"The TR8 that appeared on the North American market used the all-alloy 3.5 litre V8 engine that had been powering Rovers since 1966. Most of the initial build cars came with dual Zenith Stromberg carburettors - only those sold into emission-conscious California using fuel injection from the outset. Early TR8s were only available in Coupé form - the much-admired convertible not reaching the market until October of their introductory year. British Leyland had eventually decided to introduce the TR8 to the UK and European markets in November 1981 and had constructed a mere 18 right hand drive cars at the Lode Lane Solihull Factory some weeks before. Shortly after these examples were built British Leyland executives decided to cancel the whole TR range and plans to build the TR8 in any volume were scrapped.
This example registered on 1st January 1981 has been totally rebuilt and restored to a very high standard between 2004 and 2007. Built to fast road specification this example produces circa 270bhp and is offered in desirable British Racing Green coachwork. Reported by the vendor to be in better than new condition the Triumph was treated to a new shell costing £10,622, suspension, wheels and tyres costing £9,813, rebuilt engine and gearbox £5,553, and further fittings costing £730. Many other works were completed including various new engines, restoration of the brake and steering systems, the cost of all the works totalling circa £80,000! In 2008 further works were completed by S&S fabrication including many upgrades and improvements. Fitted with a 4.2 litre John Eales engine and a T5 gearbox both of which were rebuilt by Competition Services Ltd in 2013, it is also fitted with electric windows, a high specification interior, a new cloth hood and tonneau cover, minilite wheels, power steering and upgraded engine ventilation, all culminating to a wonderful driving experience.
This ‘fast road’ example has covered circa 7,945 miles since the build and is offered with a sizeable history file detailing the comprehensive works, many sundry bills, the magazine article feature, heritage certificate, and the UK V5C registration document. This is the best example we have seen and having had circa £80,000 spent on it throughout its meticulous build we are sure it will be huge amounts of fun for the new custodian.
Interested parties should note that the heritage certificate confirms that this example is a Triumph TR7. However it has more recently been restored and uprated to the TR8 specification you see today.
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