 1990

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electrical short of some strap isn’t anywhere near kind. I can’t tell what the terminals. Insulate the shorted out or where it strap and/or buy a battery – Part 1 started, but it appears to with the posts set back a Rosie’s Rise from the Ashes be centred around the fuse bit more. Again, I’m not saying this was the cause, by David Fidler box and battery. The battery finally got the bonnet open, which was was almost completely Fried fuse box but it has been suggested now buckled from the heat and pry bars. melted, and the fuse box as a potential problem. Another fireman came on the scene with was pretty much welded to 7. Don’t use a fifty-year- une 15th, 2018, a day that is deeply a big hose over his shoulder, just like an the inner fender. Anything old alternator, even for Jetched in my memory. It started normally, episode of Chicago Fire. He shouted, “turn remotely electrical, plastic, concours judging, it’s not a pleasant late Spring day not too hot, it on” and just as he’s took aim, whoosh… rubber or nylon had worth the risk. Probably not too cold. Perfect weather to wash and gallons of water shot out and went straight disintegrated; except for the not the cause of my fire, wax “Rosie”, my 1969 Triumph TR-6. She’d in through the open driver’s window, starter wiring, which oddly but better to be safe than been chosen as a featured car for the 35th soaking the seats, carpets and dashboard, is what I had originally sorry. Buy a new equivalent British Car Day, to celebrate 50 years since before he finally found the intended target! thought to be the source and DON’T increase the the first TR-6 rolled off the production line The fire was out, temporarily. of the fire. It will remain a amperage output, unless Flat battery at the Canley factory, in September 1968. “Do you have any vice grips?” one mystery. you’re going to upgrade all Rosie was born on December 12, 1968 and particularly young, but very tall fireman your wiring accordingly. I believe she’s the oldest TR-6 in our club. asked. “Sure”, I replied. Handing him the What have I learned from 8. Properly insure your She has twice won “Best in Class” at the grips, he added, “I need to clamp off that this tragedy? classic car with a reputable 6-PACK Trials Concours d’elegance. fuel line.” He tried in vain to clamp the very 1. Always carry a fire specialist insurer such as TTC President, Dave Sims and RAGTOP frayed and burnt rubber hose. Gas was still extinguisher and store it in Lant or Hagerty. Ensure editor, Terence McKillen, had scheduled a but only just, and only on 2 or 3 cylinders. onto the road under Rosie, but it did very pouring out and… it caught fire again. an easily accessible place. that your agreed value photo shoot at Bronte park the following Then there was a fizzing sound and a bang. little to stop the flames. Which were now At this point I dragged myself away from It’s no use in the trunk. is high enough to cover day, for the upcoming BCD programme. I saw smoke coming up around the front licking around the wheels. the Fire Chief, who had been trying to keep 2. In the case of an the cost of HST and other Of course, I wanted Rosie to look her best of the bonnet, a brown coloured, acrid An agonizing five minutes or so later, me at a safe distance. The fireman who was engine fire, the fire incidentals incurred when for the camera. Unusually, she was parked smelling smoke. I immediately pulled the two fire trucks and an OPP cruiser arrived. trying to clamp the pipe, put the fire out… extinguisher is useless if finding a replacement car. “nose-in” into the garage, underneath her bonnet release and jumped out of the car. The trucks blocked off the street either again. And as I ran up to him, I yelled “Push you can’t open the bonnet. Rosie was very well covered Destroyed distributor stable mate “Patricia”, my 1965 Humber Smoke now came out from the engine, side of the burning car and the fire chief the car up the driveway, so it’s pointing I will NOT be installing the and Lant/Hagerty paid Super Snipe. Those of you who are blessed through the newly created gap near the pulled me away to a safe place. Standard uphill.” I steered as they pushed and once safety catch again, when I rebuild Rosie. out the full agreed value, less an amount with owning a TR-6 will know that washing windscreen scuttle panel. I grabbed the fire operating procedure, I was told. Six young up the slope, the fuel stopped pouring out. I don’t see the purpose of it on a bonnet for the salvage cost. Although she was one while it is pointing uphill in your