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NutmegCT

NutmegCT

Great Pumpkin
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I have to accept the fact that my ol' bones won't always be able to climb into my TR3. Medical issues over the last year have brought that to the fore. Not fun getting stuck under the steering wheel, or having a major leg cramp while driving, due to the angle of my right leg in the driver's seat.

So ... what classic sports car would a "slightly less limber" guy consider as the NEXT acquisition?

Thanks.
Tom
 
It's my opinion that what we consider classic sportscars were designed by and for lithe WW2 vetrans. We're too old fat and stiff, yet we shoehorn ourselves into these time machines as long as we can and then some.
Maybe the most practical thing to do is consider a touring car or a future classic.
 
Have you considered a smaller steering wheel? This would allow easier ingress and egress, as well as allowing you to move your right leg at times. I'm 6'6" and 225 and drive a Spitfire, on which I installed a Momo wheel under 13" in diameter.

Ernie Knight
 
Having tried Bugeyes, E-Types and (worst of all) Lotus for access and egress I would have to say that the TR3A is about a good as it gets among LBCs. For me it is a matter of how tightly I have to bend the left knee to enter. I have moved the seat rails a bit to be able to get the seat as far back as possible, could go farther if I didn't have the occasional seat. I did flip the dipper switch bracket 180* to gain some left leg room.
 
This is all very good info. I'd never have thought the TR3 was so positive in the driver space realm.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks.
Tom
 
What about a TR8? I've never driven one, but everyone says how nice of a driver they are. I know I'D like one!
 
Actually might be harder to get in.
There is plenty of room, but once you sit in one you realize how low they sit
 
As an owner of both a 4A and an 8, the 4A is definitely easier to get in/out of. The 8 is lower, but with much higher/wider sill. Once you get in, the 8 is a bit more roomy, however.
 
Ya need an escalator to get out sometimes

Would think the 6 would even be easier than the 4 as I think it is a scosh more bigger
 
OK - I'm well aware this is the TR side, but I can tell you from experience, having restored and owned a TR3 and a TR8, our MGB's are both (roadster and GT) easier on these old bones.

I sold the TR3 partly for the reasons you are considering a change. Bought and restored the TR8, and enjoyed it, but it wasn't "classic" enough for me. The B's are a nice compromise.
 
I'll have to side with Mickey on this one as well. I did own a TR4 -- and it was less comfy than the B. If you want to keep things Triumph a Spitfire has quite a bit of space as well. More than my old TR4 did that's for sure.

They're all low, though, so if that drop into the seat is a problem then you'll have that with all of them.
 
drooartz said:
...I did own a TR4 -- and it was less comfy than the B...
Click to expand...

I've heard a lot of adjectives applied to the TRs... but 'comfy' is one I have never encountered.

'Brutal', 'harsh', even 'punishing' are common descriptors for a ride in a TR3A, which is perhaps why I love it so.
 
Check out the Jensen-Healey. Roomy cockpit, lots of legroom, sits higher than the TR7s and 8s. More of a classic look. One negetive that can be lived with is the limited door opening.
 
Minis are another car that are very easy on the driver and passenger. It might not be what some would classify as a sports car, but fun regardless. Dealing with those golf cart tires is an issue.
 
DNK said:
Would think the 6 would even be easier than the 4 as I think it is a scosh more bigger
Click to expand...

Don,

A TR4 and TR6 should have the same space since the inner shell is virtually the same (same floor pan).

Scott
 
drooartz said:
If you want to keep things Triumph a Spitfire has quite a bit of space as well. More than my old TR4 did that's for sure.
Click to expand...

My wife had a 1968 Spitfire and I have a 1966 TR4A and I seem to recall always feeling like I had slightly more leg room in the TR4A (which was important at 6'5"!) although the steering wheel size difference was obvious.

Scott
 
This is getting interesting. My first LBC (ten years ago) was a 1976 MGB. I fixed it up and enjoyed it for a few years, then sold and got my current TR3A.

Here's my original MGB:

1976_MG_MGB.jpg


Now I wish there were an MGB around here I could try out to see if my ol' bones notice a difference. The "getting in and out" isn't that big a deal. Right leg cramping, due to inability to change right leg position during a drive is the problem.

hmmmm

Thanks.
Tom
 
Tom, I noticed more legroom in the MGB -- I'm 6'1" with fairly long legs. My TR4 used to cramp my knees a bit (Bugeye even more so) but in the MGB I can put the seat too far back and not be able to get the clutch in all the way. Worth a looksie if you get to the point where the TR3 doesn't work out for you anymore.
 
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