A beleaguered, cash-strapped British Leyland forty years ago was the catalyst to a mouth-watering opportunity to own an extraordinarily rare example of Triumph’s final sportscar - an unregistered, pre-production, right-hand drive 1980 Triumph TR8 convertible showing just 73 delivery miles.
At its Autumn sale at Ascot Racecourse on 25th September, Historics is offering, without reserve, one of just 14 right-hand drive examples of this, the 3.5 litre Rover V8-powered derivative of the Triumph TR7 dubbed ‘the English Corvette’. Classic car specialist Anthony Godin recently unearthed the car and commented; “Something of this scale with its pre-production, low mileage history really is unprecedented.”
Built initially for the USA, early TR8s were only available in coupé form, the much-admired Michelotti-inspired convertible not reaching the market until October of their introductory year.
A right-hand drive model then received the thumbs-up from BL management, leading to the build of the small pre-production run, of which this car is a part. However, shortly after they were completed BL’s parlous state contributed to cancellation of production and marked the demise of the lineage of Triumph sportscars.
Presented in its original colour combination of Pendelican White over a tan interior, this genuine Triumph TR8 automatic convertible - its authenticity and pre-production status verified by its British Motoring Heritage Certificate – was purchased new and owned by the vendor for 41 years but never registered.
Garage stored until recently, it requires complete restoration and represents a unique and immensely rewarding opportunity to bring back to life and enjoy a fascinating part of British sports car history, forty one years after it was produced.
The Triumph TR8 is one highlight of 170 fine and varied classics to be auctioned by Historics on Saturday, 25th September at Ascot Racecourse, preceded by three viewing days. |
