A 1962 TR4 was Keith’s first Triumph and remained his every-day driver for six years
A 1962 TR4 was Keith’s first Triumph and remained his every-day driver for six years
A 1962 TR4 was Keith’s first Triumph and remained his every-day driver for six years
Keith Stewart, a long-time resident of London, Ontario acquired his first Triumph roadster in 1966. He purchased it second hand from Competition Motors in London where Canadian racing legend,
the late Craig Hill, was the mechanic who serviced the car. It was a four year old 1962 Signal redTR4 equipped with radio, heater, white top and white tonneau cover and remained Keith’s everyday driver until 1972.
It has been retained in the Stewart family until recently. Keith, and spouse Chris, joined the Toronto Triumph Club in the summer of 1992 (#1757) but after several renewals, the membership inadvertently expired and was not renewed until meeting past President David Tushingham and former Ragtop editor David Fidler through the “6-Pack Forum.” Keith volunteered to take photos of the Triumph exhibit at the 2012 Canadian International Auto Show and encouraged by Tush and Fid, Keith and Chris rejoined TTC in February 2012.
A 1967 TR4A was the second Triumph
A 1962 TR4 was Keith’s first Triumph and remained his every-day driver for six years
A 1962 TR4 was Keith’s first Triumph and remained his every-day driver for six years
The next Triumph to enter the Stewart household was a White, 1967 TR4A with Black Surrey top. This beauty was purchased from the original owner, a London physician who had acquired the car new
from Leavens Motors, a business owned by the family of Ed Leavens. Ed raced a Sebring Sprite for the factory team in the 12 hours of Sebring in 1961, alongside team-mates Briggs Cunningham and Bruce McLaren. The retired physician had escaped from Austria during WW2 with her husband, also a physician. They set up practice in London and when she was looking for something a bit “sporty” for running about, she settled on the new, 1967 TR4A. Among her pastimes, she played violin in a local orchestra and so had eyebolts affixed to the rear parcel shelf so that her violin case could be covered with a tartan, wool blanket and secured with bungee cords whenever she went to practices or performances. Because males typically referred to their loved cars as female (she, her, etc.) the physician was adamant that her car was male and so, a ‘he’ he will always be. When purchased, the TR4A had just over 36,000 miles and was all original. The spare tire looks as if it has never been used as the nubs from the tire mould are still all around
the surface. Also in the boot was the original tool kit, the frame for the Surrey top; in the original box (rusty staples on the corners of the box
to hold it together), tied with the original string.
The 1970 damson Mk 3 Spitfire was the third road-going Triumph
A 1957 TR3, car number four, was purchased from the uncle of John Swauger of The Roadster Factory
A 1957 TR3, car number four, was purchased from the uncle of John Swauger of The Roadster Factory
By this stage, it seemed the Stewart family had become a virtual magnet for unloved Triumphs. While having a casual conversation with her hairdresser who knew of her interest in Triumphs, Chris discovered that the hairdresser’s neighbour had “some kind of Triumph.” It transpired that it had been sitting under a tarp in the driveway for years. The hairdresser provided a name and address and a visit was arranged. It turned out to be a Damson coloured 1970 Spitfire Mark 3 that was just begging to become part of the Stewart fleet. When “Spitfire and GT6 Magazine” visited BCD a number of years ago, they snapped a picture of the wicker picnic basket on the luggage rack of this car and used it in their subscription postcards for several years.
A 1957 TR3, car number four, was purchased from the uncle of John Swauger of The Roadster Factory
A 1957 TR3, car number four, was purchased from the uncle of John Swauger of The Roadster Factory
A 1957 TR3, car number four, was purchased from the uncle of John Swauger of The Roadster Factory
Fate intervened to bring the Stewart’s their next Triumph. The TR4 was loaded as they set out to attend The Roadster Factory’s Summer Party (SP) which, except for the very first occasion, the Stewarts have attended every year. They have even attended the Runyan farm in Armagh, PA on SP weekend in the years when a SP was not held! Driving out of town toward the 401, there was a pronounced noise from the left rear every time a bump was encountered. A quick inspection revealed a cut in the tread of the new tire. It was later determined the cause of the contact between the tire and quarter panel edge was a broken rear spring.
Undaunted, the Stewarts returned home, transferred everything to their pickup truck and set out once more. The Roadster Factory Summer Party was not to be missed - even without a Triumph! The next day, while talking with TRF’s John Swauger, John mentioned that TRF’s very first product was the workshop manual for the TR3. Keith responded that he knew that fact and actually had purchased one several years earlier. Keith added that the TR3 was Chris’ favourite car and he figured one day they would own one. John smiled and said, “This is going to sound like a used car salesman’s pitch, but I can put you into the car of your dreams-today!”
John’s uncle was selling his Signal Red, 1957 TR3. The car had been purchased in Phoenix AZ with help from Triumph legend, Bob Schaller (“More BS about TR’s”). Bob had helped John’s uncle sort through potential purchases and then carried out the necessary work to get the car ready for shipment back to Pennsylvania. The electric fan upgrade on this car has one of Schaller’s engineering stickers affixed. After arriving in Pennsylvania, the car was overhauled and updated by John and Randy Phillippi. Some of you may recognize Randy’s name as the individual who has been given responsibility for the restoration of Charles Runyan’s TRS race car (commission number, X654). John brought the TR3 into town on Saturday evening for the SP Car Show and a deal was made for Chris and Keith to become the new custodians of this triumphant gem.
