1981 Triumph TR8

Description

In 1975, Triumph unveiled the TR7, a sleek, wedge-shaped sports car designed by Harris Mann. There was quickly demand for more power leading to the introduction of the TR8. Essentially a TR7 with an aluminum 3.5-liter V8 engine, the TR8's cockpit offered a comfortable experience with more space compared to the TR4 series and TR6 cars. Ventilation was greatly improved, and air conditioning was available as an option. According to Road & Track, the TR8 boasted excellent ride, handling, braking, and fuel economy, earning it the nickname the "English Corvette" for its outstanding performance and accessible price. This particular TR8 is a nicely presented example that has enhanced driving performance due to several upgrades completed under current ownership, the details of which are explained below. 

Highlights

• Finished in Pendilican White, the body has been wrapped in light gray 3M wrap with navy blue racing stripes

• The interior was reupholstered in blue vinyl with the earlier style blue plaid centers with blue carpets

• Powered by a 3.5-liter V8 with a Holley carburetor

• Equipped with a five-speed manual transmission that has been upgraded with a short-shift kit

• In the summer of 2021, TWS Motors (formerly The Wedge Shop) of Taunton, Massachusetts, replaced the camshaft, lifters, timing chain and valve springs, starter, pinion seal, spark plug wire, brake lines, suspension bushings, shock absorbers, springs, power steering pump, hoses, and installed an aluminum radiator, a 123 distributor, LED bulbs, among other items

• Recent service work includes replacement of the oil pan and oil filter housing gaskets

• Outfitted with 15-inch Minilite style wheels mounted with 205/50 Nitto tires

• The penultimate year of TR8 production

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report

Features

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel

• Kenwood AM/FM/CD radio

• Heater

• Dual sun visors

• Passenger vanity mirror

• Reverse hinged hood

• Demister

• Manual windows

• Locking glove box

• Dual reclining bucket seats

• Fog lights

• Pop-up headlights

• Louvered hood

• Dual exterior rearview mirrors

Known Imperfections

• Please note that the speedometer and odometer were converted from metric to imperial units, with the equivalent mileage set on the new odometer at the time of the conversion by TWS Motors

• While the car is equipped with air conditioning, it is currently inoperable

Included

• Tonneau cover

• Top boot cover

• Workshop manual

• Metric speedometer

Ownership History

According to the accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report, this 1981 Triumph TR8 was initially sold in Ontario, Canada, in June 1981. It remained in Ontario until it was imported to West Virginia in 2019, where it remained until it was purchased by the current owner in 2021.

Optional vehicle service contract available for $525. Learn more about the program here. *Sales tax may be applicable.