1980 Triumph TR7 Conversion to TR8 V8 *Sold £7,200*

Description

• TR8 Conversion kit
• Many new parts
• Bare metal respray inside and out

If life begins at 40, then you’re in for great time with this 42 year old V8 Triumph TR7. The greatest sports car Triumph never made.

Background

Styled by Harris Mann, British Leyland’s Chief Designer, in 1975 the Triumph TR7 was an extremely radical move away from the very conservative Triumphs of old.

All of the TRs that came before were aimed at traditionalists. The TR7 was anything but. It was a traditional sports car. But it didn’t look like a traditional sports car. It had pop-up lights. A wedge profile, and it didn’t have a lazy six-cylinder engine. Finally, it had a tin roof.

BL woke from it slumber around 1980 when it introduced the sleek convertible. The corporation then introduced the Triumph TR7 V8 (the TR8), but as usual, too little too late. Very few of these factory TR8s were produced for the UK market and it was left to the professional aftermarket to take up the challenge of delivering the TR8.

The mechanicals

• 3500cc V8 engine & gear box
• V8 conversion kit
• V8 Front sub frame
• V8 Differential
• New front brakes
• Twin sports exhaust
• Aluminium radiator with electric fan

The conversion is not just an thunderously good V8 engine. The suspension, brakes and drivetrain have all been enhanced.

The engine itself is connected to a five-speed ‘box. These are mounted on the TR8 subframe. All that power is delivered to the road by a TR8-spec differential.

Our vendor tells us the front brakes have also been updated for increased stopping power.

Road tests reports at the time tell a story of the TR8s being quick, responsive  sure-footed sports cars. The burble of that V8 is the cherry on the top. Triumph bosses must have been kicking themselves.

*Please note that the total mileage of 90k is as per the odometer, the mileage of just the V8 engine since conversion is not known.*

Inside

• New Seats
• Black leather with red piping
• Original seats and wheels will come with the car
• Tonneau cover
• Coloured coded seat belts
• Original dash and clocks in place

Drop down into the cabin, and the first thing you’ll notice is the steeply raked windscreen that was so much a part of Harris Mann’s wedge design. This give the Triumph a cosy cockpit-like feel around the driver.

The TR7s interior is remarkable and remarkably original. It has all survived very well.

The door trim panels are original too with no apparent major damage. The original door architecture is all present and correct and the wind-up windows work as they should.

The dashboard is in good order with no cracks or splits. All the various switches and knobs appear to be present, correct and functional.

The boot is area is tidy and well kept, clearly as a result of body refurb. The battery is now housed in the boot.

Our vendor has advised that the black PVC hood is in good condition. He has only had it up once as the car hasn’t been out in the rain.

Outside and underside

• Bare metal respray
• All components removed and refitted
• Extensive anti-corrosion protection applied
• High gloss finish

The anxiety with all classic cars, especially British ones is of course the dreaded tin worm. Take a look in the Gallery and you’ll see the comprehensive work that has been carried out.

You’ll see the restorer has stripped this Triumph TR7 right back. The suspension, engine, glass, interior, including the dash fascia have all been taken out. The closures, boot, bonnet and doors have all come off. The work has been very thorough.

On the underside you’ll see widespread stone protection/anti-corrosion has been applied.

On the inside, the floor and areas not on display have been finished to same quality. The inside of the engine bay and boot area has had a similar attention to detail.

To finish off, the exterior trim is finished in matt black, black wheels and then there are those lovely Triumph V8 decals.

Our view

The Triumph TR7 evokes memories of the 1970s. They are now an increasingly rare sight.

In converted TR8 V8 form these are a marvellous car. Great to push along the back roads, playing tunes with that V8 through the five speed box. Or double it up as the perfect Grand Tourer using the torque of the V8 and that long fifth gear.

With its new Carnelian Red paint with contrasting black interior the TR8 looks smashing.

The pictures show it needs a good valet and detailing, but that is us being picky. Our vendor is clear – it has to go. A lot of money has been spent on this car. But it does have to go. With that in mind the vendor has set a very reasonable and hugely tempting reserve. The best car Triumph never built. Don’t miss out.

Vehicle Location: Saltburn by the Sea, TS12 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor 

Have a question about this Triumph TR7? Please contact the Evoke team at auction@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf. 

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