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The RAGTOP 1 November 2005
The RAGTOPVolume 18, Issue 11, November 2005
www.hillcountrytriumphclub.org
A Girl, a Guy, and a TRby Nel McPhail, President
ON THE ROAD AGAIN WITH MIKE AND NEL
I love this time of year! The fine autumn days make it perfect for putting the top down on
those little British cars.
Speaking of British cars, Mike and I made our annual trip to England in September. Highlights of which were a couple of days in historic Portsmouth, a tour of Dover and Arundel Castles, a walk on the Brighton pier, a pilgrimage to Triumph specialist Revington TR, and a day of Vintage racing at the Goodwood Circuit Revival. The trip was fantastic, but we managed to fly back into Houston during the hurricane Rita evacuation. It took us 15 hours to drive home. It will be a long time before I complain about Austin traffic again.
Now safely back in Dripping Springs, we had less than a week to prepare for All British Car Day in Round Rock. We were able to field two of our LBCs and transport the stuff for hospitality and the HCTC display. Those of us who participated in the rally and spent the night at the Springhill Suites had a great time after dinner smoozing with our buds in the parking lot. Sunday was another gorgeous day and our club really cleaned up at the show. Top gun was Art Graves, our member-at-large, garnering three awards: long distance, first place in the rally, and third in his class. Way to go Art and Brian!
October 14th was déjà vu all over again with Mike towing yet another yard car to Houston and me following in the Healey 100. The next morning we met Bob and Marilyn Skewis at the Houston All British Motor Expo. Naturally, both couples took home awards.
Saturday the 22nd, Carol Pennington and Maureen Bucek led us on a delightful tour of the Hill Country, with a stop at Willow City Loop, and ending at Cooper’s BBQ in Llano. The happy participants were Herb Valliant, new member Mark Atkinson, Bob and Barbara Kramer, Richard and Linda Knowles, Richard Ceraldi, and Yolanda and Warren Cole. And everyone drove a TR!
Incredibly, each of these outings was blessed with absolutely gorgeous weather. It would seem this is the time of year to drive your Triumph.
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at the Boerne/South Texas All British Car Day on Saturday, November 5th. Come see our recently acquired TR250, as it will be making its official debut.
The RAGTOP 2 November 2005
OfficersPresident, MembershipNel [email protected]
Vice-PresidentBob [email protected]
TreasurerEarl [email protected]
SecretaryBarbara [email protected]
Ragtop EditorCarol [email protected]
WebmasterDan [email protected]
The Hill Country Triumph Club, the 50th Chapter of the Vintage Triumph Register (VTR), was founded in 1990 to bring together the owners of Triumph automobiles in the Central Texas area surrounding Austin. In 1991, the membership decided to include other British car fans as associates due to lack of other clubs in our area that represent some of the other marques. As owners and lovers of our unique types of cars, we have a special kinship, which draws us together. Membership is open to anyone who is a British car enthusiast, with or without a car.
Annual dues are just $15.00 per family group or address per year. We have dinner meetings on the 2nd Tuesday of each month and at least one other event each month. We encourage you to join and support us, even if you don’t drive your car regularly. We also offer technical assistance if needed. One goal of the club is to help its members keep their cars on the road. Please call one of the club officers listed in the newsletter for more information about club benefits and spread the word about our club to others.
The Hill Country Club is a local chapter of the Vintage Triumph Register (VTR)/Triumph Sports Owners Association, which is open to all drivers of Triumph motorcars; a chapter of the Triumph Register of America, exclusively for TR2 through TR4A sports cars; and a chapter of the 6-PACK, dedicated to the enjoyment, preservation, and restoration of the Triumph TR250 and TR6 sports cars. Membership in these national organizations is encouraged. Visit their websites at www.vtr.org, www.triumphregister.com, and www.6-pack.org.
The RAGTOP is published monthly by the Hill Country Triumph Club. Material within may be freely reproduced providing Ragtop and the authors are credited. Any and all newsletter contributions are welcome. Deadline for submissions is the end of each month. Submissions may be sent to: Carol Pennington; 105 Etta Place; Austin, TX 78753 or E-mailed to [email protected]. Photos in jpeg format are always welcome. Classified ads will run for three months unless otherwise instructed.
