1978 Triumph Dolomite

This example looks terrific. It used to be part of a collection of classic and modern cars, whom the current owner bought this car via this very platform in January. The previous owner of this ‘Dolly Sprint’ is no stranger to the marque, having been the seller of the ex-works Dolomite Sprint race car that we sold last year.

Showing only 36,175 miles on the odo, the car was previously used as a show car by a former keeper, and has been used sparingly and carefully since.

In the previous owner's care, a few niggles and minor issues were addressed - such as removing previously-made upgrades and tuning to the ignition system - and a good tune-up given to bring the car up to full health.

Now, the only known upgrades fitted to the car are some aftermarket blue hoses in the engine bay, a (slightly) more modern stereo/speaker system, and that really is about it.

We’ve driven this car. Quite a bit. The experience little short of sublime, and - when not out on the road - the car is being fawned over in our warehouse by just about everyone that has walked through the door…

Resplendent in blue with contrasting vinyl roof and C-pillar coverings with bright yellow ‘Sprint’ badges, this ‘Dolly’ is every inch the epitome of 80s ‘hot sedan’ nostalgia, and evidently draws a crowd wherever it goes, as we’ve discovered first-hand.

The condition, overall, is very good, but that’s not to say there aren’t a few minor imperfections:

• Blue ‘overspray’ on the window rubbers
• Minor scuff/dulling on the offside rear bumper corner
• Some light wear to the graphics where they wrap into the door cracks
• A small patch of bubbling beneath the paintwork on the nearside rear door
• Pitting and dulling to various chrome trims, most notably at the base of the C pillars

Elsewhere, the bodywork looks to be straight throughout, with all doors opening and closing with precision and no sign of any impact or accident damage making itself known during our inspection.

Notably, all of the windows (including the front and rear screens) retain the original etched registration marks - remarkable!

All four wheels are in excellent condition with only some light commensurate wear, and minor dulling in some areas of the chrome.

Prior to the last sale it was seen-to by the then-vendor’s detailer, including being given a ceramic coating, though there is no invoice for this work.

Inside, the good news continues unabated, with the cabin of this Dolomite Sprint being in excellent condition throughout.

The wooden inlays on the dashboard are un-cracked and great shape, whilst the dashboard itself is free from any cracks, warping or sun damage. The classic Triumph ‘sunflower’ information display is also in full working condition, as are the other gauges within the cabin.

The door cards remain in good shape, though the aftermarket speakers may offend some, whilst there is some ‘puckering’ visible in the covering around the door handles.

All four seats present wonderfully, with only a few light marks to attest to their years of loyal service, and no signs of any rips, tears or damage that we could see, and the optional headrests being a major improvement over the early low-backed seats.

There are a few light ‘signs of life’ visible on the high-traffic areas such as the gearstick, switchgear and steering wheel, but nothing that would not be considered commensurate for a vehicle of this age and mileage.

In the rear, the boot is tidy and presentable, and - perhaps more importantly - the boot lid is signed by none other than Andy Rouse and Jerry Marshall!

Firing up into life with ease on the day of the photoshoot and then quickly settling into a happy idle with the choke being gradually eased off within a few minutes, it is immediately clear that this engine is set up correctly, and this was only further reinforced when out on the open road.

This car is nothing short of an absolute joy. Wonderfully analogue but evidently wanting to be driven hard once warmed up, all systems appear to be in excellent health, with the engine performing fantastically, the gearbox wonderfully precise, and the switchable overdrive working as it should, not to mention the excellent ‘slant four’ soundtrack rasping away in the background.

Under the bonnet, the engine looks to be in excellent condition, with its twin side-draft carburettors looking purposeful as ever, whilst the aftermarket blue silicone hoses not only add a hint of reliability over the original rubber offerings, but they also look great.

On account of its age, the car is exempt from mandatory MoT examinations. The most recent exam took place on 04 September 2019 which resulted in a clean first-time pass at 36,091 miles.

Included with the sale of the vehicle are about 120 documents, invoices and handbooks, all of which have been photographed and documented, and are available to view at the end of the photo gallery below.

• For those looking for a quick rundown however, we’ve compiled a short list of highlights for you below…
• Numerous MoT certificates helping to verify the indicated mileage
• Significant amount of historical invoices
• Partially-stamped service record
• Several hand-written service notes and maintenance records
• Two sets of keys
• Dyno print out sheets

The vendor's research, backed-up by a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certified copy of a factory record certificate, indicates that this was originally a French-delivered car, as the VIN plate indicates, and was converted to right-hand-drive following its import and registration in the UK in 1980. Being fastidious, he has also acquired a condition report in May 2023 from Ken Clarke Motorsport (seen in the photo gallery) which goes into great detail.

You must come and inspect the car, and paperwork, for yourself. Bonhams|Cars Online is open weekdays between 9am - 5pm. If you cannot visit in person, then send a mechanic. We can suggest some independent vehicle inspectors who can come and do a report for you. Failing that, we can arrange a video call and zoom in on any areas you wish to have a closer look at.

Addictive to drive, a pioneer of mass-produced engine technology and able to evoke a heady mix of nostalgia and old-school desire across numerous generations, this Triumph Dolomite Sprint is a wonderful example of the breed, and is one not to be missed.

Offered for sale with an estimate of £15,000 to £20,000 this low-mileage ‘Dolly Sprint’ will likely prove popular, and with good reason!

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at the Bonhams|CarsOnline HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.