Vehicle Description
1980 Triumph TR8 Roadster
As an astute TR fan, owner (a TR-6 and TR-250) I remember when the
last of the TR series was being introduced as "The Shape of Things
To Come" that being the wedge shape. The TR7 sold more examples
than the entire TR series history combined, so it was a real hit.
Problem was it was nagged with engine problems and somewhat
lackluster performance, so in a last gasp effort British Leyland
made the final leap to the TR8.
For consignment, a rare example due to numbers of a mere 2,346
actually being built, we give you the Triumph TR8. This would be
the last of the TR's but definitely the best, as to power
reliability, and overall quality of construction. Trouble was they
got it right and only 2,346 were made! This example survives and is
very much alive and kicking with its 3.5 Rover V8, dual Stromberg
SCDSET carbs and not a speck of rust. Reading on will definitely
show you the shape of things to come!
Exterior
A wonderful repaint of Midas Gold now covers the straight steel
panels of this wedged car. Hidden headlights and an integrated
bumper lets you slice your way through the air, all the while
looking sporty doing it. A steeply raked rearward windscreen picks
up where the bonnet leaves off and frames the passenger compartment
with plenty of room even with the vinyl convertible top up.
Speaking of which it is in black and has clear rear plastic
windows, and I might add folds nice and smoothly into the rear
cowl. In back the trunk is nice and smooth, and lower back we see a
large black crash bumper protects the rear of the car and shows
dual exhaust tips sneaking a look out from underneath. 13-inch 8
square spoke magnesium racing wheels are on all 4 corners, and are
wrapped with like new radials.
Interior
A swing of the door and I can only ask "Shall we shag now or shall
we shag later?!" with the groovy multiple warm tone woven plaid
pattern surrounded by butterscotch vinyl on the door panels. Black
knobs and flush mounted door openers are mounted here as well,
along with the obligatory ash tray courtesy light and stereo
speaker. Slipping inside more "groovy baby" plaid insert buckets
with butterscotch bolsters and high backs with headrests. Decidedly
British with the color and pattern. The dash has been well thought
out and has the iconic Smiths instruments peppering the cluster. An
aftermarket Sony AM/FM/Cassette stereo head unit is in the central
console as well as temp and fan control sliders, and the leather
booted shift lever cover. More butterscotch padded sides to this
console, and a padded glovebox cover which doubles as an armrest
shared by the passengers. Gold carpet in nice clean condition
floods the floors, and the original tri metal spoke steering wheel
is fronting the dash.
Drivetrain
Engine Type: OHV V-8, cast-aluminum block and cylinder heads,
cast-iron crankshaft... Displacement: 3.5 liters Bore x stroke:
88.9mm x 71.12mm Compression ratio: 8.1:1 Horsepower @ RPM: 137 @
5,000 Torque @ RPM: 174-lbs.ft. @ 3,000 Valvetrain: Self-adjusting
hydraulic valve lifters Main bearings. Carburation: Courtesy Dual
Stromberg SCDSET carburetors. Electrical system: 12-volt, Mallory
dual-point distributor, Delco alternator Exhaust system: Dual, twin
catalytic converters. On back a manual transmission, Type: Jaguar
Rover Triumph five-speed manual, single-plate dry clutch Ratios:
1st 3.321:1 2nd: 2.087:1 3rd: 1.396:1 4th: 1.000:1 5th: 0.833:1
Reverse: 3.428:1. And finally on back the rear axle: type: Hypoid,
semi-floating Ratio: 3.08:1
Undercarriage
CHASSIS & BODY Type: Two-seat, two-door roadster Structure Unitized
steel body with front subframe Layout: Front engine, rear-wheel
drive.
STEERING Type: Adwest rack and pinion, General Motors Saginaw power
assist Turns, lock-to-lock: 2.8 Turning circle: 31.6 feet.
BRAKES Type: Lockheed four-wheel hydraulic, dual master cylinder,
split circuit Front: 9.75-inch solid discs, two-piston calipers
Rear: 9-inch expanding drums.
SUSPENSION Front: MacPherson struts, coaxial coil springs,
anti-roll bar, KYB shocks Rear: Upper and lower trailing arms, coil
springs, Koni Classic shocks.
Drive-Ability
I felt I had enough swag to slip into the shag zone and so I did!
It fired right up with a thunderous deep throated roar, and after a
slight warmup, was off like a palace guard at quitting time. The
test track revealed neck snapping acceleration, awesome rail-like
handling, smooth fast straight panic braking, and even a
comfortable low RPM quiet cruise at highway speeds. A/C was
working, but I put the top down, and was off to the races. A truly
wonderful British sports car experience, totally different from my
earlier version TR's.
All in all a real performer, great looker and last and best version
of the venerable TR series. Also, I'd call it a rare bird with a
mere 2,346 made, this one is all buttoned up and ready to turn the
key and have some fun in the sun. Great paint, and snazzy interior,
AND it's a convertible. I'm loving the shape of things right
now!
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.
