While this car is advertised as a Triumph Dolomite, it was built using a completely different car – the economy-minded, front-wheel drive 1500. The body cues are similar, but the Dolomite was a rear-wheel drive dynamo, especially the “Sprint” variant with its 2.0-liter engine – which is what resides underhood here. So if you don’t mind mutts, find this one on facebook Marketplace, where the seller wants $6,500. The car is located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and JDC alerted us to this unusual listing – thanks!
The original Triumph 1500 was launched in 1970 as a compact saloon, fitted with an underachieving 60 hp four-cylinder engine – but dressed up nicely inside. In 1973, the car was reconfigured to rear-wheel drive and given a couple more ponies. Meanwhile, the Dolomite had arrived a year earlier, as a reasonable competitor to BMW’s 2002, Alfa’s Alfetta, and Fiat’s 124. The Dolomite’s 1854 cc slant four cranked out 90 hp, capable of propelling the little saloon to 100 mph. When the Sprint variant arrived, its multi-valve 2.0-liter delivered 127 hp, improved torque, and a 119 mph top speed. A beefier gearbox and differential, more sophisticated suspension, and better brakes rounded out the performance package. The seller’s car has been well-maintained and was reliable enough to complete Club Triumph’s 2022 “10 Country Run” in Europe. The car was imported shortly after the Run. The seller notes that it needs an exhaust gasket and that the gearbox leaks.
No photos of the interior were included in the ad, so we nabbed this from the embedded video. The car is right-hand drive, and the dash is attractive, but otherwise it’s impossible to judge its condition from the abbreviated views we’re provided. The 1500 had a few upscale finishes, but the Dolomite was on another level entirely. We don’t know which approach the builder took here.
Like the Dolomite, this car has been crafted with a vinyl top. The trim is tidy and bright, though the seller notes bubbling in the paint on one rear door. Like many customized cars, beauty is in the eye of the beholder – and I’m talking mostly about price here. What’s this little mutt worth? Considering that its performance should be pretty spritely – though short of the much more expensive BMW 2002 – but that it’s a right-hand drive in a left-hand country, the price seems right to me. What do you think?
Oh how I lusted after the Dolly Sprint (almost) growing up. Handsome upper mgt level car like the Rover P5B. This one just doesn’t scratch the same itch, though it’s nice to see something still exists.