Subject: Re: [TR] An article about the UK 'originality' scene.

From: DAVID MASSEY <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:12:59 +0000 (UTC)

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Well, since I was specifically named, I feel I have license to respond.=C2=
=A0 Maybe I was singled out because it was I who penned the subset of conco=
urs guidelines covering the modified classes.=C2=A0 Perhaps it is thought t=
hat I am a big proponent of the whole operation.
This article is a well rendered version of a point of view regarding Concou=
rs d'Elegance among many that are out there.=C2=A0 It is a point of view wi=
th which I am in complete agreement, by the way.=C2=A0 But one of the thing=
s that makes our hobby healthy and the supply of spare parts flowing is the=
 broad appeal to the many people with diverse goals in pursuing this hobby.
There are those who pursue the "As delivered by the dealer" perspective as =
stated by the VTR Concours manual.=C2=A0 (It might be noted here that the V=
TR concours guidelines also states that the car is to be judged as in its c=
ondition when it left home for the convention meaning anything that happens=
 en route or during the event will be overlooked.=C2=A0 This includes any m=
isfortunate encounters with the calling cards of any local mutton on the ho=
of.=C2=A0 This is to encourage owners to actually drive the cars although t=
he effectiveness of this missive is in question, at least by me.
Then there are the over-restorers you see detailing the overload of chrome =
under the bonnet with a toothbrush.=C2=A0 At VTR we do not punish then for =
overdoing the quality of paint but nor do we reward this activity, either.=
=C2=A0 There is an old adage concerning a silk purse and a sow's ear that m=
ay or may not apply here.=C2=A0 I'll let you decide.
Then there are the ones who actually drive their cars.=C2=A0 They keep them=
 well maintained and looking nice but have made significant modifications m=
aking the cars more suitable for use in modern traffic situations.=C2=A0 Th=
ese modifications may include electric radiator fans that will allow the ca=
rs to survive modern traffic conditions without belching out a serious amou=
nt of coolant.=C2=A0 These are the ones who WILL drive to events eschewing =
trailers.=C2=A0 They enjoy first and foremost the driving experience.=C2=A0=
 It is this group that motivated me to write up the guidelines for the modi=
fied touring classes.=C2=A0=C2=A0
Then there are the wannabe automotive engineers (that's me).=C2=A0 I'm not =
taking anything away from the boffins in Coventry back in the day.=C2=A0 Th=
ose heroes had an ominous task of making a competitive car using the techno=
logy available at the time and to the budget set by those clueless executiv=
es in the air conditioned offices.=C2=A0 But, as owners of the cars we are =
not limited by any such budgets.=C2=A0 We can spend as much money improving=
 this cars as we wish (or as much as She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed will allow).=C2=
=A0 Also, time marches on.=C2=A0 It is a fact that in the technology fields=
 we are all standing on the shoulders of those who come before us.=C2=A0 Te=
chnology has progressed much since those days.=C2=A0 Alternators perform mu=
ch better than the dynamos of old but these only became possible with the a=
dvent of solid-state rectifiers in the mid 60's.=C2=A0 They were not an opt=
ion or even a dream for those building the TR3.=C2=A0 But one can fit an al=
ternator to one's TR3 which will power the electric fan that will keep the =
coolant in the engine during that slo-mo 4th of July parade that progresses=
 at a brisk 3 MPH.=C2=A0 A consideration dismissed by upper management as u=
nlikely.=C2=A0 We wannabes view these cars as a starting point and we feel =
that without the restrictive budgets and with the new technological advance=
s we can add our own personal touch to these cars while, at the same time, =
make the car more reliable, easier to maintain and possibly perform better.=
=C2=A0 It is for this group that I penned the Modified performance guidelin=
es.=C2=A0 Originality be damned, lets consider materials and workmanship.=
=C2=A0 There are some really clever craftsmen out there making changes to t=
heir cars and they should be celebrated.=C2=A0=C2=A0
As for me, I did a ground-up restoration on a TR3.=C2=A0 It took more than =
10 years and I spent more than the car was worth.=C2=A0 When I was done I h=
ad a pretty pristine car which showed well.=C2=A0 But I was afraid to drive=
 it.=C2=A0 I didn't want to scratch the paint or wear out the leather seats=
.=C2=A0 It was fun going through the process and I got a few trophies, but =
in the end, I didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoy my TR6 and TR8, both of wh=
ich are rather blemished but drive very well, thank you very much.=C2=A0 So=
 I sold the TR3 as I needed the garage space anyway.
But I support the Concours d'Elegance as a whole because I am a big-tent ki=
nd of guy.=C2=A0 What ever floats your boat, after all.=C2=A0 The more peop=
le pursuing the hobby will make the supply of spare parts more healthy.=C2=
=A0 As you well know,=C2=A0Concours d'Elegance is a french phrase that tran=
slates into=C2=A0Competition of Excellence.=C2=A0 As you say, these cars ne=
ver were "excellent."=C2=A0 Perhaps we should change the name to Concours d=
'Originalt=C3=A9=C2=A0 or=C2=A0Concours de Fidelit=C3=A9.=C2=A0 But then mo=
st English speakers don't know how to type an E-accent-aigu.=C2=A0 C'est la=
 vie.
There are may other aspects that add to or detract from the driving experie=
nce.=C2=A0 Most of these cannot be judged on the show field.=C2=A0 Things l=
ike ride quality, exhaust note, seating comfort and other aspects that can =
only be judged whilst driving the car in various scenarios.=C2=A0 This is n=
ot practicable (practical in US English) in our context.=C2=A0 But I though=
t that maybe we could have an exhaust note contest.=C2=A0 We set up a panel=
 of judges next to a stretch of road and let competitors drive by demonstra=
ting how the exhaust sounds under varying conditions.=C2=A0 If course there=
 would be bias towards 4 cylinder vs 6 cylinder but we could have classes f=
or each.=C2=A0 Could be fun.
Anyway, this missive is way too long as it is so I will stop here.
As always, I enjoy you writings and treasure them all.
Dave

