Greetings,
I'm approaching the end of my TR 4 ownership days and wanted to get some
opinions on the best way to sell the beast.
Quick description:
1963 TR 4 (surrey top model)
Originally white now black
Mechanical restoration done by tallented amatuer (me)
Body and paint done by the best restorer I've ever met (the reason for color
change to black)
Here's what I think it needs to be a show winner....
Chrome re-done (I have original bumpers, but they're not on the car right
now)
Change back to dynamo and voltage regulator
Some fiddling with interiorer panels, carpets, seats and such (I have redone
the dash and crash pads)
Original TR 4 wheels (currently has TR 6 ones)
General detailing by someone who knows the judging rules
On the other hand, if you just wanted to drive it....
I've owned this car since 1997 and done most of the work myself with the
exception of the body work which I had done by a friend with great
credentials (Lotus, Morgan, TR). I know this part was done right since I was
his helper during the process. I spent a fair bit of money here since I know
mechanical stuff can always be re-done, but you usualy only get one chance
to do bodywork right.
I built the car as a driver, not strictly original, but with the knowledge
that some day someone might want to do concours with it. There aren't any
mods that can't be changed back easily. I've kept all the original parts and
aquired some more along the way like early seat pans and an extra bonnet.
Why am I thinking about selling it? Well, lots of reasons. Mostly I don't
drive it enough to justify the ownership cost. I'm 6'3" and I don't really
fit all that well. I'm not really a car show kinda guy, I prefer hanging out
at the track. The summer in Arizona it too damn hot to drive a black sports
car with no AC.
But, the biggest reason is my daughter is starting to race karts and I need
the room in our garage.
So what's the question?
How would you go about it? Would you spend the $$ to have the chrome done
and convert everything back to stock? Would you offer it as is? Something in
between? Hemmings? E-Bay?
Triumphest with a "for sale" sign?
So, any opinions are welcome....
Also willing to talk with serious potential buyers.
I'm not going to dump the car cheap, but I am realistic about selling prices
vs. asking price.
I'm in Mesa, AZ.
For the record I'll be keeping my Herald so I won't be completely
Triumphless and you'll still have me on the lists.
Cheers,
John Matthews
'61 Herald
'63 TR 4
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