extinguisher from behind my seat, but this firemen began to assess the problem, I Another lesson learned, fuel will gravity that opens forwards. Some will argue written off, she will be repaired, and the driveway has negative consequences, in proved to be useless; as I will explain. was wondering why it was taking them feed if the car is pointing downhill. that it can open forward when you brake title remains intact and Hagerty will insure that water will gather in hard to access This all happened in a matter of so long to get a hose out. Two of them The OPP officer took my statement hard, but I’ll take my chances on that ever her again when she’s fixed. It’s one of the places such as on the ledge under the front seconds, far less time than it took me had pry bars and despite me screaming and issued me an incident number for the happening! many benefits of classic car, as opposed grille and on the footwell “boxes” under the to type it. Rosie was on the road, front “it opens with a catch at the back!”, they insurance. The firemen rolled up the hose 3. I will install a separate electrical to regular car insurance (and it’s also a lot bonnet – a real pain to have to soak up the wheels in the gutter, at the end of my plunged them in just above the grille and and packed away their gear. I thanked safety isolator switch INSIDE the car. cheaper!) puddles with sponges! So, I always wash driveway. Due to the camber of the road, started leaning on them to pry the bonnet them all and they left. It was then that the The isolator switch I had installed on the I have been documenting “Rosie’s Rosie with her face pointing downhill. she was pointing downhill. Whatever open… finally, through the commotion shock hit me and reality set in. Rosie was battery was useless in this situation. Rise from the Ashes” in a video blog She started, as she always does, on the was going on under the bonnet must’ve and the fact they had breathing masks no longer a beautiful, shining example 4. I will install a fuel cut-off valve in the (vlog). This will eventually be posted button, and I slowly reversed her down my melted the fuel line and gasoline was on, they heard my shouts and moved of “the blokiest bloke’s car ever built”, pipeline from the tank. It will be mounted to a dedicated YouTube channel, once driveway to turn her around in the street. pouring onto the road – it caught fire. I ran their efforts to the rear of the bonnet. but was now a very burnt and mangled on the chassis rail and easily accessible I’ve done the editing, etc. I will also As I reached the road and put her into around to the passenger side to release Unfortunately, they then plunged them eyesore, standing in my driveway for all by reaching under the driver’s door write updates here in RAGTOP as the first gear to commence the maneuver, the the safety catch to open the bonnet into the gap above the fenders and the neighbours and “curtain twitchers” to rocker panel. A quarter turn ball valve restoration progresses. engine cut out. This was very unusual, as properly, but by this time it was too hot to proceeded to jump up and down. All see. But I had to resist my desire to cover should do the job. It just remains for me to say a huge the choke was still out and she had been get my fingers in and smoke was billowing of this could’ve been avoided, had that her up to hide her embarrassment, she 5. The fifty-year-old wiring should’ve THANK YOU for all the messages of revving nicely at 1200 RPM or so. I thought out. So, I tried to squirt the extinguisher darned safety catch not been there. I was still hot from the fire. I started to cry. been replaced when I restored Rosie support and offers of help with parts perhaps she didn’t need so much choke in through the gap instead – useless. I ran probably could’ve put the fire out myself ten years ago. It’s not worth the risk. I’m and assistance that I have received. The and pushed it in to attempt a restart. The into the house to get my phone to call and been able to see where the fire had Lesson’s Learned not saying this was the cause, but it was Triumph community is second to none engine turned over but was very reluctant 911, my wife Gloria ran back out with me started. Sadly, now I will likely never know. As you can see from the accompanying probably a contributing factor. with its support in times of need and I am to start. After a few more cranks it started, to grab our hose. We poured water from it The fire was still going when they photos, the cause of the fire was a major 6. Make sure the battery retaining very grateful to be a part of it. ragtop

38 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Fall I 2018 Ragtop I Fall I 2018 www.TorontoTriumph.com 39 tech & resto 65 George Street, Newmarket, ON, L3Y 4V4. EXOTIC Tel: 905-806-7127 E-mail: MOTORWORKS [email protected]

An English Rose in a Kimonoby ean arvalho When Britain meets Japan S C

One of my fondest memories was designed to be a modern recreation as a child was playing with this majestic, of the simple British sports cars that sleek-bodied piece of British excellence unfortunately don’t exist anymore. parked on a trailer in my parents’ garage. Bearing this in mind, I asked myself why I will never forget its quirky size, the smell not marry modern technology with of mouse feces in its unrestored state and classic design? After several weekends of my all-time favourite part, the wooden planning, designing and hammering away dashboard. It was my dad’s Triumph GT6, (both figuratively and literally), I found and as much as I remember all of the myself with a 1600cc B6ZE(RS) DOHC wonderful aspects about his car, I also I4 sourced from my friend’s Roadster remember how sad I was when he sold it. bushings, racing dampers, uprated crammed into the engine bay of my GT6. Fast forward in time to four years ago, lowering springs, constant velocity drive British & European Restoration & Service Specialists in my final years of college, I wanted axles and designed a lowering block to to reward myself for graduating the ensure the ride height is consistent on Mechanical Engineering program I was both ends of the vehicle… and then I got enrolled in with the purchase of something carried away with the build. I have always wanted – a project car. With the fond childhood memories of my dad’s former GT6, both my dad and I found ourselves exploring the vast world of eBay to track down an example suitable for restoration. The search didn’t take long with my dad behind the keyboard. A week later he showed me what I would consider to be a prime candidate, a Mk II/GT6+ – a California car, a spare engine, and well over Head Mechanic, Alex a thousand dollars-worth of brand new In my opinion, there are two Our wealth of mechanical and restoration experience includes parts. Only catch was the car came without opposing definitions of “original” when a title which made legal importation into it comes to vehicles, the first being a Plestid, formerly of the Triumph, Jaguar, MG, Austin Healey and Rolls Royce and many Canada a six month nightmare. vehicle that stands in true form to what hit TV series Restoration others. When you entrust your special vehicle to Exotic Motorworks, The project started out with the the manufacturer intended from the Garage, has over 20 you can rest assured that we will treat your car like our very own! intention of an all original restoration. I production line and the second being removed the body from the frame, stripped a reflection of the owner’s passion, years of experience with Our passion for working on these vehicles and making them better the frame and all of its mating components personality and perspective of what the Since mounting the new powerplant, I than new, comes from our love of owning and driving them ourselves. to bare metal and sprayed everything vehicle should be. While I favour the have scratch-built an engine harness and all makes and models with high grade epoxy primer. While the latter with my vehicles, I hold nothing but chassis harness tailored to the GT6 to underpinnings of the vehicle were in respect to the purists out there, especially remove any unnecessary functions (sorry, of Classic cars and has We would be pleased to answer any questions you might have. pieces, I disassembled the differential to when it comes to our little British cars. air conditioning), had a custom driveshaft personally restored more Give us a call for directions to the British Barn or to make an replace the seals and bearings, discovering The vision of my GT6 has now become a made which mates the original Roadster appointment for a quotation. It will be our pleasure to meet other that the previous owner had fitted a Mk III frame-off “Restomod”, built for spirited slip-yoke to the standard GT6 rear end, than 150 cars to their vintage car enthusiasts and we look forward to helping you enjoy rear end to the GT6. street driving and occasional track duty, to upgraded the cooling system to twin ECU your passion for years to come! Wanting to have a little bit of fun stay true to its motorsports heritage. controlled electric fans atop an aluminum former glory with the car, I upgraded to polyurethane The Mazda Miata/Eunos Roadster radiator and installed hand bent feed and

40 www.exoticmotorworks.cawww.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Fall I 2018 Ragtop I Fall I 2018 www.TorontoTriumph.com 41

Exotic Motorworks 06.indd 1 18-04-29 1:12 PM tech & resto

the support of two local companies which assisted in the design and manufacture of wheel adapters, which have been matched with high return fuel lines to supply the new EFI with custom designed laser cut aluminum strength ARP hardware. The car currently the profiles of the cylinder head exhaust in a year? Two? Who knows? However, engine with boom-juice. brackets, paired with Schroth Racing rolls on 13” Advan ARA Rally wheels to ports to standardized header piping even though my deadline keeps getting To add safety to the otherwise tin 6-point racing harnesses. pay homage to the Japanese-sourced for optimized exhaust flow. In addition, pushed back, there isn’t a second spent on can of a vehicle as well as to provide Maintaining the desire for originality, powerplant resting under the bonnet. work has begun on retrofitting individual the car that doesn’t put a smile on my face provisions for safe racing harness I opted to sell the Minilite wheels which The next step of the build is designing throttle bodies sourced from a Kawasaki and excitement in my veins. Isn’t that what mounting, I designed and fitted a I initially purchased for the build and an exhaust to extract the maximum ZX10 motorcycle to gain additional power it’s all about? weld-in roll bar with the help of some instead converted the vehicle’s bolt amount of power possible from the and throttle response from the engine. More information on the GT6 can be friends using FIA material specifications. pattern to a more modern 4x114.3 which engine using CAD. Utilizing 3-D printing With the ever growing list of plans for found on my restoration blog gt6me. Ensuring both style and safety are not immensely increased the selection of technology, an exhaust manifold flange the GT6, I find myself chasing a target blogspot.ca or on my Instagram account compromised, OMP “Brands Hatch” wheels that can be used on the vehicle. has been prototyped which features completion date that always seems to @carvalho_sean… and yes, I do have the vintage racing seats have been mounted The conversion was made possible with lofted transitions, flawlessly matching slip past my fingertips. Will it be done doors and boot lid! ragtop

