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Simon

 

I believe it must be at least 10 years, possibly as much as 15 years ago the Geoff and Sheila Mansfield sold the business - and only a couple or so years after that(?) that trading ceased... Acquired my first TR from there 20 years ago and bought most of the bits and bobs for it's restoration from there - as stated - sadly missed.

Roy Talbot who specialises in transmission is I believe still working in the business and for himself around the Goole/Doncaster area(?)

Geoff and Sheila were at the IWE with their recently completed Swallow Doretti (gorgeous!!!) - Lovely couple.

Someone did tell me relatively recently that some of the other chaps that were there are still in TR circles, but afraid I don't know any more than that.

 

Brgds

Edited by ianhoward
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Acquired my first TR from there 20 years ago and bought most of the

bits and bobs for it's restoration from there

 

Ian,

 

Just a thought - it wouldn't have been a green 3A, lhd, would it?

 

AlanR

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Hi Alan

 

No - twas a green (dark metallic green with 'furry' carpets!!!:o) and LHD, no O/D...

 

I hasten to add that i did not keep it like that!!!

 

Cheers

Edited by ianhoward
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Unfortunately, Northern TR (part of Moss Europe) was closed by Moss in 1999.

 

Dave Ferguson is still doing TR work and can be contacted at Tees Trim Restoration Services on 01642 355942

 

John Collins is at Heritage classics at Middlesbrough

 

http://www.heritageclassics-teesside.co.uk/

 

Don,t know about the others.

 

BTW I have just spent the day with Geoff and Sheila at Croft racing circuit (military and classic car show).

 

Cheers

 

Graeme

Edited by graeme
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  • 6 years later...

An old topic, but, still relevant.. My TR6 was sold to a Mr Greenman by Mr G. Mansfield of Northern TR Centre on behalf of a Mr P. Prebble for restoration in Aug 1991. A foreign trade report gave the license as 066-WLU

 

I am trying to pull together the history of my TR6, unfortunately in the box file supplied with the car there is limited info to go on.

 

Originally supplied to a Mr A. T. Coffey on 22nd Apr 1970:-

Chassis CC/52244-LO,

Engine CC/52656-E,

Body 52119,

LHD North American Export,

Laurel Green with Black (Ambla) Trim

Extras: Wires, Overdrive, Heater, Laminated Screen, Steering Lock, Black Tonneau, 185/15Michelin Red Band Tubed Tyres

 

So no real idea where the car was.

 

I have some history from first UK registration in May 1993 to present day.

 

The car is now Royal Blue, still with wires and OD and running well. Reg'N AVK67H

 

Any thoughts or advice on tracing the early history would be much appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Mike

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  • 1 year later...

Hello,

I have just rejoined after a long absence. After 26 years, my 1972 TR6 went in 2004.  Now, in retirement for some years and having last year ceased motorcycle touring, (an activity which 

lead to the shameful neglect and eventual sale of the TR) I yearn for another classic. Perhaps this time, an earlier car TR3A, TR4a (not a TR5) or a return to the TR6. However, I have, sadly discovered that the T4s and TR6s have, since 2004, shrunk!  My 6'4" (now rather bulkier ) frame, used to drive my TR6 with nibble alacrity to, for instance, Berlin and back.  Now it is a squeeze. My increase shoe size is not helping either. However, a car which never really put a head on my Guinness, is I have discovered thanks to Jay and Peter at Crown Classics, rather roomy.

Any too tall TR owners out there?

I came to this post via Googling Northern TR Centre because a current advertiser posts that the TR3A which he offers for £34K was restored by, what I read here, the highly respected Sedgefield firm.  From the interesting information gleaned here it would seem that the advertised car would have been restored in the 90s - would you agree?

Another question if I may, do any of the members own cars that were restored by the Carn Bosavern Garage in Cornwall or know of their work?

Thank you in advance for your responses.

