• Hey Guest!
    British Car Forum has been supporting enthusiasts for over 25 years by providing a great place to share our love for British cars. You can support our efforts by upgrading your membership for less than the dues of most car clubs. There are some perks with a member upgrade!
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Upgraded members don't see this banner, nor will you see the Google ads that appear on the site.)
Tips
Tips

Ultimate TR?

Share this page

As Wayne already knows my father and I have just recently purchased 2 triumph roadsters (1948-1800 & 1949-2000). The 1800 has been modified with a chevy independent front suspension, chevy rear end and is left hand drive. First 2 photos - the next are what we hope the car will look like when it is done. https://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/paulbos@sbcglobal.net/my_photos . Now comes the question. What to do to make this the ultimate TR roadster? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/patriot.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/canpatriot.GIF
Paul

1949 Triumph 2000
 
Apbos...
Gotta love those trafficators. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Kids used to pull those off back when I was young in the UK as cars were waiting to turn at a corner. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cryin.gif
Beautiful restoration job.
 
[ QUOTE ]
for me the sound of a v8 in a tr just doesn't fit.

[/ QUOTE ]

Pardon Me? Triumph did design a V8 from Scratch, real Triumph, every part with its own unique Triumph sound that is like no other V8. That of course is the Triumph V8 as designed and installed in the Triumph Stag, not the Rover as installed in the TR8. But you are entitled to your preferences of course.

Now my personal preference would be that Triumph V8 engine as envisioned by Harry Webster - 32 valve DOHC fuel injected. I will have a fuel injected Triumph V8, but the 32 valve part will be a bit difficult. 32 Valve heads do exist in prototype, maybe someday they will be reproduced.

Cheers!
 
Guys
Just to clear things up. The pictures of the green car are of a fully restored tra -2000. The original color (colour) of my roadster (mine is not nearly complete). My father's car is pictured (the grey beast). It seems like it will be nearly impossible to restore it to factory new. I myself have wondered about finding a Triumph V8 and putting it in the car. Anyone have a motor and transmission laying around? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Paul /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/patriot.gif-> :canada-> /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/patriot.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
for me the sound of a v8 in a tr just doesn't fit.

[/ QUOTE ]

I can understand that statement, as I said myself on another thread part of what draws me to the TR is the 'classic british roadster' feel of it - straight 6, manual trans and gorgous styling. But I also understand those who want a V8 - as many have said before "There's no substitute for horsepower" /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif

As my brother-in-law likes to say "It's ALL good!" /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
for me the sound of a v8 in a tr just doesn't fit.

[/ QUOTE ]

Pardon Me? Triumph did design a V8 from Scratch, real Triumph, every part with its own unique Triumph sound that is like no other V8.

[/ QUOTE ]

Very true Glen, but I think he was referring to just the TR line - not Triumphs in general. Though I do know of someone who put the Stag engine in a TR250 ... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
for me the sound of a v8 in a tr just doesn't fit.

[/ QUOTE ]

Several years ago, when I was trying to decide what I wanted to do with the abandoned TR6 restoration project I had just bought, a guy pulled into a car show with a TVR with a Ford 302 and a set of Flowmaster mufflers. The sound of that car clinched my decision. While I do like he sound of a TR6 6-banger, I just can't get away from the rumble of a hot V8.

Add to that the gut-wrenching acceleration of 300+ HP ----/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif
 
guess i struck a nerve.ha! hope you guys put full crash protection in those v8 cars.tr's aren't exactly built to protect the occupants.
 
[ QUOTE ]
hope you guys put full crash protection in those v8 cars.tr's aren't exactly built to protect the occupants.

[/ QUOTE ]

Why does having a V8 make any difference? The stock TR6 is good for around 110mph - do you really think I'll exceed that just because I can? If a TR6 is not safe with a V8, then it's not safe now, and shouldn't be allowed on the street. Fortunately, the TR6 is safe.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Shawn,
I read over you article in 6Pack about your track expieriance & I think you have found the balance . The ultimate TR is not only the car but how you use it, and you know how to use it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks! When I have discussed LBC ownership with new club members or expectant LBC owners, one of the merits often brought up in our area is the ability to drive the canyons and twisting foothills roads at the speed limit and have a blast while other drivers are oblivious to how much fun your having.

