While I happen to agree with Phil, I think we have to keep in mind that the
hobby is a diverse group who should do whatever floats their boat. I like
driving and care neither about excessive originality nor maintaining
absolutely pristine condition. I want drivability. But if your thrill is
perfection in restoration to showroom condition that's fine too! We
shouldn't be so judgmental about each other's focus of interest. We all
learn from each other and we all are keeping the marque alive.
BTW, I posted it over on 7/8 list, but don't think I did over here. I
finally got the EFI adjusted correctly on the TR8 and all the vacuum leaks
sealed and PASSED emissions. CO came down from 11.3 to 1.6. I actually have
a license plate and can drive legally! Not only that but it was just in
time, the 6 blew out a rear wheel bearing and is on the jack stands for
repairs.
Jim Altman jaltman@altlaw.com Illigitimi non Carborundum
http://www.altlaw.com/metro/jaltman.html 69-TR6 80-TR8 W4UCK
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-triumphs@autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-triumphs@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Philip E. Barnes
Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2000 12:40 PM
To: triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: Of fools and their money
The recent talk of whether or not a TR6 should sell for $21K and who would
buy it makes me think of a recent series of events. Last fall at the
British Invasion at Stowe, VT, I had the good fortune of winning a
first-place trophy and ribbon for early TR6s. During the prize-giving on
Sunday, all the winning cars were lined up and the assembled crowds came to
see them. I stood off to the side and watched. More than one person looked
at my car and noted, in one fashion or another, that my car had some stone
chips in the bonnet, a dent in the fender, a scratch here and there. All of
this as if to say that my car was not worthy of a prize. This was in
juxtaposition to the fellow that was rolling his over-restored MGA into a
covered trailer and going home empty-handed.
The only reason I relate this story is to echo some of the sentiments of
others on the List. Drive your car and show it off to a world that has
nearly forgotten the Triumph marque. Fred Thomas has an immaculate car. He,
like me, drives the car. There is no point in having a beautiful car and
carrying it around on a trailer. At some point it starts to be stooping to
conquer.
Phil Barnes (peb3@cornell.edu)
Cortland, NY (nowhere near New York City)
'71 TR6 CC61193L (22 year owner)
Someday we'll look back on all this and plow into a parked car.
|