V8-Powered 1980 Triumph TR7 5-Speed

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

In early 1975, Triumph introduced the new TR7, which was sold alongside the outgoing TR6 for about a year. Dubbed in ads as “the shape of things to come,” the TR7 was the most extreme example of the wedge-style then in vogue. 

The TR7, powered by a 2.0-liter eight-valve overhead cam four of about 100 horsepower, developed a reputation as a very good handler, both on the street and the track — most famously with Bob Tullius and Group 44 Racing. Initially, the TR7 was available only in coupe form because of fears that the U.S. would outlaw convertibles. This never came to pass and in 1979, a droptop version was added. 

The TR7 cockpit is reasonably comfortable, wider, and more spacious than the TR4 series and TR6 cars but without the classic wood dash. Ride, handling, braking, and fuel economy were deemed excellent by Road & Track magazine.

This TR7 has received multiple performance and cosmetic upgrades, including a 1988 Range Rover 3.5-liter V8 and LT77 five-speed manual transmission. Those who already love the British wedge can turn it up a notch with this one. 

Highlights 

• Finished in Toyota Maroon paint (mirrors original color) over black interior with two-tone tan vinyl/cloth upholstery 

• Powered by a 1988 Range Rover 3.5-liter V8 originally rated at 140 horsepower and 210 lb-ft torque (per consigner: “With the free-flowing intake and exhaust, plus custom tuning, this example is livelier, especially for a car weighing only 2400 pounds”) 

• LT77 five-speed manual transmission 

• Standard Buick/Rover parts used wherever possible to simplify servicing 

• SCCA approved roll bar 

• Custom black fabric top 

• All internal sills, wheel arches, etc. have been treated with Eastwood brand rust preventives 

• Jensen MPR210 Multimedia receiver with Bluetooth 

• This 1980 Triumph TR7 is offered with the five-digit odometer showing 49,140 miles at the time of listing, however the true mileage is unknown  

Features 

• Rear-wheel-drive British sports car 

• Custom mounts to move the engine back and down, improving center of gravity and providing more room for accessories 

• Megasquirt programmable ECU 

• MSD6AL ignition 

• Custom serpentine belt drive 

• Sanden A/C compressor 

• Belt-driven cooling fan 

• Battery has been moved to the trunk 

• Hankook 205/50 ZR 16 tires 

• Aftermarket fog lights 

• TR7 A/C radiator provides adequate cooling, with the stock A/C electric fans only coming on occasionally  

• Rear axle upgraded to a Ford 8 inch with 3.0 gears and Auburn limited slip 

• Front brakes upgraded to Wilwood four-piston calipers and 11-inch rotors 

• Crown Victoria rear brakes 

• Handbrake functions as it should using Lokar components 

• Upper rear control arms are adjustable for pinion angle and feature Currie Enterprises Johnny Joints on the front ends 

• Lower rear control arms are boxed and feature Johnny Joints on the front end 

• Control arms, with hard bushings at the axle end, allow the rear suspension to articulate as designed and helps to eliminate "rear steer"  

• Stock Range Rover manifolds feed into a custom exhaust, which comes together before the rear axle and exits through a stainless muffler 

• Front anti-roll bar has been fitted with anti-dive blocks to improve front suspension geometry 

• Original 30th Anniversary Edition cosmetic package included 30th Anniversary plaque on glovebox (which remains), black pinstripe and decals, fog lamps, luggage rack, and steel wheels with polished aluminum trim rings 

Known Imperfections 

• Air conditioner does not hold a charge  

• Minor shop ding in driver’s side rear quarter panel 

• Small oil leak at shift shaft where it enters the transmission 

• Brake pedal travel is a smidgen long due to four-wheel discs and stock TR7 master cylinder 

• Tires are about 10 years old and should be replaced due to age 

• During repaint (base/clear), an old repair was found in the passenger’s side rear corner; repair was stable at the time so it was not removed, however this repair has "printed through" and can be seen in the right light 

• Passenger's side outer sill was replaced during repaint due to old damage that had been filled over 

• Some of the rubber underneath (ball joint gaiters, steering rack boots) is getting tired and should be replaced 

• Radio antenna cap is coming off 

• Cigar/cigarette lighter is missing 

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Jack 

• Extra parts included with the car: 

  • Rover SD1 3.5 liter long block engine (less front cover and oil pan); ran well, used no oil, approximately 80,000 miles 

  • Two sets 1964 Buick 300 aluminum heads (have not been checked out, but they came from running engines) 

  • 1964 Buick 300 crankshaft (standard)

  • Note from consigner: The parts above are commonly used to build a larger displacement version (up to 5 liters) of the Rover aluminum V8 and are somewhat rare

  • Stock Buick 215 four-barrel intake with 390 cfm Holley carburetor 

  • Rover P6 or early Land/Range Rover twin S.U. intake manifold with carbs 

  • Buick 300 front cover 

  • Buick V6 front cover (fits the V8) 

  • Various oil pans, harmonic dampers, etc. for the above  

  • Spare GM alternator to fit the current configuration 

• TR7 specific spare parts included: 

  • Steering rack (needs new gaiters)  

  • LT77 transmission complete (partially disassembled) 

  • A/C center dash console 

  • Instrument cluster  

  • Wiper motor and rack  

  • Front and rear rubber bumpers (have been sitting outside, are of dubious value) 

  • Multiple small parts, lenses, lamps, and attachments that can be very hard to find 

  • Spare main board for the Megasquirt fuel injection controller and Megasquirt "Stimulator" that is used for troubleshooting 

Ownership History 

The consigner of this 1980 Triumph TR7 has owned it for 20 years, slowly improving it over that time. “The car is very well sorted out and runs/drives as it should.”