CAR NUMBER FIVE WAS A 1974 SPITFIRE 1500, TRANSFORMED FROM ORIGINAL WHITE TO PAGEANT BLUE
Car number six was acquired as something “more modern and reliable” for Keith’s wife Chris
Car number six was acquired as something “more modern and reliable” for Keith’s wife Chris
On another occasion, the Stewarts returned from a TRF SP to find a message on their telephone answering machine. A work colleague of Keith’s had been at a family function on the weekend and another family member, knowing he knew something about cars (he once restored a Volvo that scored 99.4 points at the Volvo Club of North America Concours judging) asked him some questions about “some kind of Triumph”. Knowing that Keith knew something about Triumphs the colleague asked Keith to take a look to see if it was worth anything and to perhaps put a value on it.
The Stewarts discovered a White, 1974 Spitfire 1500 that could not be started as there was no battery and the gas tank had that old gas smell. Apparently the car had sat, untouched, for over 10 years. After a two hour investigation, the verdict was that the parts alone, needed by the car, would cost considerably more than the best restored one Keith had ever seen. Its best value would be as a parts car. The executors of the estate wanted the car gone and asked if the Stewarts would take the car for $100. Having just mentioned the restoration would cost more than the car was worth, Keith was uncertain whether they were saying they would pay the Stewarts $100 to take the car away or that they wanted to sell the car for $100. Realizing that even if the car did not run, the value of the engine and transmission as cores for re-building was worth the $100. Three hours later, the Stewarts were back with a car dolly and battery. The car was started (on that 10 year old gas) and driven onto the dolly. Chris had felt they should buy the car and Keith could restore it for one of their daughters. Their oldest daughter, Allison, selected the colour it should be painted, after the bodywork was done. It is now a beautiful Pageant Blue.
Car number six was acquired as something “more modern and reliable” for Keith’s wife Chris
Car number six was acquired as something “more modern and reliable” for Keith’s wife Chris
Car number six was acquired as something “more modern and reliable” for Keith’s wife Chris
While she really loved the Triumphs - and the great people she met at events – Chris really wanted something more up-to-date and dependable. Although previously, she really disliked TR6s and spent little time around them at car shows because “they all look the same.” She eventually decided she might like a TR6 because “it was more modern and reliable.” The search began. After much digging, questions to the “6-Pack Forum”, and a failed deal on a car in Atlanta, a well-sorted BRG, 1975 TR6 was located in Niagara-On-The-Lake. Some items have been added to the car and upgrades done. After many hours of detailing, the car has placed first in class at TRF’s Summer Party, British Car Day, London British Car Club Classic and the Canadian Classic. The car was also featured as Miss August, 2012 on 6-Pack’s calendar- featuring Chris’ quote “Christine wanted something a little more modern.” She loves her TR6 and feels comfortable driving it anywhere - whether it be golfing or shopping!
A 1962 TR4, the seventh and latest Triumph acquisition, was purchased from Drake’s in Kelowna
UPDATE: Car number Seven, a 1973 Triumph Stag Restomod, was acquired as a Replacement for the TR6
UPDATE: Car number Seven, a 1973 Triumph Stag Restomod, was acquired as a Replacement for the TR6
Another recent addition to the Stewart fleet is a very early Signal red, 1962 TR4 (build date of November 1961). Keith’s work had taken him to Kelowna BC on many occasions and while he knew about Drakes’ British Motors, his schedule never allowed for a visit. In December 2012, Keith was once again in Kelowna and had time free on the weekend. Len and Scott Drake were contacted with a view to a tour of their facilities. There were many fine Triumphs available, including full restorations, works in progress, and new arrivals. While Keith had no intention of buying another TR when he visited, he once again succumbed to the curse and became the owner of another 1962 TR4. Being a very early TR4, the car has some very unique features, such as the boot lid prop that swings into position (as on a TR3) and the absence of the TR4 lettering on the boot lid. This TR4 travelled to TRF’s Summer Party and BCD in 2013 and was the fifth different Triumph the Stewarts have taken to these venues. Plans now include consolidating the collection and focusing on driving the Triumphs. The Spitfires will be moved on and a new owner has been found for the first TR4. The challenge will then be for Keith and Chris to appropriately exercise each of the remaining cars to keep them functioning as they travel about the country enjoying the best part of this hobby - the people they meet.
UPDATE: Car number Seven, a 1973 Triumph Stag Restomod, was acquired as a Replacement for the TR6
UPDATE: Car number Seven, a 1973 Triumph Stag Restomod, was acquired as a Replacement for the TR6
UPDATE: Car number Seven, a 1973 Triumph Stag Restomod, was acquired as a Replacement for the TR6
Unfortunately, health issues meant Chris could no longer drive her TR6 so it was sold on to a new owner. After some test drives to ensure that she could comfortably drive a Stag, we acquired a 1973 Triumph Stag with a GM Ecotec engine and GM 5 speed transmission. This car has so many custom parts, it deserves its own page on this Web site.