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ave you ever cooked a dish (one whichH you make all the time) but then one time, it is slightly different? You question which ingredient you forgot or perhaps didn’t add a sufficient amount. The dish is good but something is missing. Spring Fling 2018 felt like this. We enjoyed it but something was missing. In this case, the missing ingredient was that Bob and Dorothy Corbin weren’t in attendance. If you have been around the Toronto Triumph Club for the past, oh – 25 years – you likely know who Bob & Dot are. They are staples at most TTC events – Spring Fling, BBQ, Classic, BCD, etc. Bob and Dot live in Nicholls, NY (approx. 3½ hours from the Peace Bridge) and are both in their 80’s. Bob drives a yellow TR7 and was on the track at Shannonville, I sat there daughter – Dale Corbin; and at dinner over the past few years they have trailered not knowing anyone but Dorothy was on the Saturday evening, the news their Triumph to our events. Dorothy loves quick to strike up a conversation. Later that arrived that her parents had decided that ice cream (stops during TTC events have evening, we enjoyed ice cream together travelling out of the country was getting been planned solely to accommodate Dot’s and I’ve loved her ever since! to be too much for them. penchant for ice cream). When we noticed that Bob and Dot We began talking about a trip to Nicholls I first met this couple many years ago in were not at Spring Fling, we became very and came to the conclusion that TR drivers Kingston at a Canadian Classic. While Roger concerned so we tracked down their will agree to drive just about anywhere. Upon returning from Spring Fling, plans were quickly put in place for a visit and for the record; Nicholls is 322 km from the Peace Bridge. In planning this adventure, I got to Phone: 289.738.2035 know Dale Corbin and think we could Website: KlearKustoms.com actually be sisters from a past life, as 205 Cross Street East, Dunnville, Ontario

44 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Fall I 2018 Ragtop I Fall I 2018 www.TorontoTriumph.com 45 special feature

she is as mischievous and look. Yes – it was a as me! Dale was a surprise and left both Moss Triumph parts huge assistance and of them speechless. the plan could not Words truly cannot have been executed express how everyone without her! She felt when we saw Bob at the best prices made hotel recommendations; reserved a room and Dot. Following our hellos, a photo across the for dinner at a special restaurant; meticulously street at the park was in order. planned her parents’ presence so our arrival would Dinner was at the Parkview Inn. Dale had be a huge surprise. arranged for a private room for the rowdy On the day, TTC members met at the Peace TTC gang! Dot’s grandfather’s grandmother was an owner back in Canada Bridge in Fort Erie. Once we crossed into the U.S., we quickly exited in the day with her second husband “Charlie Paige”. At that time, Buffalo and took some really great driving roads. Our first stop it was called the Paige Motel. Dale said her mom can remember was Mount Morris (for ice cream – of course) and then on to our being there when she was very little as a she could peak over the destination. We drove through the Fingers Lakes region to Owego, stairs but could not come down because of the bar but you could situated on the Susquehanna River mid-way between Ithaca and watch it from the top of the stairs. On the back of the menu, it the Pennsylvania border for an overnight at the Holiday Inn Express. lists the many dignitaries that have graced their presence there. I In the evening, we set out from the hotel at 5:25 p.m. We left believe the next time they print the menu it will be noted that the in a convoy and headed downtown Owego; ten cars; nineteen TTC has been there too. TTC friends. Sitting on the front porch of the Parkview Inn and At the close of a lovely evening, we returned to the hotel anxiously awaiting the arrival of their son (so they were told) agreeing to meet again in the morning before we headed out. The were Bob, Dot, Dale and her husband; when suddenly a group of Corbin family presented us with a lovely card and a gift voucher LBC’s appeared. Dot got up to look and much to her surprise, she to enjoy ‘munchies’ on our trip home. Later, in the lobby (it was realized the license plates are Ontario. She calls for Bob to come raining or we would have had a ‘parking lot party’) we talked about how fantastic it was to see our special guests and relived many memories. It was a perfect ending to a great day. Dale arrived with her parents bright and early next morning. The reason we chose this weekend was because Sunday was Dorothy’s birthday! They joined us for breakfast and then out to the parking lot for our goodbyes, which are never fun, but this one was okay as there were lots of laughs and smiling faces. Dale led us out of Owego – it’s a small town but getting out was confusing. Our return journey was along US20 into Ithaca (interesting bends), Cayuga Lake (lovely view), Canandaigua (crazy drivers) and back to Buffalo A large (ah, the border – thank you Nexus). The road along Cayuga Lake was a TR owner’s paradise and a good choice for our travels. selection of It was fantastic to see the support from TTC members for this impromptu event. Those who could not participate sent e-mails with their best wishes to Bob and Dot. ragtop TRs for sale! Always more arriving. Drakes’ British Motors Inc. (250)763-0883 Ph., (250)861-8051 Fax, email [email protected] 2286 K.L.O. Road, Kelowna, B.C., V1W 3Z7 WWW.DRAKESBRITISHMOTORS.COM 46 www.TorontoTriumph.com Ragtop I Fall I 2018

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