1980 Triumph TR7 Convertible

1980 Triumph TR7 Convertible

Introduced in 1975, Triumph's TR7 coupe (and later, convertible) represented a bold new styling direction for the British automaker, whose other coupe and convertible offerings (the GT6 Mk III, the Spitfire and the TR6) were beginning to show their age. With a distinctive and futuristic wedge shape, penned by Harris Mann, the TR7 put the company back into the spotlight, and accomplished its mission of drawing sports car buyers back into Triumph showrooms. As described in this print ad from the TR7's first year on the market, the car's slippery shape "knifes through the air, forcing the front wheels down," for "solid" and "uncannily precise" handling. The low-drag shape had another benefit, too: enhanced fuel economy, a major selling point to buyers with vivid memories of fuel shortages and drastic gas price increases. Triumph also heralded the car's simplicity and affordability, reassuring buyers that, though the car looked expensive, parking one in the garage wouldn't break the bank.

For consignment the shape of things that have come and gone in the form of a 1980 Triumph TR7. This consignment was purchased from an auto museum in New Jersey. It has a high performance dual carburetor engine and is a convertible. Bathed in nice black paint, it's ready to wedge into your collection of British sports cars.

ExteriorFrom its low sleek front crash bumper in black to the hidden headlights that seamlessly melt into the front hood and quarters, to the wedge shaped cove into the door panels and small rear deck, it definitely emulates the advertising of the day stating "The Shape Of Things To Come". All black which is still the deep end of the pool, it shows some chrome trimmings around the front windscreen, and on the rear luggage rack. A new canvas convertible top is installed and it sports a clean and clear rear plastic window. 13 inch shiny wheels are wrapped by good rubber on all 4 corners.

InteriorTop down it's all there for the world to see, and what we see is dual buckets which are in reality gray broadcloth, now covered in black Triumph badged seat covers with some white piping. These buckets float in a sea of clean gray carpeting and snuggle up to a center console which stretches from front to rear. A square and rectangle design takes over on the dash and a small rally style steering wheel fronting it. All in black and all clean. We note a rollbar installed behind the buckets, and an aftermarket sound system neatly inserted into the dash.

DrivetrainUnder the wedged hood, is a nicely presenting 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine which sports dual single barrel carbs feeding it from the passenger's side. A 5-speed manual transmission and rear DeDion axle is providing the go for the mill. Looking very nice under here with a blue valve cover, yellow plastic radiator fan and nice silvered intake manifold. No corrosion or dirt under here either.

UndercarriageA mixture of patina, road dirt, and slight surface rust coats the undercarriage. All structurally sound we can note a new stainless exhaust (partly), and nice and love new brakes, and as the consigner states, a high performance clutch has been installed. Independent coil springs for the front, and a 4 link with coil springs for the rear, as well as power disc brakes on front, and power drums for the rear.

Drive-AbilityA quick starter and nice performer, some of the emission controls get in the way of performance to put it over the top, but it has nice performance overall. All functions were working during the test drive. Comfy and controlled it was all good.

The wedge shape was the future of the aero design in the square and rectangle design era of the late 70's and through the 80's. Triumph was trying to update their aging designs of their sports cars of yore and created a nice sporty sedan that got great gas mileage and performed like their sports cars in previous models they were known for. A bit more buttoned up on the options and comfort fronts for this car and it presents very nicely.

VIN DECODETPVDJ8AA400659T-TriumphP-TR7V-USAD-ConvertibleJ-2.0L 4cyl8-LHD Manual TransmissionA-1980A-Solihull, UK Assy Plant400659-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.