Beskrivning
An awesome machine with just the most amazing history. Properly converted to Rover V8 power when only 3 years old and with receipts documenting over £30, 000 in total investment (1984-2023), this is one unique car and not surprisingly has been owned by several marque specialists over the years including James Paddock and Robsport International. Sounding more like an American muscle car than a standard TR7, this perhaps isn`t for the purist but it offers tremendous value for money and is an absolute hoot to drive. Come and experience it for yourself - it doesn`t disappoint and offers a grin factor second to none.
In production from 1974 to 1981, this Harris Mann designed car was seen as the “shape of things to come” and was available as either a coupe (FHC) or full convertible (DHC) albeit the latter wasn`t available in the UK until 1980. Powered by a 1998cc 4-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels, the car had a modest 105BHP a with choice of either manual or automatic transmissions. In keeping with the “modern” look, checked tartan interiors were popular as were some vibrant paint choices such as Inca Yellow, Persian Aqua and Java Green. Of almost 29, 000 drophead TR7`s manufactured, less than 400 would appear to be registered on UK roads today. Of these, a number have been converted to full TR8 specification using the ever reliable and robust 3528cc V8 seen in the Rover SD1 and Range Rover mirroring Triumph`s own TR8 which itself went into production in 1978. Mainly aimed at the US and Canadian markets, the TR8 was initially only available in fixed-head form with the convertible following around 18 months later. Fewer than 3200 were built in total helping the explain the number of post-production V8 conversions undertaken. Genuine TR8`s are highly sought-after today and command prices that are out of the reach of many but a good converted TR7 is just as rewarding and probably a third of the price.
Our car was supplied new in May 1981 through Charles Clark and Son of Stafford to a gentleman in Newcastle under Lyme. He retained the car just 2 years before part-exchanging it at Marson Garages in Wolstanton and evidently struggling to sell the car, traded it after 4 months to another garage in Tunstall near Stoke on Trent. Here the Triumph remained for a further 9 months before selling in July 1984 to James Paddock of Chester. Whilst only in his ownership for 5 months, it was during this period that the modifications started with a replacement engine - a reconditioned Rover V8 - being ordered from Unipart dealers, the James Edwards Group, in the September. Engine in place, the car was sold again (mileage recorded at around 15, 000 at this point) to a farmer in Whitchurch, Shropshire who went back to James Paddock in the Spring of 1985 to acquire more parts - a 5 speed rear axle and set of TR8 bushes. At the end of 1985, the Triumph was sold again to a gentleman in Mollington who evidently used and enjoyed the car regularly covering around 18, 000 miles in 3 years. In November 1988, the car was sold yet again to now it`s 7th keeper, a businessman in Northampton, where it was to remain for the following 21 years. Indeed, it was during this long-term ownership that the Triumph saw significant investment both in terms of maintenance and modifications. Notable work included an engine rebuild in June 1990 with S&S Preparations (£3815. 70), replacement Holley carburettor, propshaft, stainless steel exhaust system and replacement rear arches and sills in March 1995 (£704. 71), replacement 3. 9 litre V8 engine from Rimmer Bros with Stage 2 heads and 214 camshaft in May 1996 (£1997. 50 plus £714. 56 fitting), replacement radiator and Kenlowe fan in June 1996 ((£410. 79), replaced suspension in April 2000 ((£495. 83) and replacement fuel pump in April 2003 (£262. 43). The actual list of work undertaken 1988-2009 is endless and runs to 4 pages of notes with over 180 entries backed up with a comprehensive file of receipts. In March 2009, the Triumph was sold to marque specialists, Robsport International, who after fitting 4 new alloy wheels and fuel sender, sold the car in June 2009 to a gentleman in Tring, Hertfordshire. He retained the car for 13 years and continued with a similar line of investment commencing in October 2010 with a full set of TR8 springs and shock absorbers, new electric fuel pump in January 2012, chassis and bodywork restoration in December 2012, all new bushes, ball-joints and track rod ends in March 2015, new alternator in March 2017 and replacement hood in April 2017. In November 2022, the car was sold back to Robsport who immediately resold it to a gentleman in nearby Stevenage. Apparently now in need of some recommissioning, our new keeper undertook a full rebuild of the braking system with new pipework, cylinders, calipers, shoes and pads, cleaned up the underside and rear axle, resolved numerous electrical issues, undertook an engine service with new rubber gaskets, air and fuel filters, completed an interior strip-out and refit with replacement navy carpets and lastly an overhaul of the 100+ alloy wheels. Project completed, the Triumph was put up for sale, the owner yearning for an older British sports car to now fettle and improve. We subsequently acquired the car in the Spring of 2023 and having enjoyed it immensely over the past few months, have decided to allow someone else the pleasure of ownership.
Today, the Triumph presents just as seen in the photographs. The bodywork is generally excellent with just a few very minor bubbles and tiny blemishes with evidence of historic repair-work to a couple of the wheel-arches. All though is very solid and polishes up extremely well. Indeed, I have taken the car to a handful of shows over the summer months and it has been very well-received. The cabin is superb with excellent Blue Check seats, as-new Navy carpets and very tidy dash and door-cards. Replaced in 2017, the Navy soft-top is in perfect order and opens, drops and closes with ease. Under the bonnet, the engine bay is clean and shows evidence of recent work whilst the boot has been clearly stripped out and recovered. Turn the key and with a couple of pumps on the throttle, the V8 blasts into life settling down quickly off-choke to a “cammy” rumble. Select 1st gear and the Triumph launches forward driving and sounding far more like a classic Mustang than a British 4-pot sports car. With plenty of feel through the unassisted steering, some might be concerned that the car was all about grunt and in reality, hard work to live with. In truth, it`s totally the opposite. Two or three miles behind the wheel builds immediate confidence as this car not only offers exhilarating performance but it handles beautifully with a terrific ride quality, positive and nicely weighted steering and fantastic brakes. It begs to be driven hard. And is so much fun!
The Triumph comes with a large history file with a hand-written schedule of everything undertaken from 1984 to the present day, a full folder of receipts covering the same period, a schedule of all owners from new with copies of each Registration Document, every MoT Certificate from 1987 to 2018 and 2 sets of keys. It is now 42 years old and as such in both MoT and road-tax exempt.
An awesome machine with the most amazing history and provenance. Great value too.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
