Lot 126: Triumph TR8 Convertible

The Triumph TR8 was a V8 version of the Triumph TR7 wedge sports car, manufactured by British Leyland (BL) who later morphed into Jaguar/Rover/Triumph (JRT). Because of its outstanding performance, the TR8 was often dubbed the "English Corvette". The majority of TR8s were sold in the United States and very few genuine TR8's exist outside the USA, except for pre-production examples. The Rally TR8, driven by Tony Pond with Fred Gallagher in the navigators seat, was actually a TR7 V8, with many TR8 components. You will see many TR7's converted to V8 power using the same ubiquitous Rover 3.5 litre V8 power-plant. A V8 version of the TR7 was always planned, with a prototype being built as far back as 1972, but financial limitations and labour problems delayed the project. Eventually some 145 cars were built with V8 engines (predominately automatic) and no TR8 identifying badges. These cars were evaluated, on behalf of British Leyland, by various dealers and then sold off as used cars. In 1980, the Drophead version was added and accounted for the majority of later TR8s. Total world-wide production of the TR8 is thought to be around 2720, the vast majority being left hand drive but offered here is one of only eighteen genuine, factory built, right-hand drive TR8's built between 1980 and 1981.Owned by a husband and wife from new, the car has covered a warranted 33,000 miles from new and is described as being in outstanding condition throughout. Finished in a rare duo-tone colour scheme of Poseidon green over gold with black interior, the car also comes with a factory supplied hard-top and tonneau cover. It is equipped with a limited slip differential, stainless steel, sports exhaust, the 3500cc, V8 and 5-speed transmission. The car has been in storage for the last 4 years, during which it has benefited from a light body restoration, including the fitting of two new front wings and a full professional repaint. The car has been regularly started and run during storage.