• Low miles
• Innovative 16 valve sporty engine design
• Garage kept
• Fresh paint in 2014

The Dolomite was unveiled in 1971 at the London Motor Show as a follow on to the various front-wheel drive designs that Triumph were producing at the time. Built as a successor to the Vitesse the Sprint was the top of the line model and is often regarded as the world’s first mass produced, multi-valve production car. Its innovative head design used a single camshaft to operate all 16 valves while the capacity had increased to 2 litres. Not only did this engine produce 127bhp, making the car perfect for competitive motorsport, but the Sprint also benefited from luxury trim specification.

This particular car started out in life as a somewhat humdrum Triumph Dolomite 1850, but was essentially brought up to Dolomite Sprint spec. If it weren't for its chassis number, nobody would be any the wiser!

The last owner purchased the car in 2014 and immediately treated the bodywork to a fresh paint job. Having been well looked after ever since, it has not needed any major work in the intervening years. The Doly is currently within a large private collection which is being dramatically reduced due to a lack of space, this is the only reason it is having to sadly be sold on now.

The V5 is present along with various other paperwork including service and parts receipts and past MOT certificates.

The interior is an honest and genuine example of a small ‘70s sports saloon. It is not a concours example but it is in good condition throughout, with only age related marks and wear to speak of. The  black and chrome pieces in the cabin compliment the period walnut trim wonderfully, providing an appropriate combination of sportiness and luxury. While not perfect it is a very nice interior overall that would benefit from a bit of TLC along with a good clean and detail. 

The car received a full respray in 2014 when the last owner acquired it. The finish is good but a full machine polish would really take it to the next level. That being said it is in good condition and the bodywork is free from rust, blisters and bubbles. The chrome and brightwork is all in good shape too and a new windscreen and seals have also been fitted. Again, this is not a show condition car but a nice, honest example that could be driven and enjoyed every day. It’s a usable classic that remains great to drive. 

The car starts and drives perfectly with various parts having been replaced over the years, as evidenced by the history folder, but it has not needed much work to keep it in perfect running order. Under the bonnet is within keeping with the rest of the car - not show level but still in very good shape and in usable, get-out-and-drive-it condition. Underneath the car presents well overall as well. There are a few rust spots here and there, as you would expect, but no real problem areas and a little TLC and a good underseal would go a long way to ensure its longevity. 

A true 70’s sports saloon with a racing heritage, the Triumph Dolomite is an extremely fun car to drive. 

With genuine Sprints becoming ever rarer and with prices only continuing to climb, this car represents a fantastic opportunity for someone to experience the visceral and raw driving experience provided by the Sprint at a fraction of the cost of a genuine one. With no electronics to dumb down that beautiful, mechanical feel of an old sports car, it would be perfectly suited to a newcomer to the world of classic motoring or even as an interesting daily car!
Whilst perhaps not 100% ready to win any shows the car is in great condition overall. There are areas to improve, should you wish, but this is a car to be driven and enjoyed for many years to come. 

All the benefits of a Sprint, with none of the drawbacks? We're sold on it.