1981 Triumph TR8
Video Gallery
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1981 Triumph TR8 Ride-Along Part 1
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1981 Triumph TR8 Ride-Along Part 2
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1981 Triumph TR8 Driving
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1981 Triumph TR8 Cold Start
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1981 Triumph TR8 Walk-Around and Idle
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1981 Triumph TR8 Exhaust Idle
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1981 Triumph TR8 Revving
Description
In 1975, Triumph unveiled the TR7, a sleek, wedge-shaped sports car designed by Harris Mann. There was quickly demand for more power leading to the introduction of the TR8. Essentially a TR7 with an aluminum 3.5-liter V8 engine, the TR8's cockpit offered a comfortable experience with more space compared to the TR4 series and TR6 cars. Ventilation was greatly improved, and air conditioning was available as an option. According to Road & Track, the TR8 boasted excellent ride, handling, braking, and fuel economy, earning it the nickname the "English Corvette" for its outstanding performance and accessible price. This particular TR8 is a nicely presented example that has enhanced driving performance due to several upgrades completed under current ownership, the details of which are explained below.
Highlights
Finished in Pendilican White, the body has been wrapped in light gray 3M wrap with navy blue racing stripes
The interior was reupholstered in blue vinyl with the earlier style blue plaid centers with blue carpets
Powered by a 3.5-liter V8 with a Holley carburetor
Equipped with a five-speed manual transmission that has been upgraded with a short-shift kit
In the summer of 2021, TWS Motors (formerly The Wedge Shop) of Taunton, Massachusetts, replaced the camshaft, lifters, timing chain and valve springs, starter, pinion seal, spark plug wire, brake lines, suspension bushings, shock absorbers, springs, power steering pump, hoses, and installed an aluminum radiator, a 123 distributor, LED bulbs, among other items
Recent service work includes replacement of the oil pan and oil filter housing gaskets
Outfitted with 15-inch Minilite style wheels mounted with 205/50 Nitto tires
The penultimate year of TR8 production
Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report
Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Kenwood AM/FM/CD radio
Heater
Dual sun visors
Passenger vanity mirror
Reverse hinged hood
Demister
Manual windows
Locking glove box
Dual reclining bucket seats
Fog lights
Pop-up headlights
Louvered hood
Dual exterior rearview mirrors
Known Imperfections
Please note that the speedometer and odometer were converted from metric to imperial units, with the equivalent mileage set on the new odometer at the time of the conversion by TWS Motors
While the car is equipped with air conditioning, it is currently inoperable
Included
Tonneau cover
Top boot cover
Workshop manual
Metric speedometer
Ownership History
According to the accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report, this 1981 Triumph TR8 was initially sold in Ontario, Canada, in June 1981. It remained in Ontario until it was imported to West Virginia in 2019, where it remained until it was purchased by the current owner in 2021.
Optional vehicle service contract available for $525. Learn more about the program here. *Sales tax may be applicable.