“No stories”. I’ve heard that phrase many a time when considering a vintage car, and I take it to mean the vehicle is clear of weird circumstances around its title, its location, its condition. But our featured Triumph has a story worth telling; if I were superstitious I might even believe the car is a good-luck charm despite the reputation of its constructor. Here on eBay is a 1980 TR8 convertible, bid to $10,600 with a buy-it-now set at $17,455. This car has fewer than 3200 original miles on the clock, supported by documentation which includes the original window sticker, work receipts, and other paperwork. Its current home is Orchard Park, New York, and while it runs and drives well, it does squeal a belt on start-up – so caution on the way to its new garage is warranted. But a bigger fly in the ointment is the salvage title. And that’s where the story is….
This car was purchased from a dealer in Syracuse with just over 400 miles on the clock. It was driven a handful of miles until it was sold again in 2015 to a Pennsylvania buyer for $27,200. The car was sent to the Wedge Shop for recommissioning work and subsequently stored in a Pittsburgh warehouse. There, a fire broke out, destroying nearly everything, except this car. Thanks to paint damage and a couple of warped lenses, the insurer sold the car at auction – thus the salvage title. Our current seller arrives at this juncture. At the time he acquired it, the car showed 1415 miles. A repaint in the factory shade corrected the fire damage. One slightly warped rear lens was retained, proving the tale. I prefer the stock wheels but these minilite-type are popular.
The TR8 was Triumph’s swan song, and it struck just the right note – but too late to save the company. The 3.5-liter Buick-derived aluminum V8 paired with twin Zenith-Stromberg carburetors makes 135 bhp, and is complemented by a five-speed gearbox – a helpful improvement over the TR7’s four-speed. A couple hundred coupes were made but those mostly reside in the UK; the US received only drop-tops penned by Michelotti – Triumph’s workhorse designer. This engine bay is as clean as we’d expect for a low-mileage example and the underside is also above reproach. The seller mentions that the air conditioning does blow but needs to be charged.
Triumph limped into the 80s with lots of 70s style still clinging to its skirts – these plaid seats are one of the more charming stylistic holdovers. Every inch of that instrument panel is plastic, prone to warpage and color fade in normal circumstances. The convertible top is in excellent condition. The seller has new door seals for the buyer to install, as well as an antenna. This TR8 is an attainable classic with modest needs but big advantages – namely its low mileage and excellent condition. A new owner can drive the car for several years and it will still be a low mileage example. Yes, its value will always be affected by the salvage title but that will not diminish the enjoyment of ownership. I might want a small discount off the buy-it-now price but I think the current bid is too low. What do you think?
Prices on the ‘Net range from $17k to $26k, many with “low mileage” claims and all without the ominous “Salvage” word.
For someone that had always wanted one just to drive but couldn’t afford to redo a rolling box of hardware it’d be the best especially around $12-$13k.
All that if the story and inspection bear out.
There a blast to drive, plus it’s fun to pop the hood and listen to the people talk at a gearhead gettogether.
“They’re” not “there”🙄
You had me until, “the A/C just needs a charge.”
That’s what they all say. If that’s true then get it charged and reap the monetary reward for working A/C. If the refrigerant has leaked out, something else probably needs fixing.
So the original owner was paid the value of the car.
This is why its a salvage.
Now the new owner(s) paid a salvage price and wants the original value.
This doesn’t work that way.
The current bid price is way more than adequate for a salvage car that had high heat that warped lenses and destroyed paint.
This why some cars get a salvage title is assigned as its only a non salvage title once
Weird stories exist. I bought a fully loaded Volvo 850 T5 on eBay years ago that had been in a hailstorm in Texas. It was a two year lease turn in that had just been put on display at a dealer’s lot when damaged. Due to insurance hassles, it sat in a warehouse for two years, with 27K miles and a clear title. Yes, it had dimples in the hood and roof, and one broken window, but these were selling at the time in my area for $20K+, with 80-100K miles. I offered $7.5K to the insurance company that was selling it and a week later, it was in my driveway. They seemed happy to be done with it.
Ironically, I went over to the CNN website right after posting my comment above. They have a story today about a Delorean with 877 miles on it that has been in a Wisconsin barn for decades. It looks rough, but was purchased by some Delorean restorers, so it may be resurrected. Apparently, it is totally factory stock, including the tires.
That’s what they all say. If that’s true then get it charged and reap the monetary reward for working A/C. If the refrigerant has leaked out, something else probably needs fixing.
It was my understanding, I believe I saw on MSNBC which I was the only “news” at the airport, where they did an article on 200+ DeLorean cars which had to be recalled due to the interior mirror being mounted incorrectly. The reflective portion was facing up.
I believe this is the third time I’ve seen this car for sale. Assuming it’s the same seller, maybe they should realize they’re not going to get the price they want with a salvage title.
Ugly but rare.
