The TR7 was an interesting sports car built by Triumph from 1975 to 1981. Its wedge-like appearance was capitalized upon in the company’s marketing campaign, “the shape of things to come”. More than 141,000 of the inline-4 versions of the car were built (there was also a V8), with a majority of them destined for sale in the U.S. This first-year edition has been in a barn for the past 30 years due to a bad engine. Mother Nature and time have taken a toll on the body, too. Located in Minnetonka, Minnesota, this British project is available here on craigslist for $2,500. Thanks to Pat L. for digging this tip up for us!
British Leyland owned Triumph at the time the TR7 was in production. The car was introduced in the U.S. more than a year before it was sold on its home turf due to higher-than-expected demand in America. I remember these as fun cars to drive as a friend of mine owned a yellow one that he drove once from Texas to Florida for a visit. Most of them had a 1,998-cc engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. An automatic was available, but why – that would simply diminish the experience?!
As was the case with most British autos of the era, the TR7 was not exempt from rust, and we see some on the trunk lid of the seller’s car. Given the dirt floor in the barn where it’s apparently lived for three decades, it would not be surprising to find more once you freed the car from its captivity. The Royal Blue paint has likely worn out its welcome, but it would be interesting to see what it would look like with a section having wax applied to the finish.
The engine of this TR gave out at 70,000 miles, hence its exile. So, you’re going to have to either rebuild or replace it to see any activity coming from under the hood. The interior is black and may be okay, but the couple of photos provided are just too dark to make much out. The seller isn’t looking for an arm and a leg at the asking price, but restoring this sports car to its former glory is going to require a decent financial investment on the part of the buyer. Parts car, maybe?
Gawd, parking bench bumpers are so fugly. I’d rather have the old ones and be rear-ended and take my chances..
I have to agree with 8banger, proportionally speaking that rear bumper is one of the largest I’ve ever seen. Almost looks like there is another car underneath it.
I meant to say park bench…not enough coffee…
The TR6s were beautiful, esp in BRG, but the TR7s? Like a nut that fell off the ugly tree.
After seeing the rear lid, would love to see underneath.
I’d prefer its bigger brother, the TR8 instead, with the BOP/Rover 215 V8 instead of the four banger. The styling is polarizing, but I kind of like it, although I will concede that with the top up visibility to the rear approaches zero. My biggest complaint with these though, is that the suspension design is a step backwards, with the live axle replacing the the fully independent suspension used in its immediate predecessor, the TR-6. I also prefer the TR-6 for the “straight” six cylinder engine and body-on-frame construction in place of the “unibody” construction employed by the TR7/8.
The TR7 sticker between the headlights signifies that this car was built in Speke, which was one big labor dispute that was ultimately won by the union members who didn’t want to do any work. TR7s sold as fast as they could convince the Speke malcontents to slap them together in their early years, and they vanished from the roads just as fast. By 1981 you might have thought that the hardtops had just been a dream, since the only ones still on the roads were the convertibles that were introduced in 1979, after production had been moved to Solihull.
I actually kind of like TR7s, but they were terribly built when they were at their most popular, and they were also built at a time when regulators had the jump on the ability of manufacturers to build cars that could meet the regulations. If you want one, I’d suggest buying the best, most rust-free one you can find. It won’t cost you anything like as much as rust repair and paint.
I currently own a 1980 tr7 convertible to say it’s challenging would be an understatement I’m on my 3rd engine went out on ebay and bought a running tr7 for $600 with delivery I’d pass on this!
“Still In The Barn”!
I’d leave this particular one exact where it stands.
One of the critical problems on this engine is the cooling fluids. Unless you do it exactly right you will get air pockets in the head and that will cause warping and other issues. I have seen more than a few of these engines destroyed because of this. I also prefer the straight six of the TR-6 or the V-8. Much easier to maintain and in general more usable torque. I really hated the styling of the coupes, the convertibles I liked and the interior was much better than the TR-6. Much more room and a fun touch was the plaid seat and door materials.
Being in Minnesota does not help the prospects of the body in any way, especially when viewed from the perspective of the trunk lid.
I had an 80 convertible back in the late 80s. I liked it. I went from a MGB to it. That was an upgrade.
This is fairly close to me. But seems like the price is pretty high considering the engine is bad and rust.
My brother bought one 7-8 years ago that was rust free and running, and I don’t think for much more than this. He did rebuild the engine over the winter because he thought it wasn’t strong enough.
May as well put a rover v8 in this one, if the rust isn’t too bad. But really this is probably parts
TR-7s are a nightmare same as the Fiat X-19 just stay away
From dust you were born, and dust you will return.
I have seen several runners with minimal rust issues for $2500-$2000 Canadian Pesos. They were also newer and therefore less likely to be bug ridden like the earlier cars.
I would not pay more than $800 Canadian for that car.
If you look there are lots around.
I think the wedge is going to become a more appreciated car in the future.
Hey, I remember trading two cases of beer for a running Superbeetle 40 years ago.
Beautiful car poor engineering add nonexistent labor putting them together. Walk away. Look for a TR8 or better a 6.