Any bloody fool can drive a tram

Sir,

I owned a TR3 for two years and then bought my present 1958 TR3A some four years ago, since when it has slowly been refurbished to its present excellent condition.

I endorse comments re the road-holding of the standard TR; this, however, can be improved by fitting the anti-roll bar, competition shockers, and not least by fitting the TR6 51/2 J steel wheels with some good radials. Since my car was so modified one seems to run out of guts before adhesion.

Other modifications include lightweight fibreglass bodywork, necessitated after two separate lady drivers attempted to make their “fugboxes” with it. I have also fitted the car with a roll-over bar of my own design and full harness seat belts. (If anyone thinks I am “chicken” I have ample information to silence them.)

The present major mechanics are over 120,000 miles old and still going strong and with the overdrive not only does one pass cars but one also plays a merry tune whilst doing so, which very few other cars can do (i.e., we have seven different forward gear ratios).

My happiest days are the warm summer evenings batting up Honister Pass with the exhaust booming back from the mountainsides. Tucked down behind the area-screens one feels very selfsatisfied and content.

I have personal experience of many others cars but without doubt the enjoyment, pleasure and thrill of owning one of the last real sports cars is unbelievable and second only to the valued friendship of my many enthusiast friends.

I recall reading in your excellent magazine some years ago a policeman owner of a TR3A writing to you. He was comparing his experience of the TR3A with an Elan. He amply summed up the road-holding comparison by saying: “Any bloody fool can drive a tram.”

Burnley.
Alan M. Knott.