On Wed, 28 Aug 1996, Michael Burdick wrote:
> Hi Francois,
>
> Andy, Bill, and Larry have already responded to your question - but I
> thought of a couple of other differences I've noted between my car and
> other Mk3s, so I thought I'd throw them out for completeness:
>
> Interior differences - The sun visors are the type with the detachable
> inner anchor that allows the visor to be moved to the side. The TR-6 has
> this same arrangement.
I'm pretty sure (but not absolutely so) that the 1969 Mk.3 U.S. model
had these as well. I know they were the same black, padded visors
(suggested by Federal safety standards?).
> Also, my car has a top frame latching mechanism that is different than
> other (earlier) Mk3's I've seen. Earlier cars seem to have a pair of
> buckle type latches to hold the header rail to the windscreen frame. My
> car has two levers that operate posts that engages holes in the top of the
> windscreen frame (similar to the setup on TR4A-TR6, I think). I have seen
> a '68 Spit with the buckle-type latch - I don't know when the change to
> the "lever and post" occured - Andy?
Again, probably with the 1969 model, as my 1969 Mk.3 does have the later
type. The earlier Mk.3 "over-center" latches for the header rail are, of
course, from the Herald. ;-) I'd assume the Spitfire's adoption of the
"lever and post" was an attempt to commonize parts among cars as much as
possible (which might also explain the black windshield frame on the
1970-only Spitfire and GT6).
> Larry mentioned something to the effect that the '70 had everything the
> MkIV had except the square tail body. I think for the most part this is
> true but there are some diffences. For example, the MKIV motor uses a
> different block casting with larger main bearings, even though
> displacement was the same at 1296. Other engine differences were
> incorporated with the MkIV too, in the head especially.
And don't forget the change in direction of operation of the heater
temp. control lever on the Mk. IV! And....
never mind. I'll stop now! :-)
--Andy
Andrew Mace
10/Herald/Vitesse (Sports 6) Consultant
Vintage Triumph Register
amace@unix2.nysed.gov
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