Description
Factory built Pre-Production TR7 Sprint, one of the 30 built in 1977
Triumph TR7 back story
The Triumph TR7 split opinions when launched in 1975, as it was a significant change from the out going TR6, which was very much a traditional British open top sports car, I have owned a TR6 in the past and loved it. The TR6 used a separate chassis and body construction a large 6-cylinder engine and traditional looks.
Initially the TR7 would receive criticism for its radical looks, lack of power and poor build quality. The car designer, Harris Mann would be instructed to design a car for the USA market, that would be simple to produce and maintain and at the time of design, it would need to be a Fixed Head Coupe, as it was thought the USA market would be banning convertibles.
The early cars were to be produced at the Speke factory and would utilize the 8v Slant Four engine. It was quickly realized the car could handle more power and the 16v and V8 engine options were soon to be developed and assessed, its now know that the V8 would be the preferred option and the TR8 would be developed.
Highlights of SJW541S
• 7, 000 Miles since full and detailed professional nut and bolt restoration
• More than £35, 000 spent on back to bare metal restoration at Robsport International
• Carefully used and looked after since restoration & remains in great condition all round and is ready to be enjoyed
• Recent suspension upgrade costing £1, 500 and oil service
• Drives exceptional well
The Sprint Appeal
Rarity is always appealing and as the Sprint TR7 would never progress past the pre-production stage, the small few that survive are now a rare sight. To have one that has a current MOT and is ready for action is even more appealing
Its known the Industrial issues within the BMC group has led to confusion on the official records but it is commonly accepted that approximately 60 in total were built with less than that number making it all the way to market. That means that the TR7 Sprint represents a rare model from the BMC archive. It is also believed Triumph made so few simply to satisfy rally homologation regulations and it was used to good success in 1977 and 1978.
The registration number, SJW541S is clearly seen on the limited BMC records available from the Triumph archive, confirming its a true TR7 Sprint
As stated this example has had an extensive restoration at Robsport, costing more than £35, 000 to bringing it back to the wonderful condition it is in today.
The Interior
• The interior is in great condition and is factory correct for the car
• The correct green flannel type pattern cloth inserts with vinyl outer sections adorns the seats, with the bases and bolsters having been replaced or repaired meaning they are just as comfortable as when they came out of the factory
• All electrics are working and are correct, with the dash being in perfect condition along with the correct, USA market steering wheel, found on the Sprint cars
• Clocks were put back to zero after restoration and show just over 7, 000 miles
• New carpets at point of restoration
• Working period correct radio
The Exterior
• Having had extensive work at the hands of the best in the TR7/ 8 world, Robsport International, the exterior of the Sprint is in great condition
• Paint work remains in perfect condition and is the correct While, as it left the factory
• Wheels are refurbished and tires are in great condition with the wheels having no notable marks and the tires being specific types for the car
• After restoration the car has had rust prevention treatment with cavities such as doors and sills receiving preventative measures
• Pop-up headlights are working well and really tick the nostalgia box
• Glass, trim and bumpers are all in good condition too with no obvious issues to note
The Mechanics
• 16 valve, 127bhp, 2 litre Dolomite Sprint engine gave the Triumph TR7 Sprint a 0-60 time of 8. 5 seconds and a top speed of 120 mph
• The engine was rebuilt at point of restoration to ensure its working well, it starts easily and pulls very well
• All mechanicals were renewed or reconditioned during the recent restoration at Robsport
• As the whole car was painted during restoration the engine bay presents very well, has all the correct stickers and is very clean
• There is no signs of split hoses, pipes or exposed wires, there is a new brake servo fitted to ensure the braking system is working well
In Summary
• A factory original TR7 Sprint
• Full not and bolt, bare metal restoration in 2018
• Starts and runs perfectly
• Lots of history
• Ready to be used and enjoyed
• The only reason for sale is that I have three classic cars and I struggle to find time to enjoy them all, so I’m looking to consolidate 3 down to just oneThe history and paperwork
• Stacks of old MOT certificates and Tax discs along with rare owner’s handbooks and service passports in a plastic wallet
• Photo gallery of restoration work along with invoices and documents from Robsport International
• Comes with a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust provenance certificate indicating the car’s production record
• There are some supplementary materials supplied along with the car including magazines and restoration manuals along with a rare Repair Operation Manual from 1978
