Vehicle Description
1980 Triumph TR7 Convertible
Introduced in 1975, Triumph's TR7 coupe (and later, convertible)
represented a bold new styling direction for the British automaker,
whose other coupe and convertible offerings (the GT6 Mk III, the
Spitfire and the TR6) were beginning to show their age. With a
distinctive and futuristic wedge shape, penned by Harris Mann, the
TR7 put the company back into the spotlight, and accomplished its
mission of drawing sports car buyers back into Triumph showrooms.
As described in this print ad from the TR7's first year on the
market, the car's slippery shape "knifes through the air, forcing
the front wheels down," for "solid" and "uncannily precise"
handling. The low-drag shape had another benefit, too: enhanced
fuel economy, a major selling point to buyers with vivid memories
of fuel shortages and drastic gas price increases. Triumph also
heralded the car's simplicity and affordability, reassuring buyers
that, though the car looked expensive, parking one in the garage
wouldn't break the bank.
For consignment the shape of things that have come and gone in the
form of a 1980 Triumph TR7. This consignment was purchased from an
auto museum in New Jersey. It has a high performance dual
carburetor engine and is a convertible. Bathed in nice black paint,
it's ready to wedge into your collection of British sports
cars.
Exterior
From its low sleek front crash bumper in black to the hidden
headlights that seamlessly melt into the front hood and quarters,
to the wedge shaped cove into the door panels and small rear deck,
it definitely emulates the advertising of the day stating "The
Shape Of Things To Come". All black which is still the deep end of
the pool, it shows some chrome trimmings around the front
windscreen, and on the rear luggage rack. A new canvas convertible
top is installed and it sports a clean and clear rear plastic
window. 13 inch shiny wheels are wrapped by good rubber on all 4
corners.
Interior
Top down it's all there for the world to see, and what we see is
dual buckets which are in reality gray broadcloth, now covered in
black Triumph badged seat covers with some white piping. These
buckets float in a sea of clean gray carpeting and snuggle up to a
center console which stretches from front to rear. A square and
rectangle design takes over on the dash and a small rally style
steering wheel fronting it. All in black and all clean. We note a
rollbar installed behind the buckets, and an aftermarket sound
system neatly inserted into the dash.
Drivetrain
Under the wedged hood, is a nicely presenting 2.0 liter 4-cylinder
engine which sports dual single barrel carbs feeding it from the
passenger's side. A 5-speed manual transmission and rear DeDion
axle is providing the go for the mill. Looking very nice under here
with a blue valve cover, yellow plastic radiator fan and nice
silvered intake manifold. No corrosion or dirt under here
either.
Undercarriage
A mixture of patina, road dirt, and slight surface rust coats the
undercarriage. All structurally sound we can note a new stainless
exhaust (partly), and nice and love new brakes, and as the
consigner states, a high performance clutch has been installed.
Independent coil springs for the front, and a 4 link with coil
springs for the rear, as well as power disc brakes on front, and
power drums for the rear.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter and nice performer, some of the emission controls
get in the way of performance to put it over the top, but it has
nice performance overall. All functions were working during the
test drive. Comfy and controlled it was all good.
The wedge shape was the future of the aero design in the square and
rectangle design era of the late 70's and through the 80's. Triumph
was trying to update their aging designs of their sports cars of
yore and created a nice sporty sedan that got great gas mileage and
performed like their sports cars in previous models they were known
for. A bit more buttoned up on the options and comfort fronts for
this car and it presents very nicely.
VIN DECODE
TPVDJ8AA400659
T-Triumph
P-TR7
V-USA
D-Convertible
J-2.0L 4cyl
8-LHD Manual Transmission
A-1980
A-Solihull, UK Assy Plant
400659-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.