Triumph TR7 V8
Not a car for purists, but as Chris Hope explains, this bargain V8 is the car the TR7 perhaps should always have been
Clearly, this Triumph TR7, modified with a V8 conversion, has both recently and historically been the subject of great expenditure. The body has been subjected to a full, photo-recorded restoration; invoices from Rimmer Bros, which supplied many of the panels, suggesting it took place around 1997. A skirt kit has been fitted, with flared wheelarches.
There’s an even finish to the silver paint, however the glassfibre bonnet has a few small blemishes. There’s a crack in the paint close to one of the windscreen washer jets and some crazing on the top nearside corner. There’s also a slight delamination in the bottom offside corner of the windscreen. The hood is in less impressive condition, the plastic screens going opaque. Underneath, everything appears to be well sealed and free from corrosion.
The dash and glovebox are leathercovered and have been kept in good condition; there are no signs of any scuffs or frayed stitching. The seats are good too, offering plenty of support, and the carpets are unworn. An aftermarket blue metallic gearknob has been fitted, in addition to a bank of gauges below the modern Kenwood head unit. Underneath are switches for the working electric windows. A roll-bar and stainless steel kickplates have been added.
The Rover engine has been fitted with chrome Edelbrock rocker covers and a pancake air filter housing, while the cylinder block has been painted electric blue. It’s fed by a Holley 4160 carburettor, and a Kenlowe electric fan has sensibly been fitted to aid cooling. The battery has been relocated to the boot, which helps weight distribution. In addition to this recent engine work, Robsport has performed a full service, including fresh engine oil and filters, coolant, spark plugs and HT leads, along with a new distributor cap and rotor arm.
All of the fluids look fresh and are to the correct levels and there are no signs of leaks. We can also report the engine bay metalwork is free from corrosion.
The extensive modifications transform the way this TR7 drives. There’s a lovely bellow from the tailpipes as the V8 eagerly builds revs, with enough smoothly delivered performance to pin you into your seat. Likewise, it pulls strongly in fifth from cruising speeds. In September the vendor, marque specialist Robsport, replaced the big-end bearing shells, fitted a new camshaft and valve lifters, timing chain and sprockets, and a reconditioned alternator. Lower and stiffer springs along with uprated SPAX dampers allow for level cornering without giving an overly harsh ride. The heavy, unassisted steering is precise. A rear brake disc conversion, plus vented discs and four-piston calipers up front, confidently scrub off speed.
It’s not for purists, but the upgrades are those that Robsport would recommend to anyone looking to unleash a TR7’S potential. It presents well, can be enjoyed now, and is keenly priced given that similar TR7 V8s are selling for north of £10k.