Vehicle Description
STK 2131 1980 Triumph TR8
The Triumph TR8 is an eight-cylinder version of the "wedge-shaped" Triumph TR7 sports car, designed by Harris Mann, and manufactured by British Leyland. The majority of TR8s were sold in the United States and Canada. There were a limited number of TR8 coupes produced in 1978 and they are extremely rare. It is estimated that only about 400 coupes ever existed. In 1979 a re-designed TR7 convertible was introduced and all subsequent production TR8s were convertibles. Total worldwide production of the TR8 was only around 2750. A current rough estimate of the number of these cars remaining is around 1000 convertibles and 200 coupes. Despite their low production numbers, TR8s have an interesting racing history. They have been successfully campaigned in rally, SCCA showroom stock and IMSA/GT. This partially restored TR8 roadster is a nice example of the ‘British Corvette’. As with all TR8s, it is powered by the Buick/Rover 3.5L V8. These motors were designed by GM/Buick in the early 60s. The all-aluminum ‘nail head’ configuration is lightweight and very powerful with a factory high-lift cam. Rover purchased the rights to manufacture these engines in the late 60s, added some design upgrades and dual side-draft Stromberg carburetion. The potent little V8 has dual exhaust and is backed by a 5-speed manual gearbox. TR8 suspension has power-assist rack and pinion steering and manual disc/drum brakes. The current owner (7 years) has added period-correct 8-spoke alloy wheels but is including the original wheels with the car. He has also added an AM/FM/CD stereo set-up. The body has been repainted and the interior has been partially restored. The convertible soft-top/window is in good nick. Triumph TR8s do not reach the market very often. This one is a very affordable, very collectible example of the British Leyland classic. Call 800-650-1055 or visit www.autobarnclassiccars.com for additional information. ALL VEHICLES SOLD “AS IS”.