    On Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 10:07:37 AM CST, JOHN MACARTNEY <john=
[email-masked]> wrote:  =20

 I trust it doesn't offend - Dave Massey in particular:) Light-heartedness =
has to prevail in this much troubled world.=C2=A0Jonmac** [email-masked]=
am.net **

Archive: http://www.team.net/pipermail/triumphs=C2=A0 http://www.team.net/a=
rchive

[email-masked]
 =20
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<html><head></head><body><div class=3D"ydpf130c49eyahoo-style-wrap" style=
=3D"font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><div dir=
=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false">Well, since I was specifically named, I feel=
 I have license to respond.&nbsp; Maybe I was singled out because it was I =
who penned the subset of concours guidelines covering the modified classes.=
&nbsp; Perhaps it is thought that I am a big proponent of the whole operati=
on.</div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false"><br></div><div dir=3D"ltr" =
data-setdir=3D"false">This article is a well rendered version of a point of=
 view regarding Concours d'Elegance among many that are out there.&nbsp; It=
 is a point of view with which I am in complete agreement, by the way.&nbsp=
; But one of the things that makes our hobby healthy and the supply of spar=
e parts flowing is the broad appeal to the many people with diverse goals i=
n pursuing this hobby.</div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false"><br></di=
v><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false">There are those who pursue the "As=
 delivered by the dealer" perspective as stated by the VTR Concours manual.=
&nbsp; (It might be noted here that the VTR concours guidelines also states=
 that the car is to be judged as in its condition when it left home for the=
 convention meaning anything that happens en route or during the event will=
 be overlooked.&nbsp; This includes any misfortunate encounters with the ca=
lling cards of any local mutton on the hoof.&nbsp; This is to encourage own=
ers to actually drive the cars although the effectiveness of this missive i=
s in question, at least by me.</div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false">=
<br></div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false">Then there are the over-re=
storers you see detailing the overload of chrome under the bonnet with a to=
othbrush.&nbsp; At VTR we do not punish then for overdoing the quality of p=
aint but nor do we reward this activity, either.&nbsp; There is an old adag=
e concerning a silk purse and a sow's ear that may or may not apply here.&n=
bsp; I'll let you decide.</div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false"><br><=
/div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false">Then there are the ones who act=
ually drive their cars.&nbsp; They keep them well maintained and looking ni=
ce but have made significant modifications making the cars more suitable fo=
r use in modern traffic situations.&nbsp; These modifications may include e=
lectric radiator fans that will allow the cars to survive modern traffic co=
nditions without belching out a serious amount of coolant.&nbsp; These are =
the ones who WILL drive to events eschewing trailers.&nbsp; They enjoy firs=
t and foremost the driving experience.&nbsp; It is this group that motivate=
d me to write up the guidelines for the modified touring classes.&nbsp;&nbs=
p;</div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false"><br></div><div dir=3D"ltr" d=
ata-setdir=3D"false">Then there are the wannabe automotive engineers (that'=
s me).&nbsp; I'm not taking anything away from the boffins in Coventry back=
 in the day.&nbsp; Those heroes had an ominous task of making a competitive=
 car using the technology available at the time and to the budget set by th=
ose clueless executives in the air conditioned offices.&nbsp; But, as owner=
s of the cars we are not limited by any such budgets.&nbsp; We can spend as=
 much money improving this cars as we wish (or as much as She-Who-Must-Be-O=
beyed will allow).&nbsp; Also, time marches on.&nbsp; It is a fact that in =
the technology fields we are all standing on the shoulders of those who com=
e before us.&nbsp; Technology has progressed much since those days.&nbsp; A=
lternators perform much better than the dynamos of old but these only becam=
e possible with the advent of solid-state rectifiers in the mid 60's.&nbsp;=
 They were not an option or even a dream for those building the TR3.&nbsp; =
But one can fit an alternator to one's TR3 which will power the electric fa=
n that will keep the coolant in the engine during that slo-mo 4th of July p=
arade that progresses at a brisk 3 MPH.&nbsp; A consideration dismissed by =
upper management as unlikely.&nbsp; We wannabes view these cars as a starti=
ng point and we feel that without the restrictive budgets and with the new =
technological advances we can add our own personal touch to these cars whil=
e, at the same time, make the car more reliable, easier to maintain and pos=
sibly perform better.&nbsp; It is for this group that I penned the Modified=
 performance guidelines.&nbsp; Originality be damned, lets consider materia=
ls and workmanship.&nbsp; There are some really clever craftsmen out there =
making changes to their cars and they should be celebrated.&nbsp;&nbsp;</di=
v><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false"><br></div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-se=
tdir=3D"false">As for me, I did a ground-up restoration on a TR3.&nbsp; It =
took more than 10 years and I spent more than the car was worth.&nbsp; When=
 I was done I had a pretty pristine car which showed well.&nbsp; But I was =
afraid to drive it.&nbsp; I didn't want to scratch the paint or wear out th=
e leather seats.&nbsp; It was fun going through the process and I got a few=
