Saleofcar.com :Triumph

Triumph Other (1980)
for sale

Price: US $6,500.00

Description:

Here is a rare opportunity to own one of the last British/American V8 combinations. The Triumph TR8 was created expressly for the US market. Triumph started with the 4 cylinder TR7 in the mid 70’s but from the start had plans for a V8 version. They finally got around to it by late 79 and built close to 2875 thru early 1981. Unfortunately it was too late to save Triumph and the TR8 was the last Triumph made. The American V8 tie in is the 215 Cubic Inch Aluminum V8 that originated with Buick in 1961 in the compact Skylark. The manufacturing of the aluminum block was too costly for Buick and in 1964 they upped the displacement, switched to an iron block and sold the tooling for the 215 to Rover. The 215’s basic architecture was used in Rover cars, Land Rovers, and evident in recent Range Rovers in a variety of outputs. The TR7 8 as it was called in England was successfully road raced and rallied throughout the world.

The car you see here is a very well sorted example with a notebook of receipts and upgrades. The previous owner traded it to us after owning it 6 years. He bought it from a friend who had it for several years prior to that. The car currently has 56, 000 miles which are actual. Paper work is extensive including the original window sticker stating the selling dealer was Uptown Sales in Kankakee Il. The window sticker calls the color Carmine and interior Beige. In reality it is a metallic dark green with a tan Burberry Plaid interior, and black top, all in very good condition. The exterior of the car is stock as delivered from the factory with the exception of a luggage rack on the trunk lid that was added at some point. The wheels are stock TR8 Alloys with a rarely seen stainless accent ring. This is not a trim ring but attached to the wheel. The 205/60/13 BF Goodrich TA’s have 75% life left.

The drivetrain and suspension work very well together featuring many upgrades. The 3.5 Liter 215 CI V8 was rated at 139 HP 180lbs of torque stock when new. We would guess this car is around 200 HP now. The dual stock 1 Barrel Zenith-Stromberg carbs have been replaced with a Edelbrock Intake and a Holley 390 4 barrel carb. The engine has an Erson Cam with Cam Grind sheet included. It has Stainless Headers, Stainless exhaust, and new electric fuel pump. The rear differential is a Quaife Limited Slip from Rimmer Brothers, a noted Triumph Performance parts supplier. The transmission is the stock 5 speed with the shifter post shortened a couple of inches for much shorter throws than stock. There has been many mechanical upgrades the last few years. The brakes have been upgraded with Hawk performance pads, a new brake master cylinder, as well as a Willwood proportioning valve. The clutch slave cylinder and alternator are new and it has a 2 speed electric radiator cooling fan. This TR also has an Optima Battery factory mounted in the trunk and a newer AM/FM/CD that works well. A new, not reconditioned gas tank, was installed 10-1-2014. The old tank was OK but had a crack in a weld where the filler neck meets the tank. The car is lowered about 1 ½” via performance springs and has KYB shocks on all 4 corners. It rides very well, sits perfectly, and handles like a big go cart.

This TR8 is very easy to drive slowly around town or as fast as you want on the open road. Take it to dinner at the country club at night and go autocrossing the next day. It sounds awesome with a deep V8 rumble. This a isn’t your daddy’s Spitfire. It’s got a cockpit designed for American’s. The previous owner is 6’ 230lb’s and didn’t put the seat all the way back. This beautiful 1980 British Classic has been the cover car of the Victoria British Parts catalog a couple of times, TR.59 2012 Spring Edition and TR.73 2015 Fall edition with a small feature article on the car and previous owner. Copies of these along with the original owner’s manual and 3 different shop manuals are included with the sale along with a notebook full of receipts. A couple years ago we owned a 15, 000 mile bone stock TR8 and this car does everything better, quicker, and faster. Bid with confidence on this awesome summer car. Needless to say every V8 British car has escalated in value in recent years. From the Cobra, to the Tiger, to the TVR, to the Jenson Interceptor, they have all spiked in value. Get this TR8 before the word gets out.
Please call Frank Thompson at 913.269.6513 with any additional questions or to arrange a showing of this great Triumph! We are located in Overland Park, KS which is a suburb of Kansas City!

_{update: 2016-05-11}