For whatever reason, this post of mine was not sent through the spitfire autox list. I guess, someone in South Africa is sitting on it. LOL
So here goes a copy of what I wrote to Chris. Liv Hey Chris, great to hear from you again. I see, you're home for a change. Definitely send some pictures. It would be super to see pictures of your cars. Send them to my private address, as you're unable to post them on the list. Your question is a difficult one to answer. You're talking to a Triumph nut here. Even though the description of your 33 Chefs sounds very intriguing, and I'm sure it's a valuable classic in South Africa, I've never been terribly interested in American Classic Cars, but would give 10 years of my life for a nice Triumph. It sounds like you feel the same way, and when you re-read your own post, have really already answered your question. How difficult is it to acquire the body for the Southern Cross, would be my biggest concern? Especially since you can't afford to have one shipped to you. Now, there is a great obstacle. Is there a chance that, in the future, you'll be able to do so? I believe that, if you have a passion, a dream, you make it come true, do whatever it takes to do so, especially if you think, this will be your only choice in doing so on this project car. Chris, if you know me at all, you'd realize that I would never sacrifice a GT6, especially a nice one like yours, for a questionable project. The same goes for the TR3, I'm afraid. The Spitfire would be a vehicle that, with any luck, could be replaced, at least in North America. I'm not really a Herald fan, so I shouldn't offer opinions on that one. Only you'll know how much these cars mean to you. It's a tough call having to weigh one car against the other to follow a dream. It comes down to choices and priorities. Keep in touch Liv 67 Spit CCC ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris De Wet" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: "Spit List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, July 24, 2002 12:41 PM Subject: RE: First painting lesson > Hi Liv . Only 33 . Thanks a lot and happy birthday to you as well albeit a > bit late . Apologies for the delay in responding , but I never seem to be in > the office nowadays . > > I'm still busy with the restoration of most of my Triumphs ( I'm really slow > ) . My '56 TR 3 is my daily driver that I'm restoring ( bit by bit ) over > weekends . As stated I sold my Herald convertible and bought a nice '67 GT 6 > Mk 1 with wire wheels and overdrive . Was extremely lucky ( There's only two > Mk 1 models known to me in SA ) , but I've helped the old gent with a lot of > advice and free parts over the years and when he decided to sell , he gave > me first choice . Didn't have any spare funds so sold a lot of extra parts > and the Herald to raise the money . > > I have also been contacted by a person regarding a 1934 / 35 Triumph > Southern Cross that he wishes to sell . This is what he said so far : > " I have a 1934/35 Southern Cross 6 Cylinder rolling chassis fore sale. It > consists of rolling chassis, 6 cyl motor restored (a few years ago no use), > gearbox, complete wire wheels with hubs, knock ons, steering box, column, > steering wheel (i don't think is original). The chassis looks as if it was > the saloon and chopped down into a special, it was raced successfully here > as a hill climber. The engine was restored a few years ago, but would have > to be checked over to be safe. I have a spare gear box for it, Having just > sold the spare engine to a guy who blew his one up. The engine itself could > fit into a few other vehicles as the Coventry Climax was a good engine. As > for price, I am open for offers, but anything over $20,800 ZAR I might go > for. " > > It seems that there is no body , lights , instruments etc. available . What > a pity . But in any case , I told him that we are in an economical crises > here in SA and that I wish I could buy the Southern Cross ( my dream is a > Dolomite Roadster ) , but that it won't be possible unless he would consider > trading his car for my 1933 Chevrolet 3 window Coupe . It's a right hand > drive 1933 Chevrolet 3 window coupe with a dickey / rumble seat . Spare > wheel is mounted at the back . Original 6 cylinder engine , gearbox , > differential , chassis and suspension has been restored . Woodwork has been > 90 % refurbished . Body is complete and fair condition but not fully > restored yet . Needs to be repainted and two small rust spots repaired . Few > dents in fenders / mud guards . Needs new upholstery , paint , wiring , > tires and windows . So basically a 90 % complete vehicle ( body , bonnet / > hood , dickey lid , front & rear fenders , chassis , front & rear suspension > + brakes , engine , gearbox , differential , 5 original wire wheels with > original centre pieces , instruments , lights , exterior and interior > handles etc . ) Grille in good condition . Some extra bits and pieces i.e : > extra radiator , dickey lid etc. Some brand new parts as well . > > He seems very interested and we are currently negotiating further , but I > don't know if it's such a good deal and I really don't have any money to > cover shipping costs , import / export duties , taxes etc. I don't even know > what his Southern Cross project might be worth ( anything is worth as much > as someone is willing to pay for it ) or what my Chevrolet may be worth . I > only know of one other 1933 Chevrolet 3 window Coupe in South Africa . > > On the other hand my passion lies with Triumph vehicles and I'd much rather > own / restore a pre-war Triumph ( especially a Dolomite Roadster ) than a > pre-war Chevrolet . > > Triumph vehicles are pretty scarce in South Africa and there are no pre-war > Dolomite / Southern Cross / Gloria / Vitesse models available AFAIK , so > maybe this Southern Cross is a good starting point for me ( maybe my only > chance to come close to a Dolomite ) . > > What is your opinion ? > > Do you think someone would trade / swap their 1937 to 1939 Dolomite Roadster > restoration project ( or TR 4 A / TR 5 ) for my "33 Chevrolet and if need be > , one or two of my other Triumphs ( i.e : '67 GT 6 + a '66 Spitfire Mk 2 or > '62 Herald 1200 Coupe ) ? > > I've just spoken to my boss about borrowing the office digital camera ( > unfortunately I don't own one ) and he agreed . He most probably will give > it to me later this week and I'll take a few pictures of my Triumphs and > Chevrolet for you if you'd like . > > Kind regards . > Chris de Wet > PO Box 472 , Ifafi , 0260 , South Africa . > Phone : Cell 0839989744 , Office 012-3398071 /// [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailing list /// Send admin requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] /// or try http://www.team.net/cgi-bin/majorcool /// Archives at http://www.team.net/archive /// Send list postings to [EMAIL PROTECTED] /// Edit your replies! If they include this trailer, they will NOT be sent.
