Triumph TR7 Automatic

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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 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 axle at the rear. Top speed was around 110mph with 60mph coming up in just 10.8 seconds and the car certainly handled better and was easier to live with than the rugged, open-topped TR6.

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.

Originally supplied in October 1980 by PJ Evans in Birmingham to a lady in Redditch, this three owner TR7 Automatic was acquired by the Saunders family in 1985, by which time it had covered around 25,000 miles. Four old MOTs on file show that when last tested in 1989 the total mileage had risen to 33,479. Last taxed in June 1990, it has remained on show in the Museum ever since.

The document file includes a Dealer Product Guide issued by BL Cars, a brochure, handbook and Passport to Service book with its initial service stamp. It comes with an old style V5 and a current V5C.