I lived in the Santa Barbara/Goleta area for 12 years (1976 - 1988) and
dealt with Moss Motors for most of that time on a one on one basis with
their personnel. The focus of the Moss Motoring Mag. changes on a regular
basis. sometimes Triumphs, somtimes Healys, sometimes MGs. But MOST of the
personnel at Moss California OWN Triumphs. Without Moss Motors close by
(sometimes within walking distance) for 12 years my TR-6 would not be on the
road today. Pre internet there was no way for me to know there even was a
TRF or BPN. And before Moss CA opened, parts for my car were almost
impossible to get. I ALWAYS found the folks I dealt with at Moss to be
helpful, cheerful, and interested. There were no instances that I recall
when a back order took more than a month though during some periods certain
parts were totally unavailable. I thoght that was to be expected and still
do. Don't sell Moss short buddy. Moss CA is the main reason why a lot of
west coast Triumphs (and MGs and Healy's and Jags) are still tooling top
down through beach towns, deserts, mountains, valleys and vineyards all over
the Golden state. Beyond their Triumph expertise the company has had a major
impact on keeping the entire British automobile culture alive and well for
over two decades. I am a loyal customer for those reasons. I do on occassion
buy parts from other distributors but Moss is my mainstay and will remain so
as long as I am in California and I have no intention of going anywhere
else.
That said, amongst many other things I'm grateful this Thanksgiving for the
folks on this list, for Moss Motors and for the Jag XJ-6 and the TR-6 each
of which the beautiful Helena and I will take on a country cruise over the
holiday. Hope you all are able spend a wonderful weekend with friends and
family. And that goes for the non U.S. members as well. Cheers!
Deano
-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Jones [mailto:Jones_M2@popmail.firn.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 1998 8:12 PM
To: triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: Triumph Suppliers
Good evening all:
Today I received my Winter 1998 copy of Moss Motoring. First I want to
thank Moss for sending me at their expense a nice 31 page magazine and
sales brochure. I am glad they do this. On page three they noted they
are coming to the end of their Golden Anniversary year and "saleswise
it's no state secret that we've had our best year ever," I know that
many of you also have by now received this well produced journal. After
going through the remainder of the colourful pages I am quickly reminded
again: These folks ain't Triumph folks! Oh yes, I noted the odd photo
here and there of a Triumph, usually in the background. Articles about
Morris Minors but not Triumphs, except for an excerpt from a Paul
Richardson story from Triumph Over Triumph, and tech articles about MG
with one little bit devoted to Triumphs. Even the ads only mention
Triumphs as an afterthought, guess which make is featured?
Just a couple of days ago I received The Roadster Factory's Christmas
Sale Catalogue. What a contrast! Oh I know, none of the meaty articles
about MG's, just a heartfelt message from Charles and many Triumph parts
featured. But check out the cover: If you have been to the Summer
Party then you can relate, what a scene. O.K. Bob you say, what's the
point? The point is that to many of us our Triumphs are something
special in our lives. These folks who help keep our cars running and
original are more than just merchants to us, they are our friends and
essential to this important facet of our lives. And frankly some are
just better friends than others, they put their living on the line to
keep us running. So with Thanksgiving coming soon I would like to say
thanks to Charles, John, Dave, Bud and all my friends at TRF. To the
folks at Moss I say thanks also, but it just isn't the same. To all on
the list thanks also for the past year of sharing your experiences and
knowledge.
Bob
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