This little factoid blows my mind: it is estimated only 200 Triumph TR8 coupes are still on the roads in North America. Granted, I hardly ever see them and the only other example I saw was in a junkyard in Baltimore years ago. This poor TR8 obviously suffered from a hard front-end impact and was retired to a junkyard in Ocala, Florida before a rebuild attempt could commence. Find it here on eBay with an opening bid of $300 and no reserve.
Ouch! That had to hurt. While I’m sure there’s plenty of work to be done under the hood and behind the front valence, the bulk of this damage could be addressed with a front clip from a solid TR7 donor. Unless, of course, the TR8 received unique sheetmetal, in which case I will stand corrected. Regardless, the bigger opponent here may be rust, as it’s clearly already attacking the door bottoms.
I’m not surprised this TR8 is located in Ocala. When my in-laws still lived in Florida, my most successful junkyard jaunts happened in this part of the state. This TR8 has been used for parts, with the steering wheel gone and various trim and glass broken or stripped along the way. Still, these are fairly basic components that can be sourced given the vast network of Triumph owners and parts sellers. I dig the plaid pattern on the seats and door panels.
Other data suggests there were only ever 400 TR8 coupes made from 1978-1980. It’s a shame, as the Rover V8 engine was lauded for its performance and reliability. The TR8, in my opinion, was what the TR7 always should have been. It had the muscular body but needed the brawn of a V8 mill. The odds are against this TR8 returning to the roads, but perhaps someone with more money and about the same amount of sense as I have will attempt to keep one more of the 200 left alive.
Looks like its happy right where it is. I think we just leave the sleeping dog lie..
Not surprised the front end took a hit like this, as these cars had more engine that brake. Another car that folks have said “why don’t these move up in price” but just stayed on the bottom. I think really it missed the current crop of younger buyers floating the market to buy their “it” cars and languished compared to traditional muscle cars favored by most.
The sheet metal for the TR8 is indeed the same as it was for the TR7 -along with pretty much everything else. Sadly though – this TR8 is right where it belongs – in the junk yard. I don’t see any reason to attempt to save this car – they’re only worth at the most $15,000 in 100% perfect condition – and the TR8 coupes bring less than than the convertible ones. It’s going to cost you a lot more than $15,000 to put this pile of junk back together. About the only thing this would be good for would be to snag the motor, transmission and rear end out of it (assuming those are any good) and put it in a TR7 with a decent body and build your own TR8. I guess a few little trinkets light those tail lights, luggage rack and possibly the glass could be salvaged — but the car as a whole? Hell no. Plus they don’t even have a title for the car. Even if you wanted to build a race car out of it, all the body panels seem shot and I wouldn’t be shocked if the frame was rusted out as well. No point in ‘saving’ this car — a sight chance of snagging some parts to build yer own TR8. If you wanted to do that, then ya it’d be worth the openig bid of 300 bucks IF the motor spins freely and isn’t locked up.
I know a man who dabbled in British Cars, and as they were The Last, bought a new TR8 as an investment… I wonder if this is it?
Hang on sec. only 400 built, and there are still 200 on the road? That is an amazing survival rate after almost 40 years!
fake news!
I’ve always heard that the TR8 coupes were “preproduction” TR8s whatever that means.
77 and 78 coupes were preproduction and were not sold to the public. They were used as demonstrators by the dealers and then sold a year or two later. The 79 and 80 coupes were production cars and sold o the public.
Have to agree that this is a parts car, nothing more.
As for one of its major parts—the engine—best not to assume its going to be usable as-is. Many of these aluminum engines had a problem with the cylinder liners coming slightly loose and moving up and down a little with each piston stroke. I was going to buy one until I heard the tell-tale clicking at idle. They can be fixed, but at a cost. Looking at this car I would be surprised if the engine wasn’t toast, besides any cylinder liner movement.
The loose liners problem really only affected the later versions of these motors in 4.0 and 4.6 litre form in the Discovery and Range Rover, the earlier 3.5s as in this TR8 rarely if ever give trouble. It’ something to do with operating the later engines at a higher running temperature for emission control reasons. The only big trouble the 215/3.5s have is camshaft trouble and worn lifters from old oil, plus the usual corrosion problems from aluminum engines with the wrong or no antifreeze.The 3.5s are about as reliable as you’d expect a 1960s Buick V8 to be.
No chance this will live. It was rusting in 1981.
Ocala? The Ebay ad says Sarasota.
Blecch!
Looks like a flood car to me. Not good news for any electrical components… not that anything Lucas made would be good after 40 years anyway.
204 TR8 FHC were produced, not including prototypes. So, no, there aren’t 200 left.
And, no, this one isn’t left. Not much there of any value.
More than 300 were made and I have tracked down over 200, not all of those have survived but a lot of them,
Always liked the taught shape of the TR7. A TR7 with a factory aluminum V8 sounds like the perfect way to stand out on “British Car Show and Shine”. Is this the right car to pursue that endeavour? Ummmm…..
I saw the headline and the pics weren’t loading, I thought this might be my TR8 convertible I have on CL, also an ambitious project due to rust, and it’s been changed to non power rack steering, missing the PS pump and AC compressor. I need to call a local guy that has several 7s and 8s, even a TR8 coupe like this, but I think he’s stopped collecting them.
https://pensacola.craigslist.org/cto/d/1980-triumph-tr8-project-old/6483220313.html
Yank the engine, toss the rest .. parts car!
Sorry. Never in a million years.
That said as a small child (think 5/6) I was obsessed with the wedge shape as it just evoked speed to me. I remember playing with my matchbox car, with my older brothers patiently trying to explain to me that the Porsche 911 is faster.
Sadly, I did the math regarding taking the mechanicals and moving them to a good TR7 shell. They don’t compute well.
Sad. :-(
bury it.
My sister had one and I got to drive it. Gotta say it was thrilling.
I love the shape of these cars, but they will never be as iconic or as collectable as the TR 6. I own a 1975 TR 7, in reasonable condition, which gets lots of attention at shows. Roll on Spring!
I didnt realise a TR8 existed. I know the engine well, it must be an interesting car.
Shall keep an eye out for one. Learn something new every day.
Original prototype for sale for circa $15k.
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C954469
It was a fast little car, almost too fast for the body and brakes etc.
I think the TR 7 was just a family car in disguise, even the tranny in my car is the same as the Morris Marina, not even 5 speed!
This definitely a donor car for a MGB V8 or convert a TR7. The 7 was definitely useless w/o the 8. The 7 starts off with a pinched head gasket anyway, yank it and install a V8, too easy. Why any of the coupes ever got here in the first place is strange, vert all the way. Who wouldn’t want the wind in their hair is beyond me. I love driving around with the top down in the winter and the heat going just right. Make your car, whoever/whatever, your special. There are hundreds of this and that restored so make yours custom for you. I used to want it stock when I was a kid but now I’m up for my own style. Looking at Chucks still for an idea, CNG TR8 with no spare tire, just smooth floor. If anybody is wondering I used to work at British Car Service in the 80s, I wish I had a donor like this one. I would have never rebuilt my 4, just V8 it.
I wonder is it a Fueli or carb?