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[Chahles]

I'm in the process of re-doing the under bonnet area of my '57 TR3 Small Mouth.
Having just bought it last year, I'm still not sure of the original color. It's currently red (rare huh?)and the wheel wells were black before I stripped them. There didn't seem to be any other color between the black and the metal except for what looked like a primer the color of orange to red oxide.
Now I'm not sure whether to paint it the color of the car or keep it black, not knowing if that was, truly the original.
Would anyone know how often a different under bonnet color was used back then?
Thanks,
Charlie
Boston, Mass USA

[Jamie Palmer]

Charlie,

I'm sure there are far more knowledgeable TR3 folks on this board than I am, but I am completely unaware of any TR that was made without the underhood area being the same color as the body...except Italia's...  :-)

Jamie Palmer

[Bob Muzio]

The engine compartment and the underside of the hood (bonnet) should be the same color as the body. Sometimes an owner will paint the area black but that is not original.
Bob