Randy Clark's
Grantura - 8552
Last updated - 1-6-2005
1962 TVR Grantura MK III, Serial # 8 552. Purchased in
1995 or so. No engine and no roof (had been rolled over and raced
thereafter for many years as a roadster). Has always been a race car.
Was originally owned by Allen Hickling, a Brit, who, in 1962 was in Canada
working on the new F1 race track at Mt. Tremblant in Quebec Province. Allen
became an instructor at that track and raced the TVR for several years. I have
since met Allen and he never was very pleased with the cars' performance (too
short and twitchy) , preferring very much more the Ginetta that was his next
purchase.
I have all his old race notes and set ups, and notice
that he was running 1.5 degrees POSITIVE Camber in the front and 2 shocks in
the rear. I now have 2 degrees NEGATIVE camber in the front and eliminated the
2nd shock. I have only raced the car once, and never really took it close
to the limits, so the jury is still out on it as far as I am concerned. (anyone
out there with experience racing one of these on Dunlop 500Ls, who has some
suspension advise, I would be all ears !)
We rescued the car just before the ID plate
was about to be "lifted" and placed on a sister car that
was in much better shape. Originally came with an MG 1622 with a crossflow
head and dual Webers (now on that "sister" car). Car spent only
its' first summer on the road, so the frame has never been subject
to road salt. Only has 6,700 miles on it. Now runs an MGB 1800
with a single Weber. Originally ran TR3 steel wheels that had the
center section moved to increase the off-set to clear the shocks,
but now runs wire wheels because I like them ! I have made many
safety alterations, including full roll-cage, fuel cell, Tilton dual master
cylinder, and collapsable steering shaft. Biggest challange was creating a new
Roof from a mold that we also had to create. My friends Walt Armstrong
and Tom Walling and I have done all the work on the car except the
engine rebuild.
Owner:
Randy Clark (USA)
To
contact the owner, please route inquiries through the registar.
Registar:
serel@zeelandnet.nl