Getting To The "Rootes" Of The Matter...

[jdoclogan]

Of my two Harrington Le Mans (Washington) titles one shows CP and the other shows CPLM. I have a previous state (Pennsylvania) title on one that shows CP. No reference to HT (Hard Top) on my Harrington Le Mans titles.

This is an unusual set of photos to match with the title shown. VIN (title and plate) is a Series II and yet the photos show Series III and/or IV components. It's like a PO installed Series III and/or IV components (doors/windshield), along with the non-Alpine Iron head you pointed out Michael. I couldn't see the soft top covers. This has become a sleuth's most challenging mystery. "Proof is in the Pudding", as they say. When the car actually arrives it will unveil the hidden allure. Particularly if the firewall VIN stamp appears.

 

[MidcenturyMillennial]

I certainly didn't expect my ill advised online purchase to provide such interesting speculation amongst this knowledgeable group! Now I really can't wait for the car to show up, just to find out what happens next!

 

[RootesRooter]

Maybe I missed it but I haven't seen a photo or mention of the trunk. Also, why would anyone retrofit a non-adjustable steering wheel into a Series III? I'll bet a good bodyman would solve this by finding a line of welds around the nose, just in front of the windshield.

 

[Aladin Sane]

Not far from Missouri Valley!

I grew up in the other corner of the state, far northeast Iowa. I was out in the world for a while but returned to Iowa about 20 years ago.

 

[MidcenturyMillennial]

I grew up in the other corner of the state, far northeast Iowa. I was out in the world for a while but returned to Iowa about 20 years ago.

Welcome home!

 

[MidcenturyMillennial]

It's on it's way at last!

 

[MidcenturyMillennial]

Not very high resolution, but at least we finally get a glimpse of the passenger side!

 

[alpine_64]

Not very high resolution, but at least we finally get a glimpse of the passenger side!
View attachment 29170

Now get us the magic pictures .. inside the boot ( trunk) and if you can a shot under the car at the rear suspension where the shocks mount

 

[alpine_64]

I do note the rear wing has a fuel filler in the series I/II location... So maybe the car is a SII amd has had a S3 roof, doors, screen and soft trim

 

[MidcenturyMillennial]

Mornin' Mike! The seller sent me those photos when the trailer arrived. The Driver estimates he'll reach my neck of the woods on Saturday. Should be a fun day!

 

[jdoclogan]

I see the the fuel filler as well Michael. As a Series I or II we will get some VIN clarity by viewing the right side firewall where the VIN should be stamped

 

[alpine_64]

If it is a Series I or II we will get some VIN clarity as a viewing of the right side firewall will show the stamped VIN.

Jerry, remember not all SII have the stamped VIN..once they moved production and when the underbody was changed that gives more room for the gearbox removal the cars no longer stamped the firewall all 63 SII cars don't have it

I'm thinking the car may be an series II... But that is one heck of effort to swicth a lot of S3 stuff in.

The rear suspension would be the ultimate tell . The pressing for the telescopic shocks and revised boot floor tank setup is the most conclusive .. unless someone went totally crazy

 

[jdoclogan]

The VIN on the title presented indicates Series II. What fun winding through the mystery with bit by bit evidence.

 

[SoCal'beaming]

I believe I saw this car advertised on craigs list awhile back with the seller stating they had to/needed to sell it very soon. Was this Alpine purchased from a La Crescenta, Ca. seller? ... I was going to take a look at it myself since I'm about 5/10 minutes away but after looking at the pictures posted I came to the conclusion it wasn't a "stock" series 3 (which I was looking for) due to the petrol filler location among other irregularities but confused as to the later series parts I saw on it.

...... David

 

[MidcenturyMillennial]

I believe I saw this car advertised on craigs list awhile back with the seller stating they had to/needed to sell it very soon. Was this Alpine purchased from a La Crescenta, Ca. seller? ... I was going to take a look at it myself since I'm about 5/10 minutes away but after looking at the pictures posted I came to the conclusion it wasn't a "stock" series 3 (which I was looking for) due to the petrol filler location among other irregularities but confused as to the later series parts I saw on it.

...... David

David, Hi! You're right on the money. Wish I could have made it worth your while to take a look at it for me! Hindsight is 20/20!

*The seller told me she had run out of money for the project and wanted to cut her losses. Only a couple of days before we all find out how much of a sucker I turned out to be!

 

[SoCal'beaming]

David, Hi! You're right on the money. Wish I could have made it worth your while to take a look at it for me! Hindsight is 20/20!

*The seller told me she had run out of money for the project and wanted to cut her losses. Only a couple of days before we all find out how much of a sucker I turned out to be!

I wouldn't be to hard yourself ... These cars are a journey and not necessarily an easy one. I've made errors myself as many others have also that are on the forum. Looks to be a nice Alpine if not a little curious in it's features. That being said when she does arrive as others have stated the boot and rear shock area's should shed a better light on what you truly have. Keep us posted as I'm quite intrigued as to her true pedigree.

..... David

 

[MidcenturyMillennial]

Look what finally showed up, lads! The moment we've all been waiting for.
It was very bright (and very hot) when I took these photos, and now that I review them, they could be better. If there's more you want/need to see, let me know what to aim my phone at!

 

[MidcenturyMillennial]

Interior:

 

[MidcenturyMillennial]

Trunk:

 

[MidcenturyMillennial]

More interior and top:

*I assume that fuel pump note was taped to the dash before the move, but i'm not sure where.