I agree that the earlier, wrap-around style hardtop better matched the lines
of the car. Keep in mind the Series 3 was really just a transitional model,
so you do see elements of both the "early" and the "new". Fortunately,
Rootes designed a good-looking hardtop for the 3 that improved visibility
and incorporated vent wings to increase ventilation. The early hardtops are
aluminum and much lighter. To my knowledge there was no "problem" with the
early hardtops, just time to update the look from the late 50's rounded to
the mid-60's squared off, crisp lines.
Scott Christie
Series 3 Alpine Registry
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jay Laifman [SMTP:Jay_Laifman(at)countrywide.com]
> Sent: Thursday, January 29, 1998 11:15 AM
> To: alpines(at)autox.team.net
> Subject: On Tops and Series IIIs
>
>
>
>
>
> Maybe this should be directed to Scott. I know that there are some who
> prefer the Series III cars because they have both the high fins and the
> newer style top. (Of course there are those that prefer the Series V for
> its "improvements" and "power"). Now, I go back and forth on which fins I
> like better. And I certainly think the newer style top is a great top.
> But, in my opinion (and I repeat, my opinion), I always thought the
> earlier
> top matched the lines of the car better and appeared rather unique and
> well
> designed. Also, I know the newer top weighs a ton, and thought the
> earlier
> one was aluminum and not nearly as heavy. So what gives? Is my opinion
> just out of line? (which would be nothing new, I own an Alpine in the
> first
> place, don't I?) Are there problems with the earlier tops which I'm not
> aware of?
>
> It's raining here today.
>
> Jay
>
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