• Low miles • Innovative 16 valve sporty engine design • Garage kept • Fresh paint in 2014
The Background
The Dolomite was unveiled in 1971 at the London Motor Show as a follow on to the various front-wheel drive designs that Triumph were producing at the time. Built as a successor to the Vitesse the Sprint was the top of the line model and is often regarded as the world’s first mass produced, multi-valve production car. Its innovative head design used a single camshaft to operate all 16 valves while the capacity had increased to 2 litres. Not only did this engine produce 127bhp, making the car perfect for competitive motorsport, but the Sprint also benefited from luxury trim specification.
The History
This particular car started out in life as a somewhat humdrum Triumph Dolomite 1850, but was essentially brought up to Dolomite Sprint spec. If it weren't for its chassis number, nobody would be any the wiser!
The last owner purchased the car in 2014 and immediately treated the bodywork to a fresh paint job. Having been well looked after ever since, it has not needed any major work in the intervening years. The Doly is currently within a large private collection which is being dramatically reduced due to a lack of space, this is the only reason it is having to sadly be sold on now.
The Paperwork
The V5 is present along with various other paperwork including service and parts receipts and past MOT certificates.
The Interior
The interior is an honest and genuine example of a small ‘70s sports saloon. It is not a concours example but it is in good condition throughout, with only age related marks and wear to speak of. The black and chrome pieces in the cabin compliment the period walnut trim wonderfully, providing an appropriate combination of sportiness and luxury. While not perfect it is a very nice interior overall that would benefit from a bit of TLC along with a good clean and detail.
The Exterior
The car received a full respray in 2014 when the last owner acquired it. The finish is good but a full machine polish would really take it to the next level. That being said it is in good condition and the bodywork is free from rust, blisters and bubbles. The chrome and brightwork is all in good shape too and a new windscreen and seals have also been fitted. Again, this is not a show condition car but a nice, honest example that could be driven and enjoyed every day. It’s a usable classic that remains great to drive.
The Mechanics
The car starts and drives perfectly with various parts having been replaced over the years, as evidenced by the history folder, but it has not needed much work to keep it in perfect running order. Under the bonnet is within keeping with the rest of the car - not show level but still in very good shape and in usable, get-out-and-drive-it condition. Underneath the car presents well overall as well. There are a few rust spots here and there, as you would expect, but no real problem areas and a little TLC and a good underseal would go a long way to ensure its longevity.
The Appeal
A true 70’s sports saloon with a racing heritage, the Triumph Dolomite is an extremely fun car to drive.
With genuine Sprints becoming ever rarer and with prices only continuing to climb, this car represents a fantastic opportunity for someone to experience the visceral and raw driving experience provided by the Sprint at a fraction of the cost of a genuine one. With no electronics to dumb down that beautiful, mechanical feel of an old sports car, it would be perfectly suited to a newcomer to the world of classic motoring or even as an interesting daily car! Whilst perhaps not 100% ready to win any shows the car is in great condition overall. There are areas to improve, should you wish, but this is a car to be driven and enjoyed for many years to come.
All the benefits of a Sprint, with none of the drawbacks? We're sold on it.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller’s discretion.
Please see our FAQs
here
and our Terms & Conditions
here
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1976 Triumph Dolomite 1850 Sprint Evocation
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
Bid Amount
Increment
£0 to £9,999
£100.00
£10,000 to £49,999
£250.00
£50,000 to £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.