Chico Brit Meet recap....
two original unused Triumph 'skirted' thermostats ($5 each), pristine right
front fender ($65), and a beautiful original NOS front grill for my car
($85)...
that's what I was hoping for! ... but I only came home with a 'partial'
temperature gauge (I need the face only) for $2 bucks.
'Swappers/sellers' part of this venue was not as big as I hoped...the guy
with the big trailer came late. He has the Triumph stuff: assorted TR gauges,
several 'after market' TR4 fiberglass roofs, , bunch a TR bumper stuff, on
and on (this 'parts yard on wheels' guy was at the Dixon CA meet several
weeks ago).
The white Volvo stationwagon guy was there with TR3-4 stuff - same as he had
at Univ. Calif. Hayward meet (need a 'lightly used' 86mm liner/piston/ring
set? TR3 doors, TR4 doors, TR4 boot lid? etc.). And then only one other guy
with his 'Jag' spread.
The real treat for me was the six or seven excellent TR4s I've never seen
before (ole yellow 'TR ROAR' was not at the event).
One guy had his '65 TR4 since new and totally stock mechanically and original
Signal Red paint - beautiful condition throughout ...there were a couple 4s
that had slight mods ..say a plastic radiator fan or an oil cooler here or
there but all very close to original, with beautiful and assorted TR colors.
There were three or four TR4s that were modified racers..ie; roll bars,
aviation fueled, trick mods, etc. All of them on a scale of '1 to 10' were 9
and 10+'s in my book.
Usual assortment of Healeys (one was last '67 model 'off the line' and
completely original shown by original owners (married couple) along with
their 'first model' Healey fully restored.
Jaguars had good presence and quite a few Morgans including a mint 'three
wheel' job. A tank was there! and this guy brought in his 'sound track' of it
in a war!
'Machine guns firing' is to army guys, like Triumph exhaust notes is to us!
Although it does have a straight six 'Rolls' engine in it that sounded pretty
good!
MG midgets: three so tricked out - one was made as a big '4 wheel drive
monster truck' and one was 'wider than long' with huge 'slicks' - all with
gorgeous paint jobs and artwork motors - fun.
TR2s and 3s - about six or seven - all in excellent shape.
Morris Minor and English Ford showed strong along with about 10 -15 assorted
MG models and some vintage motorcycles.
Starting on Saturday at 2pm - I went to see what the Brit 'rally' was about -
14 cars mostly MGs 'mock racing' the town with only two TRs .. a mint white
TR8 and a well worn Spit in the group - never did find out who won - am sure
it was the TR8!
They all got in a line and had to roar off in one minute intervals - a very
healthy gorgeous TR3 spun his rear tires for excitement. Drivers drove past
the one unfortunate overheated steaming MG on the way out! - it was about 90
degree weather this weekend.
Sunday at 8:30am I arrived to hear all the show cars 'motor in' - TR4s got
most of my atttention (what healthy sounds!). Then I paced the show, drained
the TR4 owners of all their knowledge.... watched one 'valve cover' race ...
checked the parts guys out - hurridly bought my one part, then raced back to
the Bay Area for my dads Father Day BBQ.
All in all, I really enjoyed the show and plan to attend next year - I may
pass on the Saturday rally as only 14 cars 'mock raced' (and my TR4 is in
little boxes for some time) but with the almost 100 beautiful cars on the
lush green lawn with shade trees and picnicing car owners Sunday - that was a
great time!
Carl
'64 TR4 since '74 ... tore down but freshly inspired..
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