1980 Triumph TR8

Convertible Convertible

8 - Cyl.

Manual

TPZDV8AT210719

Gasoline

Presenting this stunning, original owner, 1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible With only 66,993 Original Miles And NO RESERVE PRICE! Featuring: Complete Service Log Original, Numbers Matching, 3.5 Litre V-8 Engine & Drive Train Original Midas Gold Color Code GCC Original Tan Tartan Check Interior & Top Factory Correct Alloy Wheels, Including Spare Rebuilt A/C Unit Including New Compressor, Receiver/Dryer & Pressure Line A/C Blows Ice Cold New front & Rear Fog Lights Major Tune-Up Incl. Air Filter, Distributer Cap, Rotor, Resistor, Plugs, Wires & Coil Recent Oil & Filter Change Cooling System Flushed W/New Coolant Walnut Center Console & Armrest New Leather Shift Boot W/Shortened Shifter Fresh Battery Newer Belts Newer Fuel Pump New Front & Rear Brakes Including Master Cylinder & Flex Lines New Clutch Master Cylinder & Flex Line Newer Front McPherson Struts & Rear Shocks New Dual Sport Exhaust Resonators 140 MPH Speedometer Original CA Blue Plates (Saved but are not currently on the car) Original Owner’s Manual & Driver's Handbook Much More! Look at the detailed photos of this car and you’ll feel as though you were transported back in time to 1980, viewing a brand new, TR8 Convertible on the showroom floor. Go ahead…scroll down and see for yourself… Owning this car will make you feel that way every time you see and drive it. Nearly 30 years ago, the last Triumph TR8 rolled off Her Majesty's assembly line at Solihull, England, concluding the final chapter of the most successful line of British sports cars ever built. Regarding its unique wedge-shaped design, outstanding performance, great fuel economy, driving fun and ease of maintenance, the "8" established a standard that has yet to be exceeded. It truly can be called the last of the purebred British Roadsters. With the average car's lifespan being about a dozen years and the attrition rate often accelerated by careless, second-hand owners, it’s no surprise that TR8s have become quite rare. In fact, out of approximately 2,700 produced, it is estimated that only a mere 750 convertibles are still on the road. It'd be a nice surprise to find an example of the species that, despite being 30 years old, still shines and sparkles like a late-model. The most likely place to unearth such a rare gem would be Southern California, with its mild climate and large number of open-air enthusiasts. Such an amazing find is the miraculously well-preserved car presented for auction here! Leaving the gates of England’s prestigious Canley factory in April, 1980 (the best among 3 different Triumph assembly plants) this TR8 made its journey to Sunny, Southern California where it has certainly led a charmed life ever since. Its original, owner is a Survey Engineer and lifelong member of the Southern CA Triumph Owner’s Association (SCTOA) as well as the Triumph Wedge Owners Association (TWOA) which grew out of the TR8 Car Club of America (TR8CCA). She purchased the car locally, at Haron Motors (now Haron Land Rover) in Fresno, CA on a warm Saturday afternoon in August, 1980. For the last 3 decades she has only driven the car an average of a couple thousand miles each year and treated it like her one and only child. The result is a vintage roadster that was always garaged, meticulously maintained and has never left the Golden State. Included is the original Triumph TR8 Owner’s Manual, Driver's Handbook a huge stack of service records and most importantly, a complete maintenance log since 1980 that nicely document the car's original mileage and most recent reconditioning. Exterior: After nearly three decades on the road, most cars have become rusted, wrecked, or have simply worn out. Others have been "restored" by well-meaning folks who usually mask over what they perceive to be "flaws" to the car's body, frame and drive train. In reality, a clean, rust free, mechanically sound car with a few small dents, chips and scratches (see photos) is a very rare and highly desirable trait of any collectible automobile! But every diamond has its flaws: There are a couple small dents; one in the passenger door and a small ding in the left fender lip.. (see photos) With a quick visit from the local Paintless Dent Removal guy and a little preparation, you could proudly display this fine example of the marque at a local car show or Concours d'Elegance. Also, back in 1984, the car sustained one minor collision (not bad for 30 years!) when it was parked on a residential street and another car bumped into it. Fortunately, the other driver was insured and the left fender was replaced (no body filler) along with a new front bumper, cowling and radiator. No major frame repairs were required and the car was completely re-painted to factory specifications in its original, Midas Gold color. 4 new KUMHO SOLUS KR21 radials are mounted to the original, alloy wheels which look and handle great. There is a 5th alloy wheel in the trunk as well. Engine & Mechanical: The car's engine compartment is all original and factory-correct. Originality abounds. This is a numbers matching TR8, featuring its factory-installed 3.5 Litre, Fuel Injected, 8-cylinder engine. The wiring looks fantastic and there are no oil leaks worth mentioning. In this photo, you can clearly see the new A/C compressor & dryer, radiator cap, plug wires and master brake cylinder... Beyond routine tune-ups & oil changes, thousands of dollars were invested into preventative maintenance, mainly to the engine, its ancillaries, A/C and braking systems. Whether the car sat for months or was driven 3000 miles; the oil was religiously changed. No wear item has been left unattended; As a result, this Triumph is mechanically as strong as it is cosmetically. Yes, any TR8 can be a very tough and reliable automobile with a bit of preventative maintenance! In this case, what lies beyond the shiny exterior speaks volumes about the loving care this TR8 has always received and underscores the car's Southern California provenance. We'll