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I have heard that when BR wanted to introduce the TR to the states they shipped over four cars. 2 Rally, a hardtop and a drop top. Trying to confirm that story and if possible, get some pictures. I have been told the story and believe I have the droptop car. Hoping to confirm the history.

Thanks!

I don't think so. The car was introduced in 1975 but DC's didn't come out till 1978 and were designed by different people. Harris Mann didn't do the convertible.


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

When introduced in the US, BL shipped about 20 FHC to the US. When the cars arrived they were in such a bad state that the BL importer had to strip all cars and build 4 cars from the parts of the 20 cars that were available. This in a timespan less then two days before press presenation of the TR7.

But i believe that were only FHC`s no DHC`s.

TR7, ACG 2700L

The first drophead was done either late 77 or early 78. John Lloyd and Tony Lee realized the US roof intrusion legislation didn't apply if the car didn't have a roof. As there was a prototype that was finished with they asked the tinsmiths to cut the roof off it so they could see what it looked like and then went out to lunch. When they returned they decided it didn't look too bad so another prototype was driving down to Michelotti in Turin. He did a better job of it but the soft top didn't have a pullover frame and was just a lash-up. Tony Lee collected this car (HDU 291N) and drove it back. It was outside his home for a day or two before he took it into Canley.

The US rally cars were done by John Buffum's team and completely independent of the Abingdon Works cars but knowledge and advice was shared.

Hope this confirms that the story you have heard is just a rumour.

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