Doug, this is only my theory, based on observations and experiences. Over the years, I've encountered a fair number of 1972 model year Spitfires, all original including paint (several that a friend and I bought and parted out, and one that I worked on for many years for a friend). All of them had the black panel. Near as I could tell, it was something likely done stateside, perhaps at the distributor level. Interestingly enough on all of these cars, removing the taillamp units showed body color paint underneath, hence my assumption that it was done well after the cars were assembled and left the factory.
--Andy Mace *Mrs Irrelevant: Oh, is it a jet? *Man: Well, no ... It's not so much of a jet, it's more your, er, Triumph Herald engine with wings. -- Cut-price Airlines Sketch, Monty Python's Flying Circus (22) Triumph 10 / Herald / Sports 6 vehicle consultant, The Vintage Triumph Register: http://www.vtr.org Check out the North American Triumph Sports 6 (Vitesse 6) and Triumph Herald Database: http://triumph-herald.us -----Original Message----- From: Doug Braun <[email protected]> The 1972 Spitfire US sales brochure shows the rear body panel (where thetaillights and license plate are) painted flat black. (The rest of the caris red).Has anybody ever seen a car like that real life? Or was that just aone-off experiment that happened to make it into the sales brochure?I am in the middle of repainting my car (actually in the middle ofremoving the old paint), and I am wondering if I ought to do that. _______________________________________________ [email protected] Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html Suggested annual donation $11.47 Archive: http://www.team.net/archive Forums: http://www.team.net/forums Unsubscribe/Manage: http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/spitfires/[email protected]