inspect the interior next, shall we? From the Tartan-Tan Check Plaid seats and door panels to the cut pile carpeting and 13” Moto-Lita steering wheel; the original upholstery is in remarkable condition. Check out the beautiful hardwood center console and armrest. The gear shifter was shortened and a new leather boot was fitted as well. The original AM/FM push-button, stereo works perfectly and guarantees pleasurable audio; even when traveling topless at speeds well above the double nickel. The 66,693 miles are ACTUAL! The temp gauge is currently in-op however the owner has purchased a new one along with a new sending unit and will be included with the car. Always garaged? Never been smoked in? You bet! The convertible top is original and still fits tight as a drum; there are no rips, tears, leaks or wind noises with reasonably clear windows; a testimony to the term “Pride of Ownership”. The spacious trunk contains all the important bits: Fire extinguisher, newer battery, tire jack, lug wrench and crank (in original blue pouch). A picture says more than a thousand words: This--all original--rust free--trunk is clean! Drivability: This Roadster can cruise at speeds that many cars would struggle to reach and does so in a grand manner. Its fuel injected, 3.5 Litre engine and suspension layout is intelligently engineered and the power-to-weight ratio is very favorable, indeed. In any climate, the powerful engine starts every time, idles, revs and pulls effortlessly without unusual noises or hesitation and accelerates strong and smooth leaving no smoke in your rear-view mirror. Warmed up, the oil pressure ranges from about 55 lbs. at idle to a reassuring 75 lbs. at speed. Coolant temperature remains absolutely stable, with no hint of overheating even after extended runs at high speeds. Power-assist steering is precise and the 5-speed, fully synchronized transmission shifts seamlessly through all the gears. The disc brakes anchor the car securely, in a straight line, and without any hint of fading. Throwing this “8” through the curves aided by new brakes, struts & radial tires; handling and braking are superb with no rattles, shakes, shimmies or pulls. All in all, this Triumph is a thoroughly convincing performer and a joy to drive! Whether commuting to work in heavy traffic on a hot summer day or cruising along the beach or ascending a snow lined, winter mountain road, this TR8 performs as it should; getting an EPA rating of 26 MPG on regular gasoline on the highway. Most importantly, this TR8 has been tested and passed strict California emission standards, proving that the entire drive train is sound and all of the vital, OEM smog components are still intact and working properly. A current, California Smog Certificate will be included for transfer of ownership in California. Despite its age, the car is perfectly reliable and ready to be driven anywhere, even across the Country, if that's where you live. Pound for pound, the Triumph TR8 is among the finest, most reliable sports cars ever made. In the end, what makes these cars so desirable is the strong character. This results from a combination of heritage, styling, engineering, scarcity, and raw mystique. No other sports car can generate the same passion as the TR8 and no other PRACTICAL car can top it at ANY price. California License and Registration fees have been paid through May of 2011. Finally, TR8’s have reached the bottom-end of the depreciation curve. A perfect time to buy. Being among of the last of the breed, this “8” has fantastic appreciation potential and can easily serve as a reliable daily driver. To make things even better, reasonably priced spare parts and service are readily available. To state it succinctly: This Triumph will deliver on its promise! Federal regulations now dictate that vehicles 10 years and older are exempt from miles certifications however the original owner has carefully logged the car’s full, 30-year history which verifies that the 66,993 reading displayed on the 5-digit odometer is accurate. All questions must be answered and all inspections must be completed PRIOR TO BIDDING. Proof of insurance will be required for a test drive. Because this is a 30-year old car, it is being sold in AS-IS CONDITION and comes with absolutely NO WARRANTIES EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. We are proud to have 100% POSITIVE FEEDBACK. Bid with confidence, knowing everything represented in this auction is accurate. California bidders please note that local sales tax and DMV transfer fees apply. BIDDERS WITH ZERO OR NEGETIVE FEEDBACK MUST EMAIL US FOR APPROVAL PRIOR TO BIDDING OR THEIR BID WILL BE CANCELED. This TR8’s present condition has been described as accurately as possible. Cars2K is a California licensed & bonded seller representing this car for the original owner. If you have a collector car for sale and would like to discuss our services, please email us. If you have ANY questions about THIS CAR and/or want to bring a mechanic to inspect, please email us PRIOR TO BIDDING. You will receive a prompt response! The TR8 marked the final chapter of Triumph’s glorious 30-year, TR line. Looking back, you realize it also marked the end of the true British Roadster. It ended with the introduction of hybrids, minivans, and SUV’s. It ended with the worldwide popularity of power windows, power tops and power-assisted thinking, even in Her Majesty's Kingdom. It ended with the TR8. This TR8 however is up to any task imaginable. It could serve as a show car, a "new" old car to relive the good old days, or simply as a reliable, fun daily driver. To state it succinctly: It delivers on its promise! This is certainly one of the finest Triumphs in the nation, is appreciating daily and is offered here with No Reserve Price. What a great opportunity to purchase a prime surviving example of the World's most acclaimed Roadster, the immortal TR8 that is sure to remain an outstanding investment for the winning bidder and a joy to drive for many years to come. Thank you, good luck and HAPPY BIDDING!