Triumph TR8

Infobox Automobile


name = Triumph TR8
production = 1978–1981
manufacturer = Triumph Motor Company
parent_company = British Leyland
class = Sports car
body_style = 2-door convertible
predecessor = Triumph TR6
related = Triumph TR7
engine = 3528 cc V8
layout = FR layout
assembly = Canley, West Midlands, England
Speke, Merseyside, England
Solihull, West Midlands, England
transmission = 5-speed manualCite web|url=http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=16863|title=1979 Triumph TR8|accessdate=2008-01-01|work=carfolio.com]
wheelbase = convert|2160|mm|in|1|abbr=on
length = convert|4067|mm|in|1|abbr=on
width = convert|1681|mm|in|1|abbr=on
height = convert|1267|mm|in|1|abbr=on
weight = convert|1203.9|kg|lb|0|abbr=onCite web|url=http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z4713/Triumph_TR8/default.aspx|title=1980 Triumph TR8|accessdate=2008-01-01|work=conceptcarz.com]

The Triumph TR8 is an eight-cylinder version of the "wedge-shaped" Triumph TR7 sports car, manufactured by British Leyland (BL), and then Jaguar/Rover/Triumph (JRT). Because of its outstanding performance, the TR8 was often dubbed the "English Corvette". 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 ubiquitous Buick/Rover 3.5 litre V8 powerplant used in original factory TR8s (see below). In Australia a popular TR7V8 conversion is to use the 4416 cc version of this engine that had been developed for the Leyland P76.

A V8 version of the TR7 was always planned, there was 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 "anonymous" TR8s (no identifying badges) were evaluated for British Leyland by various dealers and then sold off as used cars. In 1980, a Drophead (convertible) TR8 was added and almost all later TR8s were convertibles. "Total" worldwide production, as best as can be determined throughout all the labour turmoil at the time, is only around 2750, give or take a "handful". (Richard Connew went through the records at British Motor Heritage Industry Trust a few years ago and counted 2746.) The German version of this page claims 2722 and cites the TR Register-Austria as source; 2815 is the number quoted in an article from "Classic and Sportscar", March 1986. All TR7/TR8 cars were made until October 1981 when production ceased.

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 Auto CID|215 V8 unit that Rover acquired from General Motors in the mid-60s. History has shown this engine to be an extremely reliable, flexible, and robust powerplant. TR8s were initially fitted with twin Zenith-Stromberg carburetors. However, (1) 1980 models sold in California, (2) all 1981 models---of which only 352 were produced including 20 cars for the UK market---and (3) all 1982 models---of which all 69 went to Canada---featured a Bosch L-jetronic fuel injection system with a specially designed Lucas fuel injection computer (ECU). The carburettor model was rated at 133 bhp (at around 5000 rpm) and the fuel injected at either 137 [many early sources] or 148 bhp [Factory Brochure, April 1980 which is possibly(!) the correct figure] delivering 0-60 mph times in the low 8 seconds. [Citation
title = Factory Brochure, Jaguar Rover Triumph
journal =
volume =
year = April 1980 ] Other differences between the TR8 and TR7 are upgraded brakes, revised axle ratio (3.08:1 on the TR8), battery moved to the boot, 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 raced 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 originally TR8 sold for around $11,000. A current estimate of the number of these cars remaining (taken from the TR8 Car Club of America's Registry of unique VINs) is around 750. Work is progressing on getting an even better estimate.

References

External links

* [http://www.thewedgeshop.com The Wedge Shop: TR7/8 Specialist]
* [http://www.thewedgeshop.21.forumer.com/ Triumph & Rover V8's Talk Forum]
* [http://www.triumphexperience.com The Triumph Experience]
* [http://www.frappr.com/tr7worldwide Ally's Atlas - TR7/8 Owners Worldwide]
* [http://www.team.net/TR8/ The WorldWideWedge, the original website focused on the TR7/TR8]
* [http://www.tr7-tr8.com/ World Wide TR7 TR8 Owners Club]
* [http://www.tr8.co.uk/ A list of TR8's for sale]