While I was service manager at Cal Sales in Gardena California the Peerless
coupes were imported. I think we probably had about a dozen in all. The
main problem we had was that every one had to be stripped right down to the
bare fibreglass to grind out all the little gas pockets from the imporperly
cured glass work. EVERY car that was sold here was done in this fashion at a
terrible cost which in turn was warrantied and probably helped put the
manufacturer out of business. The Cal Sales cars were re- painted a metalic
tone which was very IN at the time. Dorothy Dean drove a metalic Purple
Peerless for a while while her partner Paul Bernhardt has a metalic green
devil. They went the way of all things....down the road to somewhere else.
These cars were featured by Cal Sales in the L.A. car. show
----- Original Message -----
From: <N197TR4@cs.com>
To: <fot@autox.team.net>; <team-thicko@autox.team.net>;
<vintage-race@autox.team.net>
Cc: <ClaireSVRA@aol.com>; <Erick_Zanner@msdw.com>; <mgvrmark@hotmail.com>
Sent: Friday, December 31, 1999 3:37 PM
Subject: Peerless GT @ Le Mans..&...TRs at Mid-Ohio
> Vintage Racers and Thickos,
>
> I was doing a little research and gleaned the following information on
this
> low volume car that utilized much of the TR3 mechanicals:
>
> In the late 50s, the Peerless folks shipped off one of their 4 seater GTs
to
> Le Mans. This fibreglass bodied GT was framed with square sectioned tubing
> and was 6.5 inches wider and 6.0 inches long than a TR3.
>
> Under the ACO index of performance it failed to meet the minumum
qualifying
> speed for its 2.0 litre class. A failure? Absolutely not! It well exceeded
> the performance expectations of Peerless Cars, Ltd.
>
> This lone Peerless ran 2006.6 miles at an average speed of 83.6 mph. Out
of a
> field of 55 cars, only 20 finished, and the Peerless finished 16th. It
was a
> marketing coup for this car, which was designed to be low cost
'affordable'
> GT, seating four adults in comfort.
>
> Source of information: Sports Car Illustrated April 1959
>
> That being said, I have seen one Peerless GT being raced on the east
> coast....Summit Point this last May. Another one is being set up in the
> Mid-West by a pair of TR guys. I won't intrude on their privacy, but I
> suspect they will share information when they think the time is right.
> Regardless, it will be a nicely turned out car, and should be a joy to see
on
> the track.
>
> Does anyone have any knowledge or experience regarding the Peerless that
they
> would like to share?
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
> -------------------------------------
>
> Another spinoff on this theme is an Italia that was, at least at one time,
> being prepared for vintage racing. Now wouldn't that be lovely? I'd love
to
> see it on the track.
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
> ----------------------------------------
>
> Shifting gears.....The MG/Triumph "Clash" at Mid-Ohio....Bill Ames' cars.
We
> expect Ambro #001 to make an appearance. Although, it would be a one hell
of
> tow the owner of the Peyote, is giving some thought to joining us there as
> well. Bill Ames' personal Ambro is now back on the track getting it's
current
> owner acclimated to the vintage racing scene. A bit much to ask, but if
the
> current owner would not tow this Ambro out the MG/TR Clash, it would still
be
> nice if he could make an appearance. The Bill Ames Memorial Plaque may
pass
> hands at this event and it would be special if this Ambro driver would be
> there. (He could also be presented with a Team Thicko sticker)
>
> Enuff of this....Think Mid-Ohio...it will be another great event this year
> for us and our friends of the MGVR group. (Entertainment might be in
> order...however that TR4 vintage driving & singing sensation from Illinois
> will not attend as he thinks his 40th Weeding Anniversary is more
> important...how about the rest of you muscians?)
>
> Regards,
>
> Joe
>
>
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