Highlights
- Professional V8 conversion with 3.5-litre Rover V8 engine
- Over £18,500 spent on parts and professional work since 2019
- £5,200 spent with Robsport in 2024 on long list of work
- MOT until April 2026 with no advisories #
- Wildwood brakes, Revolution wheels, and 5-speed gearbox
- Heritage and HPI certificates included
- Voluntary MOT to April 2026 with no advisories
- Very competitive reserve
The Appeal
It’s a familiar refrain of how British Leyland snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. None more so than with the TR7, which promised much but never got the engine that offered all that potential - the 3.5L Buick V8.
Thankfully a swathe of enthusiasts and specialists have put that right. As here, with this 1980 TR7 that now has that revered V8. It is a quite special motor, finished in correct Carnelian Red with subtle body kit and a set of sweet five spoke Revolutions.
Since the vendor acquired the car in 2019 it has received over £18,500 of maintenance and amassed a thick history file. In 2024 alone specialist Robsport undertook engine, brake, suspension, cooling, electrical and trim work totalling over £5,000. The car is, of course, MOT exempt but it is a mark of the seller’s approach that it comes to market with lengthy, advisory-free MOT to April 2026.
Mixing those classic wedge looks with a burbling V8 soundtrack, this is one purposeful TR and a fitting postscript to the Triumph sports car lineage. It looks huge fun and a great alternative to more common, everyday British convertible classics.
The vendor says:
“Drives fantastic a very quick car, you only really need 3rd & 4th gear! Exterior, interior and underneath are good as per photos. A stunning car a real head turner with a great soundtrack -
if you drive it you will want it 100%!”
History and Paperwork
- First registered on 1st August 1980
- Now registered as FJE 140W (previously TRV 8N)
- Seven former keepers
- Current keeper since October 2019
- Professionally converted to V8 power with Holley carb
- MOT valid until 23rd April 2026 with no advisories
- Current V5 present showing registered as a historic vehicle (tax and MOT exempt)
- Heritage Certificate and HPI Certificate included as shown
- Comprehensive history file with invoices documenting extensive expenditure as below
- Over £18,000 invested since 2019
- Large history file with highlights shown in photos
- Total documented spend of approximately £20,000 including additional items without invoices
Summary of recent expenditure:
- 2019: £6,622
- 2020: £1,052
- 2021: £4,250
- 2023: £837
- 2024: £5,798
- Total: £18,559
Robsport 2024 work totalling £5,185:
- Head gaskets
- Adjustable push rods
- Holley carburettor
- Radiator
- Uprated starter
- Electronic distributor
- Magnacor HT leads
- Electronic ignition
- Alternator
- Rear axle
- Propshaft
- Rear brakes
- Revolution wheels,
- Aluminium fuel tank & conversion kit
- Battery in boot kit
- Fuel pump
- All hoses
- Adjustable rear gaz shocks
- Rear springs and coil springs
- Wildwood brakes inc. front discs and pads
- Track rod ends and ball joints
- Speedo cable upgrade
- Poly bushes throughout
- Roll bar
- Replacement hood & seat cushions
- LED headlamps and all lights inc. interior
- Door handles
- Window regulators
- ‘Much more’ according to seller
The Condition
- Finished in the original Carnelian Red paint which presents well for age
- Paintwork shows some localised areas to note such as headlight shrouds and seasms
- Bodywork appears in smart condition for its age as shown in the photographs
- Some minor points to note to bodywork in photos
- There are some marks around the fuel cap and if you look closely you can see the evidence of where the extended rear arches were fitted
- Fitted with side skirts and rear valance as shown
- Front and rear bumpers in good order
- Replacement convertible hood recently fitted
- Recently fitted with five spoke black Compomotive alloys which are in good order
- New tyres recently fitted
- Fitted with roll hoop as shown
- Interior features tan check door cards with replacement seat cushions
- LED headlamps and all lights including interior illumination
- New door handles and window regulators
- Underside appears in good condition as per the photos provided
- No MOT advisories for structure
- Recently fitted with black fabric seats which show light age and marks
- Interior is largely standard with some auxiliary dials to console as shown
- Tan carpets in fair condition for age
- Bluetooth stereo as shown
- Extensive recent work including new speedometer wiring
The Mechanics
- Professionally fitted 3,498cc Rover V8 engine
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Professional conversion work carried out by specialists including Robsport
- Extensive list of recent maintenance in 2024 by Robsport
- Over £18,500 invested since 2019 as detailed above
- Upgraded with Holley carburettor
- Electronic ignition system with electronic distributor and Magnacor HT leads
- Uprated cooling system with new radiator and hoses
- Wildwood brake upgrade including front discs and pads
- Rear axle, propshaft and rear brakes renewed
- Adjustable rear GAZ shock absorbers and new rear springs
- Coil springs and polyurethane bushes fitted throughout
- Uprated starter motor and alternator
- Aluminium fuel tank with conversion kit and relocated battery in boot
- New fuel pump and speedo cable upgrade
- Track rod ends and ball joints replaced
- The vendor reports it drives well and is "a very quick car"
- No advisories on current MOT
- New steering gaiter
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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