I haven't read the online article mentioned but
I can pass on a few things I do know. Remember,
Rover Group is now owned by BMW, and I know that
the suits at BMW have been asked about reviving
some of the classic car brands that Rover owns
rights to including Triumph. They repeatedly
say that there are no plans to do so. The MGF
was already a reality when BMW bought Rover.
Since BMW has just launched the Z3 and is about
to launch the six cylinder Z3 why would they
bring another roadster in to the already
competive and increasingly crowded roadster
niche market. While the occasional rumors of
a new Triumph or Austin-Healey with accompanying
stylists drawings are titilating, I doubt they
will come to pass. I believe it is also doubtful
that Rover would be willing to sell the nameplate
as they have recently become aggressive about
enforcing trademark rights. I have read recently
that Rover is sueing to force a long stanging
MG specialist to change there logo because it mimics
the MG octagon badge.
On the side I do automotive photography and each year
I cover the L.A. Auto Show for a client. I get to go
on the press days when there are no crowds and you get
to sit in all the cars and scarf free food and drink
courtesy all the car company PR dept's. (Saab and Volvo
usually have the best spread!) When I'm there in
January I will try and corner a BMW type and ask him
if they have any plans for the dear departed marques.
"Be careful what you wish for, it may come true."
Kurt Oblinger
Redondo Beach, Ca.
c394829@is6.mdc.com
TR2 TR3 Vitesse TR7 Doretti Mini Norton
Canon EOS1
Canon A2
Zenza-Bronica
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