Highlights

Low owner and very well presented Pimento Red Sprint
Older restoration with sparing use since
Thick history including original bill of sale from September 1975
Great example of one a very usable four seater classic
MOT, ULEZ and tax exempt
Broadspeed built engine
Reportedly once owned by Anthony Hamilton, father of Lewis Hamilton

The Appeal

The Dolomite had a convoluted gestation, but once Triumph found its path and rediscovered its sporting-tinged mojo, the result was the brilliant Sprint.

Conceived as a high-performance rival to BMW’s 2002, the Sprint gave buyers two innovations – the first mass produced, multi-valve engine and, slightly less notably, alloy wheels as standard. Its 127bhp delivered the 60mph dash in 8.4secs – heady stuff in 1973 – and its rear wheel drive offered handling to match the Bavarian.

It was all topped off with a characterful wood-trimmed interior, yet Triumph’s attention had been directed at the wrong competitor. The Dolly Sprint was sadly rendered redundant by the Golf GTI, which was more practical and more reliable.

All of which is a shame as the Sprint is arguably one of the best cars to ever come out of the British motor industry. Survivors are rare and sought after and here is one of them. With few miles covered since a comprehensive structural, mechanical and interior restoration, it presents extremely well. Jump in and discover an oft-overlooked motoring great.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 1st September 1975
Current owner since 1st December 2020
VIN records confirm this is a factory Sprint built in early 1975
The DL VIN suffix suggests the car was not factory supplied with an overdrive gearbox
Overdrive gearboxes were standard on Sprints built from mid 1975
It now has an overdrive box so this may be a later upgrade
Extensive history file including huge collection of old MOTs to verify mileage
The vendor tells us that it was once owned by Lewis Hamilton's father but we are unable to verify this
Original typewritten bill of sale showing £2,538.79 purchase price
Plenty of old invoices covering the car’s renovation in 2004 and 2008
2004 renovation costing £5,287.50 by Chuter Hill Coachworks
Later quote for comprehensive restoration from 2008
Invoices for re-veneering woodwork from 2004 and 2008
Original handbook in good condition
MOT expired 5th December 2019 with no advisories
Car has covered just 170 miles since the last MOT test in 2018

The Interior

Very well preserved factory standard interior
Cabin demonstrates the appeal of these characterful wood-trimmed cars
Standard factory cloth seats retaining good black colour depth and fabric finish
Door cards present well, just some light creases notable on one rear trim
Veneers in very good condition reflecting older reconditioning
Smiths dials beautifully arrayed and with clear dials and well kept rims
Original period correct radio
Pretty three spoke dished leather-rimmed wheel

The Exterior

Older comprehensive restoration that has held up very well
Crisp Michelotti styling enhanced by Sprint details like the vinyl roof
Smart Pimento Red paintwork suits the car’s style
Factory correct alloy wheels with polished rims in good order
No immediately visible blemishes or marks
Matt black painted sections completed to a high standard with no marks visible
Quality Pirelli tyres with plenty of tread
Panel gaps consistent with good fit across the car
Underside indicates extent of restoration and shows no issues to note
Chromework, lights and glass in similarly very good condition

The Mechanics

1,998cc 16 valve Triumph ‘slant four’ engine developing 127bhp
4spd manual gearbox with desirable overdrive
Rear wheel drive
Evidence of considerable mechanical work shown in history file
Engine rebuilt by Broadspeed

Summary

The Dolomite Sprint is one of those cars sadly hampered by circumstance. Were it not for the Golf GTI, chances are we’d be feting it more loudly. But those who know, know how great these quick and tactile cars are.

This is a great example of the Sprint. An older restoration with limited subsequent use, it is a chance to benefit from all that work and relish a true British sporting saloon.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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