- Seller: Michael Y (Contact)
- Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Mileage: 24,079 Shown
- Chassis #: TPVDV8AT214214
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 3.5-Liter V8
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
This 1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible has spent its life in a dry location, helping to keep it rust-free. It runs and drives well, and has a genuine 24,000 miles on the clock. A recent list of mechanical work ensures that its only needs are cosmetic, which the buyer could tackle at their leisure. The owner has enjoyed this classic, but feels the time is right for the Triumph to find a new home. Therefore, he has listed this British survivor exclusively with us at Barn Finds with an asking price of $12,500.
Triumph released the TR8, a more powerful derivative of its TR7, in 1980. Initially available solely as a Coupe, the Convertible joined the fray mere months later. This first-year example is a survivor that has spent its life in Texas, where the state’s dry climate has protected it from rust. It is worth scrolling through the image gallery to discover how clean the underside is. It retains its original paint on the floors, with minor surface corrosion on some mechanical components as the only signs of age. Externally, the paint looks tired, with a few minor bumps and bruises. The seller also states that a previous owner drilled twenty-four small (⅛”) holes in the body to attach trim. However, eliminating these during an exterior cosmetic refresh would be pretty easy and rewarding. What makes it particularly attractive is that the Triumph is rust-free and presentable as-is; the work could occur at the buyer’s leisure. The soft-top is new, while the trim and glass are in good condition. The owner updated the headlights to LED, while the original 13″ wheels have been powder-coated silver with a clear top coat to present in as-new condition.
The performance of the Triumph TR7 was considered quite underwhelming, but the TR8 eliminated that criticism in one stroke. Triumph ditched the 1,998cc four-cylinder motor and replaced it with Rover’s glorious all-aluminum 3.5-liter V8. The beauty of this motor was that it added no significant weight over the front axle, so the car’s handling remained crisp and sure-footed. However, the true strength revealed itself when the driver planted the right foot, because the V8 produced a very healthy 148hp and 165 ft/lbs of torque. With a curb weight of about 2,650 lbs, the TR8 delivered impressive performance without the driver needing to row the five-speed manual transmission. This TR8 is a gem, having covered a mere 24,000 miles. The owner recently replaced the tires, the water pumps, and the belts. He fitted new clutch master and slave cylinders, while the brakes also benefit from a new master cylinder and other components. Add new shocks, struts, plugs, wires, tie rod ends, and transmission fluid to the equation, and it is easy to see why this TR8 is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
The TR8’s interior is trimmed in vinyl and plaid cloth matching the soft-top color, and its condition is quite impressive. The tops of the door trims are faded, but they aren’t split or cracked. The remaining upholstered surfaces look excellent, which is consistent with the mileage claim. The dash and pad are crack-free, and the carpet, console, and plastic show no evidence of problems. The owner confirms that the air conditioning is inoperative, which is the only known functional issue. Of course, some potential buyers won’t worry, because dropping the top will provide plenty of cool air. The factory radio has been replaced with an aftermarket stereo, which is the only visible modification.
Although it isn’t perfect, this 1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible is a rock-solid survivor presenting acceptably in its current form. It would really pop with a fresh coat of paint, and the relative rarity of these early Convertible variants makes that process worthwhile. However, the new owner can take their time to contemplate their next move because there is no rust to attend to. The asking price is extremely competitive, making this TR8 worth a closer look.
Triumphs of this era commonly have very low miles for all the wrong reasons.
That being said, lots were from inadequate maintenance, as they were no Celica, that is for sure. Owner groups have created a better car than the factory put out, in many cases. Loving that interior, bring out your inner Jackie Stewart.
I don’t believe they made a TR8 in 1978. It looks more like a 1980 1/2 because of the gray dashboard. Prior to that it was black. Had an 80 1/2 TR7. Great car, even drove it in the New Jersey winters without a problem. Of course, weber downdrafts carbs w/ manual choke, headers, cat delete plus all pollution items removed. Always passed inspection.
Triumph should’ve made an (o)ff-(r)oad version, called it the TR8OR.
Sure like the idea of a small V8 in this little package. I think the engine could be modernized for better & more reliable power, maybe balance it for a sweet, sweet 7000RPM redline. I see a few restomods that look fantastic.
I prefer these in coupe form, but the ‘vert is more common, I think. Have always liked the angular wing-shape of the body, but the wheels & tires always seemed kinda tiny.
Any chance the usual set of videos will be posted? (walk around, cold start, driving,…)