1982 Triumph TR7 V8 Convertible
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Highlights
- One of the last TR7s to be registered
- Only 55,383 miles and three former keepers from new
- In current ownership for 40 years
The Appeal
Following up the legendary TR series of cars was never going to be easy, but the Harris Mann-styled TR7 was the ultimate conclusion to the TR saga. The car's distinctive wedge-shaped appearance, which was developed with American exports in mind, almost outweighs the comfort and agility of the vehicle. Considered the best driving experience of the whole series of Triumph sports cars, it’s also noted as the last independently built car by Triumph.
Released in 1975, the priority was focused on US exports and UK sales didn’t start until 1976. Furthermore, the UK market was denied the glorious mix of the well-proven Rover V8 engine in an RHD open-top roadster. As a result, the market for privately converted cars soon opened up the appeal of the TR7 and really went some way to demonstrate how good the TR7’s chassis was.
It was purchased by the current registered owner from a lady owner in 1985, having been ordered directly from the factory in 1982, and is now being sold by his family due to his advancing years. The owner is a former mechanical engineer and confidently carried out a V8 conversion around 1991. Finished in Pharaoh Gold with just 55,368 recorded miles, the car comes with a very cleanly presented interior and a well-maintained engine.
Tax and MOT exempt, it comes with over £3,200 worth of recent mechanical bills, along with some of its early provenance, including its service booklet and even its original newspaper advert clipping from that 1985 sale.
Tax and MOT exempt, it comes with over £3,200 worth of recent mechanical bills, along with some of its early provenance, including its service booklet and even its original newspaper advert clipping from that 1985 sale.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in April 1982
- One of the last TR7s to be registered
- V5c present recording Taxation Class as Historic Vehicle
- Solihull registration plate suggests it was supplied directly from the factory
- Original owner wallet, including service booklet, registration card and job sheet
- Acquired by the current owner in January 1985 with 21,809 miles on the clock
- Being sold on behalf of the owner's family
- Recent mechanical invoices totalling £3,200
- Several historical MOTS which date back to 1992
- Owners notes of personal work carried in the late 1980s
- Placed in storage in 2011, mechanically recommissioned in 2022
- Last MOT expired in August 2023 but is MOT and Road Tax exempt
- Engine replaced with a 3.5L V8 about 10,000 miles ago
The Interior
- Neatly presented interior with no outstanding faults or damage
- Original tan half vinyl, half plaid cloth seats and matching door cards in very good condition
- Carpets and mats are in decent shape, with no signs of dampness
- Dashboard, facia and trim are free from significant cracks with minor signs of age in places
- Controls and switchgear are all said to function
- Dials all legible
- Steering wheel, gear lever and gaiter in presentable condition
- Roof headlining is in good shape with no damage
The Exterior
- The exterior will need further investigation but displays reasonably well
- The underside has a liberal coat of surface corrosion but the boot floor, chassis rails and floor pan appear to be solid
- The wheel wells, front subframes and suspension mounting points also appear to be good but will need further investigation
- Both sills, nose, door bottoms, headlamp covers, lower rear valance and rear arches show their age
- A handful of minor dents were noted, mostly on the bonnet, nearside rear wing and boot
- The passenger door needs a mild adjustment - some vibrations from it were heard during the drive
- The Pharaoh Gold paint finish is evenly matched with a reasonable lustre and mild age-related paint swirls
- Handful of marks and scuffs on the paintwork
- The panel fit is reasonably cohesive with acceptable shut lines
- Some damage was noted on the front air dam
- Its bumpers appear to be well mounted with some distortion and light scuffs
- The chrome and plastic trim is intact but the door trim shows signs of age
- Seals are generally good, with mild wear noted on the driver-side door seal
- Glass is commensurate with the age of the car and no signs of lamination damage
- Lights and lenses are in good shape
- Headlamps rise and lower without issues
- The soft top rear screen is free of significant age or marks
- Soft top in very good condition, with a couple of minor repairs
- The hood raises and lowers with no issues
- Two hood covers and full-length tonneaux included. All are in good shape.
- Wheel trim covers intact, with a few marks
- Tyres are likely to be over 20 years old, one has an advisory
The Mechanics
- 3.5-litre V8 engine conversion with a 5-speed gearbox
- The engine fired up instantly
- No unwanted knocking or uneven running was heard as the engine was on tick-over
- A fan squeal was noted on the odd occasion
- A short test drive conducted by the owner around town demonstrated that the car accelerates and brakes smoothly
- No issues flagged up with the engine temperature or oil pressure issues on the day
- Rear suspension mounts replaced with stiffer ones and it appears to ride at town speeds comfortably with no significant noises
- No axle whine or other loud mechanical noises heard
- The engine presentation was generally good, with decent hoses and ancillaries
- Kenlow fan installed
- The engine was rebuilt by its owner in the early 90s which includes:
- New bearings and pistons
- Mid-spec Kent cam.
- Mallory competition ignition
- Rebuilt twin SU’s
- 3.08 crown wheel/pinion offering a more relaxed ride
- Straight-through stainless steel exhausts
- Brakes SD1 discs/ Vitesse calipers at the front with split circuit operation
- Original 2.0-litre engine included in sale if desired. Approx. 45,000 miles and though working well when replaced with v8 in early 1990's it has been storage since and so likely to require attention/rebuild. Pick up from SN6 postcode.
- Said to have been well maintained by its keeper, who is a former mechanical engineer
- It has seen £3,000 worth of mechanical maintenance over the past 3 years including:
- New water pump and alternator
- brake servicing
- carb adjustment
- Replacement engine and gearbox oils and filters
- New brake pipes
- New steering rack gators
- Fuel tank sender
- Clutch master, bias and slave cylinders
- New battery
- Custom-made fuel feed switch
Summary
TR7s with low miles and a 40-year ownership do not come up often. This one has the added bonus of a very cleanly presented interior and evidence of a decently maintained V8 engine which, with its glorious V8 burble, is a thrill when unleashed. A car that would benefit from some exterior attention, it is also one of the last TR7s to have been registered.
This not only marks the end of the open-top Triumphs but also a significant footnote in the production of the mass-produced British sports car.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1982
- Make Triumph
- Model TR7
- Colour Gold
- Odometer 55,368 Miles
- Engine size 3500
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Oxford
- Location Oxfordshire
- Country United Kingdom
3
bids
- Derekmc•••• £1,100 03/05/24
- wingle1•••• £1,000 02/05/24
- Jimo62 £200 02/05/24
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