Triumph TR7 V8 Convertible

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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 and were largely based on the excellent Triumph Dolomite.

Wide enough to incorporate the extensive range of engines envisaged for it (from 2-litre four cylinder to 3.5-litre V-8), the TR7 came as standard with a 105bhp 2-litre four cylinder overhead-cam unit, more or less the same as that fitted in the Dolomite (and the Saab 99). This was mated to a four-speed gearbox, though an overdrive five-speed box became available later, as did an automatic.

Steering was rack-and-pinion, while the brakes were servo assisted discs with drums at the rear and the suspension comprised MacPherson struts at the front and a live rear which meant the car certainly handled better and was easier to live with than the rugged, open-topped TR6. A special run of cars were developed by BL’s competitions department that were powered by the meaty Rover 3.5-litre V8. These powerful and highly tuned TR8 models enjoyed considerable success on the international race and rally circuit and a softer road-going TR8 was eventually put on sale in 1978.

Despite its quirky looks, the TR7 had decent performance and sold well, staying in production until 1981 by which time 112,000 had been made. Rust-proofing was not the car's strong suit though, and now surprisingly few examples remain, only 1,632 Convertibles and 960 Coupes still being UK registered today, according to DVLA figures.

This particular car started out in life as a standard TR7 Convertible and was supplied new by Autosales of Bilston in August 1981. However in the late 1990s a previous owner decided to convert it into a far more powerful machine, entrusting it to TR7/TR8 specialists S&S Preparations of Lancashire for a full rebuild with many bills on file to document the work carried out.

The specification includes a Rover 3.5-litre V8 and SD1 5-speed gearbox; electronic ignition; Mallory distributor; twin Kenlowe electric cooling fans; Koni shocks all round with uprated road springs; anti-dive kit; larger Ford brakes; stainless steel exhausts; sport steering wheel; MGF 15” alloys with Yokohama tyres on all five wheels; new carpets; new soft top; chrome luggage rack and a radio cassette.

Clearly a well-executed conversion, it was subsequently owned by ex-BL works driver Graham Elsmore, who had raced TR8s in period and would certainly have known a good car when he saw one. Said to remain in good order throughout with various bills detailing subsequent maintenance, it also comes with the original owner’s handbook and service book (stamped five times up to 1988 at 35,000 miles by Glovers of Ripon and Lookers of Harrogate).

Said to drive well with an MOT until February 2017 with no advisories recorded, this potent British drop-top is ready to enjoy right away.