The Worlds Most Valuable 1980 Triumph TR8?
This all-original, low mile 1980 Triumph TR8 is being sold for a hefty buy-it-now price of $10,700. There are a number of reasons why that asking price is that high as you will find out below. It is located in Grand Island, Nebraska and comes with a clean title, a VIN listed, and 46,416 original miles. You can find it here on eBay.
This Triumph has its original V8 engine with a 4 barrel Holley carburetor that is connected to a 5-speed manual transmission. Sadly, it has not been started in a very long time, so those low miles might all be in vain depending on the condition of the hoses, fuel, and anything else that goes bad over time, which is everything. The mechanical components are something that is most prone to that. The photos show everything to be in very good condition.
The photos of the interior are not very detailed, but you can get a good idea of the condition. The fuzzy seat covers might be hiding something, but that is unlikely. The plaid inserts are fitting to the car. Hopefully, the buyer of this car will be as happy as the steering wheel cover is. It is hard to get an idea of what the rest of the interior is like. It is disappointing that the seller did not put more effort into taking better photos of the inside, or the whole car for that matter.
According to the listing, the seller says this car has been part of their own private collection in climate-controlled storage for the last 30 years. They have decoded the VIN as well, indicating what each letter means corresponding to the car. The Midas Gold Metallic paint looks amazing and this TR8 is incredibly clean both inside and out. It very well could be the most valuable Triumph in the world. To add to the uniqueness is the fact that it is a convertible, 1 of 2,497 according to the seller. The ultimate questions come down to this. Is it worth it? Will you be purchasing this rare ride?
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Comments
Not remotely the world’s most valuable (or highest-priced) TR8. Low miles examples sell for high-teens or more.
The TR8 couple is more rare with about 400 made.
I had a friend that had one of these and he did the Holley carb and intake conversion. It made this car come to life! It ran great.
Yeah, but did John Voight own it? Is there a pencil with teeth marks in the glove box?
I don’t get it ,I’m 49 what’s John Voight have to do with cars ,IV never been much in to TV so I don’t really no anything about him😏
Don H, “it’s from the tv series “Seinfeld”, and it’s about one of the characters that goes to a used car lot to buy a volvo but the car salesman convinces him to buy a lebaron because the celebrity/actor Jon Voight ownned it. here’s a link that better describes it https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mom_%26_Pop_Store wow, I never knew it was based on a car that one of the writers had bought thinking it was owned by Jon Voight.
oh the irony of this description…
The Worlds Most Valuable 1980 Triumph TR8!
To Brentton Fuller: Best to learn more about a car before throwing out veiled negatives. I own one exactly like it. While not as strong as a Tiger (I owned one), nevertheless, they have enough power to be a fun drive (with A/C), and there are quite a few improved TR8s around which have been turned into real……well, Tigers. Yes, you can pick up TR8s cheaply, but what other small, open sports cars are there, with V8 power? One thing about them is that various systems on them were designed in an unnecessarily complicated manner.
Yes, Joe, and finding someone who knows what to do with the situation is hard to find here. Otherwise it’s interesting and a good addition but not for me as much as Iike it.
My dad bought the last 2 imported to the states from the closing Triumph dealer in Daytona Beach in 1981. A blue one was bought first then a month later a green one, both convertibles. The green got headers and a bigger carb. We kept the green one and kept it for 5 years. I was only 8 but I remember us taking it on road trips from Daytona to Cincy. Pretty cool car but I’d prefer a TR6 nowadays.
TR8s came with dual Strombergs, not a Holley 4 barrel carb.
Not “All original”.
Those seat covers are definitely covering up torn seat covers. The upholstery fabric never lasted more than a few years. Very rare and unlikely to find a wedge with original seats in good condition.
well I have an all original very low 32,000 mile 1980 tr8 which is in near perfect condition. I keep covers over the originals seats however they are in mint condition. all parts are original including the dual strombergs and intake. most folks opted to swap out to a holley carb but I wanted to keep it all original. It still runs great. Unfortunately, even real nice examples aren’t worth much more than $10 to $12k.
All upholstery is still available – as well as seat foams and door panels.
Another non runner for big bucks.
Get it running and try again
I would think one of the handful of RHD ones would be worth more ( I. Believe only approximately 100 coupes & a handful of soft tops where made,as they were never officially sold/ marketed here in the UK) & the most valuable is probably an ex-works rally car.
I guess the original fuel injection components this car came with are lost also. Most were converted like this car. I think the seller is missing out on a more appreciative and likely paying audience by trying to offer it on the four letter word place.
I think we can all agree that this is the world’s most valuable Triumph TR8 currently for sale in Grand Island, Nebraska.
I’m not sure if you’re responding to my message I didn’t mention anything about a Holley carburetor or the interior I just know he put an intake manifold on it with a 650 or 750 size carburetor I was 8 years old I’ll ask him though and find out.
The car Tommy is talking about came with the Stromberg carbs but was changed out to a Carter 4 barrel 600 and header were added. Never a problem sold with 40k on the clock.
Most TR8’s have chucked the SU’s for a small 4 bbl. Mine has an Edlebrock sitting on an Offenhauser intake.
I have a 1980 TR8 convertible since 1990 and always been garaged no rust but right now doesn’t run haven’t had the opportunity in the last seven years to use – – I’m 77 and I don’t have the strength or ambition to maintain would like to sell where would and what would be my best Avenue to advertise and at what price ?
Needs tires top and Battery