Description
Motodrome offer this fantastic 1980 Triumph TR7 Convertible that was converted by Grinnall in the early 1990’s to their TR8 stage 2 specification
When Triumph introduced the TR7, it was met with some fairly robust criticism, largely because a) it wasn't a soft top, b) it was fitted with the comparitively asthmatic 2. 0 4-cylinder engine.
Triumph remedied both complaints, firstly by introducing a convertible version, and then putting the Rover V8 engine in the TR7 bodyshell, to create the TR8, which made it the car it should always have been.
Problem was, they never made enough of them, and of those they made, the vast majority went to the US.
As I undertand it, only around 80 UK RHD cars were built by the factory.
Enter Grinnall.
Grinnall's reputation was made by its extensively reworked and refined conversions of the Triumph TR7 into basically a TR8, but a properly developed one, unlike the factory cars. . By the early 90’s, some 350 Grinnall TR8s had been constructed. In 2006 The TR Register acknowledged the Grinnall TR8 as a marque in its own right – and has compiled extensive history files on these very collectable vehicles.
And this is one of those cars, converted by them from a standard Persian Aqua TR7 convertible into TR8 spec in the 1990's, and has had many upgrades taking it to a step above any standard TR8 of the era.
It has been authenticated by the TR Register as a genuine Grinnall, and there is correspondence in the massive history file to that effect
Body-wise, we think, from checking the Grinnall correspondence that comes with the car, that it’s an early ‘Stage 2’ conversion, so is fitted with the Grinnall integrated front spoiler, rear skirt, and rear spoiler, but has escaped being fitted with the ultra-wide wheelarches and revised rear lights of the later cars – looks better without them in my opinion.
The engine is a fast road 3. 9 Rover V8 with Omega pistons, Holley 390 4 barrel carburettor, Offenhauser inlet manifold and Piper camshaft and tubular exhaust manifolds, giving stellar performance and a 0-60 time of circa 6 seconds.
The car has a genuine TR8 axle with LSD fitted, 5 speed gearbox, fully poly-bushed suspension with Spax adjustable shocks and LEDA front struts. It also has TR8 brakes and Goodridge hoses.
The wheels are genuine Minilites
The interior has been trimmed in grey leather and a MOMO steering wheel fitted. It also has a blue Mohair hood and roll bar fitted, and 4-point harnesses
The car has an extensive history file with it, including the original Grinnall price list and has covered just 33, 000 miles since the engine conversion.
It drives extremely well, with over 200 bhp at the rear wheels, and sounds amazing.
Despite being MOT exempt, the last owner has kept it MOT'd , and it is currently valid until September 2026.
Recent work in the last ownership includes a new clutch in 2022, rear brake rebuild 2022, new radiator 2023, rebuilt front brakes 2023, and new steering rack 2023, along with recent servicing.
The history file is exceptionally detailed post conversion.
On our own website, you’ll find our usual 2 videos – a comprehensive walkaround appraisal, and driving impressions, which form part of the description.
Viewing by prior appointment.
