Portland ABFM

[Last TR]

And then there are the TR7 V6 guys.... The MGBs have a class for V6 and V8, including factory V8s and conversions. They built about 2500 factory MGB V8s in the early 1970s, but never imported them to North America. We have a lot more TR8s here, even though about the same number were built. Maybe we ought to propose a third class for modified Wedges in addition to 7s and 8s.

Ken
Anchorage, Alaska

1980 TR8, 1973 TR6, 1965 Volvo PV544, 1958 MGA, Jeep Cherokees

[Bendder]

Hard to tell but from the pic it looks like there was only one FHC? Amazing that out of all the 7's and 8's made that FHC's so rarely show up.



Mark
1977 TR7 FHC
1978 TR7 FHC
1980 TR7 DHC
1980 Rover SD1 4.0L

[FI Spyder]

Actually there were two. Cale's green one and a yellow one that was for sale. It looked good in the pictures (the yellow one) but the paint job looked like it was done wirh a brush. Most coupes were treated like any other car and sat out in the rain while the convertibles had preference and sat in garages (where available) so they wouldn't get wet inside so they lasted longer.

I'd be satisfied with just a TR7 and TR8 class. The All Triumph Drive In (Oregon, Washington and British Columbia) combined the groups in 2007 (I was told for the first time) when there was about an equal number of 7's and 8's. I got second that year, second only to a TR8 that the owner just spent $30,000 on. I think I got a lot of TR7 owner votes that were pissed of. If they still do that not much chance they'll change at ABFM. Still if no one complains nothing will change. Time we got some respect by standing up and get counted.




TR7 Spider - 1978 Spifire - 1976 Spitfire - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra

[Spectatohead]

There were actually two FHCs. Cale's and the yellow one. Still you would think that there would be more.

As to the separate classes for 7s and 8s, if we continue to get such a good turn out of Wedges it might be possible. The plaques/trophies cost money. You have to have enough cars to defray the time and expense of the awards. Years ago, when we were still concourse judging, I was one of the people begging for two TR6 classes. Back then you paid extra to have your car judged. I owned a TR6 but never entered it because it wasn't nice enough. So, I was one of the judges. The last year I judged all of the TR6s we had 33 entered for judging and near 50 altogether. It was a huge pain, I spent most of the day Saturday crawling under cars. The next biggest class that year was TR3s and they were done judging 2 hours before we were. This year I think that we actually had more Wedges than 6s. I don't expect that this will happen again, even though it would be nice. Anyway, the gist of what I'm trying to is, there need to be enough TR7s for their own class. Only 5 of the 21 cars were straight TR7s. Then there was Ron's V6, and at least two TR7 V8s. The cost of giving each variation will probably prohibit splitting them up until there are enough of each group, 7s, 8's, modified, V6s.

Jim Clark
'80 TR8
'97 Maxima 5spd

[Orange Rag]

Based on how many Alpines and Tigers I've seen at this show over the last 4 years I believe it's about time the 7's and 8's ran in their own class. But pushing for modified and another class for FHC would be over the top unless our numbers increased substantially.
That said I believe we will see move wedges it's a cheap way of getting into a fun hobbie car and there are plenty more out there in good shape based on what I see on Craigslist just in the northwest.
We should start planning next year to hit 30 wedges and organize a wedge tent city for the weekend.
Just thought I'd throw that out there.
Ron

[Last TR]

Exactly my point about the Sunbeams, Ron. There were two Alpines, and a class of their own. And the V6/V8 MGBs: four and a class of their own. And the rubber bumper MG Midgets; two in their own class. And the MGA coupes; a handful in their own class. As for 30 cars, it would be great, but even if we field "only" 20 Wedges again, we should rate TR7 and TR8 groups for Peoples Choice awards. I haven't heard from PTOA and CGMGAC yet. It must be the election season affecting me; I love stirring things up.

Ken
Anchorage, Alaska

1980 TR8, 1973 TR6, 1965 Volvo PV544, 1958 MGA, Jeep Cherokees

[Spectatohead]

I am a former PTOA president and a current member. Our club treasury is certainly much more healthy than it was back in the day. I'm not saying that our members are cheap or anything, but things do cost more now and the outlay for the All Triumph Drive In depletes the coffers until registration fees come in to fill them back up. I can definitely bring the subject up at the next meeting, Oct 4, if you'd like. There is also the problem of classifying the cars. Don did enter his as a TR7 V8. There was another car entered as a TR8 that was really a conversion.

Jim Clark
'80 TR8
'97 Maxima 5spd

[FI Spyder]

That does bring up the interesting question..Does a TR7 V8 conversion class as a TR7 or TR8? Even if it has the 3.02 diff? How about if it has the power steering and 13" steering wheel...if it has original thicker discs or brake upgrades? Or only if the VIN says it is?



TR7 Spider - 1978 Spifire - 1976 Spitfire - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra

[DNK]

Only thing on mine that says TR7 is the vin

Don
"No More Cars For You"
71 TR6- Perpetual remodel
80 TR7 V8 Kick in the pants

[Spectatohead]

Yep, it's a big can of worms. Years ago there was a "Modified/Other" class that encompassed everything from Mayflowers to the GT6 with the 340 Mopar to the TR4 with the 302 Ford. My car might even fall into this class, it <u>is </u> an original TR8, but it certainly has been modified. I'm not sure what happened to that class, it may have become the TR2000/Other class.

Jim Clark
'80 TR8
'97 Maxima 5spd

[Last TR]

Jim,

I would be delighted if you would bring up the subject at the next PTOA meeting. I assume that the cost of the awards is born by the ABFM, rather than by the individual clubs. All I am suggesting is that Wedges be given parity with the Sunbeams, MGs, etc.

Ken
Anchorage, Alaska

1980 TR8, 1973 TR6, 1965 Volvo PV544, 1958 MGA, Jeep Cherokees

[Spectatohead]

Ken, I'll definitely bring it up. It has been a long time since I was involved in planning the ABFM. I can't remember how much the PTOA has to foot for the trophies or if it is all reimbursed from the registration fees. The PTOA is, however, responsible for procuring the Triumph trophies.

Jim Clark
'80 TR8
'97 Maxima 5spd

[Last TR]

I just got this very positive message from PTOA president David Duthie in response to my email to him:

"Hi Ken -

Thanks for your well thought-out message.

I suppose these things stay the same out of habit. It doesn't seem very long ago that we had 3 or 4 TR7s and 8s total at car events, so they've always been in one class. But there have been more and more Wedges coming to the shows each year, which is wonderful.

I am forwarding your message to our ABFM Reps, Bill Martin and Mike Hudson (as well as the PTOA Board.) I will raise this issue with them and see what can be done.

Thanks again,

David"



Ken
Anchorage, Alaska

1980 TR8, 1973 TR6, 1965 Volvo PV544, 1958 MGA, Jeep Cherokees

[DNK]

If I donate to the trophy fund...do you think that will get me a leg up?

Don
"No More Cars For You"
71 TR6- Perpetual remodel
80 TR7 V8 Kick in the pants

[Last TR]

Don,

I had the same thought, but my car would need more than a leg up.....
And with your conversion, you might still have to compete against the TR8s.

Ken
Anchorage, Alaska

1980 TR8, 1973 TR6, 1965 Volvo PV544, 1958 MGA, Jeep Cherokees