1980 Triumph Other

Convertible

4 cylinder 16 valve

Manual

TPVDJ8AA400070

Clear

What we have here is for all intents and purposes is a TR7 Sprint Roadster. More accurately, my car is a U.S. specification (federalized) and Solihull built 1980 TR7 Roadster with a transplanted Dolomite Sprint 16V engine. To be clear, the factory never produced a TR7 Sprint in convertible configuration (I believe all were coupes) and never produced nor federalized any TR7 Sprints for the U.S. market. This is NOT a factory correct car. It is rather what many believe to be the car the U.S. should have received from the factory once the then state-of-the-art Dolomite Sprint engine became available. A previous owner went to a great deal of trouble and expense to correct the factory’s oversight. He purchased a genuine Sprint engine with all the accessories for $1000 and had it professionally rebuilt in 2007 at a cost of $3500 just for the long block. The gearbox was also rebuilt. The Triumph comes will a folder full of receipts that add up to many thousands more. The build also includes a beautiful custom exhaust header (required because the factory exhaust manifold cannot be used on a left hand drive car) attached to a new exhaust system. Other items replaced or rebuilt in the same timeframe included rebuilt radiator, carburetors, alternator, gas tank and distributor as well as new shock/struts, carpeting, door panels, rubber door and trunk gaskets, and tonneau cover as well as innumerable other items. The car features factory TR8 alloys, refurbished and powder coated (so much nicer than the factory TR7 wheels!) shod with Pirelli tires. I purchased the car because I’ve always been intrigued by the TR7 Triumph should have built and it has been a privilege and a lot of fun to own and drive. In the time I’ve owned the car it has never let me down, requiring only fluid changes and other routine servicing. Up to 3500 rpms, I’d say the acceleration is on par with a standard TR7, but the upper reaches of the tachometer is where this engine comes into its own! I’ve never revved to the red line, but the motor pulls strong and steady for as long as you care to hold the gear. I believe the pictures of the engine bay speak to the quality and attention to detail of the rebuild. The engine bay A/C componentry has been removed. The OEM radio is installed but doesn't work. All other mechanical and electrical systems function as they should with the exception of the struts/shocks which are way too soft for my taste. There is NO rust anywhere on the car. The paint appears to be mostly original but only fair condition with numerous heavy scratches and small dents as well as a few not so small dents highlighted in the photos. The paint is particularly poor on the horizontal surfaces that suffer most from sun exposure where the paint is dull, stained and in some spots worn to the primer. (You could probably improve things somewhat with a good t-cut, but why would you bother?) The convertible top, bumper “skins” and all glass are like new or very good. Seat belts are new and of greatly improved quality. The driver’s seat cover and foam (see close up photo) are completely shot. All that said, the condition of this very special TR7 is very easily summed: To become a show quality car? Body work, paint and seats redone. To become a reliable daily or occasional driver? Nothing. It all depends on where you want to take it from here…….. It also comes with a very rare TR7 Sprint owner’s manual, Dolomite Sprint workshop manual and various spares. I have a clear Texas title in hand, but know your state’s emission and licensing restrictions as they apply to older and modified vehicles BEFORE you consider bidding. I encourage viewing and test drives before close of auction. I will gladly answer any questions you have in the interim. Call Al at cell (404)25nine-57sixfour. I know of no reason the car could not be driven anywhere but please consider the age of the vehicle and the distance you must travel should you decide to drive home. If you elect to have it shipped, shipping is at the buyer’s expense but I will assist in any way I can. $500 non-refundable deposit is due within 2 business days of auction’s close with the balance due before release of the title or the vehicle. Paypal is fine for the deposit, but I will only accept wireless bank transfer or cash for the remaining balance. I will store the vehicle indoors for up to 4 weeks from auction’s close.