1981 Triumph TR7 – Classified of the Week

3

Chris Pollitt

The Triumph TR7 is one of those cars that we tend to forget about. This one, however, given that it’s finished in the incredibly bright Triton Green metallic, is not at all forgettable. In fact, it looks utterly glorious. And there is of course the appeal that comes from it being a convertible. This of course means it’s not quite as wedgy as the coupe, but that’s just the price one has to pay for some wind-in-hair motoring. 

TR7, Triumph, Triumph TR7, TR7 Sprint, Triumph 16 valve, 16 valve, classic car, retro car, motoring, automotive, car and classic, carandclassic.co.uk

The TR7 was introduced in 1975, but it didn’t lose its lid until 1979, though it didn’t land in dealerships until 1980. Known as the TR7 DHC (drophead coupe), it took away some of the ‘wedge’ and instead presented as a very sleek little two-seater. Sadly though, the TR7 was a car plagued by rust, and this was somewhat exacerbated by the lack of a roof. As such, very few survive today. That makes the car you’re looking at here something rather rare. But it’s not just the roof, or lack of, that makes this car so special. 

The TR7 Sprint was a planned version by Triumph, but it never made it to production. As such, this one has been built to replicate what could have been. The engine, which was rebuilt in 2013, has been fitted with the 16-valve cylinder head from a Dolomite sprint. The brakes are from the V8 power TR8 version, the suspension is SPAX all round, a full set of polyurethane bushes has been fitted and there is a full stainless steel manifold and exhaust along with electronic ignition. It is, make no mistake, a racy little number. 

TR7, Triumph, Triumph TR7, TR7 Sprint, Triumph 16 valve, 16 valve, classic car, retro car, motoring, automotive, car and classic, carandclassic.co.uk

Furthermore, this car has been with the same owner for the last thirty-one years. In 2013, the TR7 was sent away for a full restoration, during which the car was stripped back to a bare tub. It was blasted and all corrosion was removed and replaced with new metal. The seller says that “almost every component has been replaced, reconditioned or uprated to create an extremely usable, reliable and capable car.”

TR7, Triumph, Triumph TR7, TR7 Sprint, Triumph 16 valve, 16 valve, classic car, retro car, motoring, automotive, car and classic, carandclassic.co.uk

That restoration is getting on for ten years ago now, but the TR7 seems to be holding up well. There’s a bit of corrosion coming through on one rear arch, but other than that it all looks smashing. The wheels are great, that green paint is incredibly eye-catching, the roof looks decent and of course, the pop-up headlights still do their thing. Because you can’t buy a car with non-functioning pop-up lights. 

TR7, Triumph, Triumph TR7, TR7 Sprint, Triumph 16 valve, 16 valve, classic car, retro car, motoring, automotive, car and classic, carandclassic.co.uk

Given the scale of the restoration, the asking price of £8,250 makes this TR7 something of a bargain. It’s a wonderful looking thing, both in terms of design and condition. Yeah, you could go out and buy an MGB or something along those lines, but where’s the fun in that? Be seen. Be green. Triton Green no less. 

Enjoyed this article?

Sign up to our weekly newsletter to receive the latest articles, news, classic cars, auctions and events every Thursday - compiled expertly by the Car & Classic team