Unfortunately, in my TR6, driving the speed limit is downright boring in the canyons. Most of our canyon driving involves long sweeping corners more than tight, time to get on the brakes, corners with a few exceptions.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif I took a "sport bike" riding friend of mine on a ride in my TR6 through one of the less frequented canyons in my area. His emotional outburst really should not be repeated. Though in a kinder, gentler tone, he stated that he would have trouble staying with me through the corners on his motorcycle and would have to play catch up in the straights.

Before someone yells at me for being a lunatic behind the wheel. I usually don't drive unreasonably (unless asked or goaded into it) when I have a passenger and I play nice in traffic. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif I was also chased down by a State Patrol Camaro in one of our canyons. He was going to cite me for faulty brakelights but when he caught me and I applied the brakes to pull over, he realized that my brake lights worked, I just hadn't been using the brakes. Resulted in a twenty minute conversation and a verbal warning for speeding. Nice chap actually.

So really, in my opinion, an "Ultimate TR" is one that can bring a smile to the occupants or bystanders. Which , when you come to think of it, can be almost any TR.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
Hi all,

Glad to see this thread came alive again. I needed some time to think about it!

I've come to the conclusion that, for me, unfortunately there is *no* "Ultimate TR".

What I really need is an "ulitmate garage", like a small warehouse, with room to park a few more Triumphs.

Different Triumphs have different personalities, and we *really should* be able to choose one that fits our mood for a particular season, day of the week, or even day of the month, if garage space allows!

I'd fill my "ultimate garage" with the following choices, in addition to my TR4, Land Rover/"Triumph Support Vehicle" and motorcycle:

- something pre-WWII... maybe a Gloria, Southern Cross.
- something post-WWII... likely an 1800 or 2000 Roadster.
- something really retro, very original... say a TR2.
- a couple rarer, very orignal cars: TRS and Italia would do.
- something with a hardtop... Dolomite Sprint?
- GT6 MkIII
- Stag
- TR5
- TR6
- TR8
- A few more modified cars:
- a TR3A "Beta"
- Spitfire in LeMans trim
- something with a V8 swap.
- something with fuel injection.
- maybe even something supercharged.
- And even a few non-Triumph, but British cars:
- MGA
- XK120/140/150
- AC
- Lotus Elise

I can think of more, but you get the idea!

Boy, am I in trouble!
 
Alan , don't let your wife see that post.
 
I've been thinking about this for a little while now. I went from a GT6 with a supercharged S2000 engine through a V8 TR5 conversion to an Italia.

Now after looking at the garage floor, I think the ultimate TR would be one that doesn't rust or leak oil.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif
 
I have been lurking with this post for a long time, just reading and enjoying the varied opinions of what an ultimate TR might be. It is pretty easily concluded that the Ultimate TR will hold a different meaning to each/every individual. [I have to agree with Alan - a garage-ma-hall would be a dream come true - even if they weren't all Triumphs. I would have to add a Sunbeam Tiger to the mix for that Vette/Mustang killer.]
From a heavily modified TR 'roadster/hotrod' to a concours example and all that lies in between, each and everyone can be considered 'ultimate' in their own way.

Little Red is not concours nor is the fastest car on the street, but I still get a charge out of driving it.

Isn't that what this is really all about.

Little Red is my Ultimate TR. Even with the mechanical or sheetmetal issues that arises, it is still my car/toy/therapy/stress reliever, regardless if I am on a 20 or 400 mile drive, or wrenching on it in the garage.

Of course, when the MKIII gets completed - it would become my "Ultimate Spit" (now that just sounds nasty)
 
[ QUOTE ]
What I really need is an "ulitmate garage", like a small warehouse, with room to park a few more Triumphs.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ok, I know I opened this can of worms - but even *I* can't go this far ... the wife'll kill me if I tried! For some reason, she thinks 7 cars parked in the yard are enough - like that's my fault or something /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/angel.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]

Now after looking at the garage floor, I think the ultimate TR would be one that doesn't rust or leak oil.


[/ QUOTE ]

Nah, it just wouldn't be the same! They gotta leak and they gotta rust. Part of the cars' personality. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
Alan , don't let your wife see that post.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey, maybe that's why I'm happily divorced.

My girlfriend does look at me oddly at times, though.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
maybe it's just one that is finnished, almost, sort-of, but just one more little thing could be done here or there.... i guess thats why we're all here.
rob
 
Hi Alan,
in either case , we all have to answer to some one, married, divorced or liv'n with Mom /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

But----if you ever do fulfill your dream garage please let me know, cause I'm move'n in /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif
 
Back
Top