Concours Question

Good question. If you're serious about concours I'd leave the tiny scratch as it is. Original paint counts bigtime and some wear and tear is accepted. Might get you some points deducted, but a repaint costs you probably more in points.

You need to change the shift knob for concours, no question.

The real expensive thing will be now to find that TR Schedoni luggage.

 

There are some guys who are Masters in the Touch-Up field,who I am sure could just touch up the one little scratch. Check with Custom Cars Unlimited in LaGrange.

I will see where I saw those Clear Tops for the Engine Area on the Rear Hatch and let you know as soon as I do.

 

I think in a recent edition of Forza I saw aftermarket carbon fibre humps for that rear hatch. Looked very cool too.

 

any chance the TR you're referring to is @ continental autosports? stunning last year of the testarossa. i too noticed the crome shift knob and would also go back to black. if the scratch on the hood was enough to make you inquire to having the dealer repaint it (at their expense?) then let them. you'll sleep better at nite knowing your TR is exactly the way you want it.

just my opinion... i could be wrong.

joe

 

What Sean, do you want to make this car a show Queen, and win trophies with it? Or, are you buying it to drive it and enjoy it?

If the latter is your desire, have the scratch fixed. If you don't, you'll always see the scratch everytime you look at the car.

If you're looking to maintain originality on a later model Testarossa, for the purpose of getting a higher resale price if you decide to sell it. That probably ain't gonna happen.

If you want to do 'Concours' competition, then put everything back to it's original OEM condition; but leave the scratch alone, if you know that the rest of the car has original paint.

If the above is your desire, don't drive the car, but make sure it's maintained as drivable. Pebble Beach Concours would require it!

The question is; for what reason did you buy the car? The answer to that question will tell you what to do about the scratch and the knob!

 

I am sure Custom Cars can do a touch up without painting the whole hood, and NOBODY could tell it has been touched up. They did a fabulous job on my 308 after the fire and you couldn't tell where it had been repainted.

 

Yes,Continental also had an '89 or '90 with 2500 miles on it....Gone!

 

An 80's TR will never be invited to PB. Just not going to happen.

You can use touch up paint on the scratch if it has gone to the metal.

The 512 knob is a deduction, 1/2 point if I remember correctly...

 

Many reasons, too new, way too many made, nothing really special about it.

PB is the "best of the best", one off customs, historic racers, examples of cars that really made the marque.

A TR is a cool car, but it is not at that level. Still fine for classes at FCA nationals, Cav Classic, and Concourso Italiano. But probably never in the running for best of show. Just too many "better" cars out there...

 

I know that; it was said 'tongue-in-cheek'!

I just didn't know what level of 'Concours' Sean is looking for. Citing PB, I simply meant 'the best of the best', if that's the level of originality he wants!

 

Did you try T. Rutlands, or any of the other usual sources.

Maybe Ferrari.UK?

 

....Home Made 50's "Hot Rods"...who'd a thunk!...

 

hello,

congrats on the 91' TR. stunning car. you asked "where can i get an original shift knob?" continental has three 1994 348 spiders in their inventory. ask keith if he can swap the cromed one in your TR for one on the three spiders. they are identical to the original knob in the testarossa.

regards,

joe

 

It was part of the culture.

Now, the question is will there be a class for "ricers" in 40 years. Maybe I should pick up one of those Honda Civics for $500 now...

 

I rest my case........hmmm, I wonder what I mean by saying that??

 

Sean,
My congrats on your purchase, and welcome to the experience of owning and driving a 12 cylinder Ferrari.
If your interested in concours, and if you haven't already done so, be sure to register for the FCA National meet at Indy in late June.
Dave