Vern,
By the time 1965 rolled around, the crank start option was long gone. As
was noted, the radiator changed at to one that did not have a header tank
at CT9553. (TR3B production has stopped, so the radiators didn't need a
filler neck anymore - the TR4 and TR3Bs used the same radiator) It doesn't
explicitly state that the starter crank hole dissapeared at that time, but
it is reasonable to assume this.
So, could this be original? Probably not. Could it have been replaced?
Probably, in fact, something might have happened to it from the production
line to the dealership and the earlier radiator substituted, so the car
would have been purchased with it. Thus the radiator would have been
"original" to the initial owner - this would not have been the first time
we've seen stuff like this.
If you get the chance, please ask him two more questions:
1. Was the car fitted with a crank support on the bumper?
2. Is there a header tank on the radiator?
Thanks,
Bruce Clough
TRA TR4 Vehicle Consultant and Head Judge
Owner - CT2966L with crank start option (actually works)
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