The TR7 was a new sports car offered by Triumph out of the UK from 1975 to 1982. It may be one of the most identifiable cars on the road due to its wedge-like shape (like a slice of cheese). The company’s U.S. distribution partner in 1980 selected the TR7 to serve as the basis for a special edition to commemorate Triumph’s 30 years of post-war production and marketing. The seller’s blue TR7 is one of those special models which were mechanically stock excepting all the trim adjustments for the celebration. Located in Denver, Colorado, this partially restored car is available here on craigslist for $6,500. Our thanks to PRA4SNW for this interesting tip!
Promoted as the “shape of things to come”, the TR7 was supposed to be the future of Triumph, especially in the lucrative U.S. sports car market. Even though 115,000 of the little cars were built over eight years, that was likely below company expectations and the car disappeared in the early 1980s. All of them were powered by a 2.0-liter, 8-valve, 4-cylinder engine that was rated at 92 in the U.S. The 1980 version with 30th-anniversary badging came with all sorts of extra goodies, including a unique glovebox door plaque, But they didn’t stop there, adding a special steering wheel, fog lamps, fancy floormats, a luggage rack, different wheels, and pinstriping.
The seller’s TR7 was treated to a semi-restoration in recent months. The items on that checklist involved rebuilding the fuel injection system, motor, clutch, parts of the suspension, brakes, wiring harness, and a new radiator, among other things. So, at nearly 53,000 miles, the Triumph may run and drive better than new. Before the seller acquiried the TR7, the repaint was reapplied by a prior owner and it has a variety of small scratches that can be seen, but don’t necessarily detract.
Not only have the mechanicals been reworked, but so has the interior. The next owner will get to enjoy new seats, door panels, carpeting, and a refreshed convertible top. The sleek auto has a British Heritage Certificate and a bunch of sales receipts, presumably for all the work that has been done. Another plus is that everything seems to be numbers matching on this sports car. If you’re into these wedge-shaped fun machines, could this TR7 have a future in your garage?
Interesting car.
They did a lot of good things and didn’t remember the steering wheel.
But he is a Motolita.
Triumph didn’t do themselves any good putting a 90 hp engine in a relatively heavy car. The 100 hp ’53 TR 2 would eat these alive.
“The shape of things to come” , well they missed the mark with that , jelly bean is more like it.
I drove one of these as a loner and thought it was pretty peppy , but my regular car was a Volvo 144.
seeing this and the nissan below it reminds me of the Japanese S600. A honda copy (I’d say) of the spitfire lemans gt fast back we saw in (locally) the typical mustard yellow just a day or so ago (GT6) here.
What might one site as design elements for the 240z?
Unfortunately they did this to their bikes too (sell/modify for the usa buyers). By then the arbitrage, 1/4ly reports/stock, etc – “doom” was in. The corps did that to our tool’n die industry bout the same time. From Springfield, VT to New Haven, CT we had the world by the short hairs but the bean counters hada get rida it. Sold it off shore, created the rust belt, scramblin to get it back now (20 yrs w/o success). Cleveland’n Detroit are doing it right~
” If you’re into these wedge-shaped fun machines, could this TR7 have a future in your garage?” The future of all TR7’s is life in a garage as they don’t run very long.
That is brilliant!
Factory was dumping American Spec ‘79 TR-7 in England through the BX Germany to the GI’s for $2,990. Ran great when it ran. Couldn’t keep it on the road. Dumped it in ‘81. Good luck keeping it going.
I owned a white 1977 TR7 for many years. It was a blast to drive. It held the road better than most cars available at the time. I never had any problems with it. Regular maintenance really helped. At about 90,000 miles the spot welds on the driver’s side shock tower gave up without any warning. Time to sell it. No one wanted to fix it. Too bad. I really loved that car. Thank you British Leyland!
The quick and good fix for the shock tower problem is called nuts and bolts. Fixed a few that way and the bolts look like they are are supposed to be there and the paint is still good.
–Thank you British Leyland –, if you want a job as a comedian, maybe some dive in Las Vega´s red light district will offer you one.
I had a 77, purest form of garbage I could find, water pumps were unobtainium! Best left parked.
Thanks for the write-up Russ! Everyone, this is my TR7 listed for sale. Here is the updated craigslist listing: https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/englewood-1980-triumph-tr7-30th/7654129836.html
This 30th Anniversary Edition TR7 is optioned with the original AM/FM Cassette Radio, Bosch Fog Lights, Moto Lita Steering Wheel, Co-co floor mats, Alloy Wheels, 4 Tip Monza Exhaust, and a Front Spoiler.
Originally from California, this TR7 is equipped with the Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system, making this one special TR7. The Engine and 5-Speed Manual Transmission have been rebuilt and a light restoration was finished this past year. Everything works and has been maintained by a local british car shop. The body is clean and was painted by the previous owner, NO RUST. The interior is all new, including a new top and boot cover. This TR7 is in excellent driving condition. Included with the sale are many extra parts, receipts, the original owners manual, a British Heritage Certificate, and a Clean Colorado Title in my name. I also have an up to date passing emissions test that will be included for your registration.
Why don’t you have is auction it for you? Way better than dealing with scammers and tire kickers on craigslist. Here’s more info: https://barnfinds.com/auctions/about/
No offense, but if I’d auction it, I’d use BaT.
TR7 is now sold. Thanks!