Lot 019: 1979 TRIUMPH TR7 CONVERTIBLE

Code-named 'Bullet' by Triumph, the TR7 was launched Stateside during September 1974. The work of in-house stylist Harris Mann, its distinctive wedge-shaped profile was conceived at a time when proposed US legislation not only threatened to outlaw convertibles but also insisted that all cars should be able to survive a 5mph impact unscathed. Arguably not the most homogenous design, the newcomer nevertheless offered a level of comfort and roadholding not yet seen in a Triumph sportscar and was thus tolerably well received by the press. Last of the noble TR line, it was the first to employ a monocoque chassis and featured all-round coil-sprung suspension, rack and pinion steering and disc / drum brakes. While, performance from its 1998cc OHV four-cylinder engine was more than a match for the contemporary MGB (contemporary road tests claiming 0-60mph in 9.1 seconds and 110mph). Introduced in 1979, the TR7 Convertible was almost universally hailed as better looking than its coupe sibling. Surprisingly refined, it arrived too late to resuscitate the model's fortunes and was discontinued two years later (though, typical British Leyland stockpiling meant that sales continued into 1982). Finished in Venetian Red with tan cloth upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "very good overall" condition. Said to have been "the subject of a major professional restoration in the early 1990s" during which "its bodyshell was stripped out, fitted with various replacement panels and repainted etc", 'NNG 745V' is also understood to have benefited from "uprated suspension and brakes" not to mention "a competition clutch and stainless exhaust". Reportedly "retrimmed in original materials" as well as being treated to "a new hood and cover" the Convertible has apparently covered "approximately 25,000 miles since the work was completed". Carefully dry stored in recent times, the two-seater sports factory alloy wheels and a five-speed manual gearbox. Judged by the seller to "drive superbly", this "far above average" TR7 is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until July 2008.