BF Auction: 1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible
- Seller: Peter V
- Location: Boise, Idaho
- Mileage: 10,623 Shown
- Chassis #: TPVD8AT214924
- Title Status: Clean
UPDATE – The seller has asked us to rerun their auction, so be sure to take another look!
The idea of cramming a V8 into a British sports car certainly wasn’t new when Triumph took their TR7 and stuffed a V8 into it to create the TR8, but it sure was a great choice! The TR8 quickly gained the nickname “English Corvette,” a serious title to wear here in the States. They offered solid performance with good handling, plus unique styling, but Triumph was on its way out, so only about 2,800 of these were built. This example is located in Boise, Idaho, so we had the wonderful opportunity to see and experience it in person! The seller has enjoyed owning this TR8 for many years, but they have decided it’s time to thin down their collection, so they are offering it here as a BF Auction.
After riding in this TR8, we are truly impressed with these cars. The Rover V8, based on an old Buick design, sounds great and produces a healthy amount of torque. Looking at the body and interior up close, it’s hard to believe this is a 45-year-old car. Not only is this example in beautiful condition, but it seems far more modern than it is. Photos hardly do the TR8 justice, and the wedge design was often considered polarizing in 1978. In our opinion, the shape has aged gracefully and is very unique.
The interior presents nicely, with only a few minor flaws. The dash cap is in great condition, as are all the soft surfaces. At some point in the car’s life, two add-on gauges were mounted under the dash, and an aftermarket stereo was installed. The seller also notes that the shift knob is a replacement for a 4-speed car; this car has a 5-speed. Also, the driver’s side window needs a new top seal. It’s already received a new window regulator on the driver’s side, so the window operates as it should. The interior is ready to enjoy as is and is a pleasant place to be.
Under the hood, we find the Rover 3.5 liter V8 paired with a 5-speed manual. It runs and sounds great. Recent work includes rebuilding the Holley 360 4-barrel carburetor, installing a new exhaust system, and mounting a gear reduction starter. It also has had the power steering system fully rebuilt, with a new pump and lines. The clutch hydraulics have also been refreshed, and the brake system has been treated to a new master cylinder, pads, rear wheel cylinders, and lines. To ensure all the V8’s power is making it to the pavement, the rear end has been treated to reconditioned axles, a 3.08 differential, new bearings, and the driveshaft has been rebalanced. The photo gallery below includes a document with a full breakdown of all the work done.
This TR8 is riding on new KYB rear shocks, fresh Nitto 205/50R/15 89V tires, and a set of Revolution 15×6 wheels. The paint looks great and shines nicely, with only a few small chips. A peek underneath reveals a rust-free and solid chassis. The seller also points out that the convertible top has some tears near where it snaps to the body. Attempts have been made to seal the top, which seems to be holding. Replacement tops are available if you are so inclined.
It was an absolute pleasure to experience this TR8 in person! There really aren’t many left. The Wedge Owner’s Association claims just 800 remain. Whether that’s accurate or not, there can’t be many left in this nice condition. It isn’t perfect, but it’s close. With only a little work, its next owner could make it a perfect car, but these cars were built to be driven, and this one is well sorted as is, so we would be inclined just to enjoy it the way it is. Be sure to look closely at all the photos and videos below. And if you have any questions for the seller, leave them in the comments section. We also want to thank Peter for listing it with us and for the fun ride!
Bid On This Auction
Cruces bid $5,600.00 2024-07-19 20:12:43
Folker bid $5,500.00 2024-07-19 12:23:06
BritSport bid $5,000.00 2024-07-18 12:26:59
rlhunter58 bid $3,000.00 2024-07-14 09:57:02
69 Toyota bid $105.00 2024-07-13 21:15:56
Ryan q bid $1.00 2024-07-13 19:36:44
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Comments
Very clean. Sweet looking Triumph!
Nice looking car. I know very little about these, but my brother in law had one when he met my sister. He always wanted another, and this one is a good example. But he wouldn’t live without ac. Looks like this one is equipped, Can anyone with more knowledge opine?
These cars were originally equipped with AC. Most have had the AC removed. It can be restored or brought to current standards with R134.
Hello – Do you have documentation via vin etc that this is a true TR8 and not a clone? I had a 1980 few years back (sorry I sold) and there is a terrific TR8 specialist that told me there are numerous clones out there.
Thank you
Clean car!
The car is an automobile that was enjoyed and well maintained.
This is also an excellent example of how to list an automobile for sale. Nice write up and excellent pictures. Well done.
Engine bay looks like a Ford Windsor or GM LS would drop right in! Pull the Rover engine and prep it for storage, drop in modern power and go hunt down some Mustang’s and Camaro’s!
