Since buying my '72 TR6 many months ago, I've kept (and am planning to keep)
it as original-looking as possible---reflector stripes (American, of course)
on the new top, green radiator hose, original-size tires (Vredestein
185/80s), black-spoked slotted steering wheel to match the '72 instrument
bezels (I'm refinishing *in black* a late-model 14.5" because I need the
extra leg room). Why not bigger tires? Why not racing stripes (some
dealers did put them on)? Why not a chrome valve cover? Why not Panasport
wheels, etc?
Well, my feeling is that at a certain point the car is no longer a "genuine"
'72 TR6. Last week, I saw a '52 Plymouth. It looked quite original and
very pleasing in its navy blue color. But it had "mag" wheels. The
interior was almost like it came from the factory. But it had a chrome,
drilled steering wheel. I did not look under the hood. This was a travesty
of a '51 Plymouth that someone (a "kid" or child-like adult?) had gotten his
hands on in order to imitate a 1950s kind of thing. Now I'm not against an
all-out custom car, using a stock body, 50s or otherwise. But something
"gets" me about half-way projects that don't really come off as fish nor
fowl.
When I see a Triumph TR3, let's say, with modern wheels, I say "ugh". I
make a harsh judgment about the taste of the owner. Maybe the wheels look
good in and of themselves, but whoever owns that car is not a designer, and
when the factory hired a designer, they hired someone who understood pattern
and style. Not always true, of course---and maybe there is a point when one
ought to loosen up a bit when replacing an original part. But my feeling is
that we should be striving for originality.
It might be interesting to hear what people have to say on this topic, or
what experiences they've encountered. (No need to write to me personally).
Phil Haldeman
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