Name:
Address:
City/State: Zip:
Home Phone:
Work Phone:
E-mail address:
Car Make: Model: Year: Color:
Car Make: Model: Year: Color:
Please circle which method you would like the newsletter delivered: E-mail Snail Mail
How did you hear about the Hill Country Triumph Club?
Please mail application and check to: Nel McPhail, 1105 N. Canyonwood Dr., Dripping Springs, TX, 78260
Membership Application
The RAGTOP 3 November 2005
NEW MEMBERSPhil Hartman who lives in Honolulu, Hawaii. Phil’s son lives in Austin. Phil owns vintage triumph motorcycles and is looking for a TR4/TR4A in the Austin area.
Bits from Barbby Barbara Kramer
Hill Country Drive, October 22, 2005
We had eight cars and 13 members driving the back roads from Dripping Springs to Johnson City, Willow City, and Llano. A great time was had by Carol Pen-nington, Mars Bucek, Richard Ceraldi, Herb Vallient and his son from Canada, Ken, Mark Atkinson, our winter Texan from Michigan, Nel McPhail, Bob and Barbara Kramer, Richard and Linda Knowles, and Warren and Yolanda Cole and their dog, Michelle. It was advertised as a “relaxed” drive, but there were some drivers who just couldn’t resist those curves and hills.
more photos on page 5
October’s Hill Country Triumph Club meeting
took us to Sherlock’s Baker Street Pub near Burnet Road and HWY 183 in North Austin. The Pub is located in
the digs of the former U.R. Cooks Restaurant and even though it was a Tuesday night, the place was packed. Nel commented that she had not been in such a “happening” place in a long time. The HCTC turned out in large numbers for the meeting. Close to 25 of us enjoyed the lively British Pub atmosphere. Potential members Sam & Pat Bass joined us from the great northwest where Sam is President of the Tyee Triumph Club. We extended them our warm HCTC Texas welcome and look forward to Bass’s and their TR joining us on a regular basis when they move to the Austin area in the next few years. While the spirited atmosphere was great fun, the noise level hindered our ability to actually hold a “meeting”. In order to handle club business we adjourned to the parking lot for some brief announcements. Nel reminded u s about the upcoming Houston and Bourne British car shows and asked for a show of hands to see how many were planning on attending the Hill Country /Enchanted Rock tour that Carol Pennington had planned for the club. Hope that you were able to attend one of these events. It was also noted that this years Vintage Triumph Register (VTR) National meet will be held in Los Colinas in the DFW area. We would like to have a large contingent of HCTC Triumphs at this event. It’s not too early to think about getting your beloved (car) in shape. If you need help, contact Nel to schedule a fix-it day. Carol presented the idea of ordering new club polo shirts that we can all wear at the VTR Nationals and other club events. A decision on color of shirts still needs to be made. Traditionally, we do not have a club meeting in December. Instead we have a Holiday dinner gathering of Triumph friends and this year Greg and Susie West have graciously opened their home to us for this annual event. The club provides the turkey and ham and we all bring the fixin’s. It is always a well attended fun event. Hope to see you there. As always, join us whenever and wherever you can.
The RAGTOP 4 November 2005
How I Was Introduced to Triumph Sports CarsBy Al Johnson, 1980 gold TR8, original owner. HCTC member since 1988.