 trophies, but in the end, I didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoy my TR6 and =
TR8, both of which are rather blemished but drive very well, thank you very=
 much.&nbsp; So I sold the TR3 as I needed the garage space anyway.</div><d=
iv dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false"><br></div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=
=3D"false">But I support the Concours d'Elegance as a whole because I am a =
big-tent kind of guy.&nbsp; What ever floats your boat, after all.&nbsp; Th=
e more people pursuing the hobby will make the supply of spare parts more h=
ealthy.&nbsp; As you well know,&nbsp;<span style=3D"letter-spacing: -0.32px=
;"><i>Concours d'Elegance</i> is a french phrase that translates into</span=
><span style=3D"letter-spacing: -0.32px;">&nbsp;</span><i style=3D"letter-s=
pacing: -0.32px;">Competition of Excellence.</i><span style=3D"letter-spaci=
ng: -0.32px;">&nbsp; As you say, these cars never were "excellent."&nbsp; P=
erhaps we should change the name to <i>Concours d'Originalt=C3=A9</i>&nbsp;=
 or&nbsp;<i style=3D"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sa=
ns-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.32px;">Concours de Fidelit=C3=
=A9.&nbsp; </i><span style=3D"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helv=
etica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.32px;">But then most=
 English speakers don't know how to type an E-accent-aigu.&nbsp; C'est la v=
ie.</span></span></div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false"><span style=
=3D"letter-spacing: -0.32px;"><span style=3D"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-fami=
ly: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.32px;=
"><br></span></span></div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false"><span styl=
e=3D"letter-spacing: -0.32px;"><span style=3D"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-fam=
ily: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.32px=
;">There are may other aspects that add to or detract from the driving expe=
rience.&nbsp; Most of these cannot be judged on the show field.&nbsp; Thing=
s like ride quality, exhaust note, seating comfort and other aspects that c=
an only be judged whilst driving the car in various scenarios.&nbsp; This i=
s not practicable (practical in US English) in our context.&nbsp; But I tho=
ught that maybe we could have an exhaust note contest.&nbsp; We set up a pa=
nel of judges next to a stretch of road and let competitors drive by demons=
trating how the exhaust sounds under varying conditions.&nbsp; If course th=
ere would be bias towards 4 cylinder vs 6 cylinder but we could have classe=
s for each.&nbsp; Could be fun.</span></span></div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-se=
tdir=3D"false"><span style=3D"letter-spacing: -0.32px;"><span style=3D"colo=
r: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px=
; letter-spacing: -0.32px;"><br></span></span></div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-s=
etdir=3D"false"><span style=3D"letter-spacing: -0.32px;"><span style=3D"col=
or: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16p=
x; letter-spacing: -0.32px;">Anyway, this missive is way too long as it is =
so I will stop here.</span></span></div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"fal=
se"><span style=3D"letter-spacing: -0.32px;"><span style=3D"color: rgb(0, 0=
, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-sp=
acing: -0.32px;"><br></span></span></div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"fa=
lse"><span style=3D"letter-spacing: -0.32px;"><span style=3D"color: rgb(0, =
0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-s=
pacing: -0.32px;">As always, I enjoy you writings and treasure them all.</s=
pan></span></div><div><div><br></div><div class=3D"ydpf130c49esignature"><d=
iv style=3D"font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12pt; =
line-height: normal;"><div style=3D"font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: n=
ormal; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;"><div><font size=3D"4">Dave<br=
></font></div><div><span style=3D"font-size: 10pt; font-family: sans-serif;=
"><br></span></div><br></div></div></div></div><div><br style=3D"letter-spa=
cing: -0.32px;"></div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false"><br></div></di=
v><div><br></div>
       =20
        </div><div id=3D"ydp649b235yahoo_quoted_2991296314" class=3D"ydp649=
b235yahoo_quoted"><div class=3D"ydp649b235yahoo-style-wrap" style=3D"font-f=
amily:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">
            <div style=3D"font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, s=
ans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;">
               =20
                <div class=3D"ydp649b235quoted-text-header">
                        On Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 10:07:37 AM CST, =
JOHN MACARTNEY &lt;[email-masked]&gt; wrote:
                    </div>
                </div><div style=3D"font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica=
, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;border-left: 1px solid #cc=
c;padding-left: 8px;margin: 0px 0px 0px 8px" class=3D"ydp649b235inline_repl=
y_quote_container" data-split-quote-node=3D"true">
                <div><br></div><div><br></div>
                <div><div id=3D"ydp649b235yiv4174689060"><div><div style=3D=
"font-family:Verdana;font-size:12.0px;"><div>I trust it doesn't offend - Da=
ve Massey in particular:) Light-heartedness has to prevail in this much tro=
ubled world.</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>Jonmac</div></div></div></div>** <a href=3D"mailto:[email-masked]=
.net" rel=3D"nofollow" target=3D"_blank">[email-masked]</a> **<br>=
<br>Donate: <a href=3D"http://www.team.net/donate.html" rel=3D"nofollow" ta=
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** [email-masked] **