 

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38 minutes ago, EXTR6 said:

Hello,

I have just rejoined after a long absence. After 26 years, my 1972 TR6 went in 2004.  Now, in retirement for some years and having last year ceased motorcycle touring, (an activity which 

lead to the shameful neglect and eventual sale of the TR) I yearn for another classic. Perhaps this time, an earlier car TR3A, TR4a (not a TR5) or a return to the TR6. However, I have, sadly discovered that the T4s and TR6s have, since 2004, shrunk!  My 6'4" (now rather bulkier ) frame, used to drive my TR6 with nibble alacrity to, for instance, Berlin and back.  Now it is a squeeze. My increase shoe size is not helping either. However, a car which never really put a head on my Guinness, is I have discovered thanks to Jay and Peter at Crown Classics, rather roomy.

Any too tall TR owners out there?

I came to this post via Googling Northern TR Centre because a current advertiser posts that the TR3A which he offers for £34K was restored by, what I read here, the highly respected Sedgefield firm.  From the interesting information gleaned here it would seem that the advertised car would have been restored in the 90s - would you agree?

Another question if I may, do any of the members own cars that were restored by the Carn Bosavern Garage in Cornwall or know of their work?

Thank you in advance for your responses.

 

Hi and welcome. I would say based on the timeline early to mid 90's would have been the latest date if the Northern TR Centre did the work. You are correct that TR6 is snug even for short people and you are soon BFF with whoever your passenger is. The TR3 definitely has a roomier cockpit and is better suited to tall people with big feet and long arms. Just dont plan on taking any luggage on a trip because the boot will be filled with the weather equipment.

 

Stan

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Welcome,

a name would be nice!

Best advice to you, would be to pop along to your local group, they will be freindly, and talk, look at , and try for size a range of Tr's.

Absolutely anything else  - just ask here.

John.

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Hello Stan,

Thank you for answering with a welcome and that helpful information.  I was keeping the weather equipment issue very much at the back of my mind but it will have to be faced if I am to persuade Jan, to tour France and Italy in the new baby. We met during my tenure of the TR6 and, back in the day she loved him too.  She was also very tolerant of the limited wardrobe space when we toured on the bike. However,  since 2013 we have toured in the X3 - gunnel full. Hey ho, just a matter of adjustment - paper suits worn by crime scene techs perhaps - yes! she'll love that.  

Of course, it did not help when, today, she informed a neighbour that we would not be able to look after his dog on Friday due to our visit to the NEC show. In response, Roger, an insurance claims consultant, (and a really good guy) replied that he was fighting a case (against the underwriters) for the family of a couple who died a classic because they could not exit the car.  That will take some undoing - LOL not!  In fairness I suppose he has a point, but...............I am going to cross the road - a bus route - later today!

Brendan

 

Hello John and thank you for your welcome and information.  

My apologies; no discourtesy was intended.

Brendan

 

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Ladies and Gentlemen of the Fellowship of the TR, (Only Audis have rings).

Here is a cheeky and probably presumptuous  question in that it demands time and effort to prepare a response. I will totally understand if I am not inundated with responses or even receive admonishments.

But here goes: If you were having (or have had) a nut and bolt ground up restoration on either a TR3A, TR4A or TR6 what would be your perfect recipe?  For many the answer maybe "As close to the original as possible". But of course that's not what I mean. This is not totally hypothetical or intended to waste your generous time.

Thanks in advance

Best

Brendan

 

Edited by EXTR6
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Hi Brendan, 

I have never been a great fan of 'originality' as the many mods I have made to my own cars testify.  If there is a better solution or improvement you can make to a design then my view is why not?  To give just a couple of examples, Starter motors on 4 pot and 6 [pot cars are best thrown away and replaced with a modern quick start unit. not only are they lighter but much more reliable.   The old worm and peg steering on an early car can be transformed by a rack and pinion conversion.  A lot of cars are now sporting MX5 seats because they are more comfortable than the standard issue on a long drive. and finally there is the option of painting your car if you are doing a full rebuild.  Why anyone (other than my mate Mark Treadwell)  would like to re paint their TR6 in Magenta I just can't imagine!  Yes you will get people tut tutting that you haven't done this or you should have done that but its YOUR CAR  and YOUR MONEY.    And remember, Triumph  always sought to improve their product which is why we have the range of TR2 -TR8. so fitting a 5 speed gear box conversion to a TR6  isn't blasphemy as some might say  as Triumph themselves ditched overdrive  in favour of 5 speed gear boxes for the TR7 and TR8

hoges. 

