1980 Triumph

TR8 Coupe

8 - Cyl.

Manual

TCN160143UCF

Gasoline

1980 Triumph TR8 Coupe Vehicle Commission Number: TCN160143UCF Mileage: 18244 (Original) Color: Vermillion Red (CML) Trim: Tan Check (CAAA) Transmission: 5 Speed Manual Clear North Carolina Title This is quite possibly the last TR8 Coupe to roll off the assembly line. It bears the commission number of TCN160143UCF. An examination of production numbers from British Leyland shows that TR8 Coupe production ended with TCN160142. The only other later TR8 Coupe that I have heard of and seen photos of is the 1981 Coupe with the commission number of 199999. However, this was not a production model but an engineering cast off comprised of spares at the factory at the end of Triumph production. These TR8 Coupes are fairly rare with less than 500 made and even fewer surviving today. I am the third owner of this Triumph and I have documentation dating back to when the car was purchased new in June 23, 1981. It was sold at Tara Motors in Poughkeepsie, New York. The next day it was sent to “Rusty Jones”, a rust proofing service similar to Ziebart, but they have been out of business for a while. The mileage is genuine as evidenced in the service slips and other documents that will accompany the vehicle. I am not sure if this was a special order vehicle, or just the last one in the pipeline. The vehicle has all of the original parts and manuals with the exception of the factory radio. I even have the original keys. The Stromberg carbs and intake were removed and replaced with the current Edelbrock Performer intake and carb. This was done when I had the vehicle in Germany. This was done to pass the rigorous German vehicle inspection. The car keep flooding out during the testing procedures and I went with the simple and robust solution. Needless to say, it passed with the Edelbrock. Included with the car is a box of spares that I brought to Germany to have on hand. German plates do not convey with car. Mechanicals: Engine and transmission are in great shape reflecting the low mileage of the car. All of the original emission equipment is in place and functional, including the original catalytic converters and original British Leyland mufflers. The are no noises or leaks from the drivetrain. The vehicle was converted to a Crane XR700 electronic ignition by a previous owner. It works fine and I have never touched it. As previously stated the car was converted to an Edelbrock Performer set up. The original Stromberg carbs, intake, air cleaners, and all pieces are included if you wish to go back to the original set up. The clutch and transmission shifting work as expected. However, included are a new slave cylinder and master cylinder if you ever need to replace them. Car runs out great, but for the past year it has only driven around the neighborhood. Brakes: The car brakes fine. I have noticed the rear reservoir on the master cylinder has been going low recently. I believe that a rear wheel cylinder is probably leaking. However, a new one along with new brake shoes is included in the parts box that comes with the car. Also, included are new brake hoses for the front and rear as well as caliper rebuild kits. Suspension: The ball joints and tie rod ends look fine. However, new ones are included with the car. The front struts and rear shocks were replaced with KYB Gas-a-justs a few years ago. The original BL ones were tossed. The steering column bushing has deteriorated as has occurred on pretty much every TR8/7 out there. It doesn’t pose a drive-ability problem, just annoying when you hear the column rattling sometimes. A new bushing is included. Body: The car has been repainted at some point. It wasn’t a very good job as you can see some prep issues around the car. It is very presentable and decent enough to enjoy, but the nick picker can see the flaws. The car is solid underneath, saved by the rust-proofing it had since the day after it was purchased. The car is not rust free. There is some surface rust in spots underneath, at the front spoiler, trailing edge of drivers front wheel arch, and below the black vents on the C pillar. The floor pans, rockers and trunk area are solid. The plastic grille surround (above the front bumper) is broken in a couple of places. I assume this occurred when the car was repainted and someone did not know how to remove the plastic rivets. The car bears no evidence of crash damage. The shock and strut turrets are solid. There is a small place of surface rust on the top of the driver’s side one. Interior: The interior is original with the exception of the stereo which has been replaced by a Sony CD player. Everything works including the clock! The passenger window can be difficult to roll up and down, and probably needs to be greased. The only flaw in the upholstery is on the driver side seat cushion. The seam split in the plaid area. The vinyl on the seats and door panels does show sun aging. The air conditioning does not currently function. The compressor will kick on, but there is no cool air. The system pretty much uses GM components from any 1980s GM car. Lastly, I have a complete fuel injection set up for a TR8. This came from one of the Wedgeparts cars that they fuel injected. It is a clever combination of Rover V8 injection manifold components with a reflashed GM ECM and wiring harness. A lot of time and money went into this. Everything is there including the custom modified magnetic pickup distributor, map sensor, fuel injection pump with TR8 factory mounting plate, fuel return lines, fuel return pickup for the fuel tank, sensors, etc. The only thing you need is a custom accelerator cable. You can see photos of many of the components at the Wedgeparts site. I bought this several years ago from them, and came off one of their cars which was terminally rusty. This set up will go with the car for the Buy-it-now price. Otherwise, I will take $700 for the entire setup. Please remember that this is a 31 year old car. It is not currently registered and I would advise trailering it to your home. If you are interested in a British car, you know how it goes, they are not Hondas. Serious inquiries and bidders only. A $500 nonrefundable deposit is due within 24 hours of auction close. Complete payment within 72 hours of auction close. Car is to be picked up within 7 days of auction close. Thanks and please take care of my baby! Standard Disclaimer: This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgement solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle.