1978 Triumph TR7 'V8 Enhanced' Coupe

Description

Launched in September 1974, the TR7 was the latest in a long line of Triumph sports cars, sporting controversial wedge-shaped styling that was a radical change from its predecessors. Penned by Harris Mann, the front-engined TR7 was also released as a coupe rather than a traditional roadster although a convertible was added to the line-up a couple of years later. Powered by the same four-cylinder engine used in the Dolomite Sprint, albeit bored out to 2-litres and fed by larger carburettors, the unit was rated at 105 horsepower and power was delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed gearbox (a five-speed box and an automatic were options on later cars). The suspension was independent up front using coil springs, damper struts and a lower single link and a four-link system at the rear. Anti-roll bars were fitted at both ends and braking was via discs up front and drums at the rear. Initially assembled at Speke, Liverpool production relocated to Canley, Coventry in 1978 and then Rover’s Solihull plant. Answering calls for more power, Triumph offered a V8-powered model (badged appropriately enough as the TR8) in 1977, using the familiar Rover 3.5-litre motor. Initially offered only as in convertible guise, a small number of fixed-head coupe TR8s were built to homologate the car for Group 4 rallying. The TR7 enjoyed a successful motorsport career, with the likes of Tony Pond campaigning both four cylinder and V8 powered versions in rally events through the late 1970s.  Across the Atlantic Group 44 ran a pair of TR8 cars in both Trans-Am and IMSA circuit races, raising the Triumph’s profile in its most important market but issues largely centred around build quality hurt the TR7’s reputation to the point where sales dwindled and the final cars rolled off the line in 1981, BL reportedly losing money on each of the 115,000 or so made. Today the reputation for unreliability has been largely shaken off and the TR7 enjoys a loyal following, with plenty of support from clubs and specialists around the globe.