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1980 Triumph TR7 V8 Convertible – Fast Road Rover V8 Build | Historic Registered | Heritage Certified
If you’re looking for a standard Triumph TR7, this probably isn’t the car for you.
If, however, you want a properly engineered British V8 sports car with real performance, strong provenance, and huge summer fun factor, then this TR7 deserves serious attention.
Originally launched as Triumph’s bold move into modern sports car territory, the TR7 broke away from the curves of the earlier TR models with its distinctive wedge styling, pop-up headlights, and more contemporary chassis design. While the early press was mixed, time has been incredibly kind to the TR7, and enthusiasts now recognise them as one of the most underrated and usable British sports cars of their era.
The real magic, however, comes when they’re built properly with V8 power.
This 1980 Triumph TR7 Convertible has been transformed into exactly that—a highly developed, driver-focused fast-road machine powered by a rare cross-bolted 3. 5-litre Rover V8, paired with a Rimmer Bros LT77 5-speed manual gearbox.
This is not a basic engine swap.
This is a genuinely well-sorted enthusiast build.
Producing approximately 250bhp (with dyno sheet), the engine specification includes:
Engine & Performance Upgrades
Rare cross-bolted Rover 3. 5 V8
Fully balanced engine build
4. 6-spec 10-bolt ported big valve cylinder heads
Pocketed pistons
Crower 50232 performance camshaft
Uprated valve springs
Rhoads lifters
Cam retaining plate
Uprated pushrods
Modified 390 Holley 4-barrel carburettor
Porter Offenhauser 360 inlet manifold
Mallory distributor
MSD 6AL ignition
Large K&N induction setup
Tubular manifolds
Twin-box exhaust system with proper V8 soundtrack
Dyno proven approx 250bhp
Drivetrain & Chassis Upgrades
This TR7 has been built to drive—not just to look good.
Rimmer Bros heavy-duty LT77 5-speed manual gearbox
Uprated propshaft with upgraded UJs
3. 08 rear axle
Quaife ATB limited-slip differential
Uprated larger front bearings
Suspension, Brakes & Handling
This car has a noticeably more focused feel than a standard TR7 and rewards enthusiastic driving.
AP MGF front brake conversion
Sierra vented rear disc conversion
Custom handbrake cable
Spax adjustable shock absorbers
Uprated front anti-roll bar
Anti-dive suspension kit
Firmer fast-road suspension setup
Battery relocated to boot
Larger radiator
Oil cooler
Electric cooling fan
The result is a TR7 that feels far sharper, more planted, and considerably more capable than standard.
Condition & Presentation
Finished in a striking bright blue, this TR7 presents extremely well.
The paintwork is clean, bright, and tidy throughout, with a very good overall finish. The body appears solid and essentially rust-free, which is a huge plus on any TR7.
For transparency, there is a small dent to the centre of the bonnet, but nothing major.
The blue convertible soft top is in very tidy condition and operates easily. Better still, the car comes complete with the matching tonneau cover, allowing the folded roof to be neatly covered when lowered for a much cleaner finished appearance.
Inside, the cabin is smart, purposeful, and clearly driver-focused:
Tidy black interior
No obvious rips or tears
MGF seats
OMP steering wheel
Additional gauge pod
Roll bar fitted
The 15-inch Team Dynamics black alloy wheels complete the look perfectly and are fitted with good tyres.
Provenance & History
This car comes with some excellent supporting history.
Included is a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, confirming the car’s heritage credentials.
There is also a substantial folder of service records, invoices, and maintenance history, clearly showing long-term care and ongoing investment over the years.
A useful collection of spare parts and extras is also included, as shown in the boot photographs.
Ownership Benefits
Being Historic Registered, this Triumph benefits from:
MOT exemption (subject to UK regulations)
Historic road tax exemption
However, importantly, this car still carries a valid MOT through until April 2027, offering added reassurance for the next owner despite exemption status.
Why Buy This TR7?
Standard TR7s are becoming increasingly appreciated as buyers realise just how good the underlying platform actually is.
But properly built V8 examples like this sit in an entirely different category.
With around 250bhp, upgraded brakes, LSD, proper suspension, and proven fast-road engineering, this offers performance and involvement that standard British classics simply cannot match—while still retaining all the analogue charm that makes classics so enjoyable.
This is a seriously fun summer classic, equally suited to weekend blasts, shows, and enthusiastic ownership.
Available now exclusively from Man Cave Cars & Classics. Viewings strictly by appointment welcome. Nationwide delivery available — please request a quote.
