Jenny, Joe and Kathy Pawlak's
1980 TR7 and 1973 Stag

The Stag and the Spider were very welcome additions to our family. I was forced to enjoy our first Triumph, the '65 Spitfire, from a passenger only view. My vertically challenged frame did not allow me to simultaneously reach the pedals and the back of the driver's seat. This did not make for very safe driving conditions. This is no longer the case (no, I haven't grown or been stretched) but that's another story. In spite of my "shortcomings" I am easily able to drive both of the newer Triumphs.

I was very conservative the first few times I drove the Stag. Joe had just restored it and I was told we had to "take it easy while we broke in the engine". Nevermind that Joe's foot got a little heavy a few times! What fun the car is since it's well "broken in" and we can just jump in and let the car go at it's own speed. (Now that all of the poor quality parts were removed from that crappy supplier.) The overdrive is great! Joe has created a monster. Passing other vehicles is a breeze. Just flip the O/D switch off and accelerate with a blast of power that's WAY COOOOL!!!!!! I have to agree with Joe, comfortable cruising speed, the Stag's choice, is 70-75 MPH. The Stag runs impeccably smooth at this speed, or faster. Sometimes we just have to let the car go and let it have its way! I do wish we would have had the Stag sooner. What a family car that would have been!

The TR7 Spider, Jenny's car, is also a blast to drive. It was my commuter car for a short while before being restored. The car was an "unexpected" find while visiting my parents. Someone my dad knew was selling a Triumph, so we went to look at it "for the heck of it". The rest is history. When Joe found out it was a limited edition, he started talking about keeping it instead of buying it for Jenny. Since I'm Mom and I'm The Boss, Jenny got the car. End of story! The car is a blast around the corners. Corners can be taken at a pretty good clip which can be disconcerting to those not familiar with the car. I know Jenny had at least one friend hanging on for dear life.

Both cars have been camping with our ISOA family. The TR7 and Stag had so much fun--they'll do it again and again!!! Both have also been on extended driving trips and I am happy to report that they provide a very comfortable ride. Both are with us to stay! I am truly happy that our Triumph family has grown--you can't have just one! I also want to say that I feel we are truly blessed by being part of the crazy, remarkable, caring, wonderful, fun-loving, NUMBER ONE car family, ISOA!!!!! I'm so glad I stuck with the fraternity guy at Bradley University I met 24 years ago who drove a Spitfire decorated in glorious "primer brown". [Still have that one but it is now glorious red.] Who would have thought that by getting married, you could even make cars multiply!!!!

by Kathy "Schnapps" Pawlak

Copyright © 2003 Illinois Sports Owners Association