Well, the indoctrination to this British lunacy started with my mom. She owned an MG
Midget back in the 60s. She’s actually kind of a car nut herself as she’s owned a 70s hot pink Sunbeam Alpine, a ’66 Mustang, an ‘80 Mustang and now at 68 has an Eddie Bauer Explorer and a new F150 PU. Back to my Triumph story…I was fresh out of college and a brand new USAF Second Lieutenant. I joined the Air Force and for my first assignment, they sent me to an Army post in Virginia, Ft Lee AFS. It was a NORAD Regional Radar Control Facility. I was in the market for a new car (had to get in debt!) and definitely wanted a sports car. I was never a Vette guy, didn’t particularly like the Datsuns back then, so my choices were fairly reduced. I went shopping just up the road from where I lived in Petersburg to the capitol of Virginia, Richmond. I looked at a couple of Alfa-Romeos and they just didn’t do anything for me, nor did any Fiats. Thinking back, I can’t recall exactly how I wound up at Dick Bradley’s Triumph, then located in the heart of Richmond. I went in and he showed me a TR8 sitting on the showroom floor, the one I would eventually buy. He had another that I took for a test drive. I hadn’t driven a stick shift in years and was nervous driving it in downtown Richmond traffic, so his secretary agreed to drive out to a less congested area. As soon as she fired it up and I heard the V8, I thought “yeah, THIS is more like it!” Once we got to a more open area, we switched places and when I walked around the car with the V8 rumbling, I thought again, “yeah, THIS is more like it!” I went blasting down the road and was pretty much sold. I negotiated with Dick on the gold, 1980 TR8 that was sitting on the showroom floor and I have owned it ever since.
Lt. Johnson next to his new TR8 with beautiful Ft. Lee in the background.
The 8 with the radar “blockhouse” in the background.
Tour of Lights Drive
Meet at Jim’s at the Y in Oak Hill (in the Albertson’s park-ing lot) at 5 pm for a drive to Johnson City where we will have dinner and look at the lights. If time allows, we will also drive to Marble Falls. Please let Nel McPhail know if you are planning on attending. [email protected]
The RAGTOP 5 November 2005
Knot in the Loop Saloon, Willow City
Warren Cole making his statement: TR 6’s RULE
Michelle Cole had a great time.
The gang at Cooper’s BBQ in Llano
The Hill Country Triumph Club Christmas party
will be held on Saturday, December 10, 6 PM, at the home of Greg and Susie West. 8405 Delavan Avenue, which is located in the Woods of Brushy Creek.
They are located just off R.R. 620 North, ap-proximately Five (5) miles East of U.S. Hwy 183, and about Three (3) miles east of Parmer Lane. Go east from Parmer Lane to Corner-wood Drive (there’s a Texaco Station and a traffic light at that intersection.) Turn left on Cornerwood and drive NorthWest approxi-mately 0.5 miles to Racine where there’s a stop sign. Turn left again onto Racine Trail. Go thru another Stop sign and continue on along Racine Trail. It’s a total of about 0.5 miles to Delavan Avenue. Turn left onto Delavan Avenue and they are the third (3rd) house on the left, a 2 story red brick house with large liveoaks out front. Parking will have to be in the street or in their driveway. Their telephone number is (512) 244-7697.
There will be a White Elephant exchange. Please bring a wrapped item of something that you already have, something funny, or you can buy something that is meant to be a gag gift for anyone. There are no names on the gifts as they are selected by a drawing of numbers out of a hat. You can bring one gift per couple or one gift per person. Please email Nel McPhail [email protected] if you are attending and to sign up for a covered dish. And, just a friendly reminder: we do not have a December meeting.