Sunbeam Tiger waiting for the world to catch on and …. boom! The price will skyrocket just like all the rest of the Sunbeam type conversions cars of the auto industry. Definitely a collector’s car…..the big factor is the tainted title. Most dealers will not touch it, future liability issues as well as problems from the damage not seen or addressed.
If you are making it a keeper, a great buy. If not, best to walk away.
I’ve been waiting now for 14 yrs. for that to happen. Still waiting. I have a TR8, and had a Sunbeam Tiger. 2 Points: (A) If the TR8 had been designed by Americans, it would be a much less complicated machine. (B) The TR8 is not a Tiger. Tigers are raw, naughty-boy street hooligans. They are great fun to horse around. In comparison, the TR8 has none of that raw edge, and considerably less fun factor. However, it’s small size and reasonable grunt will put a smile on your face.
This article mentions that only convertibles were imported to the United States if I am reading the article correctly. I will beg to differ with such. In 1981 I purchased a low mileage, 2,000 miles, 1980 TR8 coupe with a sun roof, in I believe a color called Sunburst Yellow (I may have that wrong). I traded my 1980 Jeep CJ5 Renegade to the dealer who had the TR8 in Newburgh, NY while I was stationed at the USMA at West Point. At the age of 19 I felt this was a fantastic automobile and was all I wanted in a sports car. But then of course I went to flight school not long after and sold the TR8 to buy a 911 Targa. The TR8 was a fun car to drive, just watch out for tall speed bumps. And I agree with the previous comments, it is still a salvage title and that directly impacts value.
I vaguely remember that some pre-production coupes were sent over. But 43 years does strange the ngs to ones memory.
3.5L twin-carb V8 with only 135hp! What was the compression ratio 6 to 1!
Ummm . . . my 1981 TR7 convertible was definitely a 5-speed . . .
Mine too. The 5 speed was a late addition. 1979, if I remember correctly. Mine dissolved in the 4th lane over heading north on I5 in Orange county. Managed to get it off the freeway. Though I did get some words of encouragement from fellow motorists and a friendly toot or 2.
@ TR 4Whatever:
As a former USAF intel analyst with a degree in International Relations (and, being retired with all my time to myself), I read numerous newspapers (US and foreign) and visit multiple world wide news sites daily. I like being up to date and informed about domestic and international developments (and the occasional human interest story-ie: the DeLorean) from a variety of sources to try to make sense of the world we currently live in. And you?
The shape of things to come!
It’s good to know we’ve got people that are so high on proper sentence structure and correct word spelling. Didn’t know we had English teachers commenting. Go figure
ESL classes are free. Take one.
Just learn how to structure a sentence and use punctuation. It’s not that hard. That’s the beauty of the written word, you can express your thoughts in a way that English speakers can fully understand, and say exactly what you want to convey. Nothing personal, just saying.
I own a 1980 tr8 convt that has been garaged here in mystic ct since 1990 – health and operations has forced me to be able me to use in the last 8 yrs – no dents or tears and no rust plus everything appears to be original – what do you think 🤔 it’s worth?
Thanx, Steve woods
Nice try. Dashes instead of periods, you’re getting there. Sorry, I can’t help myself.
You guys belong on Truth Social or X
If I had more garage space (and could hide it from my Bride) I’d take a hard look at this car. Who cares about the title, at mid teens price it’s cheap summer fun not an investment. As to the AC, did you notice it’s a convertible!
Consider living in Florida or Texas. Most all of them came with A/C.
Yourself. One word.
Yourself – one troll.
A salvage title is a salvage title. The reason behind it is not printed on the title, nor does it matter.
Exactly right. Anybody that pays over 50% of fair market value for any vehicle with a branded title is a fool. Ask your insurer what they will pay out if it is damaged if you don’t believe me.
Made it to $13,751.45, Reserve Not Met.
Maybe if the bidder just rounded up, they might have made a new purchase.
Thanks for deleting my comment. I guess you have to protect the feelings of some of trolls. No hard feelings.
Trolls, which often live under bridges (or mothers’ basements), generally don’t know the difference between a torque wrench and a crescent wrench. Therefore, give them little attention. This site is here to offer more insight via Q&A for us genuine car guys who have 30W coursing through their veins. Hang in there, brother!
215ci 3.5L V8 low compression junk engine, with over heating issues & head gasket warpage by design.
Car is a good very good platform for the Buick 3.8 L engine dimensions are correct for fit & Super charged versions available not to mention the Dark Side Lord Vader GNX version.
The 215ci was always a dog that couldn’t hunt.
The TR8 will never go up in value significantly however a Factory LOOK retro fit 3.8L won’t hurt its value one bit.
Plenty more HP & Torque & that Garret air research GNX Lord Vader Dark Side engine in that tiny light weight car would be a kick in the pants.
It all fits neatly into the engine bay OEM look and it’s GM.
Good luck
In the TR8 club are some “built” 215’s out to 4 liters or so. They aren’t slow.