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.
Very much doubt that’s was a fwd as the shell was different especially the trunk area which was shorter & it became the rwd Toledo 1300/1500.
That was probably a 1500 dolomite & a very early one as they were launched in 71 ( the J on the end of the tag signifies this) that tag ( EPL— J was only issued between jan- jun 71 in the county of Surrey & stays with the vehicle all it’s life) it was here in the UK until the fall of 22.
You’re correct; the FWD body was different. There was also a RWD badged as a 1500TC, which this might have been, given the dashboard. They were quite a quick car for the time; kind of Escort 1600 Sport market.
If the Sprint motor’s good, it’ll be a nice wee car. Sprint had an overdrive too; can’t remember if the TC did. TC is rarer than the Sprint, but less desirable.
I know both this car and its seller. Absolutely stand-up guy and the car is WAY undervalued at this price. If I had a slot I’d be an owner. I bought a 2000 Mk. I SEm last year so this will have to go to someone else.
Interesting car. I would live to test drive it.
You´d need to be curious and confident to take this on in the USA. As commentators above have made clear, it would be very hard to re-engineer a FWD 1500 into one of these. The Sprint engine version was successful in racing against 2002s in the UK and rallied against Escorts, so is no slouch. I´d prefer a factory car, though. Unlike with Escort Mk1/Mk2, I ´m not aware of many Dolomite Sprints being built fron lesser Dolomites.
But the usual Triumph thing of cleverly repurposing existing components with ambitious engines but insufficient development budget gained the Dolomite Sprint a poor reliability record. Maybe this is less the case these days but thought-provoking if you are in the USA without useful Triumph people nearby. Dolomite has very little in common with the TR sports cars.
The Dolomite was well-trimmed and always 4 door, but neither well-built nor spacious. Likeable.
This is a dirt cheap gem of a car.