Brendan Hughes

Keeping an eye out for some two-seater fun.

I saw a TR8 the other day - actually a TR7 with a V8 in it - but it's 5500 euros. Some rust bubbles round the headlights, bonnet, and a few other places, and the floorpans under the seats look like they won't support people for much longer.

seeing as this is not even an official conversion (eg I didn't look at the brakes or engine mounts), I assume I'd be a lot better off stretching to 8k (euros) for an old MX-5?

Doctorfrag

That's quite a bit of money for that. I used to own one, and the main enemy is rust, and if you are seeing it in these places ,it is likely it is the more important areas like wheelarches and sills, it can cost a lot of money to put right.
I bought one, with some surface rust, after stripping it, it was so rusted it would basically need a new bodyshell, a basket case ,.... not saying yours is like this, but make sure you give it a thorough inspection before buying it.

Joe

Jer

Get the MX5 you will have loads of problems with a TR8. I am looking for something two seater for a second car, on the short list are:

MX5
MGF (really cheap even later ones)
Alfa spider
Lotus Elan

Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

I have an MX5 for sale...

Brendan, I've told you before you can have mine, please take it, I'll even chuck a tenner in, what do you say?

carl

Remember, when Guigaro saw the TR7 (same shape as the 8) he said "My God! Does it look the same on the other side".

I think it's no coincidence that not long after designing it Michelotti died. The man was responsible for some great designs (Spitfire, TR4, etc.) so he was obviously going nutt in his old age.

Squizz

Erm - Harris Mann designed the TR7 (and the Allegro and Princess )...

Here's a couple of shots of my ol' Grinnall converted TR7V8:





I'd rather have a **** poor condition TR7V8 over an MX5 any day!!!

carl

Graham Robson's book on Spitfires and GT6s says (referring to Michelotti's original plans for the Mk3 Spits and GT6s):

"Michelotti was therefore told, most regretfully, that his neat sloping style could not be used. The ideas it contined [sic] might, one day, be used elsewhere. (They were, on his first attempts to style the TR7.)"

GaryK

God his CV must read like a 'worst car designs ever!' your tr looks tidy tho squizz

carl

I reckon he was Chris Bangle's hero.