The RAGTOP 6 November 2005
MG (A) MG-T Series 1st - 1953 MG TD Greg & Dottie Ulrich 2nd -1955 MG TF Mark Barrington 3rd - 1951 MG T Karl Frank (B) MGA 1st – 1959 MGA David Breeding 2nd –1958 MGA Larry & Karin Walker 3rd --1957 MGA Raymond Smith (C) MGB-Chrome Bumper (62-74) 1st - 1966 MGB Ron Redding 2nd -1967 MGB Thomas Rogers 3rd - 1971 MGB Joe Vining (D) MGB-Rubber Bumper (75-80) 1st - 1980 MGB Davd & Cindy Sanders 2nd -1977 MGB Tom England 3rd - 1979 MGB Brad Lee (F) GT (MGB-GT,GT-6, etc.) 1st - 1971 Triumph GT6 Richard Ceraldi 2nd -1974 MGB GT Todd Budda COMBINATIONS (G) SPRIDGETS (Sprites & Midgets) 1st -1972 MG Midget John Zeuner 2nd-1964 MG Midget Alan & Deborah Ferretti TRIUMPH (H) TR2-TR3B 1st - 1959 TR3A Mike & Nel McPhail 2nd -1958 TR3A Carol Pennington 3rd - 1957 TR3 Ralph & Jeffie Herter
(I) TR4-TR250 1st - 1967 TR4A Andrew Reed 2nd -1968 TR250 Vern Burnett 3rd - 1964 TR4 CW Koellman (tie) 3rd - 1968 TR250 Marilyn & Bob Skewis (tie) (J) TR6 1st - 1969 Triumph TR6 Jim McGinnis 2nd -1974 Triumph TR6 Jimmy & Jan Richards 3rd - 1976 Triumph TR6 Art Graves (K) TR7 & TR8 1st- 1981 TriumphTR8 Tom Bishop (L) Spitfire 1st - 1979 Spitfire John Reynolds 2nd - 1979 Spitfire Robert Scott 3rd - 1976 Spitfire Glen & Deborah Stamnitz AUSTIN HEALEY (M) Austin Healey ( Big Healey) 1st -1954 AH 3000 BN1 Mike & Nel McPhail 2nd -1967 AH MKII BJ8 Vince Barnell 2nd -1959 AH 3000 BT7 Tom Harrison (N) AH Bugeye Sprite 1st -1960 Sprite Frazier Monroe 2nd -1960 Sprite Otto Much
BEST IN SHOW 1952 Allard J2X
Bill Bauder
PEOPLES CHOICE Triumph TR4A Andrew Reed
2005 Texas All British Car Day Winners
The RAGTOP 7 November 2005
JAGUAR (O ) XK 1st -1952 Jaguar XKE-120 Merl Reed 2nd-1957 Jaguar XK 140(FHC) Steve Richards 3rd -1973 Jaguar XKE Terry & Carolyn Leeder
(P) XJ 1st -1994 Jaguar XJS Val Emrich 2nd-1990 Jaguar XJS(Conv) Thomas Thornton 3rd -1990 Jaguar XJ VDP Don Parker
(Q) Land Rover 1st - 1994 Defender 90 Tony Fannin 2nd -1997 Defender 90 Chris Von Czoernig
(R) Classic Mini 1st - 1970 Austin Mini Skip & Elaine Laughlin 2nd -1965 Morris Mini Jim Davidson 3rd -1960 Austin Mini John Wright
(S) New Mini 1st - 2002 Mini Cooper S Michael Playle 2nd -2003 Mini Cooper S Joel Hard
(T) Rolls Royce/Bentley 1st -1951 Silver Wraith Rolls Royce Ralph Barrett 2nd -1951 Silver Wraith Rolls Royce Eric Sudduth
(U) Morgans 1st -1967 Morgan Plus 4 Frank McLain
(V) Other British Sports 1st -1952 Allard J2X Bill Bauder
(W) All Other British Saloons 1st -1967 Riley Elf MKIII Wesley & Starla Stewart
(Y) Special Interest 1st -1963 BMC Bus Craig Burchsted
(Z) Sunbeam 1st - 1965 Sunbeam Tiger Tom Prager 2nd -1964 Sunbeam Tiger Daniel Bednar
(AA) TRIUMPH STAG 1st - 1972 Triumph Stag Bill Parke 2nd -1973 Triumph Stag Allen Palmer 3rd - 1973 Triumph Stag Ken & Judy Maynard
DAILY DRIVER 1st -1958 MGA Larry & Karin Walker 2nd -1977 MGB Tom England 3rd -1952 MG-TD Sanje Widyaratne
“DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH” 1963 Morris/BMC Bus Craig Burchsted
“DIAMOND OUT OF THE ROUGH” 1955 MG TF Mark Barrington
BEST CLUB DISPLAY MGB On-site Engine Build The Capital City MG Club (CCMGC) Designed by Ron Shimek
THE GOAT ROPERS RALLYE 1st – 1976 Triumph TR6 Brian Graves – Driver Art Graves- Navigator
2nd – 2003 Mini Cooper Joel Hard – Driver Jordan Hard – Navigator 3rd 1959 MGA Erick Schenk– Driver Cynthia Talbot – Navigator
THE LONG and WINDING ROAD AWARD Art Graves -1976 Triumph TR6 475 Miles from Tulsa, OK
The RAGTOP 8 November 2005
The RAGTOP 9 November 2005
Graham Davies
BEST OF BRITISH
Austin, TX512-926-1182
Restoration, Service, Tuning of Austin Healey, Triumph, Mini Cooper S
This was sent in by Milton Jones, who got it from Chicago MG club.
