It must have been the little white TR4 corgi type model I had when I was a nipper that drew me into the appeal of a TR . As a lad I always dreamt of a 5 or 6, and the thought of hundreds of miles of "trouble free" motoring with the wind in my hair.

Then in 1998 I managed to get my hands on one.

Alas, the hair had long since gone, along with the realisation of a classic car being trouble free.  It wasn't one of the six cylinder models that I eventually chose but my powder blue TR3a TS23334.

Ten years on, and many of pounds lighter, I am still sure that I made the right decision getting a side screen car even after I add up all the expense and the long hours of restoration.

To date it has had a full engine rebuild, various panels reshaped and refitted, as well as a complete re-spray.  There always seems to be something to do or tinker with. The next thing on the agenda is to fit some new poly bushes to the suspension but it's going to have to wait until the winter.  Last year's summer was a complete washout and I don't intend to miss any available driving time.

After a stressful day at work nothing beats turning on the ignition in my TR and going for a spin.  She has been worth every penny and every hour.

Bruce Davies