I’ve noticed in the last few years that the much-maligned Triumph TR7 has finally approached collectible status. One of the things that are universally felt by enthusiasts is that TR7 build quality got better as time went on and problems were addressed. This 1980 model located in Englewood, Colorado is one of the later cars and is certainly a bargain right now — it’s listed for sale here on eBay and the auction has only gotten up to $250 with no reserve!
That pretty Pageant Blue shade sets off a TR7 nicely. I’m pretty sure this isn’t the original paint as there is some overspray in the underhood pictures, but it is the original Triumph color. Dual dual (does that make it quad?) Monza-type exhaust tips mean it will sound a little better, albeit louder, than a stock TR7. A nice improvement and one I fitted to one of the TR7s I’ve owned. Yes, I have fallen under the spell of the Wedge three times so far in my life. I regret selling two of them–the other one was the oldest and managed to have almost every stereotypical TR7 problem known to man.
The TR7/TR8 convertible top is one of the best designs fitted to a classic British sports car and I’m pretty sure this one would be fine once it was cleaned up. I think those windows are dusty, not cloudy. It’s a shame the top has been up for so long to get that dirty! The seller tells us that the car is complete, including a rebuilt radiator (in the passenger seat in the pictures) but needs the cooling system reassembled. I’m a little puzzled there as it doesn’t seem like a lot of work to get the car running again, in which case it would surely be worth more. Which brings the whole overheating/TR7 warped cylinder head thing into question. Honestly, I would go into this project expecting to replace a water pump and cylinder head and then be pleasantly surprised if that were not the case. It’s still a bargain at the moment!
Although the aftermarket seat covers wouldn’t make it past the first stop on my way home, the interior of a TR7 is one of the highlights. Unlike a lot of small British cars, the TR7 has truly comfortable seats and a nice driving position. The five-speed transmission is also a delight as long as the shifter bushings have been replaced — a several-hour but <$25 job.
I was also surprised to see that the car has fuel injection, meaning it was probably a California car to begin with. Perhaps that explains the nice condition of the body. Do you think this wedge is cheesy, or a hunk of great Cheddar? Let us know in the comments!
Even as they were starting to build the TR8 they never got the head gasket problem fixed on the 4 cylinder. Shortly after that they stopped production as the turmoil of the British car industry overwhelmed a good portion of the total car manufacturing process, which never recovered.
I guess I was just “lucky.” I had bought a used TR-7 with 60k and put another 60k on it, with no real trouble besides maintenance. I had bought it with stuck headlights, but the prior owner had taken it to the dealer for service and repair. I will say, I really liked two things at the time, good handling and room for a 6’2″ driver. It wasn’t fast, but still entreating to drive. I still think the wedge look, is a bit ugly with those Disneyland kiddie car bumpers. I still see them around So Cal collecting dirt at bargain prices.
I had a ’80 in college (in 81) that had a/c that never worked. Had a steering wheel wobble ar 60 mph no one could fix. Speed limit was 55 then so it really bothered me. Never broke down and fun to drive. Orange with black top.
Sound’s like Earl’s dead. Let’s see who “gets it” ;-)
There’s a very easy conversion of these to a Buick V6. The only problem is that it will burn rubber in every gear.
Dude, that’s panhard rods were invented!!!!
OMG, u poor man. U plagued yourself with 3 of the biggest POS ever. I owned 1. That was enough to turn me away from anything From Britain. Ok I d take pippa Middleton
While I will admit I thought these were a pretty “left field” maneuver by what was my favorite car manufacturer, I soon grew to like them. In the case of the later cars, the steering wheel is kind of meh…like they didn’t really put much thought into it. But it was better than that awful “pillow” design the early cars had.
I even kind of like the bumpers, they fit in with the whole chunky vibe of this design.
If I had a garage I would be tempted to bid on this.
Jamie, thank you, the car was made at a difficult time in England, and I agree that the later cars of this model are much better than the earlier. I had a neighbor who had an early car and it was nothing but trouble. This, however, may prove to be enjoyable and unique to own. The later cars were much more tractable, less trouble and generally more fun. Someone should buy this, I have no room, give it what it needs, and enjoy.
I’m very tempted on this one. I always loved the TR7. And it’s a ragtop and fuel injectors (Californian equipment). And I don’t see rust!
The dash looks to not be cracked.
Hmmmmm….
Just might bite on this one!
I’ve never managed to drive one, but my mom bought a hardtop new in Anchorage, AK, drove it without incident for several years and had to sell it, very reluctantly, when she and her husband moved down to Missouri. It was too big for their motorhome to trailer … She had a couple of cars after that, including the Geo Metro (Suzuki 3-cylinder hatchback) she put a vast number of miles on, but the Triumph was her high point. I’ve got several friends who’ve had TR8s, and warned me off of them, but that’s all. I have to say the closest I’ve come to any experience with this engine was its big brother, the Triumph Stag, whose V8 is basically two of these. Now, THERE was an overheating pig!
’73 vette front bumper haters need to look at the one here.
Question when people sale a drop top send a few pictures with it drop .Oh might fall apart
My ’76 TR7 was the same color. I bought it for the color, actually…
Well my buddy has had several of these vehicles and loved them all. In fact I have a last year 81 convertible with only 6+k miles on her in show condition that I must regrettably sell now that I’m moving out of the US…..maybe put if up for auction soon sometime….and of course will have to tip off BarnFinds!!!
The shape of things to come…..