Archive: http://www.team.net/pipermail/triumphs  http://www.team.net/archive

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---

From: John Macartney <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:11:47 +0000

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	charset=utf-8
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Thank you Dave for your contribution. Much appreciated.

Just two things.

1. Executives sitting in air-conditioned offices in Coventry. Maybe today, b=
ut not fifty plus years ago. You either sweated profusely in your mandatory s=
uit or you froze in your mandatory. Keeping employees comfortable was never o=
n the managerial agenda. In Export Sales, we were next door to gearbox heat t=
reatment and that was where everyone went when it was cold.

2. Accent aigu and English speakers finding it difficult to do - or whatever=
? In MS Word and many other programs, Toolbar> Insert>Symbol will give you a=
ny accent you want for most global languages. I use that facility all the ti=
me.

Jonmac

> On 27 Feb 2026, at 14:12, DAVID MASSEY <[email-masked]> wrote:
>=20
> Well, since I was specifically named, I feel I have license to respond.  M=
aybe I was singled out because it was I who penned the subset of concours gu=
idelines covering the modified classes.  Perhaps it is thought that I am a b=
ig proponent of the whole operation.
>=20
> This article is a well rendered version of a point of view regarding Conco=
urs d'Elegance among many that are out there.  It is a point of view with wh=
ich I am in complete agreement, by the way.  But one of the things that make=
s our hobby healthy and the supply of spare parts flowing is the broad appea=
l to the many people with diverse goals in pursuing this hobby.
>=20
> There are those who pursue the "As delivered by the dealer" perspective as=
 stated by the VTR Concours manual.  (It might be noted here that the VTR co=
ncours guidelines also states that the car is to be judged as in its conditi=
on when it left home for the convention meaning anything that happens en rou=
te or during the event will be overlooked.  This includes any misfortunate e=
ncounters with the calling cards of any local mutton on the hoof.  This is t=
o encourage owners to actually drive the cars although the effectiveness of t=
his missive is in question, at least by me.
>=20
> Then there are the over-restorers you see detailing the overload of chrome=
 under the bonnet with a toothbrush.  At VTR we do not punish then for overd=
oing the quality of paint but nor do we reward this activity, either.  There=
 is an old adage concerning a silk purse and a sow's ear that may or may not=
 apply here.  I'll let you decide.
>=20
> Then there are the ones who actually drive their cars.  They keep them wel=
l maintained and looking nice but have made significant modifications making=
 the cars more suitable for use in modern traffic situations.  These modific=
ations may include electric radiator fans that will allow the cars to surviv=
e modern traffic conditions without belching out a serious amount of coolant=
.  These are the ones who WILL drive to events eschewing trailers.  They enj=
oy first and foremost the driving experience.  It is this group that motivat=
ed me to write up the guidelines for the modified touring classes. =20
>=20
> Then there are the wannabe automotive engineers (that's me).  I'm not taki=
ng anything away from the boffins in Coventry back in the day.  Those heroes=
 had an ominous task of making a competitive car using the technology availa=
ble at the time and to the budget set by those clueless executives in the ai=
r conditioned offices.  But, as owners of the cars we are not limited by any=
 such budgets.  We can spend as much money improving this cars as we wish (o=
r as much as She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed will allow).  Also, time marches on.  It=
 is a fact that in the technology fields we are all standing on the shoulder=
s of those who come before us.  Technology has progressed much since those d=
ays.  Alternators perform much better than the dynamos of old but these only=
 became possible with the advent of solid-state rectifiers in the mid 60's. =
 They were not an option or even a dream for those building the TR3.  But on=
e can fit an alternator to one's TR3 which will power the electric fan that w=
ill keep the coolant in the engine during that slo-mo 4th of July parade tha=
t progresses at a brisk 3 MPH.  A consideration dismissed by upper managemen=
t as unlikely.  We wannabes view these cars as a starting point and we feel t=
hat without the restrictive budgets and with the new technological advances w=
e can add our own personal touch to these cars while, at the same time, make=
 the car more reliable, easier to maintain and possibly perform better.  It i=
s for this group that I penned the Modified performance guidelines.  Origina=
lity be damned, lets consider materials and workmanship.  There are some rea=
lly clever craftsmen out there making changes to their cars and they should b=
e celebrated. =20
>=20
> As for me, I did a ground-up restoration on a TR3.  It took more than 10 y=
ears and I spent more than the car was worth.  When I was done I had a prett=
y pristine car which showed well.  But I was afraid to drive it.  I didn't w=
ant to scratch the paint or wear out the leather seats.  It was fun going th=
rough the process and I got a few trophies, but in the end, I didn't enjoy i=
t as much as I enjoy my TR6 and TR8, both of which are rather blemished but d=
rive very well, thank you very much.  So I sold the TR3 as I needed the gara=
ge space anyway.
>=20
> But I support the Concours d'Elegance as a whole because I am a big-tent k=
ind of guy.  What ever floats your boat, after all.  The more people pursuin=
g the hobby will make the supply of spare parts more healthy.  As you well k=
now, Concours d'Elegance is a french phrase that translates into Competition=
 of Excellence.  As you say, these cars never were "excellent."  Perhaps we s=
hould change the name to Concours d'Originalt=C3=A9  or Concours de Fidelit=C3=
=A9.  But then most English speakers don't know how to type an E-accent-aigu=
.  C'est la vie.
>=20
> There are may other aspects that add to or detract from the driving experi=
ence.  Most of these cannot be judged on the show field.  Things like ride q=
uality, exhaust note, seating comfort and other aspects that can only be jud=
ged whilst driving the car in various scenarios.  This is not practicable (p=
ractical in US English) in our context.  But I thought that maybe we could h=
ave an exhaust note contest.  We set up a panel of judges next to a stretch o=
f road and let competitors drive by demonstrating how the exhaust sounds und=
er varying conditions.  If course there would be bias towards 4 cylinder vs 6=
 cylinder but we could have classes for each.  Could be fun.
> On Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 10:07:37 AM CST, JOHN MACARTNEY <johnbma=
[email-masked]> wrote:
>=20
>=20
> I trust it doesn't offend - Dave Massey in particular:) Light-heartedness h=
as to prevail in this much troubled world.
> Jonmac
> Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
> Archive: http://www.team.net/pipermail/triumphs  http://www.team.net/archi=
ve
>=20
> Unsubscribe/Manage: http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/triumphs/dave1ma=
[email-masked]