That my friend would be a great idea!
Yes, please keep destroying original, collectable cars … now we’re down to 799.
I totally agree. What is with dropping LSs in everything. Not my kettle of fish
There’s always an LS “cure” person
Then you would also have to replace the brakes, suspension and complete driveline. No more TR8. Just a de-valued assemblage of parts. Congratulations.
So tired of people ruining beautiful cars to put in bigger engines. There was a Gremlin posted on here a couple days ago that would have been beautiful if it hadnt been butchered in this manner. I hope this beautiful doesn’t meet the same fate.
As far as I remember Triumph developed a new V8 for this TR8. They could not get the Buick/Rover engine they were asked for from Rover production. They needed a new V8 as much as a hole in their heads. BL had no cooperation, only infights
The famed SAAB Triumph engine was derived from 1/2 V8
I believe you are thinking of the Triumph Stag that had a new V8 designed for it, not a good choice. The TR8 had the well designed Buick/Rover engine from the beginning. I’m on my third TR8, fun cars! GM tried to buy the rights to this engine back from the English, didn’t happen.
Had the TR6 never really been around the TR8 this one sounds an looks amazing,
To whoever buys this beauty if you want to go back to the stock rims I have a set of NOS take offs of all five alloy rims with the original tires that I’d love to sell!!!
nice car. The carb setup is not original, and steering wheel, shift knob etc don’t look right. Not a show car. Just a daily driver, but a good one. They trade around 10,000 all day this one might go for 8 or so. Worth every penny.
Seller here. These cars originally had a dual Stromberg carb setup. Most people install a high rise manifold and a 4 barrel carb along with adding headers. I have the original carb set up/ air cleaners and would be happy to send it along if desired buy the purchaser.
I own a show winning TR8 with the front/rear bumpers replaced with Ferrari F355 look alike in high quality. The dual exhaust exit through the center of the rear bumper and sound glorious. Contact me; I may sell or trade. Many consider the car better looking than the famous F355 of which I also own two…..beautiful autos to drive and look at!!!
Sonny were you commenting on the TR8 for sale or trying to sell one of your own cars?
Considering how clean this one is, it should be an easy $11,000 – $12,000 car.
They are the last small V8 sports car from
that era. I have a good project car, and I had a Tiger. You can make a TR8 run, and small V8s are a lotta fun to drive.
This looks like quite a bit of fun
Peter, why are there add on guages and what guages are they. Thanks
Hi Steve; one is oil pressure & the other is temperature. Tach and Speedometer work well.
Nothing unusual about adding gauges these days. Motorhome has complete gauge cluster, Mini Cooper has a gas gauge, the rest lights. New van has water temp and gas gauge, nothing but lights after that. I really like having important things like oil pressure gauges but seems we are out of luck on that. The cars we build or rebuild have oil temp and pressure, coolant temp, and if alternator equipped a volt meter. Saved a long stay on the side of the road a few weeks ago when our motorhome alternator went bad and I noticed it on the gauge.
Love the TR8, and the rover V8 (by this time) was reliable. Never been a fan of convertibles tho.
The black wheels? Brilliant! They really soften the impact of the big, black, US-spec bumpers!
Completely agree. I’m not normally a fan of aftermarket rims, but I confess these look great.
“The shape of things to come”
With roughly an hour, forty five to go, the current bid is well below and way too low to even consider as a “sold” result. Good TR8s sell for a minimum of $12-15k with some fetching far higher into the 20s. Right now, you are in TR7 territory and that should translate to the owners mind as a “no sale” thus far. My advice, hold out until You get what these are worth. For far too long, the TR8 has been undervalued. It’s rare by production numbers, comfortable and FUN to drive. If you haven’t tried one, You don’t know what you’re missing. GLWT end of the auction. C’mon bidders, Pony up! Cheers!
@TV….I totally agree. They may be bearing the burden of the TR 7 and its many failures. The buying sector must see these as potentially Sunbeam Tigers and more. HOLD!!!! They are in the range that TV suggests and are certainly worthy of any good collection.
Nice looking car!!!
I can’t find the results of the previous auction. What did the bid get to?
Previous auction was bid to $6,000. These cars are so under appreciated.
I love TR8’s!
They are what modern Btit roadsters should have been.
Imagine how awesome then TR7 would be with a V8!
The V8 B’s were pretty special…
However, a TR8 is 60% of a Tiger. I have owned both.
Add some ponies and torks, and the field is leveled.
260/289 > 225
By 1980 the design of these had softened. No more looking like a door stop. The Rover V8 is perfect for this car, had the same one in my SD 1 and it moved that hatchback just fine. I really like this car and I still have most of my cassettes to play in the Audiovox.