Description
Selling my March 1977 (Speke built) Triumph TR7 V8 after 7 1/ 2 years of ownership.
Young family and lack of use forces sale.
I have just put an MOT on the car and there were no issues during the test.
Please read on to find out about the car and watch the video link for description:
https:// youtu. be/ omV8nx8Ky-Y or type in Triumph TR7 3. 9 V8 Walk Around.
I bought the car in 2014 from a dealer and I managed to contact the previous owner who was able to provide some history of the car.
The V8 conversion was done by S&S who specialise in Triumph TR7 V8 conversions. I was told by the previous owner that the V8 engine had been bored out to a 3. 9 litre although I cannot confirm this. I can confirm that the correct engine subframe, radiator with 38mm elbows, mounting frame and brackets are present. The differential was altered to the rare Rover SD1 Vitesse 2. 84:1 ratio which I can confirm is correct and offers easy cruising plus good mpg - 70mph at 2250rpm plus averaging 30mpg on a decent run. The car is light at just over 1 ton in weight and although I have never had it on a Dynamometer, I estimate the engine to be putting out 200BHP.
I was told the engine came from a Rover SD1 and had been reconditioned at some point. It is immaculate under the rocker covers. I have just changed the oil using a quality Miller 20w50 classic sport semi synthetic type and it is spotless.
I was told the engine had been fitted with an uprated camshaft and this could be true by the way it pulls beyond 3500rpm. It also states this in the service book. A four barrel Holley carb has been fitted with chrome air filter and uprated fuel pump. Heat wrapped four branch manifolds on each bank and full stainless steel exhaust has been fitted and it sounds lovely. Twin cooling fans have also been fitted.
The brakes have been upgraded to a rear disc conversion and bigger Capri 2. 8 setup on the front. I changed the front brake pads and renewed the brake fluid during the recent oil change time. The calipers still have their gold protective coating on them. The brake hoses have been replaced with stainless steel Goodrich hoses and the clutch hose is braided stainless steel.
The suspension has been lowered and uprated with Spax adjustable shocks on the rear. The car has been fully polybushed and the front anti-roll bar has been had anti-dive blocks fitted.
Other sensible changes to the car involve the fitting of power steering, alarm with remote central locking, leather seats, oil pressure gauge, modern stereo and upgraded speakers plus electric ariel and the USA spec cruise lights. Larger 15 inch alloy wheels with good tyres have also been fitted. Have a spare set of Compomotive 5 spoke 15 inch alloy wheels and tyres that can be bought separately for £120 if the purchaser of the car wishes.
The body shell is in very good condition considering the car has just turned 45 years old - no road tax to pay!
I have waxoyled the shell on a couple of occasions during ownership and due to this, I can verify the rear arches have been repaired at some point but the condition behind the panels is good. The doors are very good along with the boot and bonnet. The chassis is very good with original floor and the rear of the car is excellent including the spare wheel well. The sills have been replaced at some point but the job appears to have been done well and stone chip shield has been applied. The fuel tank has been stripped and painted so is in excellent condition.
The car was originally painted Inca Yellow but has been resprayed in gloss black. The car does polish up well but it's not perfect in a couple of areas when up close. The overall appearance of the car is very good though.
The interior is the early black interior before the coloured check interior got introduced and it is in good condition. The carpets have been renewed and sound insulation added to the floor plus the seats have been recovered in leather which are still nice and comfortable.
I have just put an MOT on the car too without any issues during this. The work I done during ownership is keep upto date with servicing, fit new screen wash motor, new radiator hoses, new starter and alternator, new battery, new ignition switch, ignition leads, new thermostat, temperature sensor and coolant, new clutch slave cylinder, rear rubber bump stops, strip driver's door skin and repaint due to flaking paint and can confirm there was no rot or rust during this process.
The car is not concourse but would make a perfectly usable and presentable classic and can be driven straightaway. I have driven this car on the NC500 without any issues which was great fun.
The issues the car has or things that don't work: the clock is temperamental, fuel gauge warning lamp not illuminating, wipers don't park correctly - new switch required, a bit smokey on start up when warm, front wheel arches are not perfect due to join with front air dam plus slight bubbling, slight play in driver's door but closes easily, passenger door could be aligned better but closes perfectly, the paint work is not perfect as there is the odd chip in the paint work but this car has been enjoyed and it is now 45 years old, the leather seats have a bit of wear but no rips or tears. These are all minor things and can be easily be sorted.
Remember, this is not a concourse car but is in very good condition and ready to enjoy. It is also an usual early Speke built car with a rot free shell. There are two sets of keys and remotes for alarm plus many receipts and old MOT’s.
If there are any questions or if you feel I have not added something in the description, please get in touch.
