I'm 76 years old. I decided that if I'm gonna have (another) mid-life crisis, I'd better get on with it.
So I fulfilled a fantasy that goes back to when I was about 12 years old:
I bought a little English sportscar called a Triumph TR3.
Built in 1959, the car is original and unrestored, and the odometer reads a few miles over 50,000. No rust or accidents. The man I bought it from said he bought it 8 years ago from the original owner, and the car has apparently always been stored inside.
I consider it an investment, because since it's a classic and an extremely rare find in this pristine condition, it will only increase in value (in spite of what a certain smart-aleck friend who shall remain named Eric says: "Yeah, yeah, Gary... you keep believing that...")
So far, it seems to run great, but when I get time I'll check it out more thoroughly. I took my first ride in it today, a mile and a half up to the Malt Shop and back. A pretty different experience from driving a full-size pickup truck, but so much fun.
Now I have to build a carport for it to continue the tradition of inside storage. I've ordered the building materials from Lowes, and good old Eric came over to drill post holes for me.
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Came home on a trailer
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Four cylinders, dual carbs, 100HP
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Ain't she cute??
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Temporary carport
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Spare tire compartment with lid removed
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1970 whitewall spare tire! It will get replaced, but I will keep it in the attic.
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Original toolkit
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Lead hammer for the "knockoff" hubs
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Beginnings of the carport
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Been there, done that, got the T shirt...
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Stay tuned!
the car sure is sweet Gary! You cant fit too many girls into a two seater though - not sure you thought that detail through completely, I am guessing.
ReplyDeleteThe look of that lead hammer is a bit disturbing! There must be a good story there!
FANTASTIC! Nothing like an English sports car for the thrill of the wind in your hair and the health benefits of long walks home. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Another dream come true. Enjoy
ReplyDeleteA big upgrade from Jim's MG!!! Have fun!!
ReplyDeleteThe Lucas motto: "Get home before dark."
ReplyDeleteLucas denies having invented darkness. But they still claim "sudden, unexpected darkness."
Lucas--inventor of the first intermittent wiper.
Lucas--inventor of the self-dimming headlamp.
The three-position Lucas switch--DIM, FLICKER and OFF. The other three switch settings--SMOKE, SMOLDER and IGNITE.
The original anti-theft devices--Lucas Electric products.
"I've had a Lucas pacemaker for years and have never experienced any prob...
Did you hear about the Lucas powered torpedo? It sank.
It's not true that Lucas, in 1947, tried to get Parliament to repeal Ohm's Law. They withdrew their efforts when they met too much resistance.
Did you hear the one about the guy that peeked into a Land Rover and asked the owner "How can you tell one switch from another at night, since they all look the same?" "He replied, it doesn't matter which one you use, nothing happens!"
Why do the English drink warm beer? Lucas makes the refrigerators.
Alexander Graham Bell invented the Telephone.
Thomas Edison invented the Light Bulb.
Joseph Lucas invented the Short Circuit.
Recommended procedure before taking on a repair of Lucas equipment: check the position of the stars, kill a chicken and walk three times sunwise around your car chanting: "Oh mighty Prince of Darkness protect your unworthy servant."
I also noticed the chrome rocker cover and high compression bumper bolts.
ReplyDeleteYes, those high compression bumper bolts are good for another 10 MPH.
DeleteNow you are going to have to pave your driveway because you don't want that beauty getting all dirty before you even get to the road.
ReplyDeleteWell, doesn't he have something like a 10,000 gallon tank of water for that eventuality?
ReplyDeleteIt's only five thousand gallons, and this car needs to be washed with morning dew, rose petals, and accountant's tears...
ReplyDeleteVery cool...congrats on getting your vintage ride!
ReplyDeleteA long time ago I worked with the President of the Triumph Owners of America. He had three TR3s ... two for spare parts and one drive, after enough Saturdays to get and keep it running. :-). Happy motoring!
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