I saw one of these on the road not too long ago, so was glad to see this ad come along. Triumph launched the TR7 in 1974 as the successor to the now-iconic TR6. This was a major change, including a move from purely 60s styling to then-modern, 70s wedge styling. This car has, at time, been called the doorstop, but we here at Oddimotive have always found it attractive.
In addition to the styling change, the TR7 brough four-cylinder power in place of the inline six of the TR6. While power was not far off the six, the torque characteristics didn’t quite match up. What better idea, then, than to insert a V8 mid-lifecycle in order to create the TR8?
It so happens the then-almost-consolidated British auto industry had access to a V8, which it had purchased from Buick in 60s. Does the V8 cause you to worry about weight in such a small car? Fear not, as the “Rover V8” is off all-aluminum construction and is know to weigh about that same as many four cylinders. This engine is basically the small block Chevy of the UK and appears just about everywhere. Well, everywhere except a factory-stock Triumph Stag.
This car appears to be in great shape and the seller provides a lot of info. We love the plaid interior and we love the oddball asking price!
Click for eBay ad
Berkley, MI
$9,001.13 BIN price with offers considered
Blue top stands out, which we like! Federal bumpers…well, that’s just a fact of life.
Great from this angle, too. At least the massive bumpers are pretty well integrated on these cars.
Here’s a taste of the profile.
What model is this, again?
Interior was very modern for 1974/1975 and is classic now.
Plaid!
Here’s that Buick-designed, all-alloy V8.
Ad text:
We’ve just finished a very thorough mechanical and trim recommissioning of this clean, original low mileage 1980 Triumph TR8.
If you are looking for a fun, fast convertible, this may be the one.
I’ve owned a lot of these cars and I can tell you this is one of the nicest all around TR8s I’ve ever driven.
It’s fast.
It’s smooth.
It’s quiet.
And, thanks to a few tasteful upgrades, my TR8 is more reliable today than when it was new.
It also accelerates, steers and stops better than it did when it was new.
Here are the details:
FUEL SYSTEM: New Edelbrock Performer 500 four-barrel and Edelbrock Performer intake. The carburetor has been properly jetted and tuned. The result: Fast acceleration, no stumbles or hesitations. The fuel line has been professionally plumbed in. The electric fuel pump is new.
IGNITION SYSTEM: We removed the troublesome Lucas distributor, coil and ballast resistor system. That mess was replaced with a simpler, more reliable Pertronix distributor w/electronic ignition, along with new 8mm spark plug wires, new spark plugs and a matching Flame Thrower coil.
TRANSMISSION/CLUTCH: The factory fill ATF has been replaced with GM Synchomesh oil for smoother shifts. Both clutch slave and master have been rebuilt. The shifter has been shortened two inches to give more direct shifts. It feels great. No crunching or grinding. The clutch is smooth and easy and the transmission works perfectly.
SUSPENSION: All four shocks are KYB gas charged units. All four springs have been replaced with the new 1-inch lower and stiffer springs. These two improvements greatly enhance the TR8’s already good handling. But now, the car does not dive when the brakes are applied. And it doesn’t lean nearly as much in corners. Also: The tie rod ends and ball joints are new, the front wheel bearings have been repacked, the strut gaiters and bump stops are new. Finally, I installed a needle bearing kit on the front upper bushings to smooth out the steering.
BRAKES: The proportioning valve has been recalibrated to send more pressure to the rear brakes. The front pads are new. Because the car has such low original mileage, the rear brake shoes are original and show almost no wear. New and correct rear-wheel cylinders have been installed and the brake master cylinder is new, not rebuilt.
INTERIOR: The carpet has been replaced with high quality and correct new blue carpet. The upholstery is in excellent condition, no cigarette burns or rips or tears. The top is blue cloth (expensive) and it looks great.
ELECTRICAL: There are no electrical problems. All lights and gauges work as they should, as does the period 8-Track AM/FM radio, and the heater.
BODY: I don’t want to give you the impression that this is a show car. It is not. The TR got banged around a bit over the years and then it spent a long time in covered storage. There is bondo on several body panels, but the repairs were done to a very good standard and the car looks fine. It regularly draws compliments. There is NO rust. There never has been any rust. The repaint is very decent, but not perfect. The paint job is very respectable daily driver quality — a 5-footer. And could use a good buffing. There is no crazing or bubbling. This is a highly original TR8. It still has its original factory exhaust system and the rare radiator crossmember mounted air dam (used on A/C cars only and missing on nearly all TR8s).
WHAT DOESN’T WORK: The only part of the car that is not functioning is the air conditioning system. The a/c compressor clutch is noisy when you turn it on. I recommend a new compressor, since the system has to be opened up anyway. I have already purchased the Porsche Boxster fan upgrade and they will be included in the sale of the car ($450 value).
ON THE ROAD: The car is very, very tight. The front end has been aligned and the wheels and tires expertly balanced on a RoadForce balancing machine, which balances the wheel to the tire and then balances the tire and wheel. No front end shakes, just a smooth ride. It is no exaggeration to say that the TR8 feels new. The engine sounds great. At around 3,000 RPM, it makes that great turbine like-whoosh. Because it has the stock exhaust system with catalytic converters, it is really quiet. This is a fun car to drive, handles like a slot car. It is reliable and it needs no further mechanical work. If I were to keep the car, I would try to buff the paint and see what improvements could be made. Since the car does not need any bodywork, a higher quality paint job can be had for around $2,000 — assuming you remove the trim, which is easy to do.Mechanically, this car is aces. It is ready to be driven anywhere at any time.
AND FINALLY: I am happy to provide additional pictures. Need to see something, just let me know. Got questions? Fire away. The car is available for inspection and test drives. If you want to fly in to Detroit and drive it home, I would say come on. The TR8 car is good to go and totally trustworthy. And I would not sell a car I wouldn’t trust myself.
You can tell from me feedback that my reputation on eBay means a lot to me. Thanks, Rich Truett