Triumph TR7 Automatic

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Towards the end of the Sixties, with one-time rivals Triumph and MG absorbed into the all-encompassing British Leyland, a programme was initiated that would replace both the TR6 and MGB roadsters with a single car.

A radical departure from its predecessors, the new TR7 certainly gained attention. While the B and the TR6 were body-on-chassis designs, the new car was a monocoque and, somewhat surprisingly after the independent suspension of the older cars, the new Triumph featured a solid rear axle with McPherson struts up front.

The elegant Italian styling of the TR6 was replaced by a design from Harris Mann of Longbridge described as a ‘Bubbletop-wedge’. The body’s architecture, with its sharp wedge nose and high truncated rear, divided opinion like no Triumph before, although it is perhaps more appreciated now than it was in period.

Wide enough to incorporate the extensive range of engines envisaged for it (from 2-litre four cylinder to 3.5-litre V-8), it came as standard with a 105bhp 2-litre four cylinder overhead-cam unit, more or less the same as that fitted in the Triumph Dolomite (and the Saab 99).

This was mated to a four-speed gearbox, though an overdrive five-speed box became available later. Steering was rack-and-pinion, while the brakes were servo assisted discs with drums at the rear. Top speed was around 110mph and the car certainly handled better and was easier to live with than the rugged, open-topped TR6. A convertible and a low-production V8 (the TR8) were eventually added to the range.

Striking in red with black trimmings, this February 1978-registered coupe is a well-known car on the TR7 scene, having been owned by a club member (recently deceased) for the last 16 years. An automatic model, it has been fitted with a 150bhp Dolomite Sprint engine along with adjustable dampers, a stainless steel exhaust and alloy wheels.

Always well maintained, it has been recently repainted and the period Tartan interior is said to be excellent. The integrated boot spoiler makes a nice detail and the large Webasto-style sunroof is a welcome addition to the compact cabin.

The 79,000 miles on the clock is said to be genuine and would have been substantiated by the large history file that the car has amassed over the years, though sadly this could not readily be located as the catalogue went to press. Said to drive beautifully, it has an MOT until the end of July 2015 with no advisories recorded.