Ah, the Triumph TR8: one of the most under-the-radar muscle cars ever built. The combination of classic British styling with a burly V8 never gets old, and the TR8 is definitely one to buy if you love the idea of a Sunbeam Tiger but don’t want to shell out the necessary dough to buy one. This TR8 has been with the second owner for 30 years and appears to have been looked after during that time. Find it here on craigslist for $12,000.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Pat L. for the find. The TR8 may have looked like a standard TR7 from the side profile and even the general stance – no extra-wide tires or unique alloy wheels here – but the badges on the trunk lid let you know what’s up. When it comes to small details, seeing the decals still in good shape and not completely faded or otherwise missing is a good indication this TR8 has been carefully stored, or at least not left to rot outside in the sun.
The interior is also holding up well, which is not necessarily easy to achieve given the quality of materials and construction coming out of British car factories in the 1980s. The seller notes the seats have been professionally recovered and that the visors and console lid are new. Coco mats have been added to give the interior some additional period-correct style, and the A/C was working before the compressor was removed due to a persistent leak in the system. The seller claims all of the original components remain intact, and he will include a new compressor in the sale.
The convertible top is original to the car and in excellent condition, with new windows sewn in during the seller’s ownership. He notes he has driven the TR8 in the rain without issue, and that a Snugtop hardtop is also included in the sale. Mechanically, the TR8 has been treated to a performance-minded rebuild, with an aftermarket camshaft, mild porting job, forged pistons, enlarged oil passages, and more. Put simply, this TR8 comes from the sort of seller you want to buy from, and the price seems hard to beat when you stack it up against the investment he’s made over the last 30 years.
You really don’t see many TR8 cars. What was their slogan back in the 70’s with the TR7? I believe it was “the shape of things to come”. Never really cared for the TR7 but I agree with Jeff the V8 makes this car special. Add to what the owner has done to improve the engine and this car is a no brainer to me at 12K.
Triumph owners also called the TR7 and TR8 “Wedgies”.
The TR8 used the Buick/Oldsmobile all-aluminium V8 215 cu in (3.52 L) that Rover acquired from General Motors.
A $50k car in Australia
After reading and seeing all pictures on both site. Not one of the engine. Is the engine in the TR8? Or this is a push car. I read about what was done to the motor. And yes it was disappointing it was not shown. Minor rust otherwise clean Triumph. Worth the money. Good luck to the seller. 🐻🇺🇸
Good looking car…. I like it!!!
Had one of these for many years and must say it was not a muscle car by any measure. It is however a very comfortable cruiser in which you can easily spend hours enjoying road trips in comfort. The cabin is wide, quite roomy and despite the cheap materials, very functional.
The a/c has always been problematic on these cars and many chose to just remove it. However when working is wonderful to have on hot summer days.
A lot of people were not fans of “The Shape of the Future” but I always found it handsome.
They need to be kept under cover as the bodies find moisture wherever it may be and rust is insidious.
This car does seem to have been well cared for and price is more than fair. Just don’t expect head snapping acceleration, even with souped up motor. More like a Mercedes roadster, it is a sporty fun car with a lovely exhaust sound
Can we talk about the red Ducati in background?