Hi Chris:
The plaid interior of the TR wedges seems to be universally vilified,
however I thought it worth mentioning that at least two auto companies
didn't think so.
While visiting the Monterey and Pebble Beach Concours some years ago, I was
thrilled to see that one of the visiting cars was a Mercedes W196, sent
over from Stuttgart just for the occasion. As I have always been a fan of
GP racing of the '30s-early '50s, I knew that this was one of the greatest
of all the classic racers. It was quite marvellous to see it circling the
Laguna Seca track at speed with Phil Hill at the controls.
Later, at Pebble Beach, the car was parked at the concours so that all
could see and admire it. Imagine my surprise when I saw that the seats
were covered in a brown plaid material - not unlike the TR7. As I also own
a Chrysler New Yorker Highlander which features plaid upholstery, I
couldn't help but feel that the poor old TR7 had at least one redeeming
feature.
John McEwen
>After reading an article in British Car magazine some time ago, I decided
>that I would really like to have a TR8 convertible. For the record,
>although British Car was quick to point out the poor build quality of the
>earlier 7's, their opinion was that the later cars were quite good, and the
>performance of the TR8 was enough to make one forget all about MGB's.
>
>Now styling of course is subjective. Having spent my formative automotive
>years in the 70's, I never had the hatred for the more modern designs that
>some (most?) on this list have developed (hell, I own a rubber bumper B by
>choice). I have never been a fan of the plaid interiors of the 7/8, but I
>find the design of the roadster to be quite nice.
>Further, their "modern" suspension system makes the car much more compliant
>that anything on a B, but they can still get around a corner with the best
>of them. It's also a hell of a lot more roomy, which for my physique, is
>welcome.
>
>What was interesting to me is this: While I was considering acquiring a
>TR8, i joined the Wedge list. Since my budget, not to mention S.O. would
>tolerate only one LBC, I knew that my B would have to go in order to get
>another LBC. As such I made a posting to the Wedge list, suggesting a
>trade for my fully restored "B" for a TR8. The majority of responses I got
>were every bit as full of hatred for the B, as most of this list's postings
>are towards the Wedge. They consider our cars as ugly dinosaurs of an past
>era. Needless to say, there weren't any takers on my offer.
>
>Not to worry, as I have since decided against a TR. Decided that in
>general I prefer the character, and classic feel of the ol' B, not to
>mention the people. So when is someone going to come up with a window
>decal featuring that little cartoon kid pissing on the Triumph logo?
>
>Best Regards,
>
>Chris Delling
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