1981 TRIUMPH TR7 CONVERTIBLE
ENGINE 1998cc/4-cyl/OHC POWER 90bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 105lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 108mph 0-60MPH 11.3sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 27-34mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed manual MoT June 2021 ODOMETER 52,406 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The engine idles smoothly, with minimal choke required on start-up, and there’s no unevenness as revs build. It pulls smartly up to 3500rpm, with no tinniness at the top of the rev range. The decent ride is free from any knocks or clonks and uneven road surfaces highlight no faults with the suspension. The clutch bite point is high, there’s no sponginess to the gearchange and the steering is quiet and free from play. Tracking is spot-on and the brakes work well.
BODYWORK CHECK
This TR7 hasn’t undergone extensive previous restoration, so the bodywork is in good but not perfect condition. The is a small dent in the passenger’s door where it meets the front wing, plus some orange peel effect on the driver’s door and front wing. There’s also scuffed paint on the boot lip below the boot lock and in the metalwork surrounding both tail lights. The sills and the bottom of rear valances are painted black but there is no corrosion. The front bumper is slightly cracked in both corners but the splitter beneath is undamaged. The hood is a good fit, if a little tired and while the Perspex windows are going opaque they haven’t cracked. Tyres are a mixture of brands but each has decent tread and the wheels are in good condition. The car was Ziebarted in June 1981 so still looks solid underneath.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
There’s little to fault inside, heavily scuffed handbrake grip aside. The dashboard is free from cracks and fitted with a decent-looking period radio and the unworn biscuit tartan seat covers haven’t sagged. Carpeting, including on the rear deck, isn’t threadbare and the underside of the soft-top shows no marks or stains. The steering wheel is unworn, the column stalks aren’t loose and the few electrics work, including the courtesy lights.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay is largely standard, aside from an isolator switch fitted to the battery. There are no leaks, all fluids appear fresh and to the correct levels and the radiator and coolant hoses are undamaged. Robsport replaced the cylinder head in August and the car has been used regularly since it returned to the road in 2015 after having corrosion in the rear suspension mounting points attended to. The huge history folder includes MoTs dating back to 1989 and Leycare invoices from 1981 to 1989.
THE CCW VIEW
This TR7 spent most of its life in the same Suffolk village with two former keepers and has been with its current owner since 2009. An honest example that’s ripe for winter improvements, but could be used as is. The best now sell for £7k, so the price seems fair.
BUY IT FROM Robsport International, Dunsbridge Turnpike, Shepreth, Hertfordshire SG8 6RA. 01763 262263, robsport.co.uk
PROS Price, history, recent work done
CONS Work to be done to lift it to the next level