Description
Looking for something a little different this summer? With growing interest in the model and prices hardening as a result, the once unloved TR7 Convertible makes for an excellent alternative choice and affords comfort and practicality not seen in other contemporary British classics. This fabulous example presented in Silver Leaf Metallic with Blue hood and newly replaced Blue Check trim has, for 18 months, been the plaything of a serial classic enthusiast who has invested almost £4500 getting the Triumph to where it is today. With extensive early history (1989-2006) and a documented period in storage (2011-2019), this older restoration is now summer-ready for the sunshine to come. Come and fight me for the keys before I`m tempted to keep it!
In production from 1974 to 1981, this Harris Mann designed car was seen as the “shape of things to come” and was available as either a coupe (FHC) or full convertible (DHC) albeit the latter wasn`t available in the UK until 1980. Powered by a 1998cc 4-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels, the car had a modest 105BHP a with choice of either manual or automatic transmissions. In keeping with the “modern” look, checked tartan interiors were popular as were some vibrant paint choices such as Inca Yellow, Persian Acqua and Java Green. Of almost 115, 000 TR7`s manufactured, less than 550 would appear to be registered on UK roads today albeit this is up almost 300 on 10 years ago reflecting the growing popularity of the model with previously unrestored examples now back on the road.
Our car was registered in Blackpool in November 1982 making it one of the very last to be registered and probably built. We know little of its early life but by the late 1980`s was residing in Derbyshire and evidently was in need of some attention. The history file documents a full engine rebuild by Central Triumph Centre at 51, 860 miles in December 1989 (with high-lift camshaft and gas-flowed head), body restoration and repaint by the same specialist in September 1991 to include 2 new front wings, replacement front panel, suspension legs, sills and subframe as well as a new set of alloy wheels and fresh carpets, all new brakes in May 1994 and a cylinder head repair, new water pump, radiator and hoses in September 1996. The subsequent 10 years saw further regular servicing and maintenance to include a new clutch, a new set of carburettors, replacement fuel tank and sender, new Navy hood (1999) in addition to consumables (brake parts, a fresh battery and tyres). Annual mileage by this stage was minimal with MoT inspections from the period 2006-2011 documenting little more than 100 miles a year and unsurprisingly, the car was seemingly moth-balled owing to lack of use. In 2019 and having lived in and around Bristol for the previous 20 years, the Triumph was sold to a motor dealer in South Wales where it was recommissioned and put back on the road again. He retained the car until 2023, selling it to a gentleman in Newport who used the Triumph sparingly, ultimately selling, after replacing the clutch and a full service, to a classic car enthusiast near Swindon. This was January 2025. And the start of a new chapter that was to see significant investment creating, in essence, the car you see today. With bills and invoices for parts and labour approaching some £4500, this has been very much a labour of love with notable highlights to include replacement front ball joints, a new starter motor, all new ignition parts, replacement water pump and fuel pump, all new gaskets to manifold and thermostat, the resolving of small electrical issues, a new headlight motor, 2 new tyres, all new seat covers and seat foams, full carpet set and the purchase of a beautifully fitting Navy tonneau cover. Sadly, our enthusiastic keeper has now decided to reluctantly part with the car owing to ill health and as an old client, contacted us for assistance. Since acquiring the Triumph, we have done little but undertake a deep clean and enjoy it.
The car presents today just as can be seen in the photographs. An older restoration and repaint, this is a true survivor and still looks stunning in its Silver Leaf paintwork. Only a couple of age-related blemishes, a few stone chips and touched-in scratches take away from perfection but, in reality, this is an honest example with nothing to hide. Straight panels, excellent trim, a superb Navy hood and virtually unmarked Minilite-style alloys shod with newly new branded tyres set the scene for a sharp-looking example. Open the drivers` door and owing to recent investment, you are presented with possibly the nicest TR7 interior I have witnessed in years. With rebuilt seats with new Blue Check covers and new Navy carpets, it is quite sublime and almost like climbing back into a fresh cabin of 44 years ago. In its day it was considered one of the most comfortable and driver-friendly interiors and I must admit, it still works today! And for this reason, it is actually a very easy car to drive and live with on a day-to-day basis.
Turn the key and the Triumph fires immediately into life settling down quickly off-choke to a gentle burble. On the road, the car feels spirited with plenty of performance, balanced handling and excellent brakes. I took my son for a blast across the West Dorset Downs and even he was itching to get behind the wheel and experience the ease and simplicity of the drive. Steering is light but positive, visibility excellent and road manners more akin with something 20 years old, not 44! I`ve had a few TR7`s over the years and this must be the nicest in all respects. Come and experience it for yourself.
The car comes with considerable history from the late 1980`s to around 2006 and extensive bills for recent work (2023-2026), old MoT certificates including the most recent to May 2026 (and exemplary online MoT history prior to this), old Registration Documents, a current V5C, a Haynes Manual and full set of keys.
A really genuine, well-sorted example of an up-and-coming British classic. Great value too.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today. We are happy to take a reservation fee to hold a vehicle but as a dealership, we don`t operate a structured distance selling scheme.
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