Triumph TR7 Convertible

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

When Italian stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro first saw the TR7's scalloped flanks he took one look and said "My God! Don't tell me they've done that to the other side as well?"

Launched in 1976 as British Leyland's answer to the safety and emission requirements which were strangling the macho TR6, the TR7's wedge-shaped body and sawn off rump divided opinion like no Triumph before or since. But if Harris Mann's body styling was shockingly new, the underpinnings were reassuringly familiar – the 105bhp 2-litre, four-cylinder engine and powertrain were basically Triumph Dolomite, while the suspension comprised MacPherson struts at the front and a live axle at the rear. Top speed was a respectable 108mph with 60mph coming up in just 10.8 seconds.

At first the TR7 was only available as a fixed-head coupe as it was believed that convertibles would soon become outlawed, but when these fears proved groundless, a Michelotti-designed drophead became available from 1979 and continued to sell well until the TR7's demise in 1981, with some 28,864 examples sold, many to America.

On offer from a deceased estate, this unusual Gold TR7 convertible was acquired just two-and-a-half years ago for £3,250 through M&M Automotive in Lymington, Hampshire. Sadly, just 216 miles have been added since then, the car falling into disuse through ill health. Described as running and driving, we are advised that it could do with a good service and tune up before being pressed into active service once more, it’s most recent MOT having expired in April 2015.

It has clearly been much loved and is the first TR7 we have seen fitted with chrome wire wheels. A previous owner has also gone to town on the interior, fitting a set of very comfortable leather trimmed seats, burr walnut style dashboard, woodrim steering wheel as well as comprehensively detailing the engine bay.

The documents file includes nine old MOTs and numerous bills and invoices. Dating from 1980, it is one of the later TR7s to leave the factory, by which time the model had shaken off its poor reputation, having matured into the quality roadster it had always promised to be.

With precious little open-top choice available in the sub £5,000 sector of the classic car market these days, this attractive, well-specified Triumph convertible could be just the thing, especially as its on offer at no reserve so the highest bidder gets to take the car home.