--Apple-Mail-CF54470D-758B-49E2-877A-845660382E8A
	charset=utf-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

<html><head><meta http-equiv=3D"content-type" content=3D"text/html; charset=3D=
utf-8"></head><body dir=3D"auto"><div dir=3D"ltr"></div><div dir=3D"ltr">Tha=
nk you Dave for your contribution. Much appreciated.</div><div dir=3D"ltr"><=
br></div><div dir=3D"ltr">Just two things.</div><div dir=3D"ltr"><br></div><=
div dir=3D"ltr">1. Executives sitting in air-conditioned offices in Coventry=
. Maybe today, but not fifty plus years ago. You either sweated profusely in=
 your mandatory suit or you froze in your mandatory. Keeping employees comfo=
rtable was never on the managerial agenda. In Export Sales, we were next doo=
r to gearbox heat treatment and that was where everyone went when it was col=
d.</div><div dir=3D"ltr"><br></div><div dir=3D"ltr">2. Accent aigu and Engli=
sh speakers finding it difficult to do - or whatever? In MS Word and many ot=
her programs, Toolbar&gt; Insert&gt;Symbol will give you any accent you want=
 for most global languages. I use that facility all the time.</div><div dir=3D=
"ltr"><br></div><div dir=3D"ltr">Jonmac</div><div dir=3D"ltr"><br>On 27 Feb 2=
026, at 14:12, DAVID MASSEY &lt;<a href=3D"mailto:[email-masked]">dave1m=
[email-masked]</a>&gt; wrote:<br><br></div><blockquote type=3D"cite"><div dir=3D=
"ltr"><div class=3D"ydpf130c49eyahoo-style-wrap" style=3D"font-family:Arial,=
 Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D=
"false">Well, since I was specifically named, I feel I have license to respo=
nd.&nbsp; Maybe I was singled out because it was I who penned the subset of c=
oncours guidelines covering the modified classes.&nbsp; Perhaps it is though=
t that I am a big proponent of the whole operation.</div><div dir=3D"ltr" da=
ta-setdir=3D"false"><br></div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false">This ar=
ticle is a well rendered version of a point of view regarding Concours d'Ele=
gance among many that are out there.&nbsp; It is a point of view with which I=
 am in complete agreement, by the way.&nbsp; But one of the things that make=
s our hobby healthy and the supply of spare parts flowing is the broad appea=
l to the many people with diverse goals in pursuing this hobby.</div><div di=
r=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false"><br></div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"fa=
lse">There are those who pursue the "As delivered by the dealer" perspective=
 as stated by the VTR Concours manual.&nbsp; (It might be noted here that th=
e VTR concours guidelines also states that the car is to be judged as in its=
 condition when it left home for the convention meaning anything that happen=
s en route or during the event will be overlooked.&nbsp; This includes any m=
isfortunate encounters with the calling cards of any local mutton on the hoo=
f.&nbsp; This is to encourage owners to actually drive the cars although the=
 effectiveness of this missive is in question, at least by me.</div><div dir=
=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false"><br></div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"fal=
se">Then there are the over-restorers you see detailing the overload of chro=
me under the bonnet with a toothbrush.&nbsp; At VTR we do not punish then fo=
r overdoing the quality of paint but nor do we reward this activity, either.=
&nbsp; There is an old adage concerning a silk purse and a sow's ear that ma=
y or may not apply here.&nbsp; I'll let you decide.</div><div dir=3D"ltr" da=
ta-setdir=3D"false"><br></div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false">Then th=
ere are the ones who actually drive their cars.&nbsp; They keep them well ma=
intained and looking nice but have made significant modifications making the=
 cars more suitable for use in modern traffic situations.&nbsp; These modifi=
cations may include electric radiator fans that will allow the cars to survi=
ve modern traffic conditions without belching out a serious amount of coolan=
t.&nbsp; These are the ones who WILL drive to events eschewing trailers.&nbs=
p; They enjoy first and foremost the driving experience.&nbsp; It is this gr=
oup that motivated me to write up the guidelines for the modified touring cl=
asses.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false"><br></div><di=
v dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false">Then there are the wannabe automotive en=
gineers (that's me).&nbsp; I'm not taking anything away from the boffins in C=
oventry back in the day.&nbsp; Those heroes had an ominous task of making a c=
ompetitive car using the technology available at the time and to the budget s=
et by those clueless executives in the air conditioned offices.&nbsp; But, a=
s owners of the cars we are not limited by any such budgets.&nbsp; We can sp=
end as much money improving this cars as we wish (or as much as She-Who-Must=
-Be-Obeyed will allow).&nbsp; Also, time marches on.&nbsp; It is a fact that=
 in the technology fields we are all standing on the shoulders of those who c=
ome before us.&nbsp; Technology has progressed much since those days.&nbsp; A=
lternators perform much better than the dynamos of old but these only became=
 possible with the advent of solid-state rectifiers in the mid 60's.&nbsp; T=
hey were not an option or even a dream for those building the TR3.&nbsp; But=
 one can fit an alternator to one's TR3 which will power the electric fan th=
at will keep the coolant in the engine during that slo-mo 4th of July parade=
 that progresses at a brisk 3 MPH.&nbsp; A consideration dismissed by upper m=
anagement as unlikely.&nbsp; We wannabes view these cars as a starting point=
 and we feel that without the restrictive budgets and with the new technolog=
ical advances we can add our own personal touch to these cars while, at the s=
ame time, make the car more reliable, easier to maintain and possibly perfor=
m better.&nbsp; It is for this group that I penned the Modified performance g=
uidelines.&nbsp; Originality be damned, lets consider materials and workmans=
hip.&nbsp; There are some really clever craftsmen out there making changes t=
o their cars and they should be celebrated.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div dir=3D"ltr=
" data-setdir=3D"false"><br></div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false">As f=
or me, I did a ground-up restoration on a TR3.&nbsp; It took more than 10 ye=
ars and I spent more than the car was worth.&nbsp; When I was done I had a p=
retty pristine car which showed well.&nbsp; But I was afraid to drive it.&nb=
sp; I didn't want to scratch the paint or wear out the leather seats.&nbsp; I=
t was fun going through the process and I got a few trophies, but in the end=
, I didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoy my TR6 and TR8, both of which are rat=
her blemished but drive very well, thank you very much.&nbsp; So I sold the T=
R3 as I needed the garage space anyway.</div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D=
"false"><br></div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false">But I support the C=
oncours d'Elegance as a whole because I am a big-tent kind of guy.&nbsp; Wha=
t ever floats your boat, after all.&nbsp; The more people pursuing the hobby=
 will make the supply of spare parts more healthy.&nbsp; As you well know,&n=
bsp;<span style=3D"letter-spacing: -0.32px;"><i>Concours d'Elegance</i> is a=
 french phrase that translates into</span><span style=3D"letter-spacing: -0.=
32px;">&nbsp;</span><i style=3D"letter-spacing: -0.32px;">Competition of Exc=
ellence.</i><span style=3D"letter-spacing: -0.32px;">&nbsp; As you say, thes=
e cars never were "excellent."&nbsp; Perhaps we should change the name to <i=
>Concours d'Originalt=C3=A9</i>&nbsp; or&nbsp;<i style=3D"color: rgb(0, 0, 0=
); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacin=
g: -0.32px;">Concours de Fidelit=C3=A9.&nbsp; </i><span style=3D"color: rgb(=
0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter=
-spacing: -0.32px;">But then most English speakers don't know how to type an=
 E-accent-aigu.&nbsp; C'est la vie.</span></span></div><div dir=3D"ltr" data=
-setdir=3D"false"><span style=3D"letter-spacing: -0.32px;"><span style=3D"co=
lor: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16p=
x; letter-spacing: -0.32px;"><br></span></span></div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-s=
etdir=3D"false"><span style=3D"letter-spacing: -0.32px;"><span style=3D"colo=
r: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;=
 letter-spacing: -0.32px;">There are may other aspects that add to or detrac=
t from the driving experience.&nbsp; Most of these cannot be judged on the s=
how field.&nbsp; Things like ride quality, exhaust note, seating comfort and=
