[6pack] Overdrive in a TR6

[janah at att.net]

Andrew-

The 1969-1972 cars were fitted at the factory with the Laycock "A"-type Overdrive as an option.  The commission numbers for North American spec cars for these years was "LO".  L designated "left hand drive" and O for Overdrive.  If the "O" isn't there it means that car was not fitted with an overdrive at the factory.

(For those about to pounce, I know that the suffix was changed mid-year in 1972 to "UO" for a factory equipped overdrive car. But it was still an "A"-type and we are discussing the 1970 cars.)

Now as has been pointed out, this does not mean there is not an OD in this car, But if there is, then it was installed by a previous owner. It is fairly straight forward to put an A-type into an 1970.  However a J-type has a different tail shaft mounting and in 1973-1976 the frames were modified to accept the new tail shaft mounting.  There is a conversion kit that allows the later cars to accept an A-type, or you can get clever with a cut-off wheel and torch can modify the frame to what ever mounting your OD needs.

I think in this case "seeing is believing".  A non-functional A-Type or one where you don't know the history is probably worth about $900-$1000.  A newly rebuilt A-type can run $2000-$2200. Because it this, I would want proof of what it was before I paid anything for the car. If you do have one rebuilt, have it done by a reputable firm.

Hope this helps?

John Cyg
70 Damson
CC52927 LO











<snip> I have never restored a TR6 but there is one for sale locally.? Apparently it comes "with the rare factory overdrive option".





It is a 1970 car, vin CC 55,000 (ish)





Is this likely to be an A-type or a J-type?? I know the difference to look at the respective overdrives, but the car is lying in a yard, I probably can't get under it, and the transmission tunnel looks from the photos to be intact.





I'd like to know before making an offer for the car.? Any suggestions?





Andrew Uprichard <snip>