Why the obsession with originality of classics?
Discussion
lowdrag said:
Painted wires were standard on an E-type, but the option of chrome wires was far cheaper than the cost of a 5W radio! Things have changed somewhat.
What's the view of chrome wires in the Jaguar world? They were also an option on the DB MkIII (as were aluminium Borranis) but I prefer the silver painted ones. Mine is on painted wires. My opinion is that many people come into the Jaguar world and want chrome wires because they think they look better. I had chromed for years but the more one gets into the ethos of the cars ideas change so I put her on painted wires. I think they look more original - and they were standard fit.
Edited by lowdrag on Friday 30th June 07:03
Vintage Racer said:
I have wires and steel wheels (both available in 1959) on the TR3a.................still can't make my mind up which looks best!
Steelies and w/w's look OK and definitely against the norm for which most people go with, so in that respect me likely 
However, if mine, I'd probably go for a combination of both, and go with the wires and the white walls
Link to one on BaT with chrome wires just for comparison - still prefer the painted ones ... (less blingy)
http://bringatrailer.com/listing/1963-triumph-tr3b...
http://bringatrailer.com/listing/1963-triumph-tr3b...
Many years ago I saw some US spec Triumph stags with chrome wires that looked great + the dark blue one with wires that used to grace the cover of the Rimmers catalogue and thought I'm going to treat myself to a set of those, so rang firm up in West London that sell them and I got the most honest answer ever from a shop, when I asked to buy a set the reply was "what colour is your stag?" "white" was my reply and then the chap came back and said "tbh with you wires on stags only work well with a dark coloured car" and now when I see them on stags I think he was spot on. Full credit to this company that grace the back cover quite often of classic car magazines.
ps I know some people think chrome wires don't look right on any stag.
ps I know some people think chrome wires don't look right on any stag.
uk66fastback said:
Link to one on BaT with chrome wires just for comparison - still prefer the painted ones ... (less blingy)
Indeed...painted wires everytime for me.I have an irrational pet hatred of any car with chrome wire wheels fitted.....think they look bloody awful.......the car equivalent to me of a diamond encrusted Rolex...
lowdrag said:
I tell myself that I don't really want an E-Type, and that a well-sorted TR6 is undoubtedly just as much fun. Then you go and post a picture like that.
To reduce your lust here is a photo of her 23 years back on chrome wires. I was damned and didn't know it.
BBC photo shoot - E type by Tony Brown, on Flickr
She was that colour for 27 years until I was severely reprimanded and returned her to her original factory colours and painted wheels four years ago. Before the blue (which I can now admit was Ford Glacier blue, not opalescent silver blue) she was a lovely shade of hand-painted mustard!
BBC photo shoot - E type by Tony Brown, on FlickrShe was that colour for 27 years until I was severely reprimanded and returned her to her original factory colours and painted wheels four years ago. Before the blue (which I can now admit was Ford Glacier blue, not opalescent silver blue) she was a lovely shade of hand-painted mustard!
Edited by lowdrag on Thursday 6th July 16:54
Edited by lowdrag on Thursday 6th July 17:10
Hi Lowdrag - I think we have something in common - a Lynx XKSS and flat floor E-type. Still learning the driving technique for each - especially around busy London roads - forever having to de-coke the plugs on the Lynx and how to select 2nd gear on the E-type without an accompanying metallic grating noise!
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