 other aspects that can only be judged whilst driving the car in various sce=
narios.&nbsp; This is not practicable (practical in US English) in our conte=
xt.&nbsp; But I thought that maybe we could have an exhaust note contest.&nb=
sp; We set up a panel of judges next to a stretch of road and let competitor=
s drive by demonstrating how the exhaust sounds under varying conditions.&nb=
sp; If course there would be bias towards 4 cylinder vs 6 cylinder but we co=
uld have classes for each.&nbsp; Could be fun.</span></span></div><div dir=3D=
"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false"><span style=3D"letter-spacing: -0.32px;"><span s=
tyle=3D"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font=
-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.32px;"><br></span></span></div><div dir=3D"l=
tr" data-setdir=3D"false"><span style=3D"letter-spacing: -0.32px;"><span sty=
le=3D"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-s=
ize: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.32px;">Anyway, this missive is way too long as=
 it is so I will stop here.</span></span></div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D=
"false"><span style=3D"letter-spacing: -0.32px;"><span style=3D"color: rgb(0=
, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-=
spacing: -0.32px;"><br></span></span></div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"f=
alse"><span style=3D"letter-spacing: -0.32px;"><span style=3D"color: rgb(0, 0=
, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spa=
cing: -0.32px;">As always, I enjoy you writings and treasure them all.</span=
></span></div><div><div><br></div><div class=3D"ydpf130c49esignature"><div s=
tyle=3D"font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12pt; line-=
height: normal;"><div style=3D"font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;=
 font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal;"><div><font size=3D"4">Dave<br></font=
></div><div><span style=3D"font-size: 10pt; font-family: sans-serif;"><br></=
span></div><br></div></div></div></div><div><br style=3D"letter-spacing: -0.=
32px;"></div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false"><br></div></div><div><br=
></div>
       =20
        </div><div id=3D"ydp649b235yahoo_quoted_2991296314" class=3D"ydp649b=
235yahoo_quoted"><div class=3D"ydp649b235yahoo-style-wrap" style=3D"font-fam=
ily:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">
            <div style=3D"font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sa=
ns-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;">
               =20
                <div class=3D"ydp649b235quoted-text-header">
                        On Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 10:07:37 AM CST, J=
OHN MACARTNEY &lt;<a href=3D"mailto:[email-masked]">johnbmacartney@g=
mx.com</a>&gt; wrote:
                    </div>
                </div><div style=3D"font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica,=
 Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;border-left: 1px solid #ccc;=
padding-left: 8px;margin: 0px 0px 0px 8px" class=3D"ydp649b235inline_reply_q=
uote_container" data-split-quote-node=3D"true">
                <div><br></div><div><br></div>
                <div><div id=3D"ydp649b235yiv4174689060"><div><div style=3D"=
font-family:Verdana;font-size:12.0px;"><div>I trust it doesn't offend - Dave=
 Massey in particular:) Light-heartedness has to prevail in this much troubl=
ed world.</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>Jonmac</div></div></div></div>** <a href=3D"mailto:[email-masked].=
net" rel=3D"nofollow" target=3D"_blank">[email-masked]</a> **<br><b=
r>Donate: <a href=3D"http://www.team.net/donate.html" rel=3D"nofollow" targe=
t=3D"_blank">http://www.team.net/donate.html</a><br>Archive: <a href=3D"http=
://www.team.net/pipermail/triumphs" rel=3D"nofollow" target=3D"_blank">http:=
//www.team.net/pipermail/triumphs</a>&nbsp; <a href=3D"http://www.team.net/a=
rchive" rel=3D"nofollow" target=3D"_blank">http://www.team.net/archive</a><b=
r><br>Unsubscribe/Manage: <a href=3D"http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/t=
riumphs/[email-masked]" rel=3D"nofollow" target=3D"_blank">http://autox.=
team.net/mailman/options/triumphs/[email-masked]</a><br></div>
            </div>
        </div></div></div></blockquote></body></html>=

