My father was from the Boston area (Cambridge) and he used to tell me
stories about working on the docks as a teenager. He used to scrape
the grease off all the cars arriving from England as they were
off-loaded. Apparently the grease was smeared over the entire vehicle
to protect them from the salty air as they crossed the "pond". He said
the moment the first TR2 rolled off the ship, he knew that was the car
for him!
Well, he got one, but fast forward to the year 1978 and across Country
to Sunnyvale, California. I was 16 and that TR2 was just a memory as
well as the subject of some old stories by then. It was the 70's and I
wanted a TR6 so bad I could taste it! But I was still in high school
and had to settle for a hand me down '70 Datsun 510. Still a fun car
to trick out, but no Triumph. Anyway, in 1980 my girlfriend's step-dad
had a red 60 TR3A in his garage and was moving to Texas. It wasn't a
TR6, but I jokingly told him I would trade him my Datsun for it.
Surprisingly, he took me up on the deal! It had some tie rod damage
and needed some electrical work which I quickly took care of. I loved
that car and those TR6 drivers were looking at ME now! I drove it
while going to College, but soon the repairs exceeded my meager income
and I had to let it go around 1981-82.
I often wonder about that car and unfortunately don't remember the issue
number or the tag. The previous owner's name was McCandless and mine is
Shervington. I think I had it on consignment at Jim Loose Imports in
Mountain View California. Is this ringing any bells with anyone? I
would love to know if it's still going strong!
Thanks for reading!
Skip Shervington
'58 TR3A TS34885L (BRG)
Santa Cruz, California
www.triumphtravelers.org
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