In a message dated 97-10-04 20:27:30 EDT, bugeye59@kingsnet.com writes:
<< 1) The car is painted powder blue and has a red interior. But under
the blue appears to be white. Is there a paint code somewhere on the
car so I can determine the original color?
2) What info can be determined by the commission number? >>
What a good find! IMHO you have purchased one of the most exciting and fun
TR's to own. True it's not a Bugeye, but I am sure you will find it a
satisfactory car to drive.
The original color could have been either white or powder blue as both colors
were used in 1960. The red interior was factory stock for a white car but
not a powder blue car. Triumph did not put paint codes on the vehicle
anywhere until the TR4, I think. You can find out the original paint and
interior colors by purchasing a factory build record. This will tell you
the date and hour your car came off the production line as well as which
options with which it left the factory. It's really nice to have.
You can get a build record from Mr. Bill Piggott at Summer Cottage, West
Street, Shelford, Nottingham NG12 IEJ, England . Alternatively you can order
direct from British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, there is a web site at:
Stratford.co.uk/bmiht/ but I am not sure if you can order through that site.
TS67621 ( there should be an "L" at the end if lefthand drive?? and an "O"
after if overdrive fitted) would make your car a 1960 year of manufacture.
Early in the year I guess since 1960 started with TS 65124. FYI 17,054
TR3A's were made in 1960.
The production information is from Piggott's book Original Triumph TR, The
Restorer's Guide to TR2, TR3, TR3A, TR4..... which is still available new and
can be purchased from most of the usual sources, Classic Motorbooks, Moss
Motors, etc. A highly reccomended book for one about to start on the
adventure in front of you !! This book details a lot of the small production
changes during the 9 years of sidescreen car production and lots of detail
photos too. It can help you decide what is "correct" for you car if you wish
to be as original as you can.
Hope this helps and would love to hear about your progress, trial and
tribulations.
As questions arise, would be pleased to try to assist.
Bob Paul
Corrales NM
TS71101L STC 62 - 1960 TR3A
TS45738L O - 1959 TR3A (Powder blue now, was originally white !)
TS7280L - 1955 TR2
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