Vehicle Description
1979 Triumph TR7
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 "knives 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 1979 Triumph TR7. This consignment has a new convertible
top, some recent service and is an absolute hoot to drive. Bathed
in nice green 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 green which is still at the deep end
of the pool with only a few chips and inclusions, it shows some
chrome trimmings around the front windscreen, and on the rear
luggage rack. A new vinyl convertible top in black is installed and
it sports a clean and clear rear plastic window. 13-inch silver
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 tan broadcloth with heavy seam
separation and tearing to the driver's outer bolster and lower
cushion, now covered in tan seat covers in various broadcloth
patterns. These buckets float in a sea of clean tan carpeting
covered in Coco mats 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 heavily wrapped rally style steering
wheel fronting it. All in black and all clean. We note small
storage compartments behind the buckets, and an AM/FM/Cassette
sound system neatly inserted into the dash between the heat and AC
slides.
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 silver valve cover, yellow plastic radiator fan and nice
silvered intake manifold. No corrosion or dirt under here either
and we note new belts, a rebuilt alternator and a new radiator and
water pump to assist on the cooling front.
Undercarriage
A mixture of patina, road dirt, and slight surface rust coats the
undercarriage. All structurally sound we can note a newer single
exhaust system 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 with the exception of the fuel gauge which reads 3/4 of
a tank when full and the A/C being disconnected. 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.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
