On Mon, 17 Aug 1998, J. Robinson wrote:
> When I purchased my TR-4 four years ago from the original old lady
> owner, it came with a one piece fiberglass hardtop. Knowing that the
> factory hardtop is a two piece unit, I queried her about its origin.
> She said she bought it from the dealer at the time of original purchase.
> I am assuming that the dealer sold her some aftermarket one piece unit
> that was available in 1964.
Rats. I realize I don't have a copy of the latest issue of VTR's _The
Vintage Triumph_ here at work. (NOTE TO SELF: bring one in!) But in that
issue (#69) is a reprint of a Standard-Triumph USA "accessories" pamphlet,
and I seem to recall that a TR4 "hardtop" -- similar to what you describe
-- is pictured in that pamphlet.
Yes, this would have been an aftermarket item, probably sourced right here
in the U.S. (don't know offhand who the manufacturer might have been). At
the same time, though, it could well be considered a "genuine" accessory
by virtue of its being sold through Triumph dealers in the U.S. While
likely commanding nowhere near the price of the factory hardtop and surrey
top setup (I'll wager it was MUCH less expensive at the time), it probably
is as rare or more so than the factory setup.
All that said, I don't have a TR4, so I don't have any interest. But it
seems that this piece should have a reasonable value to someone "into"
original TR4s.
--Andy
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* Andrew Mace, President and *
* 10/Herald/Vitesse (Sports 6) Consultant *
* Vintage Triumph Register <www.vtr.org> *
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