1980 Triumph TR7 V8 Convertible

Highlights

Comprehensive history file including Le Mans Classic participation
Recent £3,000 paintwork improvements and gearbox rebuild
High-quality V8 conversion with 221 BHP at the wheels
MOT exempted but tested and valid to August 2024 with no advisories
Well kept car that is ready to use and enjoy

The Appeal

Dropping the Rover V8 into the TR7 transformed Triumph’s chiselled sports car into a potent successor to the run of classic, big-engined British bruisers like the Austin Healey and TR6.

Few official factory cars were built, which meant enthusiasts had to resort to aftermarket conversions. This is one of them, a carefully executed V8 running at 221bhp that was built 34 years ago.

It remains in very good order, thanks largely to the care and attention of its current long term keeper who has invested across the car. The recent work includes £3,000 to improve the paintwork and a full gearbox rebuild.

It is a great looking car, one that must have looked right at home when it took to the Le Mans circuit in 2008. The care of the current keeper is evident in his decision to regularly MOT it, even though this is not legally required. This gives the buyer a useful independent assessment of the car. The current test is valid to August 2024 with no advisories.

This is a great example of these characterful cars and will give the buyer plenty of smiles.

History and Paperwork

First registered 28th March 1980
Eight registered keepers
Purchased by the current keeper in 2016
Previously Persian Blue
Restored and resprayed in red and DVLA updated on 31st July 1990
Converted to V8 at the same time
MOT valid to 24th August 2024 with one advisory and 21,938 miles showing
Vendor states that the mileage is 22,037 and is from when the engine conversion was undertaken in mid to late 90’s. There are no mileage records prior to that date
Tax and MOT exempt but MOT'd every year
Comprehensive history file including paddock passes from the 2008 Le Mans Classic
Gearbox rebuilt within last year including gaskets
£3,000 spent on paintwork in last 2-3 years
Always dry stored and only ever used in dry weather

The Condition

Convertible shell with a body-off respray completed in the late 90s
Interior recently repainted
Supplied with new and unfitted full-length Tonneau cover from Rimmers
Refurbished hood frame and brand new canvas hood, also unfitted
Wiring mostly replaced or tidied up, including new headlight wiring looms
Described by seller as not concourse but presents well
Mostly standard car repainted in red with colour-coded bumpers and SD1 rear lights
To the seller's knowledge there no rust
No structural advisories on last MOT
Over £3,000 spent on paintwork in the last 2 or 3 years
New carpets and door cards fitted
Bucket seats from GSM and Sabelt harnesses
New battery fitted in boot with new boot carpet
Originally Persian Aqua (metallic blue) - colour change to red back in the 90s
Sits on five spoke 15-inch Compomotives which are well kept

The Mechanics

5spd manual LT77 gearbox recently rebuilt including gaskets
Gearbox just rebuilt by AM Restorations in Plymouth with parts from Autogear
3.5 litre V8 originally from a Range Rover EFI Automatic
Now fitted with a four-barrel Edelbrock
Ported heads and Kent 286 cam
Tubular exhaust manifolds and Rimmer single outlet single box exhaust system
New Powerspark distributor and module
Gear reduction starter
221 BHP at wheels on JMR dyno in Plymouth
Fitted with a 3.08 diff
Suspension fully rebuilt over the last 3 years and polybushed
New GAZ shocks on rear and KYB struts on front with lower and stiffer springs all round
New steering rack and Roller Bearing top mounts from Robsport
Rear suspension has longer radius arms and a panhard rod fitted
Front Anti-Dive kit
Larger rear drums and four-pot front calipers
All brake lines replaced with stainless flexible braided pipe
Reported to drive well and very quick with 221 BHP at the wheels
Vendor reports a slick gearchange with the rebuilt 5-speed LT77 gearbox
We are told the car handles well with all the suspension modifications
No reported running or driving issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

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