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TR2/3/3A Should I show my non-running TR2 ?

YankeeTR

Luke Skywalker
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<span style='font-size: 14pt'>Some of you may know that I have an early TR2 'barn find' at home. I've torn down the engine to start repairs but I haven't gotten any further.

There's a big (for Wisconsin) British Car show this weekend in Sussex, WI...now my question...

Should I TOW my TR2 to the show and enter it in the show? I think it might be fun having a 'before' example parked next to the shiny cars. It looks good from 100'...

I may quite possibly have the earliest TR2 at the show...it might be a good conversation piece...I could even bring my canopy, break out some champaign and pretend I'm at Pebble Beach!

Opinions please! </span>
TR2LFcornercloseup.jpg
 
My 2¢ - I'd appreciate the work folks do on their cars even more if I saw a "fresh from the barn" TR on display alongside the "restored" models.

Say - did the barn have all those MGB's too?

Tom
 
NutmegCT said:
My 2¢ - I'd appreciate the work folks do on their cars even more if I saw a "fresh from the barn" TR on display alongside the "restored" models.

Say - did the barn have all those MGB's too?

Tom
Lotsa MGB's...they must have been breeding!
 
Absolutely. There is a MGA twin Cam in the local club. The owner drives it to the show. It's not perfect, but i vote for it because it's unusual.
 
I agree with the others, take it to the show. Who knows, there may be someone there with a treasure trove of parts to give you. There was a MG "T" series rolling chassis at one of the first Honolulu All British Car Days and it received allot of attention.
 
/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/iagree.gif

My favorite cars are the ones that aren't restored yet.
 
I say take it and put a little discrete sign on the windshield that says: <span style="color: #FF0000"> MAKE OFFER</span>


You never know what you will catch when you go trolling.
 
When I restored the TR3, I towed the frame with engine and transmission in place to the show in Nashville as a work in progress. The body was at the paint shop, and it was a long way from completion. "Parked" it next to the other TR's, and there were many who dropped by and lingered for quite a while. Kinda fun not to have to worry about whether I had the right hinges on the boot lid, etc., and simply talk to folks about restoration.

TAKE IT TO THE SHOW!
 
Na! don`t take it to the carshow. Sell it to me instead!! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/rolleyes.gif

Seriously, I`m contemplating taking my 56 Tr-3 to the Peach Days car show in Brigham City Utah in september and I assure you, your Tr-2 is wayyy more complete than my Tr-3 will be by then.

Yea, the idea is "Fishing for parts" /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/lol.gif
Hopefuly someone will come by and say, hey if you need........ or I have....... or would you be interested in .....

I say take it, let everyone see what it is now. Then when you finish it take it again.

I`v seen many "In progress" cars at shows around here, Year after year. It is quite interesting {at least to me} to see the progress made during the year.
 
YankeeTR said:
Should I TOW my TR2 to the show and enter it in the show? I think it might be fun having a 'before' example parked next to the shiny cars. It looks good from 100'...
Get it there! I hope I'm not the only one who appreciates "survivors" and maintained originals as much or more then [over]restored cars! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

Besides, from where I'm currently sitting /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/computer.gif, it looks great!
 
Many show have Diamond in the Rough award, do it!
 
/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/iagree.gif Personally; I would`nt hesitate:

I enjoy seeing cars being turned into Daily Drivers vs. Trailer Queens:

I suspect you should generate alot of Conversation and probably get to meet some really nice Folks:

Have a Blast and Hope You get the "Diamond in the Rough" Award:

Regards, Russ /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/winner1.gif
 
Most everybody will enjoy your car and good fortune. Not only have we all restored an lbc, most haven't had as nice of one to start with. I'd be suprised if you don't find several resorces for parts, tech info, and different services you might need locally. Enjoy the weekend!
 
TR3driver said:
My favorite cars are the ones that aren't restored yet.

Me too.

At the Las Cruces New Mexico British Car weekend in April they had a special award presented by a couple from Germany who had become affiliated with the local club when he was stationed nearby. They were to pick their favorite from the many very nice cars cars there for the weekend of activities.

With a very fine speech about the appeal of original unrestored British cars he selected my TR4 for the award. I was stunned as it is usually ignored among all the much shinier restored examples it sits next to.

Europeans, I think, have a more developed appreciation for the remaining unrestored examples.

I can't take much credit for the award -- I really feel the trophies for the beautifully restored cars belong to the owners but the trophy in this case belonged to the car.

By all means take it/tow it or whatever. In fact, many shows now recognize 'Diamond in the Rough' or 'Spirit of Britain' or such for cars like your TR2.
 
Definatly take it to the show.

I agree with the canopy and champagne

Talk about stress free...
 
There are so many restored cars any more since the prices are so elevated. Many of us find it refreshing to see an unrestored example.
I have held off restoring my TR3 for that same reason.
 
Well....I wimped out!

Actually, it came down to time...simply not enough! The weather report was dicey and I would have to have put the oil pan back on and wrapped the engine in plastic for the trip. Plus I was using the company pick-up and I didn't have the required lighting adapter for my tow dolly...I could have purchased one on Sunday but I didn't want to wait until 9AM for the parts store to open.

If I HAD brought the car I would have had the earliest Triumph at the show...

The British Car Field day was a nice show. Some very nicely restored cars and LOADS of daily drivers.

I'll post a few pics later today.
 
I still had a good time.

I set-up my 10 x 10 canopy and hawked my TR door rail kits and a few transmissions. Plus I talked with lots of folks about coming to the Iola show this year.

All in all we had a good time.
 
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