TC 8675 must have undergone a (partial?) rebuild at some stage as the current paintwork appears to be a close match to autumn red (?TF option), and it has traces of (?the original) green below. It also has a replacement engine, XPAG 3111. The chassis has evidence of the classic "wear and tear" breaks - front right wheel arch, beneath the driver's/off-side seat and the drop extention to the right rear axle - that have all been fixed with additional plates/fillets welded and rivetted in place. It sports a "Rhodesia" (now Zimbabwe) Automobile Association badge, so it might well have been brought south sometime after date of export. Its previous owner had it since the mid-1970s when he bought it on a auction and did some restoration (e.g. new leather seat covers and replacement engine), but its history is largely unknown, so any information about its history, whereabouts of the original engine (XPAG 9255) and previous owners from members would be appreciated.

Whilst a rebuild might be appropriate (fortunately most components are original except for the carburettors and inlet manifold (ex-TD it seems), my priority is to bring its mechanical status up to scratch and get it out on the road for a few years! I have therefor replaced the tyres and wheel bearings/seals, overhauled brakes, carbs, shocks, generator, distributor, etc., replaced core plugs following several flushings of the engine and radiator, and done the usual tuning and timing adjustments. It will soon have the original steering box replaced with one from a Datsun 120Y to improve on the current "tolerance" of about 75 degrees at the steering wheel, notwithstanding a Tomkins conversion, and an original set of Brooklands screens fitted!

Also attached is a photo of the conversion I had done to the oil pump/filter, filter/block static pipes. The pipes were cut off and the banjos threaded to take appropriate lengths of reinforced flexible hose with threaded female adaptors. This followed a close inspection of the static pipes that revealed a potential for stress fractures. Perhaps a (forgivable?) case of improving rather than maintaining the breed!

Joe Gates