An MG TD and enclosed trailer were stollen Sunday night, (10-16-05). Neighbor’s surveillance camera caught the act, but not enough detail to ID the scumbags. They backed a dark-colored truck into his driveway and cut security chains, apparently picked up the front of trailer somehow (ignoring the hitch anti-theft lock), pulled it off the blocks (he had it leveled and most of weight off the trailer tires) and disappeared. All this in TWO MINUTES. Don’t know if they were Car thieves who got the trailer, or trailer thieves who got a bonus of a concours TD in the operation. Doesn’t matter, the stuff is gone, along with a bunch of Whitworth tools. Although the stuff probably was in Mexico within 30 minutes, with the Red MG logo already painted white. (Juarez is 40 miles south), please alert all in the brit car community of the following:
1952 MG TD roadster, registered 1953. License Plate No. 1952 MG (New Mexico).VIN No. and car No. TD15559; Car number located on front left frame.Body Type 22381; Body No. 14920/15957Engine Block No.s 168421 2621D3; Head No. 168422Brass Plate on Engine No. 27782, Type XPAG . TD2Bright red body paint w/ red leather seats, red radiator slats and head lights. Bias Ply tires w/ gray steel wheels. Spare tire cover is red with chrome surround. Wood dash has all original instruments and switches. This MG is concours condition and is a two-time National Champion.Haulmark, Kodiak enclosed white trailer with silver trim. 2100 lbs made in 2001 Four wheels, side door on left, ramp door on rear. 14 ft long, 7 ft wide, 8 ft high, aluminum construction with wood paneling inside. 4-inch row of black and white checker racing stripes painted on sides, front to rear.Large 2 = foot MG logo painted on back in red paint.VIN No. 16HPB14291A003573License Plate No. 47371TRD
Both items were stolen from Las Cruces, New Mexico on 16 October, 2005. Report any information to Las Cruces police department: (505) 528-4200 or 4222. Or call Charles Beard (owner) at (505) 496-7011 or (505) 525-0993Case no. 25-21580
Thanks, and let this be a reminder to us all that our best attempts at security can be overcome in min-utes by determined thieves.
GARAGE SALE:Really big 5500 pound floor jack $45
Two not so big 4000 pound floor jacks$25 each
Sears Craftsman MIG welder with Co2 bottle, mask, etc. $199
Pair of drive on ramps $30
Gunnison’s E-Z-Bleed $10
Engine stethoscope $5
Jack stand $5
Timing light $10
These items are offered by Val Emrick 512-695-8637
The RAGTOP 10 November 2005
Hill Country Triumph Club2005 Events
NOVEMBER 20055 South Texas All British Car Day. Boerne, see page 88 Hill Country Triumph Club Meeting. 7PM. Pok-e-Jo’s. See directions below.
DECEMBER 200510 Christmas Party, 6PM; See page 5 for details and directions.17 Tour of Lights Drive See page 3 for details.
JANUARY 200610 Hill Country Triumph Club Meeting. 7PM.
APRIL 200622 VTR Regionals, Jenks, OK
JULY 200619-23 VTR National Convention, Las Colinas (Irving), TX http://www.vtr2006.com
The next meeting will be Nov. 8th, 7PM, at Pok-e-Jo’s; 1603 5th Street, east of Mo-Pac. Call 320-1541 for directions.
1105 N. Canyonwood Dr.Dripping Springs, TX 78620