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Brendan, either approach is fine and it all depends on what you want. I have a highly modified TR6. We drive it a lot and sometimes for long distances on US highways. It had better keep up and had better be comfortable. It still looks like a TR6 and for the most part drives like a TR6 but almost every major part has been modified or upgraded in one way or another. I also have a TR3 that I restored over a 6 year period. I kept that 99% original because I really wanted to have the full TR3 experience at least for a while. At some point I may replace the generator with an alternator, go electric for the cooling fan etc but I have not yet gottten the TR3 out of my system.

Neither car is safe by modern standards. Drive defensively just like the bike.

 

Stan

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Paul. Fireman and foster461,

Thank you for your responses. I believe that major suspension and power steering mods (and of course lead free heads) are popular as well as the items mentioned.

A helpful restorer explained to this large footed too tall man, that a slice could be taken out of the offside rear wheel arch to accommodate another couple of inches leg room if the seat rails were also move back. I believe the hole in the wheel arch is patched :-).

I have seen, what I believe to be, MX3 heated seats in a 6!

When I can get the scanner on my HP 3636, to work again,  I would like to post a pic of my long departed 1972 TR6.  In the meantime, does anyone have knowledge of WVX 545L.

I do hope she was well restored and with a loving family.

Brendan

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10 hours ago, foster461 said:

Brendan, either approach is fine and it all depends on what you want. I have a highly modified TR6. We drive it a lot and sometimes for long distances on US highways. It had better keep up and had better be comfortable. It still looks like a TR6 and for the most part drives like a TR6 but almost every major part has been modified or upgraded in one way or another. I also have a TR3 that I restored over a 6 year period. I kept that 99% original because I really wanted to have the full TR3 experience at least for a while. At some point I may replace the generator with an alternator, go electric for the cooling fan etc but I have not yet gottten the TR3 out of my system.

Neither car is safe by modern standards. Drive defensively just like the bike.

 

Stan

Hi again Foster461,

From what I have seen of American car shows, you guys are the masters of sports car modifications, both in professional shops and in your amateur, spacious, home garages (I think you would call my abode a row house).  However, a small single garage, usually without power, can be rented within a few miles for winter storage.  Still, I am only  3.8 miles from London's Chelsea.  My chum with the double garage at his home, takes an hour to drive the few miles to London. But I digress.........

I saw an XKE on Jay Leno, which among many other mods, was shortened!  What a collection though!

I bet there are some amazing TRs and  (sotto voce) MGs running around in the USA.  Interestingly, some of the UK restore-to-sell businesses scoop up badly dilapidated cars in America and ship them back here to be converted to RHD and transformed to "as new",  to sell for huge bucks. Excellent for anyone with the doe-ray-me, as Woody used to sing, and really the only way to get a near perfect car ... "Shame on you Brendan" I hear the members, with self-restored "near perfect" cars, cry........... 

Best regards

Brendan

Edited by EXTR6
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2 hours ago, EXTR6 said:

Hi again Foster461,

From what I have seen of American car shows, you guys are the masters of sports car modifications, both in professional shops and in your amateur, spacious, home garages (I think you would call my abode a row house).  However, a small single garage, usually without power, can be rented within a few miles for winter storage.  Still, I am only  3.8 miles from London's Chelsea.  My chum with the double garage at his home, takes an hour to drive the few miles to London. But I digress.........

I saw an XKE on Jay Leno, which among many other mods, was shortened!  What a collection though!

I bet there are some amazing TRs and  (sotto voce) MGs running around in the USA.  Interestingly, some of the UK restore-to-sell businesses scoop up badly dilapidated cars in America and ship them back here to be converted to RHD and transformed to "as new",  to sell for huge bucks. Excellent for anyone with the doe-ray-me, as Woody used to sing, and really the only way to get a near perfect car ... "Shame on you Brendan" I hear the members, with self-restored "near perfect" cars, cry........... 

