I have always believed that the Triumph TR7 deserved greater sales success than it eventually achieved. The styling doesn’t appeal to everyone, but the same can be said of almost any classic. Perhaps its greatest hurdle was the company’s decision not to offer a soft-top version until 1979, which many view as being four years too late. This 1980 TR7 Drophead Coupe (DHC or Convertible) is a clean and tidy classic that has scored a few show trophies. It isn’t perfect, but it could be an affordable turnkey option that you could park in your garage as summer approaches. The seller has listed the Triumph here on eBay in Morton, Pennsylvania. Bidding sits at $4,001 in a No Reserve auction.
The Triumph TR7 hit North American showrooms in January 1975 and, as was often the case with British sports cars, the company sold more cars in the US market than in its home country. The Drophead Coupe (DHC), or Convertible, joined the range in 1979, remaining available until production ended in October 1981. The seller admits that this 1980 DHC received a repaint in its original Russet prior to their purchase in 2020. It still presents nicely, with only a few minor chips and marks that are only visible up close. The panels are straight, and the top fits extremely well. Rust can be a major drama with TR7s, although the later cars were less prone than early examples. This DHC has a couple of spots, which are limited to the front fenders forward of the wheel arches. It appears that they might be patchable, and with the underside and remaining lower extremities rock-solid, are the only areas requiring work with a grinder and welder. The trim is in good condition, and the glass is clear. The seller actively encourages in-person inspections, suggesting that they are confident that this classic doesn’t hide any secrets.
It is frustrating that the seller supplies no engine photos, but the 1980 TR7 was only offered with one powerplant. It utilizes the same four-cylinder that initially saw service in the Dolomite, with the capacity enlarged to 1,998cc. Shifting duties fall to a five-speed manual, and although the power and torque figures of 92hp and 100 ft/lbs don’t suggest neck-snapping performance, the car’s curb weight of around 2,300 lbs makes the DHC surprisingly energetic and very economical. Potential buyers can consider this TR7 as a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well. The engine springs to life easily, the car runs and drives well, and the seller includes some additional parts that aren’t specified.
The seller supplies no close-up interior shots, making it virtually impossible to assess this Triumph’s interior condition. However, there appear to be no gaping holes in the Tan trim, the dash is crack-free, and I can’t spot any obvious broken plastic. It appears that the factory radio has made way for an aftermarket stereo, which might be the only addition. This doesn’t represent an iron-clad guarantee regarding the interior condition, but the fact that this DHC has recently accumulated a couple of show trophies could indicate that there are no significant interior shortcomings.
I have often wondered whether the Triumph TR7 would have achieved greater success if it hadn’t fallen victim to a unique set of circumstances. The ongoing battle between company management and the workforce delayed production, reduced build totals, and adversely impacted vehicle quality. The early cars fell foul to a myriad of problems, but many had been eliminated by the time this Drophead Coupe emerged from the Solihull factory. It has only attracted seven bids, with the listing view and Watch List tallies suggesting that the action may not intensify as the auction end draws near. If that proves the case, this TR7 could fall comfortably within the affordable category. Those reasons make this an auction well worth watching.
A buddy of mine, doing about 50 mph, crashed and wedged one of these under a mobile home/ trailer at night. They had to bring in a crane to lift the trailer to get him and the car out. Everyone thought he was dead because he stopped responding to the fire department. He was actually drunk, so he told us he knew it would take a while so he decided to take a nap.
Why is there a ladder on the trunk(boot) lid?
Luggage rack.
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, is that what it is. I didn’t know Home Depot sold luggage racks ….. . . . .
LOL – good one!
I think Triumph TR7 was (badly) built at BL’s Speke factory, Liverpool. Solihull was the home of Rover.
After all these years, I can still not find anything good to say on the Triumph TR7…ugly, slow, unreliable.
I purchased a 1977 TR7 in the late 70s. Initially I went to go look at a TR6. My buddy went along with me and when we got the we both couldn’t fit in it. He was rocking 280+ pounds and I was hovering around the 250s. So I was shown the TR7. We barely shoe horned into that and had to overlap shoulders for me to drive. I know the sales staff had a good laugh after we left.
I was ‘Old school’ Triumph in this day and never really got into these. Now that I am older, I am liking them! if this is a good runner, the price is extremely reasonable by todays standards. If I didn’t have so many cars, I would consider this!
The other end the state for me to look at. Bad l leg, don’t know if I could get in.
Had both (new) a 3b and a 4a. Loved them both. 3b had a wiring problem.
Buried the needle in 4a trying to keep up with a big t bird, he left me like I was sitting still at 105-110.
I’ve owned one of these for 11 yrs I’m on my 3rd motor and had to buy a parts car mine is royal blue and bisque no luggage rack minilite wheels don’t buy one of these unless you’re an extremely talented mechanic that has access to a machine shop and a very large wallet! Lol!
I had one of these for a year (courtesy of my employer. It was off a 5 year lease). It was slow, but it was comfortable enough (for a 29 year old) and the only real problems I had were caused by the so-called British car specialist who fried some electrics when he pinched wires during a clutch job and couldn’t balance the carbs. Parts were expensive and when we had an unexpected snow fall it took 4 of us to push it into the garage but it was tossable and generally fun to drive.
Had one…never again.
I’d want to actually see those rust spots (why no photos?), but this is one of thevsharper TR7s I’ve seen. And I love the color (because that’s the color of the Spitfire I used to own).
@JDC- Stick around. There will be more rust spots in a few days.
Had a 76 coupe with the original 4 cylinder, 4 speed. Handled good, comfortable and got complements on the looks. Coupe seemed like a pretty solid chassis. Swapped out the 4cyl for a Buick 215. Stock four barrel, mild cam, poor mans TR8. I believe that if Triumph had put the 215 in these from day one that these cars would be looked at completely differently. Should have been the standard engine. Fast enough to be fun, still handled good and was even decent on gas. The other quirks the car had didn’t matter as much when it had enough power to have a good time with. Car was very reliable with the Buick
The seller welched out of their No Reserve auction when they realized it wasn’t going to sell for high enough, so they ended the auction early and it is now listed for 9K.
Why they think it will sell for 9K when it wouldn’t even bring half that amount is a mystery. Guess they really want to hold onto it.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/396325665529
Mar 15: US $4,000.00
7 bids
Ended
Reserve not met
This is not accurate. Please see my comment directly above yours.
“Bidding ended on Sat, Mar 15 at 6:51 AM. The seller has relisted this item or one like this.”
Seller reneged on the No Reserve auction, ended it early, and relisted it for 9K.