[TR] 1958 Works Monte Carlo Rally TR3A Valve Cover Info?

[Don Hiscock]

John, your info is most appreciated, and is a big help to understanding
what's "real" on these early race/rally cars.  Many thanks to you and Paul
Richardson.  There have been so many chances for changes over the long life
of these vehicles that it's hard for us enthusiasts to understand what's
authentic and what's a later addition.

Our predecessors were pretty smart guys.  They almost always did what they
did for good reason, and even 50+ years on it's often hard to make
improvements.  I would have guessed the speed of a rally wouldn't need
bonnet straps, and if that alloy finned valve cover was a real upgrade it
would be a lot more common.

Still that TR3A is a *very* neat car, and one I'd be proud to own...

Don
TR3B TSF202L
..which is making progress toward running again for its 50th birthday in
April 2012...

On Thu, Jun 30, 2011 at 5:21 PM, John Macartney
<macartney.john at yahoo.co.uk>wrote:

> Following up on Don Hiscock's query of 28th June about the 1958 TR3A
> 'Works' Rally car. I've had a lengthy phone conversation today with my chum
> Paul Richardson (son of Ken) has an extensive photo library of all the works
> cars his Dad either drove or master-minded in their preparation. He's
> checked all his pix on the car in question and has said:
>
> 1. At no time during the cars rally life with S-T did it have bonnet
> straps. Cars used at Le Mans in racing guise were strapped but not the rally
> cars.
> 2. The rocker cover is a later addition. Richardson (Ken) was always
> anxious to keep weight to a minimum and the shape of the current cover with
> its flip oil filler would have almost certainly been heavier than the normal
> steel pressing, so no advantage there.
>
> Paul may see if he can do an article on this car for The Vintage Triumph
> but it depends on his time, the car's availability and the distance from his
> home. Hope this helps?
>
> Jonmac