TR2/3/3A Ownership update TR3A

[curtis]

It is years since I was talking about getting a TR3A and after a few exchanges here I did in fact buy one. And I see that I never posted about it.
At the time I was more in contact on the TR French forum.
Anyhow I found one in the South of France at Toulon. As it turned out the owner was a very frequent poster on the french forum and I went through about 1000 of his posts which gave me a great insight into the rebuild of the car.
The first visit was with a friend and a test drive proved satisfactory. The price, as always was high but I had ascertained before going that there was some negotiating possible. A long way to go if the price was firm.
Big plus was that a body off restoration had been done and pictures to show the work. Minus was the fact that with the engine and gearbox sat on the workshop floor the clutch hadn't been changed. Some alterations had been made. Rack and pinion steering fitted, an alternator and electric fan.
A price was agreed and then reduced when I found the original parts had been sold when the alerations were made.
A couple of weeks later I returned with my trailer to collect the car.

That's all for the moment. Part two to come shortly.

 

[curtis]

Once the car was back home I had plenty of trips out to get to know the handling and brakes.
And then some preparation for rallyes.
Firstly a set of Lucas 700 fog lamps to light up the roadsides.

P1040548 by john curtis, sur Flickr

P1040548 by john curtis, sur Flickr

P1040549 by john curtis, sur Flickr

 

[curtis]

Next the equipment for the navigator's "office".
Digital Chrono and Brantz tripmaster. The tripmaster is driven off the speedo cable and also from a sensor on a front wheel. This means that if one fails I can switch to the other.
The fitting has used only existing holes once the glove box door was removed.

P1040527 by john curtis, sur Flickr

 

[curtis]

The car is almost always open and in fact I only carry the tonneau cover in the boot. But when we have been in eastern France it can be a little stormy so the roof is fitted just until we are there and are certain for the weather.
Rallye de la Porcelaine 2018 intérieur by john curtis, sur Flickr

Routes des Vosges 2017 TR by john curtis, sur Flickr

DSC_2559 by john curtis, sur Flickr

P1050007 by john curtis, sur Flickr

 

[curtis]

One thing I did fit was a towing hitch at the front. And it has been used once !

P1000170 by john curtis, sur Flickr

 

[curtis]

 

[drooartz]

Just lovely!

 

[NutmegCT]

Bravo! You're living the dream!
Tom M.

 

[Hamish Racing]

View attachment 106133

Wonderful picture.

 

[curtis]

Thanks for the kind comments.

 

[2002S2000]

Bravo! Have fun.

 

[mctriumph]

I did my old 63 B in royal navy blue years ago. I do love the color, very handsome indeed!
Mad dog

 

[CJD]

Beautiful!

 

[curtis]

It's a TR4 colour I believe but it was like that when I bought it and it suits well.

 

[sp53]

Glad to see you drive your car in a United Kingdom outside environment. I live in the Pacific NorthWest and the environments look very similar. I have a side curtain question for you? When you close your door with the side curtain in place, do you find the force you need to close the door too considerable?

Steve

 

[curtis]

Hello Steve,
Not quite sure what you mean about "a United Kingdom outside environment". I live in France. Maybe that was what you meant.
The very few times, maybe five, that I have had the sidescreens fitted and the roof it has been an effort to close the door. As it is an exceptional circumstance, I can live with that. The car is used all year round and whilst I wouldn't go out if it was raining hard I have been caught in showers and just drive faster !!