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---

From: DAVID MASSEY <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:19:31 +0000 (UTC)

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I downloaded the US English International keyboard um.. thingy that allows =
me to use the single quote to insert accents aigu, the double quote to inse=
rt the tr=C3=A9ma (or =C3=BCmlaut if you prefer German).=C2=A0 Or Shift-6 t=
o insert the accent circumflex.=C2=A0 It's all quite handy when typing in F=
rench or Irish, which I do fairly regularly.=C2=A0 But this is on a PC.=C2=
=A0 I'm sure MAC has something similar.
Cheers.
Dave=20

=20

    On Friday, February 27, 2026 at 09:11:50 AM CST, John Macartney <johnbm=
[email-masked]> wrote:  =20

 Thank you Dave for your contribution. Much appreciated.
Just two things.
1. Executives sitting in air-conditioned offices in Coventry. Maybe today, =
but not fifty plus years ago. You either sweated profusely in your mandator=
y suit or you froze in your mandatory. Keeping employees comfortable was ne=
ver on the managerial agenda. In Export Sales, we were next door to gearbox=
 heat treatment and that was where everyone went when it was cold.
2. Accent aigu and English speakers finding it difficult to do - or whateve=
r? In MS Word and many other programs, Toolbar> Insert>Symbol will give you=
 any accent you want for most global languages. I use that facility all the=
 time.
Jonmac

 =20
 =20
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<html><head></head><body><div class=3D"ydpe8cf829ayahoo-style-wrap" style=
=3D"font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><div dir=
=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false">I downloaded the US English International ke=
yboard um.. thingy that allows me to use the single quote to insert accents=
 aigu, the double quote to insert the tr=C3=A9ma (or =C3=BCmlaut if you pre=
fer German).&nbsp; Or Shift-6 to insert the accent circumflex.&nbsp; It's a=
ll quite handy when typing in French or Irish, which I do fairly regularly.=
&nbsp; But this is on a PC.&nbsp; I'm sure MAC has something similar.</div>=
<div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false"><br></div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setd=
ir=3D"false">Cheers.</div><div><br></div><div class=3D"ydpe8cf829asignature=
"><div style=3D"color: black; font-style: normal; font-size-adjust: none; f=
ont-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12pt; line-height: nor=
mal; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style=3D"color: black=
; font-style: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-weight: normal; font-str=
etch: normal; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; font-family: Arial, Hel=
vetica, sans-serif;"><div><font size=3D"4">Dave <br></font></div><div><span=
 style=3D"font-size:10.0pt;font-family:sans-serif;color:black;"><br></span>=
</div><br></div></div></div></div>
        <div><br></div><div><br></div>
       =20
        </div><div id=3D"ydp6fffd233yahoo_quoted_3005285060" class=3D"ydp6f=
ffd233yahoo_quoted"><div class=3D"ydp6fffd233yahoo-style-wrap" style=3D"fon=
t-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">
            <div style=3D"font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, s=
ans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;">
               =20
                <div class=3D"ydp6fffd233quoted-text-header">
                        On Friday, February 27, 2026 at 09:11:50 AM CST, Jo=
hn Macartney &lt;[email-masked]&gt; wrote:
                    </div>
                </div><div style=3D"font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica=
, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;border-left: 1px solid #cc=
c;padding-left: 8px;margin: 0px 0px 0px 8px" class=3D"ydp6fffd233inline_rep=
ly_quote_container" data-split-quote-node=3D"true">
                <div><br></div><div><br></div>
                <div><div id=3D"ydp6fffd233yiv6202715682"><div><div dir=3D"=
ltr"></div><div dir=3D"ltr">Thank you Dave for your contribution. Much appr=
eciated.</div><div dir=3D"ltr"><br clear=3D"none"></div><div dir=3D"ltr">Ju=
st two things.</div><div dir=3D"ltr"><br clear=3D"none"></div><div dir=3D"l=
tr">1. Executives sitting in air-conditioned offices in Coventry. Maybe tod=
ay, but not fifty plus years ago. You either sweated profusely in your mand=
atory suit or you froze in your mandatory. Keeping employees comfortable wa=
s never on the managerial agenda. In Export Sales, we were next door to gea=
rbox heat treatment and that was where everyone went when it was cold.</div=
><div dir=3D"ltr"><br clear=3D"none"></div><div dir=3D"ltr">2. Accent aigu =
and English speakers finding it difficult to do - or whatever? In MS Word a=
nd many other programs, Toolbar&gt; Insert&gt;Symbol will give you any acce=
nt you want for most global languages. I use that facility all the time.</d=
iv><div dir=3D"ltr"><br clear=3D"none"></div><div dir=3D"ltr">Jonmac</div><=
div id=3D"ydp6fffd233yiv6202715682yqt61392" class=3D"ydp6fffd233yiv62027156=
82yqt5000465937"><blockquote type=3D"cite"><div dir=3D"ltr"><div id=3D"ydp6=
fffd233yiv6202715682ydp649b235yahoo_quoted_2991296314" class=3D"ydp6fffd233=
yiv6202715682ydp649b235yahoo_quoted"><div style=3D"font-family:Arial, Helve=
tica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;" class=3D"ydp6fffd233yiv6202715682ydp649b2=
35yahoo-style-wrap"><div style=3D"font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, =
Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;border-left:1px solid #ccc;p=
adding-left:8px;margin:0px 0px 0px 8px;" class=3D"ydp6fffd233yiv6202715682y=
dp649b235inline_reply_quote_container"><div><br clear=3D"none"></div>
            </div>
        </div></div></div></blockquote></div></div></div></div>
            </div>
        </div></div></body></html>
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