1979 Triumph TR8

Description

The history books have yet to be written on the Triumph TR7 and the North American bound TR8, but if this fantastic 1979 Triumph TR8 example is any indicator, perhaps they'll have their day in the sun yet. Ultra-rare with only 304 ever made, these 'British Corvette' wedge-shaped sports cars are even more unique today, with only 198 known to exist today. In fact, this might be the nicest TR8 you'll ever see, and with a full restoration inside and out, it remains a fantastic way to have fun in an uber-cool British sports car.

Nobody would blame you if you're struggling to recall the Triumph TR8, after all, only a little less than 400 were ever made and then exported to the US and Canada by British Leyland. The TR8's sibling – the drophead coupe TR7 – may be a bit more memorable from sheer production across the pond alone, but the TR8 is loads more interesting with its Rover V8 engine (derived from GM) and Harris Mann wedge-design that features a uniquely wide, yet rather short, wheelbase of 88 x 66.2 inches. The result is an attention-grabbing sports car that's built to look like an arrowhead, with the hardware underneath to be just as stealthy. Of course, repainting it with a sleek black finish never hurts to draw the eye, and the pros at JKL in Texas laid down coat after coat of the shiny stuff back in the early 2000s. The finish has held up incredibly well since, with a scant 2,116 miles logged since the restoration was completed. It's reported that the car (affectionately nicknamed Barney by the current owners) only had 31,880 original miles before it underwent a restoration/refreshening, so it's easy to see why the gaps are so precise and the body panels are laser straight. It does not appear to have ever been a very rusty car, which is a rare find all by itself, and even the big rubber bumpers show minimal signs of age with no cracking or chalky look from UV damage. A big gold TR8 decal on the nose is a reminder of who built it, while another set out back on the trunk lid point it out even more clearly. Look carefully at 'Barney' and see if his Star Wars-era good looks don't start to grow on you.

The handsome tan leather interior is practically all new, showing amazing preservation on original parts and careful restoration where needed. The bucket seats are remarkably comfortable and for a small 2-seater car, there's plenty of room once you're settled behind the wheel. The layout is much more contemporary than you'd expect, with big, round gauges (including a swapped-in 140MPH speedometer), a thick steering wheel, and a recently installed short-shifter that manages the smooth 5-speed manual transmission below. The squared-off dashboard is typical '80s but it works well in the angular TR8 and we actually really like the interesting shapes on top, especially since there's not a crack or stress mark to speak of. An original AM/FM radio still lives in the dash and sounds decent and yes, that's working factory A/C, although it could use a charge soon to blow a bit colder. Overhead, there's a snug-fitting headliner, plush tan carpets protected with black floor mats are below, and the door panels at the flanks look brand new, just like the seats. Another benefit to the TR8's wedge shape is a fairly spacious trunk that stores a gel-cell battery (to make room for the V8 under the hood) and hides the spare tire underneath so it doesn't get in the way.

The 3.5L V8 under the hood may be a surprise to British sports car enthusiasts, but anyone familiar with the early '60s Buick/Oldsmobile all-aluminum 215 V8 will immediately spot the performance. History showed that the 215 V8 was extremely reliable, flexible, and robust, and it was improved further by British Leyland when it was introduced in the first-year TR8. In 2002, the top end of this numbers-matching motor was rebuilt, and the original twin Zenith-Stromberg carburetors were swapped in favor of a more efficient Weber 4-barrel unit atop a high-rise Edelbrock intake. It starts easily, idles well, and pulls the 2-seater around with gusto, letting loose with great 8-cylinder sounds from the custom dual exhaust system underneath. These motors were always known for their stump-pulling torque, but when added to the lightweight body of the TR8 and coupled with those choice bolt-on upgrades, this coupe hits 90MPH speeds with ease. The 5-speed gearbox snaps through the gates easily and clutch action is light, so you will quickly find this Triumph to be a great dance partner. There's still a live axle out back, but thanks to completely rebuilt transmission that includes a set of trailing arms and a rather large sway bar, it remains planted and faithfully follows the front end. Power steering and power front disc brakes ensure an easy drive out every time, and a clean undercarriage, solid structural members, and no signs of trouble all make this TR8 a terrific find. Handsome factory alloys are fitted and carry fresh Vedrestein 205/60/13 radials that look great to finish off the look.

Someone took exceptional care of this TR8, making it the best we've ever seen. For an incredibly rare and infinitely fun British sports car, perhaps it deserves a second chance to make a first impression. Call today!