Description
The subject of a rolling 15-year restoration programme and benefitting from comprehensive maintenance history going back to 1990, this stunning TR7 Convertible needs for nothing. With less than 950 examples now licensed on UK roads and even rarer in factory White, the TR7 is very much going through a current renaissance and this low mileage example in original specification is worthy of any serious collection. And it drives as good as it looks making it the perfect show contender or indeed, ideal for that Sunday afternoon run to the coast.
In production from 1974 to 1981, this Harris Mann designed car was seen as the “shape of things to come” and was available as either a coupe (FHC) or full convertible (DHC) albeit the latter wasn`t available in the UK until 1980. Powered by a 1998cc 4-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels, the car had a modest 105BHP a with choice of either manual or automatic transmissions. In keeping with the “modern” look, checked tartan interiors were popular as were some vibrant paint choices such as Inca Yellow, Persian Acqua and Java Green. Of almost 29, 000 drophead TR7`s manufactured, less than 950 would appear to be registered on UK roads today albeit this is up almost 500 on 4 years ago reflecting the growing popularity of the model with previously unrestored examples now back on the road.
Our car was sold new in February 1981 through Tourist Trophy Garage of Farnham to a local gentleman residing in nearby Lower Bourne. The original Service Record documents stamped-up maintenance to 1983 with the paper-trail picking up again in March 1990 when the car was acquired by the 3rd keeper, a gentleman in Winchester. Mileage at this point was 48, 000. Evidently used and enjoyed regularly, the Triumph during this period was maintained by T. R. Workshop Ltd. in Cirencester with notable work undertaken to include a replacement heater matrix, clutch, head-light motors and ignition parts. After 3 years of ownership and some 12, 000 miles, the car was sold to a lady in Wokingham who continued to use the Triumph as a daily runabout whilst keeping a meticulous log of work undertaken. Highlights other than general servicing reflect a full braking system overhaul, water-pump rebuild, new head gaskets and replacement subframe and gearbox mountings. With around 81, 000 miles, the car was sold again in July 1996 to a gentleman in Godalming. General maintenance continued with receipts on file for a replacement alternator, clutch master cylinder, radiator and notably a new black vinyl hood in December that year. The car was MoT inspected the following year in July with 84, 400 miles recorded but thereafter the trail goes cold until February 2000, by which time, it had been sold once more to a gentleman in St. Leonards-On-Sea. Now in need of some significant refreshment, our new keeper prepared a detailed plan of work required ordering up new panels as required including sills, wings, inner arches, front panel and boot-lid. Work progressed slowly and in addition to bodywork, numerous mechanical parts were replaced as well as trim - the extent of the work is observed in a series of photographs taken in 2015. Finally completed and completely repainted, the car was presented for an MoT in April that year and unsurprisingly passed with no Advisory Notes. The Triumph was retained for around another 5 years albeit it barely turned a wheel before being sold to a local gentleman who in turn, sold it in 2022 to a Dorset-based collector. In his care, the car has been maintained regardless of cost and heavily detailed. Only the desire to reduce numbers of classics owned has persuaded him to part company with the car. Since our acquisition, we have done very little but polish and enjoy. The mileage today is just 87, 550 confirming that less than 200 miles has been covered since that post-restoration MoT of 2015.
The car today presents just as can be seen in the photographs. Both bodywork and White paintwork are genuinely superb and virtually blemish-free whilst newly painted wheels are shod with correct Goodyear tyres. All external trim including bumpers and badges are excellent and the vinyl soft-top almost as-new. The cabin reflects a similar story with excellent seats in Blue Check, matching door-cards and Navy carpets. In it`s day it was considered one of the most comfortable and driver-friendly interiors and I must admit, it still works today! And for this reason, it is actually a very easy car to drive and live with on a day-to-day basis.
Turn the key and the Triumph fires immediately into life settling down quickly off-choke to a gentle burble. On the road, the car feels spirited with plenty of performance, balanced handling and excellent brakes. I took my son for a blast across the West Dorset Downs and even he was itching to get behind the wheel and experience the ease and simplicity of the drive. Steering is light but positive, visibility excellent and road manners more akin with something 20 years old, not 43! I`ve had a few TR7`s over the years and this must be the nicest in all respects. Come and experience it for yourself.
The car comes with an extensive history file with its original Service Record, bills and receipts from around 1990 to 2015, old Registration Documents, old MoT Certificates including the most recent from August 2022, Parts Lists and a file on model history, photographs from 1996, 2001 and 2015 and a current V5C. The Triumph is naturally both MoT and road-tax exempt.
A stunning example with nice provenance.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
