Hi there,
Just stumbled upon this find!
I had casually mentioned to a new fellow employee that I like old brit
cars (really, that is not the only thing I can talk about, honest). He
said that his friend had this TR7 or something and that I might want to
look at it. Usually the very phrase TR7 sends me running, but since it
was "or something", I decided to bite.
Turns out that his friend had bought this little car in 1970 from the
original owner (have original title). He said that the lady had bought
it new and drove it for a few years, and it developed some kind of
electrical problem (BIG SURPRISE), and she parked it. Now, the person
who bought it from the previous owner was in the navy at the time in
Virginia, (where the car was bought), and he bought it, fixed the
problem (turned out to be the voltage regulator), and drove it around
the military base down in Virginia. He never registered it, just used it
for tooling around, doing this and that. He apparently would pull the
plates off a government vehicle and use them to tool around.
Anyway, so I bought it.
I have no interest in keeping it, as I am trying to finish my MGA
restoration (which is just as prone to electrical problems as Triumphs
are, so I am not being a hypocrite)...so I want to sell this little gem.
The details:
Has been inside the previous owner's garage since 1980. The layer of
dust and muck on the paint is a testament to this. It has steel wheels,
a red exterior and a red interior. All body panels present and accounted
for. Rust has taken hold of the OUTER sill of the passenger side. Not
inner sill. Floors have cracks in the metal, and a little rust (I know
rust and the floors are intact)...not trying to be one of those people
who say...."yeah, theres a little rust in the floor", only to go and
look at the car to find that it could pass for a flintstones car with
the manual "foot" brakes. Anyway, the bottom of the front fenders will
need to be replaced with patch panels (usual), inner fender splash
panels have the lower 3 or so inches of rust, but not major, rear
fenders look great. Some paint bubbling. Trunk floor was actually
covered with undercoat and it looks pretty solid now that the undercoat
has been removed to see the steel trunk floor. Rear shroud looks great,
as does the spare tire holding area (still has original leather strap
holding spare). Front nose cone has been reworked, but minimally. Doors
look great. Has sidecurtains and the slots into which they slide in the
door. Sidecurtains are in fair shape, will need full rebuild.
The chassis is SOLID, fair to say that it is pretty rust free, not even
surface scale. Looks great. Rolls nicely. Engine is in the process of
being unstuck with a liberal coat of Marvel Mystery oil in the
cylinders. Chrome is all there except the front "triumph" tag and the
TR3 emblem. One headlight trim ring is missing. All hubcaps present and
in good shape. Steel wheels in great shape. Windshield there, and in
great shape.Front disc brakes look to be orignal (thick rotors and
pads), suspension is solid, not full of play. Bounce test results in
very firm springs and shocks. Rear drums dont even look like they have
ever been opened to change the rear brake shoes. Exhaust looks to be
original.
Interior: Dash complete, all gauges present. Seats are GONE, nowhere to
be found. PO said he traded them for TR6 seats only to find that the TR6
seats don't fit. Gas tank, in great shape, no apparent rust. nice and
shiny. Rear overriders will need rechrome or replace. Front grille
tatty, will need to be straightened or replaced/rechromed. Missing glass
lenses for small lights. Plastic rear lens replacements on the brake
lights. Under the hood:
Engine carbs taken off and exhaust header unbolted to start engine
removal process, but that is as far as PO got. Was going to take engine
to the machine shop to have it rebuilt. He said it was "running lumpy".
You decide what that means, SU's or Crankshaft?
Engine is complete, tranny is there, with OD. Driveshaft there, as is
the rear end. All looks great.
Chassis, again is absolutely great.
Missing items:
Front bumper, various lenses, toolkit.(has the lugwrench though), soft
top (has frame), seats. I think that is about it.
The numbers:
ENGINE number: TS 76638
Chassis(car)number: TS76573 L O
Firewall plate (shell number): EB74879
Engine shows 22017 unknown as to original miles
This car is absolutely original,UNMOLESTED. with the exception of a
really bad respray job back in the 70's. Paint is worn.No Surprises.
Come and see for yourself.
Drop me an email if you are interested.
Car is located in Stratford, CT.
Looking to get $3500 or best offer.
If I get it running, well that would be a bonus.
I am always willing to be negotiable.
Interesting MGA parts trade????
thanks
Kevin Richards
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