Lot details
Registration No: SJW536S
Chassis No: ACH00514
Mot Expiry: April 2017

The TR6 was the last of a long line of Triumph sports cars that evolved from the TR2 of 1953, while the TR7 introduced in 1975 was an entirely new breed featuring unitary construction and a distinctive wedge-shaped body penned by Harris Mann. Power came from an 8-valve, 2-litre four-cylinder engine of 105bhp derived from the Dolomite Sprint unit. Though the newcomer was eagerly received, especially in the USA, its performance came in for criticism. BLMC responded to the charge by creating the TR7 Sprint, which benefited from a 127bhp version the 16-valve Dolomite Sprint unit, which successfully reduced the 0-60mph time from 9.1 to 8.5 seconds and raised the top speed to 120mph. The industrial problems of the time have clouded the issue, but it is understood just c.60 prototypes and production TR7 Sprints were ultimately made, of which 'SJW 536S' is one of only 26 production versions completed for sale, and therefore very rare.

It was initially registered to the company's Sales and Marketing Dept before being sold through the Triumph dealer network. A number of owners ensued before it took slumber in a Southport barn in 1991, where it remained until 2013. The sea air had done its worst, resulting in a total 'high-standard' restoration. The Triumph was re-bodied by Phoenix Car Restoration and the engine fully refurbished by R A Potter Developments. The rest of the driveline was also overhauled and the car's original unique Grey/Black cloth interior retained. The Triumph has since covered c.3,000 miles and now displays an unwarranted 95,000. The vendor informs us that the smartly-presented Sprint now 'drives and handles as the model should have done from the beginning', and is offering it complete with Heritage Certificate, details of all previous owners and an MOT valid to April 16th 2017. An exciting opportunity for TR7 aficionados everywhere.