1982 Triumph TR7 Convertible

The launch of the TR7 didn’t spell the end of difficult times, unfortunately. The car would end up being produced in three different group factories throughout its life. It would start off in Speake, move on to Canley and end its life in Solihull being built alongside the SD1 Rovers. With each move it is believed that the quality of construction improved markedly making the later Solihull cars the pick of the litter.

This fine example’s chassis number is SATTPADJ7AA408129. The “SAT” prefix designates this as a “Europe (S), UK (A), Triumph (T) car. The “D” designates it as a convertible, the “J” as a two-litre and the following “7” as a right-hand drive manual. The “A” confirms Solihull as the place of its birth. The sequence numbers for 1981 model year cars runs from 406001 to 408534 placing this example amongst the last 500 cars built.

A typical number of former keepers came and went and the TR7 ended up at a Midlands based paint and body shop. Regular customer, Matthew, had spotted the car on a number of occasions and eventually offered to buy the car if the body shop would fully restore it to his standards. A deal was done, and Matthew acquired the TR in 2019 to become the seventh keeper.

At this stage the car was reading 74,400 miles or so. Since then, Matthew has added a little over 4,000 to that total in the last five years. It is now only other projects and a lack of space that has prompted Matthew to offer this fine exemplar to market.
 

Harris Mann’s key additions to the amorphous Bullet were the much-discussed side strakes which grace the flanks of the car starting high at the rear end and tapering towards the front, ending just before the front wheel. This move successfully added some much-needed character and flair to the car and has proved a design that, like a fine claret, has got better with age.

This is a remarkable example of the TR7 convertible, presenting in as close to pristine condition as you are likely to find. The car perfectly suits its original hue of Arran Beige with the current finish being expertly applied shortly before Matthew’s acquisition of the car (so around six years and 4,000 miles old). There are really no issues or concerns with either paintwork or bodywork to report with even the troublesome to mount US-spec 5 mph bumpers sitting in their correct configuration. No corrosion of any flavour was spotted during our shoot.

The GKN manufactured, 5.5J x 13, eight-cutout alloy wheels have been beautifully restored to a gleaming condition providing another highlight of this car’s exterior. These are shod with a matching set of quality Uniroyal RainExpert 3 tyres in a 185/70 configuration. These are date stamped from 2019 so have covered around 4,000 miles only.

The vinyl hood is the car’s original fitment and is surprisingly well presented given its 40-year plus age. There are a few minor splits to the outer edges of the hood, but this doesn’t affect its functionality one jot. The hood fits tightly and the trio of rear windows are clear and uncracked. A zipped full tonneau cover is also included, and a fitted hood cover keeps everything neat and tidy with the hood down.
 

The TR’s cabin is actually a very nice place to perch. The tan check upholstery is as jolly as it is charming. The tan plaid fabric dresses the central sections whilst the bolsters and headrests are finished in tan vinyl. The condition is excellent overall with even the driver’s bolster remaining in decent fettle.

The door cards are identically finished and just as well presented. The carpets are in a complementary tan shade. Just a little wear is noted to the driver’s side footwell, but protective carpet mats are generally in place. The angular dashboard is free from any cracking or discolouration and useful dash top indents provide useful additional storage. The glovebox puts many a contemporary car to shame being both huge and well-shaped. Additional oddment storage is available in the narrow cubby between the seats.

The TR’s instrumentation is housed within an oblong binnacle. There is a full set of dials here with the large pair monitoring road speed and engine revs. There is also a voltmeter, fuel gauge, water temperature gauge and clock provided. These sit behind the familiar looking Triumph steering wheel with three wide alloy spokes and a Triumph laurel emblazoned boss. The centre console houses all other controls and switchgear. A non-standard head unit is fitted but is a little too deep for the aperture provided negating a flush fitment.

The boot is surprisingly spacious making this a viable “weekend break” convertible. The original, hard wearing vinyl floor mat is present. The floor conceals a spare wheel and tyre, jack and accompanying tools. The underside of the boot lid helps underscore the quality of the restoration this TR has enjoyed.
 

The TR7 hit production with a two-litre slant-four-cylinder unit in the sloping nose. This is basically an enlarged version of the Triumph Dolomite 1850cc unit and with larger SU carburettors. The European cars were quoted as producing 105bhp and 119 Ib-ft of torque. By the time this car was produced the five-speed manual gear box from the Rover SD1 was a standard feature. During Matthew’s tenure a reconditioned gearbox has been fitted together with a new clutch and ancillaries. 

Lifting the bonnet of the TR (by now with central bulge added ready for the ill-fated V8 version) reveals a pristine engine bay. The condition of the suspension turrets even prompted your photographer to exclaim “you could eat your dinner off those!” This sets the tone for the rest of the bay with al inner panels beautifully finished and many stove enamelled and obviously new components in evidence. The underside of the car is equally well presented truly belying the age of the car. Please review our comprehensive photographic package to fully appreciate the condition of this Triumph.
 

There is plenty of accompanying paperwork included with this TR7. The current V5 registration document is on hand in the name of the current owner. This categorises the TR7 as an Historic Vehicle. In the UK that renders the TR7 zero rated for VED and MoT exempt. Despite the exemption the Triumph holds a current advisory free MoT valid until July 2025. Numerous earlier MoTs are also present in hard copy.

Other highlights include the original, period owner’s handbook, numerous invoices for work undertaken and parts secured and an explanation of the car’s reduced steering effort modification.
 

A bit like the Jaguar XJS, the TR7 took a little while to establish itself. This process really took off when the car became a convertible for the first time in 1979. For this reason, it is the rag-topped cars are the most sought-after. The later Solihull cars are also additionally coveted for their vastly improved build quality.

This fine example has just the right provenance then. It is a late Solihull car and has been expertly and beautifully restored. The condition both externally and internally is top notch and it remains hard to imagine a better one coming to market. The mechanical systems appear very well sorted, too, with a recently fitted reconditioned gearbox and new clutch really helping to future-proof this car. The TR7 convertible’s stock is definitely on the rise so there has never been a better time to find a space on your drive for one. If you make it this one you are highly unlikely to be disappointed.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £6,000 - £10,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Stourbridge, West Midlands. To arrange an appointment to view this vehicle 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’.