Triumph TR8
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| Triumph TR8 | |
| Image:Triumph-TR8-'81.jpg | |
| Manufacturer: | Triumph Motor Company |
|---|---|
| Production: | 1978–1981 |
| Predecessor: | Triumph TR6 |
| Class: | Sports car |
| Engine: | 3528 cc V8 |
| Related: | Triumph TR7 |
The Triumph TR8 was an eight-cylinder version of the "wedge-shaped" Triumph TR7 sports car, manufactured by BL Ltd., British Leyland, and then Jaguar/Rover/Triumph. The majority of TR8s were sold in the United States and very few genuine TR8s exist in other countries. In these countries the TR7 is often converted to a TR7V8 with the same Buick/Rover 3.5 litre V8 powerplant (see below). In Australia a popular TR7V8 conversion was to use the 4416 cm³ version of this motor that had been developed for the Leyland P76.
A V8 version of the TR7 was always planned, there is even a prototype as far back as 1972, but British Leyland's financial state and labour problems delayed the project. But by 1978 some 145 cars were built with V8 engines (and usually automatic transmissions). These were tested by the press in the US then sold as used cars. In 1980, a Drophead (convertible) TR8 was added and almost all later TR8s were convertibles.
All TR7/TR8 cars were made until October 1981 when production ceased. TR8s were initially fitted with twin Zenith-Stromberg carburetors, but 1980 models sold in California and all 1981 models (of which only several hundred were produced) featured a Bosch L-jetronic fuel injection system with a specially designed Lucas ECU.
The TR8 did not use Triumph's own single overhead cam V8 as found in the Stag due to an unreliable service record but instead shared its Rover V8 engine with the top Rover SD1. The engine itself was derived from an early 1960s Buick/Oldsmobile all-aluminum 215 cu. inch V8 unit Rover acquired from General Motors. The carbureted model was rated at 130hp and the fuel injected at 137.
Other differences between the TR8 and TR7 are upgraded brakes, revised axle ratio (3.08:1 on the TR8), battery moved to the trunk, alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and a few minor trim changes.
Despite their low production numbers, TR8s have an interesting racing history. John Buffum successfully campaigned one as a rally car in the late 1970s. Bob Tullius of Group 44 fame dominated SCCA racing in 1979 in one, so much so that the SCCA added enough "reward" weight to the car that Tullius packed up and went and ran IMSA (successfully). TR8s ran successfully in the SCCA's Showroom stock series being campaigned by Morey Doyle (Regionals) and Ted Schumacher (Nationals). Schumacher had great success in the Playboy/Escort Endurance series with his car. Starting the last race of the year, Schumacher was 4th in the overall point standings (just 3 points away from 1st) when an accident ruined their chances; nevertheless, Schumacher still ended up 7th in the manufacturer's points for that year, all with no official factory help.
Presently, at least three cars are being run in SCCA's ITS class. Morey Doyle and his son Andy run their TR8s in the Midwest Region. Jeff Young runs his green convertible in the Southeast Division.
In North America, the TR8 sold for around $11,000. Current prices for nice examples of these cars range from about $5000 to $10000.
