Description
This is lot number 141 in the Bonhams Goodwood Members Meeting sale on April 14th 2024, please visit the Bonhams website for full details.
• Built by British Leyland's Competitions Department
• In-period competition history
• Present ownership for 40 years
• Presented in 'as last rallied' condition
• Unused since the early 1980s and outstandingly original
The Triumph TR7's competitiveness as a frontline rally car was greatly enhanced by the adoption of the 3. 5-litre Rover V8 engine, which was first used on the 1978 Welsh Rally. With around 300bhp available - more with the 1980 version's quartet of Webers - the TR7 V8 was arguably the fastest rally car of its era in a straight line. In Europe its most successful exponent was Englishman Tony Pond. In 1978 Pond won the Granite City, Ypres and Manx International rallies, and finished 4th in the RAC. In 1980 he emerged victorious at the Manx Stages, Manx International and Ypres events. British Leyland closed its works rallying programme at the end of 1980, the TR7 V8's last official outing being at that year's RAC Rally.
'HRW 250V' was built in 1980 by British Leyland's Competitions Department at Abingdon, headed by John Davenport. It was fitted with the latest Safety Devices bodyshell, while the V8 motor was built by famed tuner/ engine-builder Don Moore. Pierburg fuel injection was used initially, later changed to a Janspeed-designed quadruple Weber carburettor set up. The Triumph made its debut at the TAP Rally of Portugal in March 1980 when it was driven by Tony Pond and Fred Gallagher. Sadly the car succumbed to engine trouble and was forced to retire. It then finished 4th on the Scottish Rally and followed that up by finishing 1st in the televised Eaton Yale Rally Sprint at Donington Park driven by Pond, whose partner in the same car was that year's Formula 1 World Champion Alan Jones, who came 2nd. The car was then used for tyre testing prior to the 1000 Lakes Rally in Finland, though it did not take part.
In February 1981 'HRW 250V' was sold to leading club rally driver Cyril Bolton, who enjoyed considerable success with it over the next three seasons. A list of Cyril's events and results is on file. In October 1983 the car was sold to Unipart for Philip Young, partnered by Hywell Thomas, to drive on the 4th Himalayan Rally. The car carried Unipart branding and colours but failed to finish within the time limits having broken a half-shaft.
On returning, it was kept by Unipart just as it had been when rallied. The Triumph spent c. 25 years in both the BMIHT museums at Studley and Gaydon but has been back with Unipart for some considerable time. It is just as rallied by Philip Young and remains outstandingly original. It still has a plate on the engine: 'Don Moore. BL 006 No. DM237RL'.
Please note that this lot is subject to VAT on the hammer.
