1982 Triumph TR7 V8

Description

• AT AUCTION – Please click HERE
• A genuine full Grinnall conversion
• Modified body, running gear and engine
• 4.0 litre V8 engine
• 250bhp
• Authenticity Report included in the file

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

Background

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

All the TRs that came before were aimed at traditionalists. The TR7 was anything but; it was a traditional sports car. However, 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 TR7 V8, but as usual, too little too late. Only about 20 RHD factory TR8s were produced, and it was left to the professional aftermarket to take up the challenge of delivering the TR7 with a V8 engine.

Grinnall Conversions

Up stepped Mark Grinnall, owner of Grinnall Cars. Mark headed a team of talented designers, engineers and craftsmen. By 1990 it is thought they converted around only 300 cars. Be aware, there remain a number of DIY produced TR7s with V8 engines. These are far cry from the bone fide and much coveted genuine Grinnall conversion.

This particular TR7 comes with an engineer’s report confirming its authenticity.

The mechanicals

Grinnall conversions took matters to another level. The inspection report is in the Gallery. It is interesting to note, it states; “The whole vehicle has been reconstructed from mainly new parts beyond that of the original factory car”

The paperwork with the car tells us the conversion included;

• 4.0 litre Rover V8 engine
• SD1 V8 Differential 3.08:1 final drive
• Rover vented front discs
• Four pot calipers
• Uprated brakes
• Spax shock absorbers
• Rover five-stud hubs
• Lightweight Compomotive alloy wheels
• Holley carb
• Pancake filter

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

Road test reports at the time tell a story of the TRs 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.

Inside

• Grinnall retrimmed coloured coded seats
• Black leather with red inserts
• Grinnall fitted Wilton carpet
• Colour matched three spoke steering wheel
• Tonneau cover
• Original dash and clocks in place

Drop down into the TR7 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 gives the Triumph a cosy cockpit-like feel around the driver.

The TR7s interior has all survived very well.

The door trim panels have no apparent major damage. The original door architecture is all present and electric 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 area is tidy and well kept.

Outside 

The full Grinnall conversion was not just about the V8 engine. This one had a full Mk II steel body kit fitted.

The painted bumpers and wider wheel arches shout out that this is a Grinnall-converted car. The familiar TR7 lines are kept but enhanced. For those not quite sure, the badges and decals leave no-one in any doubt.

The panel fit and finish is consistent. There are of course the usual signs of wear, tear and minor marks that come with a classic of this age. But you do have to search around for them; they are highlighted in the Gallery if you overlook them.

You’ll see that the famous pop-up headlamps are doing what they should too. The polished matt black alloys set the Carnelian Red paintwork off a real treat.

Our view

The TR7 evokes memories of the 1970s. They are now an increasingly rare sight. In Grinnall V8 form these are a marvellous car. Great to push along the back roads, playing tunes with that V8 through the gear box. Or double it up as the perfect Grand Tourer using the torque of the V8 and that long final drive. With its Carnelian Red paint with contrasting black interior, the TR7 is a rare and eye catching classic.

Vehicle Location: Birchington, Kent CT7 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendors.

Would like to arrange a viewing or have a question about this Triumph TR7 V8? Please contact us at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

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