Description
This is a rare survivor from the original Triumph TR7 production facility in Speke, Liverpool.
It is a 1977 built TR7 Fixed Head Coupe (FHC) without a sunroof. The lack of sunroof is a useful feature if you ever wanted to participate in classic rallying ( where recently the TR7 V8 has been having great success in the UK) or other motorsport disciplines.
There is a common misconception that all Speke built TR7's were equipped with a standard four speed gearbox. This gearbox, whilst the original unit specified for production and shown in the period brochures, was not renowned for its reliability or being robust. It had always been intended that the LT77 five speed gearbox would be fitted but supply problems meant that very few early cars from Speke ever had it fitted. This car has had the five speed unit from new.
Other original Speke features are still apparent such as the rear black panel between the lights and the black cord interior trim which predated the "love it or loathe it" check interior trim fitted to non Speke cars later in production.
Prior to me buying the car in 2012 the car had two previous owners, both of whom I knew, and it has always lived within a three mile radius of where I live today.
When new the car was treated to comprehensive Ziebart Rustproofing and the original rubber injection hole grommets remain dotted about the car along with the period Ziebart sticker in the rear window.
The extremely low mileage of 26, 000 is supported by 10 previous MOT's and the original "Passport to Service" booklet with 13 service stamps.
The car has been dry stored since 1999 and is in unmolested condition with the odd minor paint blemish but remarkably rust free, no doubt due to a combination of the rustproofing, low mileage and prolonged storage period. This represents a rare opportunity to acquire a car with known history and one which could be taken in several different directions for the future.
It could be the basis for a concours build as a show car, a starting point to build a competitive competition car or simply used as a rare solid original car for fun. The car is even still fitted with its original 13" steel wheels and black wheel trims!
I have the BMH trust certificate for the car which will go to the new owner and states:
Make & model: Triumph TR7 Coupe
Chassis number:: ACG/ 10XXX
Engine number: CG/ 71XX=HE
Body number: T. 43XXX-CG
Specification: RHD, Home Market
Exterior colour: New White
Trim colour: Black (cord)
Hood Colour: Not Applicable
Date of Build: 27 January 1977
Date of despatch: Not Recorded
Destination (dealer): Not Recorded
Details of Factory Fitted Equipment: Tinted laminated windscreen, Heater, Five speed gearbox, Inertia reel seatbelts
As the car has been dry stored since 1999 I have not attempted to start it and I suspect the clutch has "frozen" to the flywheel over time with slack clutch pedal evident.
I would recommend a period of recommissioning prior to use and collection with a trailer.
There are lots of rusty, repaired and rough looking TR7's around. This is definitely not in that category and represents an opportunity to take it in whatever direction you want in the future.