Best regards

Brendan

We have a number of things working in our favor Brendan. Most of the TR's were exported here and they are still inexpensive and available especially the TR6. People dont feel too bad replacing the gutless detuned TR6 engine and installing a V8 or a BMW straight 6. Some of us take the other approach of undoing the damage and returning the TR6 engine to its original spec but using Weber DCOE's or triple Strombergs or EFI rather than trying to convert to the Lucas PI. For all of that my ideal TR6 is the UK 1972 TR6 with the original Lucas PI. That car looks and sounds and drives like a TR6 should.

Stan

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Interesting Stan, thank you.

Perhaps I should pop over to California - I spent a month there with friends this summer. We travelled to Tupelo,Mississippi and Louisiana - and find an interesting and warm and dry climate preserved "Californian Girl" car.  LHD would not be a problem because the car's main use will be summer time tours to France and Italy. Mmm! Food for thought.

Brendan 

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On the subject of space. I drive both a TR6 and a TR3, both reasonably standard. I am 6'2". I wish that the TR6 seat could go back one more notch but the seat back hits the rear wheel arch. In comparison if I move the TR3 seat all the way back I can't get the clutch pedal all the way to the floor. The 3 cockpit is definitely longer but a bit narrower.

Mick

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On 11/4/2018 at 12:03 AM, EXTR6 said:

Hello,

Any too tall TR owners out there?

Thank you in advance for your responses.

 

You should contact Don Hiscock, he lives in the states, owns a TR3B, & he is very tall. He says the '3 is about the only sports car he can be comfortable in.

 

i-mCXhcGf[1].jpg

Don.jpg

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1 hour ago, EXTR6 said:

Interesting Stan, thank you.

Perhaps I should pop over to California - I spent a month there with friends this summer. We travelled to Tupelo,Mississippi and Louisiana - and find an interesting and warm and dry climate preserved "Californian Girl" car.  LHD would not be a problem because the car's main use will be summer time tours to France and Italy. Mmm! Food for thought.

Brendan 

 

1 hour ago, red6 said:

On the subject of space. I drive both a TR6 and a TR3, both reasonably standard. I am 6'2". I wish that the TR6 seat could go back one more notch but the seat back hits the rear wheel arch. In comparison if I move the TR3 seat all the way back I can't get the clutch pedal all the way to the floor. The 3 cockpit is definitely longer but a bit narrower.

Mick

Guys I'm 6'2" and for me with the 6 (BUO) I'm just about Ok with the 3 (UOV) there is bags of room but have you seen this http://www.enginuity.co.uk/page4/page9/index.html I've actually sat in a TR250 with the modification and it was actually possibly to put the seat to far back for me.

 

ATB Graham  

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Hi Brendan, No discourtesy felt, its just that we are a really freindly crowd.

Let me say I think your selection of TR's is flawed, as you have not listed the ultimate TR touring motor,

        A surrey topped TR 4,

- best of everyworld by a country mile, and you or your better half will never be cold,

even with the top down, as long as you both wear hats.

I've driven all the TR range bar a TR 5, I have a TR 3A and the said  Surrey Topped TR 4, I also have an MX5, and there is more room and luggage space in the TR 4, than the MX.

It combines the lovely simple design and construction of the early cars, with Michelotti styling, and wind up windows and full doors, WITHOUT, the unecessay complication of IRS.,  - never mind fuel injection!  I've driven 440 mls in a day, no problems, my house to the channel tunnel, 377 mls, half an hour longer in the '4' than a eurobox, and that was two big guys and ten days camping gear!

As for mods, I have made the mistake of 'Fixing stuff that wasn't Broken' in the past,

Basically MX5 seats with seperate headrests, good tyres, I'm a Michelin XAS man, decent brake material, and very few others.

Try some TR's Brendan, buy the right car for you - it will change your life, and for the better.

John.

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Or if you want a TR6 equivalent to the Surrey topped TR4A, get a hard top with a webasto sunroof (that's what I have). Easier to remove or erect than the Surrey. 6 cylinders and IRS and a plethora of fuel delivery methods from PI through carbs to aftermarket EFI and in my case supercharger. In the end I think the TR range offers something for everyone!

Tim

20181006_095905.jpg

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